Preston, Iowa camping areas connect to the Mississippi River backwaters, with many sites situated along quiet shorelines or within rural farmland settings. The region features a mix of county parks and private campgrounds that operate primarily from spring through fall. Proximity to the Wapsipinicon River creates additional water recreation opportunities for campers seeking alternatives to Mississippi River activities.
What to do
Water exploration along backwaters: Rock Creek County Marina and Campground offers canoe and kayak rentals for exploring the Mississippi backwaters. "Nice educational center with canoe and kayak rentals, with lots of Mississippi backwater to explore," notes Jeff and Linda L. The location includes a nature center with displays of native wildlife.
Fishing opportunities: Shady Creek provides direct access to the Mississippi River for anglers. According to Barbara P., "Quiet, relaxing small campground with super clean hot showers and flush toilets in shower house. Boat ramp, dock fishing, tall trees all over." The shoreline access makes it ideal for casual fishing.
Hiking trail access: Geneseo Campground connects to the Hennepin Canal trail system. "There's 72 miles of biking trails as well as miles and miles of nicely paved empty country roads to pedal on," says Stuart K. The canal trails offer flat terrain suitable for all ability levels.
What campers like
Clean facilities: Campers consistently mention well-maintained bathhouses near Preston. "Very clean, little playground for kids, newer nature center, canoe/kayak rentals, shower house, wood for fee," James M. notes about Rock Creek Marina and Campground's amenities.
Riverfront views: Fishermans Corner offers sites with direct river views. Elisha L. shares, "The campground is quiet with level gravel pads with a picnic table and firepit. The sites have electric, water to fill your tanks with dispersed throughout the campground, and a dump station. The sites are well spaced and the campground itself feels more like a park that happens to have RV parking."
Quiet atmospheres: Despite proximity to towns, many campgrounds maintain peaceful settings. At Porth RV Park, James M. notes the "sites are close together: gravel pads, onsite: water, firewood, fire pit, tables, food nearby, playground adjacent." The smaller size helps maintain a quieter atmosphere compared to larger facilities.
What you should know
Train noise impacts several campgrounds: Blanding Landing and other Mississippi River campgrounds experience train disruptions. Ruth M. comments, "Quiet, relaxing small campground with super clean hot showers and flush toilets in shower house. 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."
Seasonal weather concerns: Flooding affects low-lying campgrounds during wet periods. Crystal R. mentions 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."
Limited grocery access: Most campgrounds require driving for supplies. Ruth M. notes, "Groceries and ice are 13 miles away on hilly pavement roads." Stock up before arrival, especially for extended stays.
Reservation requirements vary: Some campgrounds require advance booking while others permit drive-ups. David D. advises about Shady Creek: "Great spot on the Mississippi River. Level cement pads. Strong Verizon access."
Tips for camping with families
Educational opportunities: Rock Creek County Marina offers nature programs. "This campground 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," writes Ryan.
Playground access: Chris F. notes, "The campgrounds are very nice. They have clean bathrooms, a nicely stocked store, and a couple playgrounds. They also have an Eco Center with turtles, snakes, and an aquarium that our family really enjoyed."
Pet considerations: Dog policies require leashing at most campgrounds. "I'm not sure what the rules are, but there were a lot of dogs not tied up. Most people kept a close eye on them, but we had a couple wander through and do their business in our site," warns Chris F.
Wildlife viewing: James M. recommends Rock Creek for "backwaters & Eco Tourist Center" where families can enjoy "naturalist programs, nature center with native animals including large fish aquarium."
Tips from RVers
Site levelness varies significantly: At Rustic Barn Campground near Preston, Stephanie S. notes, "The sites are all clean and most all are level. Unfortunately our site 26 seemed to be the most unlevel, which was our only negative. We had to use all our blocks to get us as level as possible."
RV pad surfaces: Most rv sites near Preston, Iowa have gravel surfaces rather than concrete. Lee D. reports about Rustic Barn, "All had gravel driveways and looked level. Decent separation between sites although they are close together, as would be expected in an RV park."
Weather impacts on RV sites: Some campgrounds experience drainage issues after heavy rain. According to Juli H. at Spruce Creek Park, "The problem is how the weather was handled... I was met with attitude and zero empathy on where, how or what to do when our camp site was ankle deep in water."
Utility hookup access: When seeking full-hookup RV sites, Interstate RV Park provides options. Kaitlynn B. notes it's an "Easy on off from highway, cute little place but still fit a big rig towing a trailer. DoorDash in area is convenient. 50 ⚡️💩👍💧👍"
