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Campgrounds near Preston, Iowa cluster along the Mississippi River, offering a mixture of state park and county-operated facilities. Bellevue State Park Campground provides 46 sites with electric hookups and modern facilities, situated approximately 15 miles east of Preston. Maquoketa Caves State Park Campground, located about 10 miles southwest of Preston, offers both tent and RV camping with electric hookups and showers available from April through December. The region includes several mixed-use campgrounds that accommodate tents, RVs, and in some locations, cabin rentals.
Camping access in this region depends heavily on seasonal considerations, with many facilities operating from April through October or early November. South Sabula Lakes County Park remains open from April 1 to November 1, while Mississippi Palisades State Park Campground operates year-round but with reduced services in winter. According to one visitor, "Campgrounds are ample, and plenty to choose from," though another noted that "Bathrooms and showers are clean but there are no hooks in the bathrooms to hang towels or toiletries." Water levels and insect activity can significantly impact camping experiences, particularly at riverside locations like Sabula Lakes County Park where spring flooding has been reported to trigger substantial insect hatches.
Developed campgrounds throughout the area typically provide electrical hookups, shower facilities, and sanitary dump stations. Mississippi Palisades State Park features 241 Class A and B sites with electrical hookups available at 110 locations. Campers consistently mention the scenic hiking opportunities along the Mississippi River bluffs as a highlight of the region. One reviewer described the Bellevue State Park as having "beautiful overlooks of the Mississippi River from paved walking trails." Visitors frequently note the varied terrain, with several campgrounds positioned on bluffs overlooking the Mississippi River while others provide direct river access for boating and fishing. The proximity to towns like Bellevue, Maquoketa, and Sabula allows campers to access supplies and restaurants easily while maintaining a connection to nature.
"Hidden gem near the iowa/illinois border. Secluded and beautiful."
"It has trails for walking and lots of concrete for riding bikes. We did both. The park is close to the River and has plenty of places to put your boat in across the highway."
"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"This is a beautiful spot on the outskirts of a small town. The train museum is open for a few hours on weekends. Other towns are nearby with more things to do."
"This is a really pretty area fairly close to home so it is a good option."
from $14 - $26 / night
Check Availability"CG site atop river bluff with pads, fire rings, tables, RR, recycling, trails, shelters nearby. Sites are close to each other but plenty to do."
"The site our friends had next to us was uninhabitable due to mud and sloping but the rangers let them switch sites no problem."
from $16 - $36 / night
Check Availability"Hosts are friendly and I saw rangers driving through multiple times. Each site includes picnic table and fire pit. Most have electric. "
"It’s a shame because it is a very scenic location and the camp hosts have been superb."
from $14 - $25 / night
Check Availability"It's like a step back in time in the best way possible."
"The bike trail is within steps of your site. Hookups for electric and water available. Well maintained portapotties at various points throughout the grounds."
from $25 - $35 / night
Check Availability"Enjoyed almost 2 weeks at West Lake Park, part of the Scott County, IA park system. Helpful staff, park rangers make daily patrols, nice spots, many with shade trees & decent room."
"Although theres a small "lake" here, Ive never had great luck catching much. Pool is nice and updated. Park rangers are always frequently present and patrolling."
from $17 - $36 / night
Check Availability"Usually a pretty quiet area although its next to a train track so expect a train or two to wake you up. Tucked away next to the Mississippi. There is a boat ramp and parking."
from $14 / night
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.
GuideIt’s small, quiet and clean. Booked on-line easily. Planned just for 2 days traveling cross country. Got a pull thru site, didn’t know the direction to pull in as their map didn’t show any arrows. Site is gravel, dirt and grass. Quite level and no blocks needed. Hook ups are situated properly for easy connection. Noted about 10 long term sites in use. Did not use any campground shower or toilet facilities. Follow directions given by campsite to avoid low railroad bridge. Followed their blue camping signs coming from i80 just fine. Geneseo is a nice small farm town with good supplies, gas , laundry. I would stay again if needed.
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.
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!
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.
ScoutArrived late at night and struggled to find correct site as there were no numbers posted. Also no external lighting or picnic table. Bathrooms were clean and office help was accommodating when reservation was made.
Camping sites near Preston, Iowa cluster around backwaters and bluffs of the Mississippi River across both Iowa and Illinois. The region sits approximately 20 miles inland from the Mississippi River at elevations ranging from 585 to 830 feet above sea level. During spring and early summer, seasonal insect hatches can be significant, particularly following high water events when river levels recede.
Explore cave systems: Maquoketa Caves State Park Campground offers unique spelunking opportunities with 13 distinct caves. "This Iowa SP campground is simply AMAZING and if you are a bat spelunker, you are going to be absolutely excited by this place. For the rest of us outdoor enthusiasts who are simply looking for a great campground, then you've also struck the campground lottery," notes one visitor who recommends checking cave access dates carefully around bat hibernation periods.
Paddling on Spring Lake: Spring Lake Campground provides direct water access for kayaks and paddleboards. "Sunsets and stargazing, fishing and kayaking, biking and relaxing! The quiet nature of this campground allow campers to enjoy the protected wildlife of the refuge (bird watchers- bring you cameras), access to Spring Lake fishing," writes one camper who appreciates the vintage feel of this sanctuary.
Hiking river bluffs: The region offers varied terrain with trails ranging from easy to challenging. At Mississippi Palisades State Park Campground, "Trail system is divided into North and South. North trails are scenic, with a casual non-technical difficulty to them. South trail system is challenging, especially because of the varied terrain it traverses," explains one visitor who enjoyed the distinct trail systems.
Secluded tent sites: Some campgrounds offer more private options for tent campers seeking solitude. At Maquoketa Caves State Park, "If you're looking for a primitive tent camping experience, then you're going to want to book sites #12 and #13, which set a bit further back for the cul-de-sac end of the lane offering up more privacy and less noise from the rest of the camping commune."
Off-peak camping advantages: Several campgrounds are less crowded during weekdays or shoulder seasons. "We stayed on the weekend and it was not full, but that could be because there are close to 250 sites. When booking it was hard to pick to be honest as there are so many choices. Some sites are massive...as in .25 an acre that you drive over the grass to get too your site bc it is situated away from the road," reports one visitor to Mississippi Palisades State Park.
Historic attractions: Bald Eagle Campground and Cabins offers access to unique historical features. "We also stopped at the Pioneer Village to check it out. They do expect you to leave a $2 donation per adult and $1 donation per child, but this is based on the honor system. It was very cool to see how things were done back then! We would definitely recommend stopping by, and definitely stop in the ice-cream shop and get a cone!"
Train noise impacts: Several riverside campgrounds experience regular train traffic. At Blanding Landing, "Not the worst but not one of the best COE campgrounds. No nice gravel or concrete pads anywhere. Many sites are not real level. Biggest issue is train tracks with trains running by very often. Maybe an hour or 90 minutes with none then there would be three in a very short period."
Seasonal insect activity: Mississippi River floods create significant insect hatches. "There had been flooding just prior to us camping there and the insect hatch was amazing. Then the cottonwood trees exploded their 'snow storm'. Made it hard to eat outside," notes a camper from South Sabula Lakes County Park, highlighting how weather conditions impact camping comfort.
Site selection importance: Sites vary significantly within each campground. "You probably don't want sites 1 or 2, they are directly across from the dump site. The plus is they are directly across from the playground, picnic area and trail access," advises a visitor to Bulger's Hollow Recreation Area, showing how location within a campground affects experience.
Playground proximity: Choose sites near play areas for convenience with children. At Bald Eagle Campground, "if you have kids and want to be planted near the playground, you might want to target sites #26-#28, where the spacious kids playground sets right behind these sites."
Swimming options: Some campgrounds feature swimming facilities for summer visits. "The pool was open while we were there but we did not partake. It was really hot out so the pool was packed! It looks really nice from the road, it has 2 water slides and a small child area fashioned similar to a splash park," notes a visitor to Bald Eagle Campground.
Cave exploration with kids: Maquoketa Caves State Park Campground offers varying cave difficulties suitable for different ages. "There are caves for everyone, whether you're claustrophobic and don't want to be in tight spaces or you're willing you army crawl for 1/4 mile. The rangers in the campground can be strict and will mandate that you have only one 'camping unit' per site, aka tent, even though the website says sites can hold up to six people."
Site leveling challenges: RVers should check site conditions before booking. At Thomson Causeway, "The sites are all level concrete and just about every one have a great view of the Mississippi. Quiet at night. The only improvement I would like to see is water hookups, but there are plenty of spigots scattered around the park."
Electrical options: Thomson Causeway provides good power options for RVs. "Very well set up campgrounds with plenty of electrical, non-electric sites. Very few primitive sites, if that's what you're looking for," explains a camper who found the amenities suitable for powered equipment.
Dump station accessibility: Several campgrounds offer sanitary facilities with varying quality. "The dump station is useless for black tank clean out connections. The water hose threads had been purposely removed," notes a visitor to South Sabula Lakes County Park, highlighting the importance of checking these facilities for longer RV stays near Preston.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular campground near Preston, IA?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Preston, IA is Mississippi Palisades State Park Campground with a 4.1-star rating from 31 reviews.
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