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 (112)

    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

    15 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."

Show More
Showing results 1-10 of 112 campgrounds

2025 Detourist Giveaway

Presented byToyota Trucks

Review Campgrounds. Win Prizes.

Enter to Win


Recent Reviews near Princeton, IA

528 Reviews of 112 Princeton Campgrounds


  • James M.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 15, 2025

    Summit Cabin 2, West Lake Park

    Nice modern cabin along lake

    Cabin has on-site parking as well as overflow parking nearby, hard surface with picnic table, and firing, gas grill, covered porch with Lakeview, sleeps eight, fireplace and full kitchen amenities, ADA accessible restroom. Park offers seasonal swimming beach, for lakes to paddle and fish at, disc golf course, Concessions in season, and lots of trails.

  • Michael P.
    Sep. 13, 2025

    Fairport State Recreation Area Campground

    Host not friendly very rude woman would not recommend staying here at all

    Would not recommend fairport camping  in muscatine iowa at all the host is rude and non caring personality more like two faced   i would recommend  shady creek  or one of the others on the same hwy if looking for nice and great host

    On the note dnr are great thou

  • Jorge F.
    Sep. 8, 2025

    Cedar River Campground

    Good place to go camping with friends and family.

    “This place became my wife’s and daughters’ favorite this year. It is a place where everyone who visits is very kind and respectful. The managers are always courteous and attentive.”

  • Steve T.
    Sep. 7, 2025

    Saulsbury Bridge Rec Area - Cedar River Campground

    Enjoyable Stay

    The sites are spaced apart well and clean with a beautiful view of the Cedar River. If you camp on the riverside campground be sure to bring a bike or extra vehicle if you camp on the far end because the bathrooms are bit of a walk. And bring a grate with you for your fire ring as some have them and some don’t. All and all it was an enjoyable stay with a fantastic view, even caught a few fish since our campsite was literally on the river edge

  • DThe Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 6, 2025

    Shady Creek

    Beautiful View

    Site #12 with electric hookup was in my opinion the best site. Right on the back of the mighty Mississippi. Very clean friendly stay

  • Sam B.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 6, 2025

    Mississippi Palisades State Park Campground

    Loud, crowded.

    I don't think we'll be back. The best part about the whole experience was the crazy road that leads to the overlooks. The campground is stacked close together, there's no signs for directing you towards sites, no place to put garbage, only a couple vault toilets. Never did see the shower house, but we just left the next day anyways. Loud people singing, playing music and snapping limbs till almost 4am, trains run all night. Not really my kinda place.

  • VThe Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 5, 2025

    Blanding Landing

    Safe, peaceful and friendly! Will definitely be back!

    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. 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.🥹 The icing on the cake was the woman who monitored the sites, Anne. She was so kind and welcoming, and made me feel comfortable and safe. I can’t wait to come back and visit again. Highly recommend!

  • DThe Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 3, 2025

    Maquoketa Caves State Park Campground

    Great campground

    Beautiful park. The campground has less than 30 sites, most of which have power. The walk in sites are very private but still less than 75 yards from your car. You are in thick forest and will hear lots of animal sounds at night.

  • M
    Sep. 2, 2025

    Mississippi Palisades State Park Campground

    Serene Campground with Great Amenities

    Everything about our stay was enjoyable. Campsites were spaced out well and amenities were great. Don’t forget to check out the hiking trails!


Guide to Princeton

Princeton area campgrounds offer direct access to the Mississippi River with most sites located within 10-25 minutes of town. The region experiences seasonal temperature fluctuations with summer highs reaching 90°F while spring camping can be affected by river levels. Several campgrounds remain open year-round for visitors seeking off-season solitude.

What to do

Hiking and biking trails: Scott County Park features an extensive trail network with connections from Wilderness Campground. Trails accommodate multiple activities as noted by one visitor: "The park offers miles of trails, a historical Pioneer Village within the park at the north, equestrian trails, bicycle trails."

Paddling opportunities: The Mississippi backwaters provide calm water exploration from Rock Creek Marina and Campground with equipment available on-site. "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," explains one camper.

Historical exploration: Visit the Walnut Grove Pioneer Village for a step back in time. "I loved climbing around in the train cars, eating icecream/candy canes, and watching the blacksmith work. Sometimes they'll have shootouts in the street which was always a blast pun intended!" shares a visitor who hiked to the village from Pine Grove campground.

What campers like

River views: Waterfront sites at Illiniwek Campground offer direct Mississippi access. One camper notes: "Some sites are right on the river with views - worth it to try to get those. Our spot was last min and just a short walk from river - still beautiful."

Affordable rates: Budget-conscious campers appreciate the value at Fishermans Corner. "Stayed one night as we were traveling west. Very well kept nice and quiet; concrete pad and electric. Only $20! Pretty view of the Mississippi," reports one reviewer.

Wildlife viewing: Seasonal deer sightings are common throughout the area campgrounds. "Expect to see whitetail deer as they love to make the park home," mentions a camper at Bald Eagle Campground, while other campers report seeing numerous bird species along the water.

What you should know

Flooding potential: River sites can be affected by seasonal water levels. "The campgrounds are on backwaters of the Mississippi so there are boat ramps, docks, and areas to fish," explains a Rock Creek Marina visitor, but notes facilities may close during high water.

Train noise: Railroad tracks near Geneseo Campground and other riverside locations create periodic noise. "One negative is noise from trains," mentions a reviewer, though many campers report the sound doesn't significantly disrupt sleep.

Bugs can be problematic: Proximity to water means insect management is necessary. "This campground has gnats that are a real pest, but at the camp office they sell a gnat replant that works great. If you go pick some up while you are signing in," advises a Scott County Park visitor.

Tips for camping with families

Educational centers: Visit the nature facilities at Rock Creek. "They have an 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," explains a family camper.

Multiple activity options: Scott County Park offers diverse recreational facilities. "Scott County Park has been the standard from which I judge all other campgrounds... We played a lot on the playground there and rode our bikes wherever," shares a visitor who frequently camped there as a child.

Swimming options: The heated pool at Scott County Park provides water fun even on cooler days. "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."

Tips from RVers

Site selection matters: Choose Camelot Campground pull-through sites for larger rigs. "Sites are small however pull through sites are 2x as big, but they cost a little more," advises an RVer, noting the additional space is worth the premium.

Levelness varies by campground: Scott County Park's Woodside Campground offers the best level sites for RVs. "RVs including big rigs basics like electric, water, sewer, fire rings, hard pads. Not much shade though trees are planted," explains a reviewer noting the newer solar-assisted facilities.

Seasonal water limitations: Some campgrounds shut off water during colder months. "The website did not mention that the premium patio site with full hook up would not have water service while we were there," warns a camper who visited during early spring, suggesting campers call ahead to confirm available utilities.

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.