Campgrounds near Long Grove provide access to the Mississippi River backwaters with multiple fishing and paddling opportunities. Water levels fluctuate seasonally, affecting site conditions particularly in riverside locations. Most campgrounds operate from April through October, with a few offering year-round camping options.
What to do
Paddling the Hennepin Canal: Geneseo Campground offers kayak and canoe rentals to explore the slow-moving canal system. "You'll want to take note that you are sitting alongside the Hennepin Canal, which if you haven't been to before, provides about 100 miles worth of some pretty amazing slow-moving current that is excellent for kayaks and canoes," notes one visitor to Geneseo Izaak Walton League Campground.
Explore wildlife habitats: Rock Creek Marina features an environmental education center with native wildlife displays. "Nice educational center with canoe and kayak rentals, with lots of Mississippi backwater to explore. Showers are open until October 14 this year," reports a camper at Rock Creek County Marina and Campground.
Biking on Great River Trail: Several campgrounds connect to regional bike paths. "From this campground you can go north, as far as Savanna. Going south will take you through Hampton, East Moline, Moline, Rock Island, and you can cross over to Davenport, circle Credit Island, and pick up other paths in Iowa," explains a reviewer about the trails near Fisherman's Corner.
What campers like
Waterfront views: Some campsites offer direct river access. "Site #12 with electric hookup was in my opinion the best site. Right on the back of the mighty Mississippi," shares a camper at Spruce Creek Park.
Level camping pads: Concrete and gravel pads provide stable setup areas. "Level cement pads. Strong Verizon access," mentions a Shady Creek visitor, adding "Very clean. I was next to a vault toilet did use it for a quick #1. Clean and did not have any foul smell."
Recreational activities: Many parks feature additional amenities beyond camping. "This campground has an assortment of primitive and electrical sites. They also have cabins and canoe/kayak rental, a visitor shop with food/drink and a mini museum of the local wildlife," notes a visitor about Cedar River Campground.
What you should know
Train noise: Several rv sites near Long Grove, Iowa are located near active railroad tracks. "We stay a second night in the area and this was our second campground. It was an upgrade, because of the views and facilities. It is right on the banks of the Mississippi, which was nice," explains a Fisherman's Corner camper, though another notes, "There is a train but it was infrequent so it did not disrupt our sleep."
Seasonal bugs: Riverside camping locations can have insect issues. "Bugs were not too bad when we were there (October) which was surprising as it was so close to the river and still warm," reports a camper at Fisherman's Corner - Mississippi River.
Flood risk: Waterfront campsites can flood during high water periods. "Watch river levels for flooding, bugs can be bad since location is bottomland riverine forest," cautions a Rock Creek Marina visitor about seasonal conditions.
Tips for camping with families
Playground access: Several campgrounds offer kid-friendly play areas. "The campgrounds are very nice. They have clean bathrooms, a nicely stocked store, and a couple playgrounds. They also have an Eco Center with turtles, snakes, and an aquarium that our family really enjoyed," shares a visitor to Rock Creek Marina.
Swimming options: Look for campgrounds with pools during summer. "This place became my wife's and daughters' favorite this year. It is a place where everyone who visits is very kind and respectful. The managers are always courteous and attentive," says a reviewer about Cedar River Campground, which offers swimming facilities.
Educational opportunities: Many parks provide nature programs. "I took my children here for years when they were little. As a single mom of 5 it was very manageable. I could see them throughout the entire park. There's fishing, exploring, a playground, and when you see a paddleboat you have time to drive to town before it hits loch & damn #12," explains a Spruce Creek Park visitor.
Tips from RVers
Electrical service: Most rv campgrounds near Long Grove feature electrical hookups with varying amp services. "Our spot was last min and just a short walk from river - still beautiful. Very clean, little playground for kids, nice spacing between sites. 2 dump stations so no congestion to dump. Potable water between sites (not for fixed hookup) and good electric," reports a camper at Shady Creek.
Site leveling considerations: Some campgrounds have better leveling than others. "Never seen a park where every pad was level like this one. Electric was 30/50 at each site and water was dispersed through out the park, but often too far for a hose to reach," explains a Shady Creek RVer.
Water access points: Water hookups vary between parks. "Sites are shaded, with services, fire pits, wood available, site volunteer. Access along river for fishing," notes a Fisherman's Corner visitor, while another mentions, "Potable water between sites (not for fixed hookup) and good electric."
