Dispersed camping opportunities exist near Oakville, Iowa where the Iowa and Mississippi rivers converge, creating unique bottomland forests and wetland environments. Most campsites in this rural area sit at elevations between 530-570 feet above sea level, with summer temperatures averaging 75-85°F during peak camping season. The region experiences periodic flooding that can affect camping availability, particularly at riverside sites during spring and early summer.
What to do
Fishing along riverbanks: Ferry Landing offers primitive camping 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 James M. The area provides opportunities to watch barges and experience authentic river camping.
Visit nearby state parks: Wildcat Den State Park is accessible from Shady Creek. "Nice location to spend time fishing, watching sunsets, and paddle. Near Wild Cat Den State Park," reports James M. The park features historic mill buildings, sandstone formations, and hiking trails through wooded ravines.
Paddle local waterways: The confluence of rivers creates excellent paddling routes. "Paddle upstream to Port Louisa NWR or Lake Odessa," suggests a Ferry Landing camper. Sturgeon Bay Park and Campground provides river access with a reviewer noting it's "Great place to camp especially if you have a boat or like to fish the Mississippi river."
What campers like
Riverside camping views: The best-rated sites often face the water. At Shady Creek, "Site #12 with electric hookup was in my opinion the best site. Right on the back of the mighty Mississippi," according to Donna T. Many campers recommend requesting waterfront sites when making reservations.
Level concrete pads: RV campers consistently praise the well-maintained sites at Corps of Engineers campgrounds. "Never seen a park where every pad was level like this one," reports Gary P. at Shady Creek. Similar quality exists at Fishermans Corner where a reviewer noted, "Clean and comfy... Paved everywhere, level concrete pads. Corps of Engineers takes really good care of their recreation areas."
Wildlife viewing: The river environment attracts diverse wildlife. "Look out for insects," warns one Ferry Landing reviewer, but the natural setting offers excellent opportunities to observe river birds, turtles, and occasional deer. Campers recommend bringing binoculars for barge and wildlife spotting from riverside sites.
What you should know
Weather and flooding concerns: River levels fluctuate significantly and can affect access. A Ferry Landing reviewer cautioned, "Tried to camp here, but dirt road going in was submerged in deep mud holes after heavy rain." Check river forecasts before visiting riverside campgrounds.
Train noise: Railroad tracks run parallel to the Mississippi River throughout the region. At Crossroads RV Park, one camper advised about "Constant train traffic all night! Horns blaring! The tracks are less than 1/4-mile away." Site selection can minimize this impact at some campgrounds.
Water hookup limitations: Water spigots may be shared between multiple sites. Barbara P. at Shady Creek noted, "As stated water is shared by 4 sites and was 30 ft away." Many RVers recommend bringing additional hose sections when camping in the area.
Tips for camping with families
Swimming options: Several campgrounds offer pools for family swimming. Cedar River Campground includes "playground, pool, mini golf, Cedar River access too," according to James M. Similarly, Interstate RV Park features a pool that, according to one visitor, "The kids loved the huge pool."
Playground facilities: Cedar River Campground received positive reviews for its children's amenities. One camper mentioned, "They have mini-golf, a nice pool and a creative rugged play area for the kids." The campground operates from April 15 to October 15.
Educational opportunities: Families can learn about river ecology. Ferry Landing is positioned where "Iowa and Mississippi rivers meet" with opportunities for "Paddling, fishing, hiking in bottom land forests." Ranger programs at nearby wildlife refuges offer seasonal educational activities about river ecosystems.
Tips from RVers
Big rig considerations: Several rv campgrounds near Oakville, Iowa can accommodate larger vehicles. Interstate RV Park in Davenport has "pull through sites with gravel drives, tables, electric, water, and dump station," although James M. notes it "appears many RV sites may be permanent."
Seasonal availability: Most RV parks in the Oakville region operate seasonally. Updog RV & Camping runs "April 15 - November 15" while Teresa M. describes it as a "Small, family campground with lots of shade and small pond!" Plan accordingly as options decrease significantly during winter months.
Reservation requirements: Campsites with river views book quickly. At Shady Creek, Kimberly W. advises, "make your reservations as early as you can the spots go quick!" Federal recreation sites typically open reservations six months in advance for peak summer weekends.
