Camping options along the Mississippi River near Princeton, Iowa range from waterfront sites to inland parks with varying terrain. Seasonal camping runs primarily from early spring through late fall, though Rock Creek County Marina and Campground operates year-round. RV campsites typically feature gravel or concrete pads with electrical hookups, while tent-only areas are available at select locations.
What to do
River access fishing: Fishermans Corner offers direct access to the Mississippi River with dedicated fishing spots. "Sites are shaded, with services, fire pits, wood available, site volunteer. Access along river for fishing. Railroad runs nearby can be loud," notes James M.
Kayaking and canoeing: Rock Creek County Marina and Campground provides boat rentals for exploring Mississippi backwaters. "Nice educational center with canoe and kayak rentals, with lots of Mississippi backwater to explore. Showers are open until October 14 this year," shares Jeff and Linda L.
Biking trails: The Great River Trail connects several campgrounds along the Mississippi River corridor. "From this campground you can go north, as far as Savanna. Going south will take you through Hampton, East Moline, Moline, Rock Island, and you can cross over to Davenport, circle Credit Island, and pick up other paths in Iowa," according to Sebastian G.
Nature programs: Several parks offer environmental education programs. "CG is spread out along bottomland river forest and includes camping cabins, tent and RV sites, RR/showers, playground, dump and water stations, Eco Tourism store/grill, paddling rentals, Blue Heron Cruises, nature center," explains James M. about Rock Creek.
What campers like
Concrete pads: Shady Creek receives praise for level sites. "Very nice park. Easy to navigate, even with big rigs, which there were plenty. Never seen a park where every pad was level like this one. Electric was 30/50 at each site and water was dispersed through out the park," notes Gary P.
River views: Many campers appreciate waterfront sites. "Some sites are right on the river w/ views - worth it to try to get those. Our spot was last min and just a short walk from river - still beautiful," says Sarah C. about Fishermans Corner.
Educational facilities: The eco-centers at some campgrounds offer additional value. "The campgrounds have 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," Ryan explains.
Clean facilities: Maintenance receives high marks at many locations. "Friendly staff, very clean and peaceful. Nice shower rooms and amenities and very reasonably priced," notes Tom N. about Geneseo Campground.
What you should know
Seasonal availability: Most campgrounds operate from April through October. "Porth RV Park in Calamus operates seasonally from April through October and includes both water and sewer hookups alongside 50-amp electrical service, though sites cannot be reserved in advance," reports a visitor.
Train noise: Railroad tracks run near several campgrounds. "As with all the campgrounds along the Northern Illinois Great River Trail, it is along side Rt. 84, and railroad tracks. That is a part of the Mississippi commerce," Sebastian G. notes about Fishermans Corner.
Site spacing: Some campgrounds have closer sites than others. "I stayed here while driving out to Colorado from the east coast and had a good experience overall. It was cool to camp along the Mississippi River and campground is well maintained. My one complaint is that the sites are packed tightly together and more suited for RVs than tents," Andrew S. mentions.
Water hookup limitations: Interstate RV Park offers full hookups, while others have water stations. "Sites include tables, water, electric, though need updating," observes James M.
Tips for camping with families
Educational activities: Rock Creek's nature center offers interactive learning opportunities. "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," Chris F. shares.
Playground access: Several campgrounds feature play areas for children. "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. There was a playground, showers, pit toilets, and even a small amphitheater next to the river," according to Elisha L.
Pet considerations: Most campgrounds allow dogs but have varying rules. "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," notes a visitor to Rock Creek.
Recreational options: Spruce Creek Park offers multiple activities for children. "I took my children here for years when they were little. As a single mom of 5 it was very manageable. I could see them throughout the entire park. There's fishing, exploring, a playground, and when you see a paddleboat you have time to drive to town before it hits loch & damn #12," explains Kari K.
Tips from RVers
Site selection: For RV camping near Princeton, Iowa, waterfront sites require advance booking. "This is a really nice campground right on the Mississippi! 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," Elisha L. notes.
Pad types: RV sites vary from gravel to concrete. "Great overnight site. Paved everywhere, level concrete pads. Corps of Engineers takes really good care of their recreation areas. Plenty of eateries nearby. Well-shaded and manicured sites," Al K. mentions about Ferry Landing.
Electrical service: Most campgrounds offer 50-amp service. "Site 40 had an electric hookup site with a generous sized level concrete pad, picnic table, and fire grate. The sites are a little too close together for our liking (our neighbor's a/c could have been like white noise to some but not me!)" according to Lee D.
Dump station access: Most campgrounds provide dump stations rather than full sewer hookups. "2 dump stations so no congestion to dump. Potable water between sites (not for fixed hookup) and good electric," Sarah C. reports about Fishermans Corner.
