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Eastern Iowa's countryside surrounding Oxford Junction features several established campgrounds within a short drive. Eden Valley Refuge, located near Lost Nation and Oxford Junction, provides year-round camping with RV hookups, tent sites, and cabins. The area also includes Central Park in Center Junction with electric sites for tents and RVs, and Maquoketa Caves State Park Campground offering a unique landscape with caves and natural features. Most developed campgrounds in the region provide basic amenities like picnic tables, fire rings, and access to drinking water, with many offering electric hookups for RVs.
Seasonal considerations affect camping availability throughout the area, with many campgrounds operating from April through October. Flooding can impact accessibility, particularly at sites near rivers and creeks. Eden Valley Refuge and Central Park remain popular choices, with Central Park operating mid-April through mid-October. Facilities range from primitive tent sites to full-hookup RV spots with 30/50 amp service. Several campgrounds provide shower houses and modern restrooms, though some more remote areas offer only vault toilets. A visitor noted that "Eden Valley County Refuge is an unexpected find in rural, eastern Iowa. The camping areas have expanded with plenty of hook-ups for RVs, but there are also some backcountry, hike-in sites off of the main trail."
Campers consistently mention the natural attractions as highlights of the region. Maquoketa Caves State Park draws visitors with its unique cave system and hiking trails through wooded terrain. Eden Valley Refuge features a swinging bridge and observation tower as main structural attractions, along with several caves scattered throughout the property. The region offers a mix of recreational opportunities including fishing, hiking, and wildlife viewing. Water features like the Wapsipinicon River provide additional activities for campers. According to one review, "Near Lost Nation, Oxford Junction, and Wyoming, IA this park is an unexpected find in rural, eastern Iowa... Overall, very enjoyable and there aren't a lot of places like this nearby. Worth a stop if you're in the area."
"cave system of Maquoketa Caves State Park, Iowa."
"This is a great weekend stay, with short trails that show some beautiful and unusual scenery for central Iowa. The natural bridge is incredible, and the sites are well spaced out."
from $20 - $28 / night
Check Availability"Near Lost Nation, Oxford Junction, and Wyoming, IA this park is an unexpected find in rural, eastern Iowa. The camping areas have expanded."
"Well we found a pretty good one that is relatively close to our home and is rarely reserved. Its only 1 hour North of the Quad Cities where I live & open year round!"
"Trails, nature center, shelters, restrooms/showers, and lake access for beach, paddling, fishing, etc. Prairie plantings mixed in the wooded areas."
"Small lake to fish and kayak!"
from $20 - $45 / night
Check Availabilityfrom $7 / night
Check Availability"Charcoal grill, fire ring with wood supplied, picnic table, covered porch, trail head right next to cabin. After hours offers quite park, dark skies, and trails with wildlife."
"AC/heat, covered porch, firewood, picnic table, Charcoal grill, trails. Park is also site of nature center with live animals, an observatory, access to Wapsipinicon River."
from $70 - $80 / night
Check Availability"There is a boat ramp with access to the river for fishing and paddling."
"Primitive sites include gravel entrance, picnic tables, fire rings only. There is a boat ramp for the Wapsipinicon river with access for fishing, paddling, etc."
"CG has open sites with fire pits, tables, dump station, firewood, restrooms. 2 shelters to rent, playground, trails, lake for fishing."
"Trails w ave through prairie areas. Playground and shelter available. No one here this late December"
from $10 - $15 / night
Check Availabilityfrom $15 - $25 / night
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LegendThough the CG is small, open, few interior trees for shade, it has a outhouse, fire rings, picnic tables, and dump station. Has 8 designated camp sites with sled registration. Great 1 mile access to the Middle Fork of the Little Maquoketa River ( Bankston Creek) and is stocked by the Iowa DNR with trout. Public hunting in park during seasons.
ScoutWe really enjoy this park. It’s almost empty during the week days. We stay Monday through Thursday and always find a spot. Quiet and peaceful.
LegendSometimes on a family road trip, you don't need a campground to entertain you ... you just need a comfortable place to pull in, hook up and give everyone a break from the highway. Interstate RV Park sits conveniently just off I-80 on the outskirts of Davenport and that's really where this approximately 100-site campground earns its keep: it's an EZ-in, EZ-out stopping point for travelers crossing Iowa or exploring the Quad Cities. The campground is more practical than picturesque, with a mixture of overnight travelers and longer-term campers, but RV families will appreciate full hookups with 30/50-amp electric service, pull-thru options, restrooms & showers, laundry, a seasonal swimming pool, pavilion, game room and small camp store. One of those simple road-trip moments I always appreciate is finally getting everyone out of the vehicle after hours of driving, watching the kids stretch their legs while we get camp organized and realizing that, for tonight anyway, we don't have anywhere else we need to be. Some campgrounds are the destination, while others simply give your family a place to catch its breath between adventures. From what we saw, I'd choose one of the campground's dedicated overnight sites away from the longer-term residents, and travelers with larger rigs or multiple slides should ask for one of the wider sites because spacing can be tight. We did note uneven gravel, potholes and less than polished conditions in some of the common facilities, so expectations should be kept to a minimum. Overall, we'd recommend Interstate RV Park for RV families needing a convenient 1-night stop because of its outstanding I-80 access, full hookups and proximity to Davenport, but for families seeking privacy, polished facilities and a campground where the kids can spend the weekend exploring, there are stronger choices around the Quad Cities area.
LegendNice clean single room bathroom/showers. Big enough grounds to find a great spot.
GuideCampground sits on a hill overlooking a number of farms. Absolutely beautiful. Decent sized sites, full hook-ups. Also a dump station. Small store on site. Trees provide shade. Many acres of paths and grass to walk the dog. Very clean bathrooms and showers. Whole place is neat and tidy. Only negative is highway noise. Pull through sites are farther from highway so may be less noisy there.
TravelerWe stopped here for one night on our trip and it was a nice and small campsite. It is right on the river and very pretty.
LegendIf you're the kind of camper who measures a campground by the number of trees instead of the number of amenities, Wilderness CG continues to be THE hidden campground gem within Scott County Park. Surrounded by mature hardwood forest, generous-sized campsites with decent privacy and miles of interconnected hiking trails, this campground delivers a camping experience that feels far more secluded than you'd expect to find just minutes from the Quad Cities. While my original review from just over a year ago goes into considerable detail about each aspect of the campground and the park itself, I thought I'd follow up that review with a quick summary of what continues to stand out most.
Here's a topline of HIGHLIGHTS and LOWLIGHTS along with a smattering of new photos.
HIGHLIGHTS: (1) Easily the most wooded, private and peaceful campground within Scott County Park, making it an outstanding choice for tent campers, in particular, and anyone seeking a true forest setting; (2) Spacious campsites tucked beneath a dense tree canopy (expert tip: be sure to look up at any potential 'widow makers' before setting up camp) that provides excellent shade, natural privacy and a genuine 'away from it all' atmosphere; (3) Immaculately maintained restroom and shower facilities with dependable hot water that rival many commercial campgrounds; (4) Outstanding access to some of the park's best hiking trails, allowing campers to step directly from their campsite into miles of beautiful woodland; and (5) Scott County Park itself offers an impressive collection of amenities, including: 2 fishing lakes (and 2 smaller ponds), a championship 9-hole golf course, massive family-friendly swimming pool, various scattered playgrounds, an abundance of picnic areas in and outside of excellent shelters and friendly park staff ... all just a short drive from your campsite.
LOWLIGHTS: (1) The heavily wooded terrain means some sites are uneven with exposed roots, making leveling RVs and 5th wheelers more challenging than at neighboring campgrounds; (2) There is no lake or waterfront access directly within Wilderness Campground, so paddlers and anglers will need to drive to other areas of the park; (3) The abundance of trees and leaf cover can make portions of the campground appear a little less manicured, even though it is very well maintained - when we were there in the Autumn, we wished we would have brought our rake!; (4) Only one of the campground's restroom buildings includes shower facilities, so some campers may have a short walk or drive depending on their site; and (5) Larger RVs may find neighboring campgrounds such as Bald Eagle or Woodside better suited to their size and setup.
Happy Camping!
TravelerDriving thru. Stayed for a quick stop over. County Park. Loop A takes reservations. Loop B first come first served. It was a long trek to the bathroom and showers which were well maintained. Great price $35
GuideWe just stayed a quick night on the way driving across country. We pulled up in the dark, and were awakened the next day by an amazing view of the Mississippi River. Some camping spots have water, They all have electricity, and there is one bathroom with showers. Portapotties and dumpsters are situated throughout. There is a slightly confusing registration process of a QR code on you camping spot. Overall, a great place to stop.
The countryside surrounding Oxford Junction, Iowa sits at approximately 850 feet above sea level in eastern Iowa's rolling hills. This area experiences seasonal variations with summer temperatures typically ranging from 60-85°F and winter temperatures often dropping below freezing. Camping options near Oxford Junction include established campgrounds and more primitive sites, with several offering river access for fishing and paddling activities.
Explore cave systems: Maquoketa Caves State Park Campground offers unique spelunking opportunities with 13 distinct bat caves to explore. "For the rest of us outdoor enthusiasts who are simply looking for a great campground, then you've also struck the campground lottery, but if you are interested in staying here, I would STRONGLY encourage you to mind your dates taking note of when bat hibernation ends and begins," advises a camper at Maquoketa Caves State Park Campground.
Kayak or tube the Wapsipinicon River: Rolin Wapsi Campground provides direct river access and equipment rentals. "They also offer Tubes, Kayaks, Canoes and a Shuttle service to float on the Wapsi River," notes a visitor. This campground gives campers easy water access without needing to bring their own equipment.
Fishing opportunities: Sherman Co Park provides access to the Wapsipinicon River for anglers. "Our favorite past time while we're there is to go tubing on the Wapsi River," shares a regular visitor. The park has both electric sites and primitive camping options along the water.
Secluded tent sites: Eden Valley Refuge offers walk-in camping options away from the main campground. "It's a little hike in for the dispersed sites, but worth it to be in a secluded woodsy site. Was peaceful and relaxing," reports one camper. These sites require approximately a half-mile hike but provide greater privacy than the main campground.
Modern facilities: Bennett Park receives praise for its updated amenities. "The shower house and bathrooms are new and super nice. There are two playgrounds for the kids to play on, and a pond we were able to put some kayaks in!" shares a visitor. The park offers electric sites with gravel pads.
Night sky viewing: Wapsi River Environmental Ed. Ctr. offers exceptional stargazing opportunities. "No city light so night sky shines with stars," notes a reviewer. The center includes an observatory with sky programs for visitors interested in astronomy.
Seasonal considerations: Many campgrounds in the area operate on limited schedules. Maquoketa Caves State Park Campground "is closed between December 1 thru February 28 each year," according to a visitor. Additionally, bat hibernation periods may restrict cave access even when the campground remains open.
Flooding potential: Low-lying campsites near rivers may experience flooding. At Walnut Grove Co Park, "individual sites along the river had a great view, but maybe retained a few memories and scars from the last flood," notes one camper. Always check weather forecasts and river levels before booking riverside sites.
Reservation requirements: Most campgrounds require advance booking during peak season. "These sites must be reserved online and are $13 a night," notes a visitor to Eden Valley Refuge regarding their hike-in sites. Booking ahead ensures availability, especially for weekend stays.
Playground access: Multiple campgrounds offer play areas for children. "There's a nice newer playground for the kids and a few trail to explore," notes a visitor to Sherman Co Park. Consider campsite proximity to these areas when booking with children.
Educational opportunities: Central Park offers both recreation and learning experiences. "This park is well maintained with full service and primitive sites. Trails, nature center, shelters, restrooms/showers, and lake access for beach, paddling, fishing, etc," according to a visitor. The nature center provides indoor activities during inclement weather.
Swimming options: Bennett Park allows swimming in its small pond. "There's a pond that you can actually swim and fish and paddling," mentions a reviewer. This provides a cooling option during hot summer days when river conditions might be unsuitable for swimming.
Site selection: At Maquoketa Caves State Park Campground, "All sites designated for RV's are back-in and range in driveway length between 31 and 68 feet." RVers should verify site length before booking to ensure their rig fits comfortably.
Dump station availability: Check campground amenities before arrival. "Only downfall is there is no dumping station," notes a visitor to Bennett Park, though this has reportedly been updated with a "newer dump station" according to a more recent review.
Electric options: Most campgrounds in the area offer electric hookups, but amperage varies. Central Park provides sites with power, and "The camping spots are nice and most have picnic tables," according to a visitor. Call ahead to confirm electrical service meets your RV requirements.
Frequently Asked Questions
What recreational activities are available at Oxford Junction?
The Oxford Junction area offers diverse recreational opportunities for outdoor enthusiasts. At Eden Valley Refuge, visitors can enjoy hiking through eastern Iowa's scenic countryside, wildlife viewing, and fishing. The nearby Mississippi Palisades State Park Campground provides secluded hiking trails with beautiful views. The region also features boating and fishing access at several local waterways, playgrounds for children, and nature observation opportunities. Central Park near Center Junction offers additional hiking trails and water activities, making Oxford Junction an unexpected recreational gem in rural eastern Iowa.
What is the best time of year to camp at Oxford Junction?
The best time to camp around Oxford Junction is from late spring through early fall (May to October), when temperatures are most comfortable and facilities are fully operational. Sugar Bottom Campground offers a beautiful setting during this period with ample wildlife viewing opportunities. Cottonwood Campground is particularly pleasant in late summer and early fall when the tent areas among trees provide natural shade. Be aware that Iowa occasionally experiences severe weather, including thunderstorms and wind events that may temporarily affect campgrounds. Early fall offers particularly pleasant camping conditions with fewer insects and comfortable temperatures for outdoor activities.
Are there RV camping facilities at Oxford Junction?
Yes, the Oxford Junction area accommodates RV camping at several locations. West Overlook Campground offers electric hookups with convenient dump and water stations at the park entrance. Beyonder Getaway at Sleepy Hollow provides RV-friendly sites just minutes from I-80. For those seeking local options, Central Park and Bennett Park offer drive-in sites with big-rig-friendly facilities and basic amenities like water and toilets. Many campgrounds in the area require reservations, especially during peak season, so booking ahead is recommended for RV travelers visiting Oxford Junction.
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