Glamping close to Preston, Iowa offers diverse campground options along the Mississippi River's backwaters and nearby lakes. This eastern Iowa region sits along the bluffs where elevation changes create varied terrains from river bottomlands to forested hills. Spring and fall camping seasons experience temperature swings of 30°F between day and night, requiring layered clothing and proper sleeping gear.
What to do
Water exploration: Mississippi backwaters at Rock Creek County Marina and Campground provide extensive paddling opportunities. "Nice educational center with canoe and kayak rentals, with lots of Mississippi backwater to explore. Showers are open until October 14 this year," notes Jeff and Linda L.
Wildlife viewing: Eco centers showcase local species and habitats. "The Eco Center with turtles, snakes, and an aquarium that our family really enjoyed. The grounds are on backwaters of the Mississippi so there are boat ramps, docks, and areas to fish," says Chris F. about Rock Creek.
Historical excursions: Scott County Park contains pioneer buildings and exhibits. James M. notes, "Park offers pool, golf with concessions, Pride Lake for fishing/paddling, historical Pioneer Village." This provides educational opportunities beyond the standard outdoor activities.
Trout fishing: Stocked streams at Swiss Valley County Park offer reliable catches. "Trout stream (Catfish Creek) runs through campground and park and is stocked by Iowa DNR, has Swiss Valley Nature center with trails," explains James M.
What campers like
Clean facilities: Morrison-Rockwood State Park receives consistent praise for maintenance. Stacie H. emphasizes, "The (and I cannot emphasize this enough) CLEANEST campground bathrooms I've ever seen! I'm not squeamish and have been camping for years so my expectations for campground bathroom cleanliness is well calibrated but these bathrooms (even the vault toilets!) were amazingly clean!"
Privacy between sites: Many campgrounds offer natural separation. "Most of the camp sites are fairly secluded from one another by distance and from surrounding foliage," notes Stacie H. about Morrison-Rockwood State Park. This contrasts with more open glamping arrangements.
Accessibility to amenities: Campers appreciate the balance of seclusion with convenience. "There's a restaurant and gift shop on site. Gift shop sells wood if you run low or forget," comments Brian O. about Morrison-Rockwood State Park's amenities.
Wildlife encounters: Visitors enjoy observing animals near their sites. Victoria R. from Blanding Landing shares, "I stayed at site 36 over the Labor Day weekend, and it was incredible. I was a solo female traveler with my two service dogs. When I arrived, the site was clean, and we had a site with an open site on one side making it feel twice as big."
What you should know
Train noise: Several campgrounds sit near active rail lines. Ruth M. warns about Blanding Landing: "Our first night here the many trains were loud and woke us up, but if you can laugh instead of being annoyed, it is fine."
Weather considerations: River proximity means flooding risks. Crystal R. notes about Rock Creek: "Gorgeous surrounding, something for everyone. No strict rules. Environmental center for kids and adults alike and a cafe. Lots of bugs, high humidity and it can flood."
Seasonal restrictions: Water access varies throughout the year. "Showers are open until October 14 this year," mentions Jeff and Linda L. about Rock Creek's facilities, indicating seasonal closures.
Site selection matters: Campground layouts vary widely. Mary S. advises about Blanding Landing: "Sites by the river don't have much shade. Sites by the tracks are the most 'wooded' but also right near the trains. Trains are noisy—we slept through them but are also used to living by a train station. Your mileage may vary on that one."
Tips for camping with families
Playground access: Choose sites near play areas for convenience. Ben W. recommends Morrison-Rockwood State Park: "We had site 57 which is in a loop which goes around a playground. It was great for the kids who could go play and the sites in this loop provide plenty of space and privacy."
Educational opportunities: Eco centers provide rainy day alternatives. Ryan states that Rock Creek "has an assortment of primitive and electrical sites. They also have cabins and canoe/kayak rental, a visitor shop with food/drink and a mini museum of the local wildlife. Great place for the family."
Pet considerations: Many sites welcome dogs but have varying rules. Victoria R. shares her Blanding Landing experience: "The other campers were friendly, and the one site neighbor we had (a young couple about my age with a pup too!) even came to visit and meet my dogs and gave them organic dog treats."
Site spacing: Look for end sites with more space. Mary S. recommends at Blanding Landing: "We (tent campers) had site 24. It's the last site in that part of the driveway and I recommend it because you have a lot of open space to one side plus not far from water or bathrooms."
Tips from RVers
Pad leveling: Check site descriptions for surface information. Paul B. mentions about Palace Campground: "Campground is convenient to Galena and Dubuque. We stayed in site 73, which they call a double. If the campground is full, it would be pretty tight."
Hookup availability: Services vary by season and site type. James M. notes that Woodside Campground "offers host, nicely maintained heated showers and restrooms, play area, firewood, available on site, RV pads are hard surface, have fire rings, water, electric, tables."
Maneuvering space: Some sites require careful navigation. Chris F. cautions about Rock Creek: "Our site was pretty flat, although it was a little tricky backing into it. They put the site number posts at the end of the pad near the road and our site had a tree on the other side, so we had to use the grass across the road to maneuver in and out."
Seasonal considerations: Solar-powered campgrounds offer unique benefits. James M. highlights that Woodside Campground is a "Newer solar assisted CG" but warns it has "Not much shade though trees are planted."
