Mount Pleasant offers multiple RV camping options within a 30-mile radius. The area sits in southeast Iowa's rolling hills at approximately 730 feet elevation with mild summer temperatures averaging 85°F and cooler fall nights dropping to the 50s. Winter camping remains an option at year-round facilities, though some smaller campgrounds close from November through April.
What to do
Fishing opportunities: Big Hollow Recreation Area features a no-wake lake stocked with largemouth bass, crappie, bluegill, and catfish. "Nearby lake has a beach and a boat ramp for launching boats (whole lake is no wake zone) or kayaks. If you are into fishing, this place has large mouth bass, crappie, bluegill, and catfish," notes Sarah J.
River exploration: Shady Creek provides direct access to the Mississippi River for boat watching and paddling. "Beautiful campground right along the mississippi river," shares Nicholas & Elizabeth H. The waterfront sites offer unique views as commercial barges pass by.
Hiking trails: The trail system around Geode State Park Campground offers wooded paths for nature walks. "The trail system around the lake is in pretty good shape and makes for some great mountain biking," according to Douglas P., who visited during recent campground renovations.
What campers like
Clean facilities: Many campers appreciate the well-maintained bathrooms at several Mount Pleasant area RV parks. "Very clean personnel and clean, updated facilities. There are some long-term residents, but everyone seems very kind and helpful. Clean restrooms and laundry," reports Brenda A. about Crossroads RV Park.
Shaded sites: Updog RV & Camping receives positive comments for its tree coverage. "Lots of trees for great shade in these hot days. Nice pond for some fun fishing. Very clean restrooms and showers," says Joe M. The shade provides welcome relief during summer heat waves.
Quiet atmosphere: Several campgrounds around Mount Pleasant offer peaceful settings away from highways. "Quiet park with lots of shade trees. 5 minutes from everything!" Teresa M. shares about Updog RV & Camping, highlighting its convenient location combined with tranquility.
What you should know
Train noise levels: Several campgrounds near transportation corridors experience periodic train disturbances. "Constant train traffic all night! Horns blaring! The tracks are less than 1/4-mile away. And quite a bit of freeway noise, too!" warns John C. about one location.
Seasonal restrictions: Langwood Education Center maintains year-round camping but with winter limitations. "While Langwood is open through the winter months, water is shut off, so campers will need to bring their own water supply," explains Jessica H.
Site spacing variations: Campsite proximity differs significantly between RV parks. "If you want more privacy and easy access to the lake for kayaking I'd go for 14, 15, and 16," suggests Sarah J. about Big Hollow Recreation Area. "I'm in 32 and it is private and very pretty."
Tips for camping with families
Playground access: Big Hollow Recreation Area provides family-friendly recreation options. "This site has a large number of mostly cement camper spots, including pull through. There is a large playground and shower house," shares Travis R., who visited recently.
Educational activities: Nature programs run seasonally at several parks near Mount Pleasant. "Primitive camping for single or group spots. Campgrounds also include a shooting range, beach, equestrian trails, canoe rentals, and launch," Travis R. continues about Big Hollow's amenities.
Budget-friendly options: Some parks offer affordable camping without compromising on experience. "We stayed labor day weekend. Just pulled in and gave them our $12 a night. No electricity or water in our site. Clean bathrooms. Cheap wood for fires. Really nice fire pits with attached grill," reports Lon H. about their stay at Geode State Park.
Tips from RVers
Pull-through availability: Several Mount Pleasant area RV campgrounds feature easy-access sites. "Camp Nauvoo is a nice, church operated, park only 5 minutes from downtown Nauvoo. The sites are sunny and all are pull-through but some have shade. The park streets are gravel with concrete pull-through sites," explains David B. about Camp Nauvoo.
Hookup locations: Pay attention to utility placement when setting up. "Utilities were located in different spots. 20A/30A/50A electric in the middle, water near the rear, and sewer near the front. Site was level," David B. continues about Camp Nauvoo's layout.
Campground access: Some rv campgrounds near Mount Pleasant have challenging entrance roads. "If you are southbound on Illinois Hwy 96, the left turn off the highway is very sharp and steep. Might be easier to continue about a mile south and use the scenic turnout to turnaround," advises David B., providing a helpful workaround for larger rigs.
