Several dispersed camping options exist within 25 miles of New London, Iowa. The area features wooded riverside locations along the Mississippi and Iowa Rivers as well as inland lake camping opportunities. Most campgrounds in the region operate seasonally between April and October, though a few remain open year-round with reduced amenities during winter months.
What to do
Fishing the Mississippi River: At Ferry Landing - Mississippi River, campers can experience where the Iowa and Mississippi rivers meet. "Great isolated camping at river edge where Iowa and Mississippi rivers meet! Paddling, fishing, hiking in bottom land forests," notes reviewer James M., who adds you can "paddle upstream to Port Louisa NWR or Lake Odessa."
Shoreline exploration: Shady Creek offers excellent water access for watching river traffic. Barbara P. notes, "Really enjoyed our stay, sites are large and staggered so you aren't staring at your neighbors and can enjoy the views." The location provides opportunities to watch barges and boats pass while camping right beside the Mississippi.
Stargazing opportunities: At Big Hollow Recreation Area, visitors can take advantage of designated telescope viewing areas. Lisa M. mentions, "There's even a place to use a few telescopes to see the stars!" The campground's location away from major light pollution makes it ideal for night sky observation.
What campers like
Affordable primitive camping: Non-electric tent sites at Big Hollow Recreation Area cost just $10/night. One camper reports, "Stayed at the primitive section of the campground. Site C was level for our camper van. Large, spacious site. Wooded. Fire ring." These sites offer a budget-friendly alternative to full-hookup options.
Spacious waterfront sites: Sturgeon Bay Park and Campground provides direct access to the Mississippi. "Great place to camp especially if you have a boat or like to fish the Mississippi river. 2 blocks from a restaurant/tavern," writes Coty G., highlighting the convenience for boaters.
Wildlife viewing opportunities: Shady Creek's riverside location attracts diverse bird species and river wildlife. Kathy J. describes it as "Beautiful views of the Mississippi and most of all quiet," making it ideal for nature enthusiasts who want to observe wildlife while still having campground amenities.
What you should know
Train noise considerations: Several campgrounds near Mount Pleasant experience railroad noise. For Crossroads RV Park - Iowa, John C. warns, "Constant train traffic all night! Horns blaring! The tracks are less than 1/4-mile away. And quite a bit of freeway noise, too!" This affects sleep quality for light sleepers.
Cell service variability: Service strength varies significantly by carrier across the region. At Camp Nauvoo, David B. reports, "AT&T had 3 bars of LTE and Verizon 1 bar of LTE service. AT&T Speedtest: 56.8 Mbps down, 9.3 Mbps up." Most campgrounds have some connectivity, but signal strength can change drastically between locations.
Water quality issues: Some lakes in the area experience seasonal algae problems. At Big Hollow Recreation Area, Lisa M. cautions, "The only downside is the lake was filled with algae. So if you're wanting to fish or swim, this isn't the place for you!" Check with park officials about current water conditions before planning water activities.
Tips for camping with families
Playground access: Geode State Park Campground features newly renovated facilities suitable for children. Douglas P. notes, "Recent upgrades to campground include some full hookup sites and new shower house." The park's trail system also provides hiking opportunities for families.
Affordable activities: Big Hollow Recreation Area offers multiple free amenities for children. "There's a gun range, horse farm, playground, bathrooms, and even a place to use a few telescopes to see the stars!" reports Lisa M., highlighting the diverse activities available without additional cost.
Campsite selection for privacy: At Shady Creek, families should select sites away from train tracks for quieter nights. Barbara P. recommends, "Really enjoyed our stay, sites are large and staggered so you aren't staring at your neighbors and can enjoy the views." Choosing sites 14-16 provides more privacy and easier lake access.
Tips from RVers
Navigation challenges: Some rv parks near New London, Iowa have difficult entry points. For Camp Nauvoo, David B. advises, "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."
Site spacing considerations: Updog RV & Camping has limited space between units. Kevin B. reports, "With slide out on each side, and not superslides either, I had EXACTLY 1 foot left on each side of my slides. I could not put out my awning as it would hit the camper next to me."
Pad quality variations: Big Hollow Recreation Area features cement pads that accommodate larger rigs. Travis R. notes, "This site has a large number of mostly cement camper spots, including pull through," making it easier to level and stabilize RVs compared to gravel sites found at other campgrounds in the area.
