The Dyrt – find campgrounds for tents, RVs, cabins, glamping and more.
Open in App

Best Tent Camping near Muscatine, IA

534 Reviews

County parks and recreation areas surrounding Muscatine, Iowa offer several primitive tent camping options along local waterways. Saulsbury Bridge Recreation Area provides walk-in tent sites spread along a waterway within bottomland woodlands, while Macbride Nature Recreation Area features secluded walk-in tent sites in a forested setting. Indian Meadows Campground in the Loud Thunder Forest Preserve across the Mississippi River in Illinois offers tent-only camping with both drive-in and walk-in access options.

Most tent-only sites in the region feature basic amenities with varying levels of accessibility. At Saulsbury Bridge, parking is approximately 100 yards from campsites, requiring campers to pack gear in and out. Fire rings and picnic tables are limited at primitive sites, though firewood is typically available at main campground areas. Toilet facilities range from flush toilets at Silva Campground to composting toilets at more remote locations. Water access points are common features, with many campgrounds situated along rivers including the Cedar, Wapsipinicon, and Mississippi, though potable drinking water may require a walk to central facilities.

Tent campers seeking seclusion will find individual private sites at several locations. According to reviews, Indian Meadows Campground offers exceptional privacy, with one visitor noting that "some sites are more open, others are like nature playpens" with excellent access to Lake George for kayaking. At Saulsbury Bridge Recreation Area, campers reported that "sites are spread along a waterway with water access for fishing and paddling." River Junction in Lone Tree provides primitive tent camping with basic amenities at affordable rates ($10 per night). The Macbride Nature Recreation Area receives praise for its quiet, secluded atmosphere, though one camper mentioned an abundance of spiders in the morning. Most tent-only areas enforce Leave No Trace principles and offer access to hiking trails, fishing spots, and paddling opportunities.

Map showing campgrounds near Muscatine, IowaExplore the Map

Best Tent Sites Near Muscatine, Iowa (17)

Show More
Showing results 1-10 of 17 campgrounds

2025 Detourist Giveaway

Presented byToyota Trucks

Review Campgrounds. Win Prizes.

Enter to Win

Muscatine Contest

Enter to Win

Recent Tent Camping Photos near Muscatine, IA

2 Photos of 17 Muscatine Campgrounds

Tent Camping Reviews near Muscatine, IA

534 Reviews of 17 Muscatine Campgrounds

  • Stuart K.The Dyrt PRO User
    Mar. 7, 2025

    Bald Eagle Campground and Cabins

    Barren RV-Riddled Campground Outpost

    One of the 6 campgrounds that you will have to choose from here at Scott County Park, Bald Eagle CG & Cabins is one that is more geared for the RV driving and trailer toting tribes as each site has FHUs with electric, water & sewage, fire rings and picnic tables; however, if you wanted to pitch a tent here, you could, although I would recommend nearby Incahias as an alternative. Unlike some of the other campgrounds here, Bald Eagle kind of lives up to its name as there’s not much in the way of tree cover or brush, so the land is somewhat BALD. The land is incredibly flat, back-in slots are spacious, hard and very level grounds are incredibly well-organized and the bathroom / shower facilities with great HOT running water and are about as impeccably clean as can be.

    Near by Bald Eagle is Pride Lake, which makes this pet-friendly CG your top pick if you’re an angler or looking to get some decent oaring with your kayak or canoe. Sitting in front of Pride Lake are 2 very large shelters – Whispering Pines and Hickory Hills – as well as a playground for the kiddos and a restroom facility that is also spartan-clean. Surrounding Bald Eagle is also no shortage of hiking / biking / horse trails. We found the CG itself to be fairly quiet, although lacking in privacy without the benefit of any real brush or trees to blot out our next-door neighbors, but that said, everyone was incredibly friendly with full displays of Midwestern hospitality that this area is known for. There is also a single large cabin available for rent that has capacity for 10 people.

    We loved Scott County Park so much because there is a lot that this gem offers up, from fresh water catch & release lakes, a combination of topographies (from woodlands, wetlands and prairie grasslands), a beautiful 18-hole championship golf course, outdoor exercise areas, club house and concessions, stand-alone cabins for rent, designated dump stations and trash receptacles, numerous picnic areas, a massive heated swimming pool complete with a snake-like water slide, volleyball court, ranger stations, seasonal on-site hosts, firewood available for purchase at entry stations, Walnut Grove Pioneer Village and St. Anne’s church at the park’s NW perimeter, 7 community shelters, designated picnic areas, a memorial park, equestrian area and an incredibly well-paved network of roads that allows you to easily access just about every corner of this park.

    Happy Camping!

  • James M.The Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 28, 2022

    Saulsbury Bridge Rec Area, Primitive Tent Camp

    Neat Primitive Tent CG along water

    The camp is walking only, with few tables and fire rings. Firewood available t main cg all ng with water and showers there too. Sites are spread along a waterway within bottom land woodlands with water access for fishing, paddling etc. Parking is within 100 yards so must pack in/out, use Leave No Trace ethics.

  • Jessica H.
    Jul. 11, 2018

    Saulsbury Bridge Recreation Area - Main Camping

    Ranger Review: VivoBarefoot Primus Trail SG Womens at Saulsbury Bridge

    Campground Review:

    Saulsbury Bridge Recreation Area is 675 acres, nestled between rolling fields of corn, dairy farms, native prairie, and the Cedar River. Located in Muscatine County in southeast Iowa, this rec area offers well-maintained campgrounds, hiking trails, fishing, kayaking/canoeing and seasonal hunting.

    There are three separate campgrounds. The main campground has electrical hookups, picnic benches, fire rings, modern restroom facilities including showers, a dump station, playground, and firewood for purchase. There are 24 sites, and they run $20 per night.

    The primitive campground area sits along Chicken Creek and offers four, tent-only sites, and is just off the main campground. The sites are well spaced and surrounded by large trees. These are walk in sites with parking in the main campground. It’s a short hike in from the parking area, and within walking distance of the restrooms and firewood. Primitive sites are $10 per night.

    Across the road from these two campgrounds is the main boat access and fishing dock for Chicken Creek. Only non-motorized boats are allowed here. If you don’t have your own, you can rent kayaks and canoes through the Muscatine County Conservation office. There is also a large shelter, which is reservable along with day use picnic areas, playgrounds, a sand volleyball court, and vault toilets. There’s large, open expanses of grassy fields and oak shade trees; perfect for relaxing on a hot summer day.

    The river campground sits right along the Cedar River and allows easy access to fishing along with a boat ramp. This campground is a short hike to the old Saulsbury Bridge and Lodge. The bridge has a small gazebo-like structure and bench which provides a nice view of the river. There are vault toilets in this campground, but the modern restrooms are within walking distance as well. There are 10 sites in this campground and run $17 per night.

    All campsites are self-registration and are on a first come, first served basis. There is a campground host on duty in the main campground and the park officer lives on site. Dogs are allowed, but must be on leash in the campgrounds and on trails. However, they are allowed to run in the designated hunting areas. These areas are marked with signs. If you plan to hike during hunting season, it’s a good idea to wear bright colors/blaze orange so you are visible to hunters and not mistaken for a deer or other wildlife.

    This park also has prairie/natural habitat restoration areas that, in spring and summer, attract Monarch butterflies, and an abundance of birds including indigo bunting, red headed woodpecker, and goldfinch. In the colder months you can spot bald eagles flying along the river. There are also deer, wild turkey, and pheasants. While there, we walked around the campground areas that were open and over to the day use area along Chicken Creek to roast marshmallows. We hiked the short distance out to the Saulsbury Bridge to watch the Cedar River flow by and caught a beautiful sunset.

    The one downfall to this park is the possibility for flooding. When the Cedar River is high, it pushes Chicken Creek out of its banks which can mean potential closure of campgrounds.

    A call ahead to the conservation office to check on closures is a good idea. We had hoped to camp at a primitive site, but learned the trail leading into the campground was under water, which also meant the river campground was closed as well. Though there was some water over the road in the main campground, it was minimal and we were able to choose an electrical site. We opted to car camp as we were only staying one night. Only about a third of the campground was filled and we had no one on either side of us which meant for a more quiet camping experience.

    This is one of my favorite local areas to hike and camp that’s close to home. It offers a full picture of Iowa’s varied landscapes and outdoor activity opportunities.

    Product Review:

    As a Ranger for The Dyrt, I get products to test from time to time. On this camping trip, I tried out VivoBarefoot Primus Trail SG Womens sneakers. VivoBarefoot’s goal is to provide an environment that allows the feet to remain in their natural state while providing a protective shoe. https://www.vivobarefoot.com/us/womens/off-road/primus-trail-sg-womens?colour=Olive

    1. Anytime I purchase a new pair of shoes, whether for daily use or outdoor recreation, I make sure to break them in as much as possible as I’m prone to blisters. I did wear the Primus around the house a few times and on my daily walks before taking them camping. Though they have a snug fit, they’re not uncomfortable. They also include a pair of removable inserts and extra laces. The laces are adjustable which allowed me to either loosen or tighten the shoe. Bonus; no socks needed. As someone who would opt to wear sandals year round if possible, I liked the fact I didn’t have to put an extra layer on my feet.
    2. The timing couldn’t have been better for testing out these sneakers; Saulsbury was experiencing minor flooding while we were there. Not only do they have rugged soles for gripping in wet and rocky terrain, the mesh material allows for quick drying if they do get wet, and provided easy clean up of mud and other debris.
    3. Honestly, I was really pleased with the fact that many of the women’s shoes came in neutral and earth tone colors (I absolutely checked out other shoe options on their website). While I don’t mind the brighter colors that seem to be the trend for women’s trail runners, I really prefer something a little more low key.
    4. One of the best things about these shoes was the ease of slipping them on and off, say in the middle of the night when nature called.
    5. All in all, I feel this shoe is a good match for the outdoor activities I enjoy; camping, hiking, bicycling, and kayaking. I’m looking forward to seeing how they hold up while hiking in the mountains out West this summer.
  • Emma N.
    Sep. 25, 2017

    Sugar Bottom Campground

    Boats and Beautiful Views

    Our one-night stay at the Sugar Bottom- Coralville Lake Campground was terrific! My husband and I stopped there during our cross-country road trip. We arrived around 7:30pm on a Sunday in September and easily got a spot. The lady at the entrance station was incredibly kind and answered all of our questions.

    The campground is very well marked, with easily visible site number labels. Each site is in a grassy area with a picnic table and fire ring with a grate. Our site had a tree or two that provided some shade, but some other sites were a but more shaded.

    We ended up staying in site #103, which is right by the water. What a beautiful view we had! Our campsite was very close to a boat dock, a sand volleyball court, and a sandy beach. We didn't have a chance to swim at the beach, but it looked really nice! It had a large, designated swimming area that was marked with floating ropes. We were also located close to a building with restrooms. Each restroom had a clean, hot shower. The showers were free, which was a plus!

    In my opinion, this is definitely a 5-star campground. I can't wait to come back!

  • James M.The Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 28, 2024

    Sherman Co Park

    Scenic County park along Wapsipinicon River

    The campground offers to camp areas: one better suited for RVs, and the other area is better suited for primitive tent, camping. Sites have picnic tables and fire rings, our recites include electric. There is a campground host, shower house, shelter and playground area there too. The tent sites are prone to flooding occasionally from the gun river. There is a boat ramp with access to the river for fishing and paddling.

  • Angie G.
    Oct. 2, 2021

    Primitive South Campground — Lake Macbride State Park

    Nice Lake View

    We stayed in a walk-in site for one night at the Non-Modern campground. It was wonderful! We arrived at dark and set up our backpacking tents but were able to see stars and be separated from our neighboring site. The campground had a water spigot to fill containers and dumpsters (no trash at site). There are no amenities at the campsites in this campground. A restroom with pit toilets similar to a National Park are on-site. They were very clean, as was the campground. It is on a lake so you will hear boats in the early morning hours and wildlife.

  • James M.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 9, 2021

    Cottonwood Campground/Coralville Lake (COE)

    Nice forested CG near Coralville Lake

    Tent area among trees includes fire rings. Showers/restrooms onsite, walk in sites too, firewood available at West Overlook permit station, beach nearby, Iowa River and Coralville Lake nearby (good fishing).

  • Emily B.
    Sep. 21, 2025

    River Junction

    Great views and location, but not private and not well-marked

    This was our first time camping here. We pulled in around 8pm when it was already dark and there was another car that had just entered the campground in front of us. After driving down the hill, he saw the basic “welcome” and “Pay here” signs next to a 4-car parking area. There were no signs marking where the bathroom was or any directions on how to choose a site. The group ahead of us chose to camp next to the boat ramp, so we circled around the loop and chose a dirt pad on the right side of the loop next to the river. We were very confused because the pictures on Dyrt showed picnic tables and fire rings at every site, but these were nowhere to be seen. It was getting late, so we set up the tent and went to bed. It wasn’t until the morning that we had discovered that we weren’t camping in one of the marked sites! As it turns out, all 4 sites were walk-in sites on grass behind the parking area that had been occupied by 2 cars when we pulled in. The signage didn’t clarify this and we couldn’t see the marked sites when it was dark! The marked sites were pretty close together and they offered no privacy between groups. Additionally, upon leaving we discovered that the toilet was on the top of the hill right by the entrance. Due to the lack of signage and privacy in between the official campsites, I rate 3 stars. It was very beautiful and peaceful, but it was very confusing in the dark.

  • Stuart K.The Dyrt PRO User
    Dec. 26, 2024

    Woodside Campground, Scott County Park Iowa

    Nice Flat, Well-Groomed Albeit Barren CG

    This CG is one of 6 that you have to choose from here at Scott County Park, wherein Woodside is definitely more geared for the RVs – especially the much larger ones, so if you have a very big rig, this likely is the best CG for you – with each site offering FHUs with electric, water& sewage, fire rings and picnic tables. If you wanted to tent camp here, you could, although I would recommend nearby Incahias or Sac-Fox as better for tent campers. Unlike some of the other campgrounds, Woodside is somewhat bare and desolate inside the actual campground with the land being incredibly flat, but wide open so therefore not providing much privacy or shade whatsoever. Back-in slots are spacious, hard and very level with the grounds being incredibly well-kept and impeccably clean bathroom / shower facilities with great HOT running water.

    Albeit with a short hike through the forest, Woodside CG is near Cody Lake and Glynn’s Creek, which offers some decent oaring in your kayak or canoe. Sitting adjacent to Cody Lake is an eponymous community shelter than can be reserved or used on a first-come, first-served basis. There’s also a playground for the kiddos and a restroom facility that is also spartan-clean as well access to Glynn’s Creek Trailhead which is a moderate hike and further afield throughout the rest of the park, there’s no shortage of hiking / biking / horse trails. We found Woodside to be fairly quiet, although lacking in privacy without the benefit of any real brush or trees to blot out our next-door neighbors, but that said, everyone was incredibly friendly with full displays of Midwestern hospitality that this area is known for.

    Scott County Park is easy to fall in love with, whether traveling solo or with a family as there is a lot that this park offers up: from fresh water catch & release lakes, combination of topographies, from woodlands, wetlands and prairie grasslands, beautiful 18-hole championship golf course, outdoor exercise areas, club house and concessions, stand-alone cabins for rent, designated dump stations and trash receptacles, numerous picnic areas, massive heated swimming pool complete with a snake-like water slide, volleyball court, ranger stations, seasonal on-site hosts, firewood available for purchase at entry stations, Walnut Grove Pioneer Village and St. Anne’s church at the park’s NW perimeter, 7 community shelters, designated picnic areas, a memorial park, equestrian area and an incredibly well-paved network of roads that allows you to easily access just about every corner of this park. Oh, and the incredibly friendly rangers that constantly patrol and keep this beautiful park in full working order were nothing short of amazing.

    Happy Camping!

Guide to Muscatine

Primitive campsites near Muscatine, Iowa offer tent camping opportunities with varying levels of accessibility and amenities. The region encompasses portions of both Iowa and Illinois along major waterways including the Cedar, Wapsipinicon, and Mississippi Rivers. Most tent sites require self-registration with fees ranging from $10-15 per night, typically collected through on-site deposit boxes. Several campgrounds remain open from April through October, with limited winter camping options available at select locations.

What to do

Paddle the Cedar River: Cedar River Campground provides direct river access for kayaking and canoeing. A camper noted, "This place became my wife's and daughters' favorite this year. It is a place where everyone who visits is very kind and respectful."

Fish at local lakes: Koch's Meadow Lake Campground offers fishing access on their private lake. According to one visitor: "This CG is a full service CG for RVs with community buildings, gravel road lanes, pet friendly, and lake access for fishing, paddling and swimming."

Hike forest trails: Several parks feature trail networks through bottomland forests. At Macbride Nature Recreation Area, campers can "walk through the forest to get to the injured raptor center with outdoor aviaries," making it a unique hiking destination with wildlife viewing opportunities.

Stargaze under dark skies: Rural campgrounds offer minimal light pollution for night sky viewing. The Wapsi River Environmental Center cabin area provides "no city light that so night sky shines with stars" according to one reviewer who appreciated the astronomical viewing conditions.

What campers like

Secluded tent sites: Macbride Nature Recreation Area receives praise for its private camping areas. One camper called it a "Holy hidden Gem" and added, "If you can tolerate the odd way to reserve a spot here it's 100% worth it. Small quiet and secluded."

Family-friendly amenities: Cedar River Campground offers activities beyond basic camping. A visitor noted: "Not our typical campsite but we had the kids down for the weekend and we thought a campsite with a pool and mini golf would be a fun break from the norm."

Riverside locations: Several of the best tent camping spots near Muscatine, Iowa feature waterfront access. At River Junction, a camper shared their experience: "24 years ago River Jct Lone Tree Iowa was just stumptown. Outhouse at the top. Just a spot by the river. A lone camper. How things have changed."

Modern cabin options: For those seeking more comfort, Wapsi River Environmental Ed. Ctr. offers a cabin with "all amenities including firewood at no cost! Education center onsite with live animals, trails, open year round, Wapsipinicon River below bluff offers paddling, fishing."

What you should know

Restroom facilities vary: Some campgrounds offer basic facilities only. River Junction has "the toilet was on the top of the hill right by the entrance" according to a recent visitor, while others provide shower houses at central locations.

Site selection challenges: First-time visitors to River Junction reported confusion finding marked sites: "We were very confused because the pictures on Dyrt showed picnic tables and fire rings at every site, but these were nowhere to be seen... all 4 sites were walk-in sites on grass behind the parking area."

Pack-in requirements: Many primitive tent sites require carrying gear from parking areas. At Saulsbury Bridge Recreation Area, "Parking is within 100 yards so must pack in/out, use Leave No Trace ethics."

Highway noise considerations: Some campgrounds are located near interstates or major roads. At Cedar River Campground, "It is right off the highway, so it was loud when we were outside, but we couldn't hear it at all when we were in our Tab 400."

Tips for camping with families

Wildlife viewing opportunities: The Wapsi Environmental Center offers educational experiences for children. The center features "exhibits and native live animals, trails, prairie, observatory, amphitheater" that keep children engaged.

Swimming options: During summer months, several campgrounds offer water recreation. Koch's Meadow Lake Campground provides lake access specifically designated for swimming, giving families a refreshing activity option.

Activity-focused campgrounds: For families seeking structured recreation, consider Windmill Ridge Campground which one visitor described as "Family and pet friendly, clean, well kept property, amenities on site, completive priced sites for camping and to gather together."

Bug awareness: Insect activity can be significant in wooded areas. At Macbride Nature Recreation Area, one camper warned, "Let me tell you. The spiders were everywhere when I woke up," suggesting families pack appropriate bug spray and tent protection.

Tips from RVers

Site leveling challenges: Some campgrounds have uneven terrain. One RVer at Cedar River Campground noted the "Sites are unlevel," which can create difficulties for larger rigs requiring stabilization.

Seasonal camping options: Several campgrounds offer long-term stays. Cedar River Campground has "many people seem to take advantage of the year round rates and stay all summer. They're open from April 15-October 15."

Access road conditions: Silva Campground and other primitive sites may have challenging access roads. Windmill Ridge Campground has "gravel road is well maintained, graded well for easy driveable whee truck, rvs or trailers."

Varying hookup availability: While primitive tent camping dominates the region, some campgrounds offer RV services. Hidden River Campground provides water and electric hookups for those needing connections while exploring the area.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is the most popular tent campsite near Muscatine, IA?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular tent campground near Muscatine, IA is Cedar River Campground with a 3.5-star rating from 11 reviews.

What is the best site to find tent camping near Muscatine, IA?

TheDyrt.com has all 17 tent camping locations near Muscatine, IA, with real photos and reviews from campers.

Keep Exploring