Best Campgrounds near Princeton, IA

Princeton, Iowa sits along the Mississippi River corridor with camping options spanning both Iowa and Illinois shorelines. The area features several established campgrounds within a 30-minute drive, including Fishermans Corner on the Illinois side and Rock Creek County Marina and Campground in Iowa. Scott County Park, located northwest of Princeton, offers multiple campground areas including Wilderness, Pine Grove, Sac-Fox, and Woodside, each providing different levels of amenities and privacy. Campsites range from primitive tent sites to full-hookup RV locations, with many facilities offering river access for boating and fishing. Several campgrounds provide cabin rentals and glamping options for those seeking alternatives to traditional camping.

Seasonal considerations significantly impact camping experiences in this area, with most campgrounds operating from April through October. Spring flooding along the Mississippi and its tributaries occasionally affects riverfront campsites, as one camper noted: "The one downfall to this park is the possibility for flooding. When the Cedar River is high, it pushes Chicken Creek out of its banks which can mean potential closure of campgrounds." Summer temperatures typically range from 70-90°F with high humidity, while spring and fall offer milder conditions. Many campgrounds require reservations during peak summer weekends, though some maintain first-come, first-served sites. Cell service is generally reliable throughout the region except in some river valley locations.

Riverside camping receives consistently positive reviews, particularly for fishing access and scenic views. According to one visitor at Fishermans Corner: "Some sites are directly on the river. Site 13 seemed to be one of the best situated. We stayed in Site 12 which had a beautiful, unobstructed view of the river." Train noise affects some campgrounds near railroad tracks, with one camper at Riverview City Park noting: "The one negative is noise from trains. One seems to go by every few hours." Wildlife viewing opportunities include bald eagles along the Mississippi during winter months, while summer brings monarch butterflies and various bird species to restored prairie areas. Campers frequently mention the quality of sunsets over the water as a highlight of their stays in the region.

Best Camping Sites Near Princeton, Iowa (110)

    1. Fishermans Corner - Mississippi River

    23 Reviews
    Bettendorf, IL
    8 miles
    Website
    +1 (815) 259-3628

    $14 - $26 / night

    "Site 13 seemed to be one of the best situated. We stayed in Site 12 which had a beautiful, unobstructed view of the river."

    "As with all the campgrounds along the Northern Illinois Great River Trail, it is along side Rt. 84, and railroad tracks."

    2. Bald Eagle Campground and Cabins

    18 Reviews
    Long Grove, IA
    9 miles
    Website
    +1 (563) 328-3282

    $17 - $36 / night

    "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."

    3. Illiniwek Campground

    12 Reviews
    Bettendorf, IL
    8 miles
    Website
    +1 (309) 496-2620

    "The campground is also right next to a biking trail. There was public and private bathrooms. The private ones were only accessible to campers that received a key from the park office."

    "There is a section of the campground where you can camp right on the edge of the Mississippi River which is nice, but you must deal with people fishing the entire time."

    4. Rock Creek County Marina and Campground

    7 Reviews
    Princeton, IA
    3 miles
    Website
    +1 (563) 259-1876

    $14 - $18 / night

    "Sites include fire rings, tables, gravel backing pads, electric with some right near water edge."

    "Turn at quarry off Great River Road/Highway 67."

    5. Geneseo Campground

    14 Reviews
    Geneseo, IL
    17 miles
    Website
    +1 (309) 442-2662

    $40 - $95 / night

    "The tent sites are nicely tucked away from the RVs, with a row of bushes to separate you from your neighbor. Nice shade."

    "will be surrounded by."

    6. Wilderness Campground, Scott County Park

    5 Reviews
    Long Grove, IA
    10 miles
    Website

    $15 - $23 / night

    "The campground has a seasonal host offering firewood on site, showers and restrooms, play area, trails, and overflow parking just adjacent for the entrance."

    "Unlike either nearby Woodside or Bald Eagle campgrounds, which are more geared for the RV driving and 5th Wheel hauling camping community, Wilderness CG isn’t very level, has decent natural barriers like"

    7. Pine Grove Campground, Scott Co Park

    5 Reviews
    Long Grove, IA
    9 miles
    Website

    $15 - $23 / night

    "Primitive tent sites include: tables, fire rings, parking, water and firewood nearby, shelter for rent, seasonal host, visitor parking, 2 modern cabins adjacent."

    "Beautiful area that is well secluded, especially since it is so close to the city."

    8. Sac-Fox Campground, Scott Co Park

    5 Reviews
    Long Grove, IA
    9 miles
    Website

    $15 - $23 / night

    "I met include restrooms and showers, campground host with firewood, available, trash, bins, playground area, trails nearby, I shelter to rent, a golf course across from the entrance, And the park has a"

    "CG offers primitive site amenities: tables, fire rings, some hammock structures, spacious sites, shelter to rent, seasonal host with fire wood and golf course like cated at entrance."

    9. Woodside Campground, Scott County Park Iowa

    5 Reviews
    Long Grove, IA
    10 miles
    Website
    +1 (563) 328-3282

    $17 - $36 / night

    "If you wanted to tent camp here, you could, although I would recommend nearby Incahias or Sac-Fox as better for tent campers."

    "CG is well maintained, Rangers are seen regularly, has standard RV sites, nice shower/restrooms, wood available, near trails, short drive to Pride Lake for paddling and fishing, golf course with clubhouse"

    10. Camelot Campground Quad Cities USA

    17 Reviews
    Rock Island, IL
    20 miles
    Website
    +1 (309) 787-0665

    "My wife, son, and I recently stayed here on our trip back home from Iowa. The campground was clean and quiet."

    "Close to stores, and resturants. A casino close by."

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Recent Reviews near Princeton, IA

514 Reviews of 110 Princeton Campgrounds



Guide to Princeton

Camping near Princeton, Iowa, offers a mix of beautiful scenery and fun activities for everyone. Whether you're looking for a peaceful retreat or an adventurous getaway, there are several campgrounds to choose from.

What to do:

  • Explore the Caves: At Maquoketa Caves State Park Campground, you can hike through unique caves. One visitor said, "The caves make this a unique place to visit but the hiking is rigorous."
  • Enjoy the Mississippi River: Fishermans Corner - Mississippi River offers a lovely riverside experience. A camper mentioned, "It felt like we had escaped to a riverside sanctuary."
  • Disc Golf and Play Areas: At West Overlook Campground, you can enjoy disc golf and playgrounds. One reviewer noted, "There is disc golf as well."

What campers like:

  • Clean Facilities: Campers appreciate the cleanliness of the bathrooms. One visitor at Thomson Causeway said, "The facilities are very good and impeccably clean."
  • Spacious Sites: Many campgrounds, like Shady Creek, have spacious sites. A reviewer shared, "The sites are spacious and angled for ease of backing into."
  • Friendly Hosts: Campers often mention the helpful staff. At Mississippi Palisades State Park Campground, one camper said, "The best camp hosts ever!!!"

What you should know:

  • Insect Awareness: Be prepared for bugs, especially in warmer months. A camper at Thomson Causeway warned, "I should’ve taken the other reviews more seriously about the number of insects."
  • Limited Amenities: Some campgrounds, like Fishermans Corner - Mississippi River, lack showers. A visitor noted, "The bathrooms are a little dated, but very clean."
  • Site Proximity: Campsites can be close together. One camper at White Pines Forest State Park Campground mentioned, "The campground is absolutely jammed with campsites."

Tips for camping with families:

  • Choose Family-Friendly Campgrounds: Look for places with playgrounds and activities. West Overlook Campground has a kids' play area, making it a great spot for families.
  • Plan for Quiet Hours: Many campgrounds enforce quiet hours, which can be a plus for families with young kids. A camper at Lowden State Park Campground said, "Everyone was respectful of quiet hours and very friendly."
  • Pack Snacks and Drinks: Having snacks on hand can keep kids happy. One visitor at Maquoketa Caves State Park Campground mentioned, "The good news is that likely due to the bats, there were no gnats or mosquitos."

Tips from RVers:

  • Check Site Size: Make sure your RV fits the site. A reviewer at Chief Keokuk Campground noted, "The sites are pretty even; some had a slight slope but not too bad."
  • Look for Electric Hookups: Many campgrounds offer electric hookups, which can be a lifesaver. One camper at Camelot Campground Quad Cities USA said, "The sites are close packed with small patios between the rigs."
  • Plan for Dump Stations: Ensure you know where the nearest dump station is located. A visitor at Thomson Causeway mentioned, "Dump Station: Yes, Belford entering the campground."

Camping near Princeton, Iowa, has something for everyone, from families to RV enthusiasts. Just remember to plan ahead and enjoy the great outdoors!

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is the most popular campground near Princeton, IA?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Princeton, IA is Fishermans Corner - Mississippi River with a 4-star rating from 23 reviews.