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Camping near Oakville, IA
111 campgrounds · Check availability for any dates.
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Campgrounds along the Mississippi River near Oakville, Iowa include several river-focused options with varied access types and amenities. Ferry Landing, situated where the Iowa and Mississippi rivers meet, provides primitive dispersed camping with direct river access. Other options include Keithsburg Riverside Campground with electric hookups and water access, Snively Access Campground with electric sites on Lake Odessa, and Big Hollow Recreation Area offering full hookup sites for RVs, primitive tent camping, and cabin accommodations. The mixed-use campgrounds generally support both tent and RV camping, with some locations offering boat-in access for paddlers exploring the Mississippi River corridor.
Camping availability near Oakville is significantly affected by seasonal flooding, especially along riverfront sites. "Great isolated camping at river edge where Iowa and Mississippi rivers meet! Paddling, fishing, hiking in bottom land forests. Look out for insects. Pack in/out, gather drift wood for fire, watch barges pass by," notes one Ferry Landing visitor. Road conditions can limit access during wet periods, with several reviews mentioning deep mud holes and steep dirt lanes. Many campgrounds in this region close during high water, particularly in spring and summer when flooding is common. Lake Odessa area campsites sometimes require verification of accessibility by calling Louisa County Conservation before arrival. Most sites provide basic electrical hookups, though water services vary and may be limited to communal spigots at some campgrounds.
Riverside camping represents the primary draw for visitors to the Oakville area, with fishing, paddling, and wildlife viewing opportunities. The region's location at the confluence of major waterways creates excellent habitat for migratory birds, making it popular with birdwatchers. Several campers highlight the opportunity to observe barges passing on the Mississippi and appreciate the relative quiet of the more primitive sites. While amenities are generally basic, many campgrounds offer electric hookups and picnic tables. One camper described the experience as "quiet and slightly more primitive" with "a water front view that felt secluded." Visitors seeking more developed facilities can find them at Big Hollow Recreation Area, which features cement pads, a shower house, playground, and multiple recreational amenities including a shooting range, beach, and canoe rentals.
Best Campgrounds near Oakville (111)
1. Keithsburg Riverside Campground
"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."
"Shower and head is a bit of a walk. There is a Convenience store I think circle K where people are quite nice ."
2. Big Hollow Recreation Area
"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."
"If you want more privacy and easy access to the lake for kayaking I'd go for 14, 15, and 16. I'm in 32 and it is private and very pretty."
from $15 - $20 / night
Check Availability3. Big River State Forest Campground
"This is an older campground with many hiking trails nearby at the state forest. It was wonderfully quiet during the week."
4. Sturgeon Bay Park and Campground
from $15 - $30 / night
Check Availability5. Ferry Landing - Mississippi River
"Great isolated camping at river edge where Iowa and Mississippi rivers meet! Paddling, fishing, hiking in bottom land forests. Look out for insects."
6. Louisa County Snively Access Campground
"Spots are right at the water edge. Boat ramp available. Very steep, dirt lane to access campground. Questionable for an RV over 25’"
from $12 / night
Check Availability7. Snively Access
"Snively Access Campground is located off of County Road X61 in Wapello, IA. The access road is a steep, well-maintained, gravel drive that takes you directly to Lake Odessa and the campsites."
8. Shady Creek
"What a gem we found in Muscatine Iowa. Level poured pad for RV, electric and nice fire pits. Large sites. Clean restrooms and lots of hot water for Shower."
"We could see multiple fire works shows if we walked around the campground with the neighbors across the street putting on a pretty great "amateur" show. "
from $14 - $26 / night
Check Availability9. Delabar State Park Campground
10. Virginia Grove Rec Area
"There is a walking trail that leads to a lake with ducks. Online only reservations."
from $17 / night
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Drive Time
- 1 hr from Iowa City, IA
- 1 hr 7 min from Davenport, IA
- 1 hr 20 min from Cedar Rapids, IA
- 1 hr 46 min from Peoria, IL
Recent Camping Photos near Oakville, IA
43 Photos of 111 Oakville Campgrounds
Kyle J.
Keithsburg Riverside Campground
Jeff F.
Big River State Forest Campground
Jessica H.
Snively Access
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Langwood Education Center
J&KAllbee
Shady Creek
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Riverview Campground - Loud Thunder Forest Preserve
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Wildcat Den State Park Campground
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Clarks Ferry
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Saulsbury Bridge Rec Area - Cedar River Campground
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Updog RV & Camping
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Camelot Campground Quad Cities USA
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Allison Lake Storey
Recent Reviews near Oakville, IA
428 Reviews of 111 Oakville Campgrounds
Chad S.ScoutFairport State Recreation Area Campground
Overall decent campground
Water pressure not great. Location by the river very nice. Great boat access and parking. Could’ve done without the trains but overall an ok place to stay, especially for river access. Recommend Lighthouse Grill and Bar- cool atmosphere and cheap drinks.
Lynette B.ScoutPark Terrace Campground - West Lake Park
Perfect tent camping spots!
We had a BLAST!! Stayed the night here driving to PA. Very welcoming, you have to enter in gate 5, set up your tent site(towards the back near the woods) then pay $20. It's not free, but there are restrooms and water near the tents and a shower near the office. Great hiking trails, we went on 2 hikes last night. 10/10 highly recommend! Watched Netflix so the Internet is great!!!
Maria Mercedes M.
LegendColona Scott Family Park
A Sweet Little Riverbend Escape for Families
There’s something instantly comforting about Colona Scott Family Park, tucked right along the Hennepin Canal where the trees lean in close and the boys could finally stretch their legs without a single car in sight. This medium-sized, family-run campground has a gentle, lived-in charm with wide grassy sites, EZ pull-ins and a friendly check-in that feels more like stopping by a neighbor’s porch than traditional ‘campground operations.’ The amenities are simple but thoughtfully kept with clean restrooms, hot showers, picnic tables, fire rings and plenty of soft ground for kids to toss a football or chase fireflies before bed. One of my favorite moments was taking the boys down to the pond in the golden light, watching them skip rocks while my husband and I listened to the water slip by (ironically listening to 'sitting on the dock of the bay!'), which felt wonderfully unhurried. For families, this is a sweet overnight pick thanks to the calm setting, caring staff and the pond's built-in nature opportunities for biking, strolling and birdwatching. For the best campsite recommendation, choose Site 11, which is closest to the pond path with an open grassy backdrop that gives the kids room to roam while still keeping everything peaceful and EZ.
- JJake L.Scout
Indian Meadows Campground - Loud Thunder Forest Preserve
Great campground for the family
Overall had a great experience. The brick and mortar restroom is far better than the campsite bathroom. Most campsites are close together but enough forest in between to feel private. Quiet hours are enforced.
- BBecky
TravelerFern Cliff Co Park
Great free campsite
We found this on a trip back from MS. It’s free and had men’s and women’s vault toilets. Great sunset opportunities!
James M.LegendWapsi River Environmental Ed. Ctr.
Great County Cabin among native habitats
This cabin sleeps six people, is modern and includes full service kitchen, bathroom with ADA accessible shower, picnic table, fire ring and grill, freed firewood! Trails along the Wapsipinicon River, prairie, and woodlands. Nature Center has love animals, exhibits, and offers programs . River landing offers river access for paddling. Observatory offers night programs by local university.
- James M.Legend
Scott County Park- South East Corner Campground
Very basic camp area with equestrian Trail access.
This campsite has a hard parking lot surface, picnic table, charcoal, grill, firing, and a pit toilet, horse tie up. Trail access starts here, recycling station is adjacent, and Scott County Park Road is just to the south.
- James M.Legend
Woodside Campground, Scott County Park Iowa
Nice county open campground
This campground is well-maintained, includes basic amenities: hard surface, picnic table, fire rings, water, electric, sewer, firewood for purchase on site, full shower, house and restrooms, seasonal campground host, and lots to do within the Park itself. This site is a few years old, and trees planted our continue to grow.
Guide to Oakville
Camping areas surrounding Oakville, Iowa provide access to both Mississippi River frontage and inland recreation areas. The Ferry Landing campground at the confluence of the Iowa and Mississippi rivers offers dispersed camping with river views and fishing opportunities. Other nearby options include Big Hollow Recreation Area, featuring full hookup sites, primitive camping areas, and recreational facilities like a boat launch and shooting range. Campground options range from basic riverside sites with minimal amenities to more developed facilities with electricity, showers, and sanitary stations. Both tent and RV camping are supported at most locations, with a few sites also offering cabin accommodations.
Road conditions and seasonal flooding significantly impact camping availability in the region. The Mississippi River floodplain experiences periodic high water, especially in spring and early summer, making some sites temporarily inaccessible. As one visitor noted, "Tried to camp here, but dirt road going in was submerged in deep mud holes after some heavy rain." Many campsites require self-registration within 30 minutes of arrival, particularly at county-managed locations. Cell service varies throughout the area, with limited connectivity at more remote riverside locations. Campers should check with Louisa County Conservation about potential closures during flood season before planning trips to riverside campgrounds, as gates may be closed with high water signs posted.
The riverside setting represents a dominant feature for camping in this area. Campers appreciate the natural surroundings and wildlife viewing opportunities, particularly for birdwatching. "Great isolated camping at river edge where Iowa and Mississippi rivers meet! Paddling, fishing, hiking in bottom land forests," shared one reviewer about Ferry Landing. Several campgrounds provide electrical hookups and basic amenities, though shower facilities may be limited or require a walk from campsites. Mixed-use campgrounds in the region balance privacy with accessibility, offering varied site spacing from densely arranged to more secluded options. Public boat launches near camping areas facilitate fishing and paddling activities, with opportunities to observe river barges, explore wildlife refuges, or paddle on Lake Odessa. Noise levels remain relatively low at most sites, particularly during weekdays, though some riverside locations may have seasonal or weekend activity increases.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular campground near Oakville, IA?
Which is the most popular campground near Oakville, IA?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Oakville, IA is Keithsburg Riverside Campground with a 3.8-star rating from 5 reviews.
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