Best Tent Camping near Muscatine, IA

Looking for the best Muscatine tent camping? The Dyrt helps you find campsites with tent camping near Muscatine. Whether you're looking for a quiet, dispersed site or an established camgpround with amenities, The Dyrt makes it easy to find the perfect place to pitch your tent.

Best Tent Sites Near Muscatine, IA (19)

    Camper-submitted photo from Wildcat Den State Park Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Wildcat Den State Park Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Wildcat Den State Park Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Wildcat Den State Park Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Wildcat Den State Park Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Wildcat Den State Park Campground

    1. Wildcat Den State Park Campground

    9 Reviews
    69 Photos
    63 Saves
    Illinois City, Illinois

    Two historical attractions both have active friends groups. One is the "turn of the century" Melpine one-room schoolhouse, which is located in the park and offers visitors a glimpse of Iowa's past.

    The other historical attraction is the Pine Creek Grist Mill, which was built in 1848. The mill was built by Benjamin Nye, one of Muscatine County's first settlers. He also built the county's first store and post office in 1838. The mill is one of the finest examples of mid-19th century mills left in the country and is on the National Register of Historic Places. The mill is being restored to its original condition. Great strides have been made at the mill and it is now grinding corn for the first time in more than 75 years.

    Wildcat Den is a great place for a family to "get away from it all" for a weekend or a family vacation. Campsites can be reserved in the non-modern campground which has water and vault toilets. There are no showers and there is no electrical service to the campsites.

    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Phone Service
    • Reservable
    • ADA Access
    • Tents

    $6 - $9 / night

    Camper-submitted photo from Cedar River Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Cedar River Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Cedar River Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Cedar River Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Cedar River Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Cedar River Campground

    2. Cedar River Campground

    8 Reviews
    17 Photos
    32 Saves
    West Liberty, Iowa

    We are a seasonal campground open April 15 thru October 15. We have seasonal, monthly, weekly, and overnight rates. We have planned activities as well as many amenities. River frontage, canoe/ tube rental, mini golf, pool and so much more.

    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Electric Hookups
    • Phone Service
    • Reservable
    • Tents

    $35 - $50 / night

    Camper-submitted photo from Indian Meadows Campground - Loud Thunder Forest Preserve
    Camper-submitted photo from Indian Meadows Campground - Loud Thunder Forest Preserve
    Camper-submitted photo from Indian Meadows Campground - Loud Thunder Forest Preserve
    Camper-submitted photo from Indian Meadows Campground - Loud Thunder Forest Preserve
    Camper-submitted photo from Indian Meadows Campground - Loud Thunder Forest Preserve
    Camper-submitted photo from Indian Meadows Campground - Loud Thunder Forest Preserve

    3. Indian Meadows Campground - Loud Thunder Forest Preserve

    2 Reviews
    15 Photos
    3 Saves
    Illinois City, Illinois

    20 primitive campsites with shower building and water access

    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Phone Service
    • Reservable
    • Tents
    • Trash

    $14 - $32 / night

    Camper-submitted photo from Saulsbury Bridge Rec Area, Primitive Tent Camp
    Camper-submitted photo from Saulsbury Bridge Rec Area, Primitive Tent Camp
    Camper-submitted photo from Saulsbury Bridge Rec Area, Primitive Tent Camp
    Camper-submitted photo from Saulsbury Bridge Rec Area, Primitive Tent Camp
    Camper-submitted photo from Saulsbury Bridge Rec Area, Primitive Tent Camp
    Camper-submitted photo from Saulsbury Bridge Rec Area, Primitive Tent Camp

    4. Saulsbury Bridge Rec Area, Primitive Tent Camp

    1 Review
    12 Photos
    1 Save
    Muscatine, Iowa

    There is a primitive camping area at the Saulsbury Bridge Recreation Area. Fees are $10 per night.

    · Primitive environment

    · Tents only

    · No vehicle parking at the campsite

    · Limited picnic tables and fire rings

    · Restrooms in Main Campground

    · Showers available in Main Campground

    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Phone Service
    • Tents
    • Group
    • Picnic Table

    $10 / night

    Camper-submitted photo from Wapsi River Environmental Ed. Ctr.
    Camper-submitted photo from Wapsi River Environmental Ed. Ctr.
    Camper-submitted photo from Wapsi River Environmental Ed. Ctr.
    Camper-submitted photo from Wapsi River Environmental Ed. Ctr.
    Camper-submitted photo from Wapsi River Environmental Ed. Ctr.
    Camper-submitted photo from Wapsi River Environmental Ed. Ctr.

    5. Wapsi River Environmental Ed. Ctr.

    5 Reviews
    63 Photos
    5 Saves
    Wheatland, Iowa

    The Wapsi River Environmental Education Center is located along the Wapsipinicon River and consists of 225 acres of upland and bottomland forests, grasslands, and wetlands. The Wapsi Center, along with Sherman Park across the river, provide a 432-acre complex offering a wide variety of uses. The larger of the two campsites at the Center, Elm Campsite is offered to Scouts and to special event participants as a primitive camp site. The site offers flat ground for many tents, two fire pits, picnic tables, trash cans, and two sets of horseshoe pits. In return for Scout use, a service project is suggested and may be coordinated with the Center Director. Pack-in and pack-out ethics are observed at this site. Vincent Campsite is offered to Scouts and to special event participants as a primitive camp site offering a fire pit, picnic tables, and trash can. In return for Scout use, a service project is suggested and may be coordinated with the Center Director. Pack-in and pack-out ethics are observed at this site.

    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Electric Hookups
    • Phone Service
    • ADA Access
    • Tents

    $17 - $80 / night

    Camper-submitted photo from Silva Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Silva Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Silva Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Silva Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Silva Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Silva Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from River Junction
    Camper-submitted photo from River Junction
    Camper-submitted photo from Koch's Meadow Lake Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Koch's Meadow Lake Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Koch's Meadow Lake Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Koch's Meadow Lake Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Koch's Meadow Lake Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Koch's Meadow Lake Campground

    8. Koch's Meadow Lake Campground

    1 Review
    6 Photos
    1 Save
    West Liberty, Iowa
    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Electric Hookups
    • Phone Service
    • Tents
    • Standard (Tent/RV)
    • No image available

      9. Hidden River Campground

      1 Review
      5 Saves
      West Liberty, Iowa
      • Pets
      • Fires
      • Electric Hookups
      • Phone Service
      • Reservable
      • ADA Access
      • No image available

        10. Windmill Ridge Campground

        1 Review
        1 Save
        Kalona, Iowa
        • Pets
        • Fires
        • Electric Hookups
        • Phone Service
        • ADA Access
        • Tents
      Show More
      Showing results 1-10 of 19 campgrounds

      Recent Tent Reviews in Muscatine

      489 Reviews of 19 Muscatine Campgrounds


      • Travis R.The Dyrt PRO User
        Camper-submitted photo from Louisa County Fairgrounds
        Nov. 18, 2024

        Louisa County Fairgrounds

        Typical Fairground Camping

        A small number of electrical sites was all that I saw. I'm sure there are bathrooms somewhere in one of the fairground buildings, but I didn't see any signage for them.

      • Travis R.The Dyrt PRO User
        Camper-submitted photo from Virginia Grove Rec Area
        Nov. 18, 2024

        Virginia Grove Rec Area

        Small and quaint

        This is a small campground with electric camper spots. I didn't see any dump station. It features a playground and has vault toilets. There is a walking trail that leads to a lake with ducks. Online only reservations.

      • Travis R.The Dyrt PRO User
        Camper-submitted photo from Big Hollow Recreation Area
        Nov. 18, 2024

        Big Hollow Recreation Area

        Full Featured Camping

        This site has a large number of mostly cement camper spots, including pull through. There is a large playground and shower house. Primitive camping for single or group spots. Campgrounds also include a shooting range, beach, equestrian trails, canoe rentals, and launch, and I saw a sign for primitive cabins, though I didn't have time to check those out. This is the .most full service camp site that I have seen in Iowa so far.

      • Travis R.The Dyrt PRO User
        Camper-submitted photo from Big Hollow Recreation Area
        Nov. 17, 2024

        Big Hollow Recreation Area

        Really excellent campground

        Lots of cement camping pads, playground, and shower house. Primitive single and group camping sites. Canoe rental and shooting range.

      • Travis R.The Dyrt PRO User
        Camper-submitted photo from Welter Recreation Area
        Nov. 17, 2024

        Welter Recreation Area

        Primitive Campsite

        This campsite appears to not be well maintained it may even be closed. There is no electricity and one vault toilet. Weeds are overgrown, and fallen trees have not been cleared. However, it has a wonderful view of the river and is directly on the banks. Because there are fallen trees, firewood is plentiful :).

      • Travis R.The Dyrt PRO User
        Camper-submitted photo from Lower Augusta Skunk River Access
        Nov. 17, 2024

        Lower Augusta Skunk River Access

        Great campsite

        Campsite is directly next to the river. Most sites have power but there are a few tent sits as well (those are right on the river). We'll maintained vault toilets. Site has a shared spicket.

      • Misty B.
        Camper-submitted photo from BEYONDER Getaway at Sleepy Hollow
        Nov. 12, 2024

        BEYONDER Getaway at Sleepy Hollow

        Will not be back! Lot of Money and Issues

        Water keeps running out. When it does run its white and tastes nasty. You can't do anything with it except flush and shower and that's if it doesn't run out or the mains keep breaking. Pressure horrible, pump issues. Was charged $1300 for 6 weeks because they charged me for the whole month even though i wasnt there until last 2 weeks of the month. They are not maintaining the grounds. The pool has been left unfinished for years and is still sitting empty with minimal plastic netting around it. The streets are caving in. Trash is always overflowing all over. The swimming water is right next to the leach pond where your stool is broken down and treated (although it isn't working correctly causing massive issues with odor, color and taste and then recycled back to your camper for showering and drinking water, washing dishes, etc. Hills (where campers park) all lead to bottom of hill where pond is, so if maintenance is this bad now, imagine sliding downhill into the pond due to ice and snow. Showers have push button that only runs water for couple minutes and it's set temp so you have no control over the temp at all. The whole park is run down, lots are extremely small and parking is only on gravel, but many lots only have enough gravel to park a camper so you have to park on other side of park and rent a golf cart (which is extremely high at 100 for 2 days or 60 for one day.) or walk. I could go on, but many others will be posting to tell the same. Had to move from lot 69 to 85 because it was so slanted my disabledd daughter couldn't make it across the lot to the camper. (She has autism and cerebral palsy) They don't salt their roads, causing me to slip and fall. Got fractured skull and stitches. Tree fell on car due to weather but I fell due to their negligence. Salting roads would have prevented my injury. 10am the next day and nobody out cleaning up debris.

      • Stuart K.The Dyrt PRO User
        Camper-submitted photo from Lundeens Landing
        Nov. 10, 2024

        Lundeens Landing

        Rock Riverside Oasis

        Hiding underneath of the I80 bridge carrying you over the Rock River, you’ll spot Lundeens Landing on the EAST side of this interstate (you’ll want to take note of this as The Dyrt has this campground in the wrong location on the WEST side of I80 in the small town of Barstow). Getting here to Lundeens is not the easiest journey, as you’ll need to head northwards on I80 crossing the bridge (if you are coming in by way of Colona), where you’ll want to get off on I88 heading west, where shortly after the exit, you’ll have to make a U turn and take the frontage road (193rd Street) that straddles I80 heading south until you can catch Route 4 / Barstow Road heading east, where you’ll pass underneath that bridge holding up I80 and continue east about 2 miles before spotting Lundeens on the left with a gorgeous view of the Rock River.

        Now that you’ve made your way here, let me tell you about this place. First, you’ll be greeted by the main office that sits up about a story on stilts, which BTW isn’t for bird watching, but rather to safeguard the building from any river flooding that may happen (and trust me, in this parts, it happens). After checking in with the owner, Joe, or one of his few employees, you’ll make your way down a single narrow loop that will take you to your designated plot of land. It goes without saying that the best sites are those located right in front of the Rock River. And if you’re a tent camper, you’ll find bliss at the far end of the loop as far away from the main office as possible, where you’ll find water & electric-equipped sites tucked into some really thick brush complete with your own mini-forest.

        Apart from the very warm Midwestern hospitality that you’ll receive here from Joe, his father and the rest of the Lundeens crew, this medium-sized camping outpost offers up a no-frills, basic level of camping comfort with direct access to one of the most exciting rivers I’ve had the great pleasure of kayaking and fishing on. Amenities include: pull-thru and back-in sites for RVs, general market, typical RV hook-ups (water, 15 / 20 / 30 / 50 amp electric), concrete patios, picnic tables, fire rings, honey wagon, dump station, pet-friendly, playground, nature trails, weekly events, boat ramp & 7 river docks, shuttle service, canoe & kayak rentals, pretty clean restroom & showers, innertubes, adventure island (located just across the river) and a small beachhead.

        Insider’s tips? Here’s a handful: (1) While it’s likely the direct access to Rock River that attracted you to this location, if you have bikes, you should bring them as the frontage road that brought you here is one very EXCELLENT road to bike on to see and explore the gorgeous Midwestern country landscape that exists here; (2) In speaking with Joe’s father at length about the campground, there’s plans to put in another campground area just across the street and due northwest of this property, which will offer additional RV spots, a designated laundry facility with coin-operated washers & dryers as well as many more amenities; and (3) Depending upon your interest and a craving, if you want to gnosh on some local grub, the best nearby spots include: Choppers Bar & Grill, Tap 22 Bar & Grill and 11th Hour Bar & Grill (yes, everything's a Bar & Grill out in these parts).

        Happy Camping!

      • Stuart K.The Dyrt PRO User
        Camper-submitted photo from 6B's Campground
        Nov. 10, 2024

        6B's Campground

        Duo-Layered Camping Experience

        My twin brother and I discovered this little hidden gem of a campground outpost just a mile or so east of Maquoketa Caves SP. This nature-infested outpost is split into 2 levels with an upper plateau section that is more geared towards the tent-pitchin’ bredren of my tribe, while the lower level straddles the Maquoketa River and offers up splendid waterfront views of the slow-moving, fresh-water creek variety. Apart from the very welcoming folks that run this place, led by Karen Townsend, what I loved most about 6B’s was the very welcoming community of fellow campers who rolled out the‘red carpet’ treatment for us when we rocked up. The upper level offers up only a solid picnic table, in-ground fire rings w/ fold-up BBQ grills and a tree-lined backdrop with a fenced in front lawn– perfect for a quick and EZ set-up. Massive bonus points for the location of this campground, which apart from rural country farmers and bat cave tourist passerby traffic, there was virtually no noise pollution to battle with.

        If you’re rolling in on an RV, 5th wheeler or trailer, while you likely could park your mobile living room on the upper plateau, you’ll likely feel much more comfortable on the lower river basin, providing that you can make it down the somewhat steep decline gravel road(this is Iowa, so I don’t think anyone will be too challenged, but just want to put the decline out there). Before you’ve arrived at the river’s edge, you’ll notice a simply sublime solo picnic table that has strategically been placed in one of the very large, abandoned bat caves, which makes for a very special picnic outing. Turning left as you reach the riverfront, you’ll follow a single, narrow loop that offers up slots on a first-come, first-served basis, with each offering up water, 30 amp electric, boat ramp, diving platform and a fairly flat landing to park for the night or a week(or even month!).

        Downsides? This camping outpost only accepts cash, money order or checks, which was a major bummer for us as we didn’t have any of those with us and while there were banks nearby(well, some 30 miles away), we weren’t members of the bank, which wasn’t even open, on account that it was after noon on a Saturday, so yeah, while a small thing, it became quite a big deterrent for us. If you can get this solo downside, there really is nothing else but upside, chief of which includes direct access to the Maquoketa River, which we enjoyed, given we were toting my tandem kayak with us, as well as, of course, just 3 miles west to Maquoketa Caves SP.

        Happy Camping!

      • Coty G.
        Camper-submitted photo from Keithsburg Riverside Campground
        Oct. 14, 2024

        Keithsburg Riverside Campground

        Great river view

        Nice campground, we have camped there on several occasions. Tent, pop up, and travel trailer. Shower house is a little bit of a walk but not terrible. Bout a 3 block walk to several bars/restaurant a caseys gas station. Everyone was friendly. Would recommend.

      • Coty G.
        Camper-submitted photo from Sturgeon Bay Park and Campground
        Oct. 14, 2024

        Sturgeon Bay Park and Campground

        We Camp here almost every weekend

        Great place to camp especially if you have a boat or like to fish the Mississippi river. 2 blocks from a restaurant/tavern. City of New Boston has several different community events throught the year as well.

      • James M.The Dyrt PRO User
        Camper-submitted photo from Horseshoe Pond
        Oct. 9, 2024

        Horseshoe Pond

        Nice smaller CG in City of Maquoketa, Iowa

        CG offers gravel pads, tables, fire rings, electric, sump station, water, small pond with fishing, paddling, dog park. Close to stores for supplies, dining, fuel.

      • James M.The Dyrt PRO User
        Camper-submitted photo from Wapsi River Environmental Ed. Ctr.
        Sep. 19, 2024

        Wapsi River Environmental Ed. Ctr.

        Very nice County cabin near Wapsi River

        Cabin sleeps 6, has all amenities including firewood at no cost! Education center onsite with live animals, trails, open year round, Wapsipinicon River below bluff offers paddling, fishing. Menke Observatory offers sky programs.

      • James M.The Dyrt PRO User
        Camper-submitted photo from Bennett Park
        Sep. 19, 2024

        Bennett Park

        Nice small County CG with pond

        Campground is nice with a few newer amenities, including shower house and handicap campsite. Gravel pads at sites include tables, fire, pits, electric,. There’s a dump station, play area, shelters for rent, and a pond that you can actually swim and fish and paddling.

      • Fred S.
        Camper-submitted photo from Langwood Education Center
        Sep. 5, 2024

        Langwood Education Center

        Great place!

        Langwood Education Center looks like a great spot for a weekend camping trip, especially if you’re into outdoor education. If you’re planning to camp there with kids, it could be a fun way to blend learning and adventure. Plus, it’s close enough to larger cities, making it convenient for a quick getaway. I’ve been planning something similar but also juggling a lot of writing assignments lately. For those who need help with academic papers or essays while on the go, https://99papers.com/essay-writing/ has been a great resource. They’ve saved me a lot of time when I’ve had deadlines looming. Anyway, has anyone visited recently and can share tips on the best trails or activities for families?

      • .! E !.
        Camper-submitted photo from Camelot Campground Quad Cities USA
        Sep. 5, 2024

        Camelot Campground Quad Cities USA

        Perfect!

        Very nice, affordable and peaceful campsite. Stayed one night for tent camping, campsite was clean and accommodating with fire pit, picnic table, lights, Wi-Fi, and power plug. Bathrooms and showers were clean. Perfect camping site.

      • James M.The Dyrt PRO User
        Camper-submitted photo from Sherman Co Park
        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.

      • James M.The Dyrt PRO User
        Camper-submitted photo from Bald Eagle Campground and Cabins
        Aug. 28, 2024

        Bald Eagle Campground and Cabins

        Nice modern cabin in County campground

        Cabin sits at end of campground lane with covered porch, parking for 3 cars, ADA accessible. Cabin has 2 sleeping rooms, sleeping loft, and sofa. Capacity is 10, with all kitchen amenities. Has fire pit, wood available in campground, tables, and gas grill with rental. Playground nearby, park has seasonal pool, garden of course, trails, Pride Lake for fishing and paddling.

      • James M.The Dyrt PRO User
        Camper-submitted photo from Interstate RV Park
        Aug. 22, 2024

        Interstate RV Park

        Overnight stop along I-80

        Campground has gravel lanes, roads pads, appears to have annual residence, campground office, pool is clean, planes, farm, and fleet nearby for Supplies. Sites include tables, water, electric, though need updating.

      • Evan G.
        Camper-submitted photo from F. W. Kent Park
        Aug. 22, 2024

        F. W. Kent Park

        The perfect weekend get away

        My dad and I tent cramped here in mid August. It is the perfect camping destination between Amana colonies and Iowa City.

      • Jim C.
        Camper-submitted photo from Little Bear Campground
        Aug. 18, 2024

        Little Bear Campground

        Great week of camping

        This was a great campground very clean all around, very nice pool..wish I could for a month. But they don't allow monthly stays

      • Evan G.
        Camper-submitted photo from F. W. Kent Park
        Aug. 12, 2024

        F. W. Kent Park

        The perfect Amana colonies campsite

        Amazing experience with lots of amenities and space to spread out.

        Easy to get to, very well maintained, electric hookups with 120 volt power outlets, lots of stuff to do, including: hiking, swimming, kayaking, easy to get to amenities and grocery stores. plenty of trails and overlooks with picnic benches. Fire pits With built in grill grates.


      Drive Time


      Guide to Muscatine

      Tent camping near Muscatine, Iowa, offers a blend of natural beauty and outdoor adventure, perfect for those looking to escape into the great outdoors. With several campgrounds in the area, you can find a spot that suits your needs, whether you prefer a rustic experience or a more amenity-rich environment.

      Some prices for tent camping range from $10 to $30

      Tips for tent camping near Muscatine

      Local activities to enjoy while tent camping

      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 Wildcat Den State Park Campground with a 4.4-star rating from 9 reviews.

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

        TheDyrt.com has all 19 tent camping locations near Muscatine, IA, with real photos and reviews from campers.