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Best Campgrounds near Sabula, IA

603 Reviews
CAMPER SUMMARY PRESENTED BYFord

Campgrounds near Sabula, Iowa range from established riverside sites to quiet secluded spots along the Mississippi River. The area features South Sabula Lakes County Park, which accommodates both tents and RVs with electric hookups, as well as Seven Eagles RV Resort & Campground, which adds cabin options for those seeking more comfort. Several developed campgrounds in the region support mixed-use camping with varying levels of amenities, from primitive sites to full RV hookups. Mississippi Palisades State Park Campground and Thomson Causeway provide additional options within a short drive, expanding the variety of natural settings available to campers.

Seasonal considerations affect camping availability in the Mississippi River region, with most campgrounds operating from April through October or November. Spring Lake Campground and South Sabula Lakes County Park typically close for winter, reopening in April when conditions improve. Water levels can impact accessibility, particularly at riverside locations. Many campgrounds require reservations, especially during summer weekends when waterfront sites fill quickly. Fishing spots and river access points are common features but may be affected by flooding. A review noted, "This campground has Water and electric hook ups and a dumpsite. It is convenient and enjoyable. It is right next to the river and the Clinton Riverfront Park and even fast food restaurants are within walking distance. The one negative is noise from trains. One seems to go by every few hours."

Campers report mixed experiences with privacy and noise levels at campgrounds in the area. Several visitors mentioned that riverside sites offer beautiful views but sometimes come with trade-offs. "Hidden gem near the iowa/illinois border. Secluded and beautiful," noted one camper about Mississippi Palisades State Park. Other reviews highlight that campgrounds like Riverview City Park lack shade but offer convenience to town amenities. Most developed campgrounds provide basic amenities including drinking water, electric hookups, and toilets, with some also featuring showers and dump stations. The proximity to the Mississippi River creates opportunities for fishing, boating, and wildlife viewing, with multiple boat launches available at certain locations. Train noise appears as a common concern in reviews of campgrounds along the river, though this varies by specific location.

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Best Camping Sites Near Sabula, Iowa (117)

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Recent Camping Photos near Sabula, IA

167 Photos of 117 Sabula Campgrounds

Recent Reviews near Sabula, IA

603 Reviews of 117 Sabula Campgrounds

  • James M.The Dyrt PRO User
    Nov. 19, 2025

    Interstate RV Park

    Overnight/short stay by I-80

    This campground needs updating, including gravel lanes and roads, pads. Sites have tables, electric, water, and an Office/general store. They appear to be numerous permanent residence as well. The location is a bonus, being near the interstate with fuel, Supplies, and a Blaines Farm And Fleet store across the entrance.

  • James M.The Dyrt PRO User
    Nov. 14, 2025

    Eden Valley Refuge

    Neat County park

    This county park offers wonderful hiking trails, and the campground has sites that include gravel pads, fire rings, electricity, tables, and a dump station. Shower house is seasonal at the campground, but the nature center has codes for showers. Nature center is seasonal as well. Seasonal hosts and a Ranger live on site.

  • Stuart K.The Dyrt PRO User
    Nov. 8, 2025

    Pine Grove Campground, Scott Co Park

    Where Tent Campers Co-mingle w/ the RVing Crowd

    While there’s 7 campgrounds to choose from here in Scott County Park, if you are looking for the most centrally located campground to the entire park, as well as the CG that feels the most secluded from any other neighboring overnight accommodation in the park, then Pine Grove CG is a great choice. Another upside to Pine Grove is that it has a single hiking trail heading west that will connect you with a wider network of hiking & biking trails. And if you have water on your mind, in just about 200 yards, you can access Glynns Creek and just south of this Cody Lake for all of your oar paddling pleasure.

    The layout of the CG here is a simple oblong circle pathway with a single lane dissecting the loop that lines up campsites one after the other with sites on both the interior and exterior of all paths. Unlike some of the other CGs here at Scott County Park, Pine Grove is a spot where both RVs and tent campers live in harmony and where there’s even a deluxe cabin to rent, if that’s more to your liking. There’s very little brush on the interior of the CG save a somewhat thick treeline surrounding the entire camping area. Apart from those that back-up to the surrounding treeline, most campers will experience zero privacy as there is no natural bush or canopy that separates one camper from another, so if that matters to you, then I would suggest aiming for a spot on the exterior and to bring some makeshift buffers that would add some solitude to your stay.

    Arriving here at Pine Grove isn’t the easiest, so as likely you would have entered from the southern entrance – where you would have been greeted by some of the friendliest rangers I have ever come across, who along with providing you a map of the place, will gladly sell you some firewood, which you should take them up on – you will just want to take your first right taking you past Hickory Hills and Whispering Pines Shelter (both of which provide excellent access to Pride Lake), followed by the next available left turn, just past the swimming pool on your left) and you’ll eventually arrive to Pine Grove Campground. And if whatever reason, you don’t like the site you’ve been given, just backtrack to the ranger station and ask if they can move you.

    As far as the amenities are concerned, Pine Grove offers up a proper dump station along with impeccably clean restroom and shower facilities that do indeed produce some nice hot water. High five to the rangers here at Scott County Park who do an amazing job of keeping the facilities organized, well-maintained and incredibly clean. There’s also a playground here along with lots of open space around the perimeter for the kiddos to run around and play tag or hide-n-go-seek. There’s standard FHU’s with electric and water at each site along with standard-issued picnic tables and fire rings, both of which come in pretty good condition. The parking pads are gravel and quite level and there is considerable space at each of the campsites here, so no worries on being too close to your neighbors.

    No matter which CG you choose here at Scott County Park, it’s not so much about where you are camping for the night (although that can be important), but rather, what camping here provides you access to, which IMHO is a quite lot: 18 hole golf course, in-ground swimming pool complete with waterslides, 20 miles of hiking / biking trails, pioneer village, 14 park shelters perfect for picnics complete with tables, grills and / or fireplaces, baseball field, volleyball court, basketball court, clubhouse, dedicated exercise areas, concession areas, equestrian trails, 4 different lakes for fishing and swimming that also feature boat docks, paddle boat rentals and even a few creeks where you can attempt to kayak and canoe if the water levels are high enough. What I love most about this park is just how family-friendly and educational this experience can be for the little ones.

    Insider’s tips? Here’s a few: (1) Not that I have personally visited every single one of the picnic shelters that exist here, but my favorite one that I did visit was Crooked Knife as it offered peace & quiet along with some very good picnic tables underneath a canopy of adolescent Oaks turning colors in the Autumn; (2) While there’s not much in the way of dining options in these parts, there is Park View Café, which has an excellent breakfast and decent coffee in the morning and is located outside of Scott County Park on its SW corner; (3) The most challenging hiking trails are those located on the park’s NE perimeter, just below the golf course; (4) For mi tent pitchin’ bredren, while Pine Grove is a fine option for you to consider, if you really wanted to get away from the RV and 5th Wheel crowd, I would recommend checking out Wilderness CG, which has been organized more for those who prefer to erect their overnight accommodations; and (5) If you are simply looking for a convenient overnight place to park without all of the fringe benefits of paying to actually camp here at any one of the CG’s at Scott County Park, there is solid parking options at the NW corner of the park to the east of the Village Office across the street from St. Anne’s Church and Walnut Grove Pioneer Village.

    Happy Camping!

  • Stuart K.The Dyrt PRO User
    Nov. 8, 2025

    Scott County Park- South East Corner Campground

    Scott County Park’s Secret Saddle Spot

    Tucked away in the southeast corner of Scott County Park – yes, the same park that already has more campgrounds than a camping catalog – lurks a little-known equestrian primitive campground. It’s the sort of place that feels like you stumbled onto a secret level in a video game: no hookups, no frills, just you, your horse and the occasional squirrel judging your life choices. If SOC-Fox is the Brady Bunch middle child (see my review for this CG), this one is the mysterious cousin who shows up at family reunions in cowboy boots and doesn’t say much.

    The sites? Bare-bones, as expected. You’re not here for 'glamping.' You’re here for space to tie up your horse, throw up a tent and feel like you’ve traveled back to 1883 (minus the dysentery). Fire rings are your only luxury item here, and if you’re expecting bathhouses with spa vibes, forget it. You’ll find pit toilets that are … serviceable. Let’s call them ‘character-building.’ Roads in here are gravelly but manageable if you take it slow, but you don’t really want to be coming here if you’re toting a 5th wheel or driving an RV as this area is really more geared for mi tent pitchin’ bredren who want the opportunity to ‘rough it’ ... ideally with their noble steeds.

    What makes it shine, though, are the equestrian trails. Miles of riding paths crisscross through woods, open meadows and rolling hills. Even if you’re not on horseback, you can hike them and pretend you’re in a Western where the budget ran out before they gave you an actual horse. And because this campground is the least famous of the seven, you’re more likely to get actual peace & quiet. No cannonballing kids, no RV generators humming in the night, just plenty of crickets, the odd, stray coyote and your horse deciding 2 a.m. is the perfect time to shuffle around loudly.

    Insider Tips? Giddy-up, here’s a few: (1) Bring your own water as there’s no magic spigot here; (2) If you want solitude, this is the place. It’s basically the anti-aquatic center; (3) Hungry after a day on the trail? Eldridge’s Grille on the Green dishes out hearty comfort food, and you won’t even have to tie your horse out front; and (4) If you need supplies, hit the Tractor Supply in nearby Eldridge. They won’t blink when you walk in smelling like hay and campfire.

    Happy Camping!

  • Stuart K.The Dyrt PRO User
    Nov. 8, 2025

    Incahias Campground - Scott County Park

    Open Pasture Tent Pitchen Camping Bliss

    Of the 7 campgrounds that exist here in Scott County Park, Incahias is located on the westernmost perimeter of the park sitting just opposite Woodside Campground. Unlike the other campgrounds here, which are basically organized with a simple oval loop that likely has an intersecting lane, Incahias has several lanes (to be exact, 6 of them) that are more narrow all in an open field with very little brush, save a somewhat thick treeline on the western flank. This basically means next to zero privacy, so if that matters to you, then I would suggest aiming for one of the slots furthest west and to bring some makeshift buffers that would add to some solitude.

    Having arrived here at Incahias, you would have had to enter likely from the southern entrance, where you would have been greeted by some of the friendliest rangers I have ever come across, who along with providing you with a map of the place, will gladly sell you some firewood, which you should take them up on. After passing the ranger station, you’ll want to stick to your left at every fork in the road, passing by Bald Eagle Campground on your right, Oak Tree and Crooked Knife picnic areas on your left, before arriving to Incahias, where you’ll just want to follow the signs and then park in your designated campsite. And for whatever reason, if you don’t like the site you’ve been given, go back to the ranger station and see if they can move you – when we were there, they were very agreeable to move us to another spot without too much of an issue.

    At Incahias, you’ll find there’s a proper dump station along with impeccably clean restroom and shower facilities that do indeed produce some nice hot water. Again, hats off to the rangers here at Scott County Park who do an amazing job of keeping the facilities organized, well-maintained and incredibly clean – this is always the chief complaint amongst my family of ladies, so for them to be impressed is saying something! There’s also a playground here along with lots of open space for the kids to run around or get a game of football in. There’s standard FHU’s with electric and water at each site along with standard-issued picnic table and fire rings, both of which come in pretty good condition. The parking pads are gravel and quite level, but hey, you’re in Iowa, so that shouldn't be too difficult to find.

    No matter which CG you choose here at Scott County Park, it’s not so much about where you are camping for the night (although that can be important), but rather, what camping here provides you, which is a lot: 18 hole golf course, in-ground swimming pool complete with waterslides, 20 miles of hiking / biking trails, pioneer village, 14 park shelters perfect for picnics complete with tables, grills and / or fireplaces, baseball field, volleyball court, basketball court, clubhouse, dedicated exercise areas, concession areas, equestrian trails, 4 different lakes for fishing and swimming that also feature boat docks, paddle boat rentals and even a few creeks where you can attempt to kayak and canoe if the water levels are high enough. What I love most about this park is just how family-friendly and educational this experience can be for the little ones.

    Insider’s tips? Here’s a few: (1) The most challenging hiking trails are those located on the park’s NE perimeter, just below the golf course; (2) For mi tent pitchin’ bredren, I would recommend of all the CG’s here that you try your luck out over at Wilderness CG, which has been organized more for you, otherwise, you can try the primitive area over in the SE corner of the park earmarked for Equestrian trails; (3) If you are simply looking for a convenient overnight place to park without all of the fringe benefits of paying to actually camp here at any one of the CG’s at Scott County Park, there is solid parking options at the NW corner of the park to the east of the Village Office across the street from St. Anne’s Church and Walnut Grove Pioneer Village; and (4) While there’s not much in the way of dining options in these parts, there is Park View Café, which has an excellent breakfast and decent coffee in the morning and is located outside of Scott County Park on its SW corner.

    Happy Camping!

  • JThe Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 13, 2025

    Central Park

    Late Season Camping

    Great weather.. The sites were clean.. Small lake to fish and kayak!

  • cThe Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 11, 2025

    Spruce Creek Park

    Great place to camp

    One of my favorites. Right on the water. Nice shower house and close to bike trail that leads to Bellevue

  • Heather E.
    Oct. 5, 2025

    White Pines Forest State Park Campground

    First time at a campground in Illinois

    Nice Short walks in the woods. You can link trails together to go farther. Some signs for cross country ski trails.  Most of the sites are not flat and one in front of the other so be prepared for that. If you go after harvest be prepared to hear a grain dryer or other from the farm nearby all day and night. There’s a train you might hear a couple times in the night. Pretty quiet otherwise for other campers. Shower house had nice hot water. Restaurant was nice for dinner. The gift shop is cute. Looks like they have a dinner and show around the holidays at the restaurant. They could use extra signs to say where camping is right when you pull in otherwise you’ll end up at the restaurant or some better signs in the campground. Overall we will be back to select sites select times of year.

  • Stuart K.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 27, 2025

    Geneseo Izaak Walton League Campground - Members Only

    Hidden Gem Along the Hennepin Canal

    This is the Geneseo Chapter of the Izaak Walton League of America, which coming across one fine Autumn day, I was completely unaware of this organization, which apparently is America’s oldest and most successful conservation organizations. This particular chapter in Geneseo was chartered back in 1952 and shortly thereafter founded Ike’s Park located right along the Hennepin Canal, which features among other things: picnic facilities, fishing, boating and kayaking, a boat ramp, handicapped accessible fishing pier as well as a community lodge that you can book in advance, in addition to a primitive style campground offering up some 20 or so sites on a first-come, first served basis.

    To put it bluntly, this place is incredibly simple and basic, which is its beauty in a nutshell. This undiscovered little gem will make you feel as though you’ve just hit the primitive camping lottery jackpot as very few folks outside of Geneseo even know of this place. So if you’re coming from slightly further afield, you’ll appreciate getting in on something special. Upon arrival from Route 82, which if you are coming from the nearest major highway of I80, you’d be heading northbound, you need to simply hang a right onto a very modest gravel road that has an immediate declining slope upon entry. Once you turn into Izaak Walton Park, you’ll feel embraced by something truly special with mature maples and oaks surrounding you before coming across a sign marking this territory as Ike’s Place with the community lodge on the right. If you continue on, just about 30 yards further you’ll come across the self-check-in kiosk where you just need to fill out the required information and drop your$10(member) or$20(non-members) in an envelope and you can set up wherever you’d like.

    As you are literally right next to the Hennepin Canal, you’ll want to set up as near the canal as you can get, although, you could sit back a bit further south if you’d like under the canopy of a mature treeline. Beyond the beautiful, scenic riverview, there’s just a couple of community shelters, basic restroom facilities with vault toilets, a fishing pier and a large area that faces a larger swath of the Hennepin Canal that for a short bit resembles a lake, although when you are on the water, you’ll learn it’s just the bend in the river. Here at Izaak Walton Park alongside the property immediately to the south, Geneseo Prairie Park, there’s lots of decent hilly hiking trails to keep you occupied. And of course, if you’re an angler, you’ll appreciate the quick and easy access to casting a line where you’ll be able to catch panfish, small- and large-mouth bass as well as catfish.

    Insider’s tips? Here’s a few:(1) While you are north of Geneseo, you shouldn’t have too much problem with cell coverage out in these parts– we got 4 bars with Verizon and 3 bars with AT&T;(2) Not all of the sites are level, so you definitely want to check out a number of the sites before deciding upon which to choose from– where you’ll also want to keep in mind that not all of the sites have electricity, so either plant yourself near an outlet or bring a long electrical cord;(3) While there is a dump station on-site, when we were there, it was locked, so while we were able to place most of our trash in the garbage receptables, be prepared to haul yours out with you before leaving; and(4) You’ll want to take note that you are sitting alongside the Hennepin Canal, which if you haven’t been to before, provides about 100 miles worth of some pretty amazing slow-moving current that is excellent for kayaks and canoes, so if you’ve got one, bring it, but if not, the good folks at Geneseo Campground just due north of this location across the river will rent you one.

    Happy Camping!

Guide to Sabula

Camping near Sabula, Iowa provides access to multiple Mississippi River recreational areas that combine river access with forested terrain. The average elevation in the area is approximately 590 feet above sea level, with summer temperatures typically ranging from 65-85°F. Winter camping options are limited as most facilities close from November through March due to freezing conditions.

What to do

Paddling activities: At Spring Lake Campground, water sports dominate recreation options. "This campground is the perfect sanctuary for your family and friends to get away, enjoy quiet time and be outdoors... access to Spring Lake fishing and the Great River Bike trail runs right through the campground for biking, skateboarding or walking. Rent the tandem bike, play a game, take out a paddle board, make a fire and relax," notes one visitor.

Biking trails: The Great River Bike Trail connects multiple campgrounds in the region. At Thomson Causeway, campers appreciate the accessibility. "We went last weekend and got lucky with a primo spot. This is a really pretty area fairly close to home so it is a good option. There is a great bike trail to enjoy and the Mississippi Pallisades state park is close by for some excellent views of the river from up on the bluffs," reports one reviewer.

Hiking opportunities: Mississippi Palisades State Park Campground offers varied terrain for hikers. "Trail system is divided into North and South. North trails are scenic, with a casual non-technical difficulty to them. South trail system is challenging, especially because of the varied terrain it traverses," explains one camper. The park features sandstone formations and overlooks of the Mississippi River with 15 miles of marked trails.

What campers like

Secluded spots: Bulger's Hollow Recreation Area provides a quieter alternative to larger campgrounds. "Great paddling and fishing campground. Not lots of sites so very private down a beautiful hollow," mentions one camper. Another notes it's "Usually a pretty quiet area although it's next to a train track so expect a train or two to wake you up."

Spacious sites: Morrison-Rockwood State Park receives praise for its layout. "The sites were very well spaced apart. There were many well worn paths that lead to the lake, but it was too wet from previous rain for us to explore those," states one reviewer. Another camper adds, "Our site was huge, flat and private - no trouble finding flat ground to pitch the tent."

Concrete pads: For stability-focused campers, Timber Lake Resort offers solid foundations. "Very clean. Trees for shade and concrete pads with pull thru," shares one visitor. This feature helps maintain level setups regardless of weather conditions and provides easier access for campers with mobility considerations.

What you should know

Insect populations: Seasonal insect hatches affect camping comfort, particularly after flooding or in early summer. At Thomson Causeway, one visitor reported, "I should've taken the other reviews more seriously about the number of insects in this campsites... there were hundreds of thousands, we couldn't enjoy our stay. The camp workers were scraping them with shovels."

Train noise: Several campgrounds have railroad tracks nearby. At Bellevue State Park Campground, a camper noted that despite its natural beauty, "the site we had was fairly steep as far as tent sites go. The site our friends had next to us was uninhabitable due to mud and sloping but the rangers let them switch sites no problem."

Site selection importance: Many campgrounds have significant variation between sites. One camper at Morrison-Rockwood advised, "Check your site before booking! One section of sites is like an open field? No trees and full view of others. But these surround a playground- also very nice."

Tips for camping with families

Playground access: For families with young children, Morrison-Rockwood State Park offers designated sites near play areas. "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," shares one parent.

Kid-friendly activities: Timber Lake Resort and Campground organizes regular events suitable for all ages. "Love it. Very clean. Trees for shade and concrete pads with pull thru. Live music and activities for all ages," reports a visitor. Another camper mentions, "There was events going on even during rain. The Margarita bar was where bingo, bags tournament and band were at."

Weather preparedness: Sudden storms can affect family camping plans. At Morrison-Rockwood, a camper reported, "It rained a lot, unfortunately, but the host stopped by and made sure we knew how to find the shower house for shelter if the weather became dangerous."

Tips from RVers

Hookup availability: Electric service varies between campgrounds near Sabula. At Thomson Causeway, a frequent visitor notes, "The sites are all level concrete and just about every one have a great view of the Mississippi. Quiet at night. The only improvement I would like to see is water hookups, but there are plenty of spigots scattered around the park."

Dump station access: For longer stays, sanitation facilities matter. A camper at South Sabula Lakes County Park warned, "The dump station is useless for black tank clean out connections. The water hose threads had been purposely removed."

Site accessibility: RV drivers should research approach routes. At Morrison-Rockwood State Park, a visitor advised, "There are a few pull-through sites, but I'm not sure they're indicated. The ADA sites are large and well paved, though the tables do not have wheelchair overhangs."

Frequently Asked Questions

Where is South Sabula Lake Campground located in Iowa?

South Sabula Lakes County Park is located in Sabula, Iowa, positioned along the eastern border of the state near the Mississippi River. Sabula is Iowa's only island city, situated across from Savanna, Illinois. The campground offers scenic views of the lake and river, making it a popular destination for water enthusiasts. Nearby attractions include Lock and Dam 13, which is about a mile walk from parking and offers beautiful riverside views, fishing opportunities, and a small beach area next to the dam.

What amenities are available at South Sabula Lake Campground?

South Sabula Lakes County Park offers essential amenities including potable water and toilet facilities. The campground provides access to the lake for boating and fishing opportunities. For a broader range of amenities in the region, consider Mississippi Palisades State Park Campground, which features hiking trails, bike-friendly concrete paths, and proximity to boat launches. Alternatively, Rustic Barn Campground RV Park provides clean, mostly level sites in a beautiful setting with scenic views. The Sabula area campgrounds generally cater to outdoor enthusiasts looking for water recreation and natural surroundings rather than luxury amenities.

Do I need reservations for camping at South Sabula Lake in Iowa?

Yes, reservations are recommended for camping at South Sabula Lakes County Park, especially during peak summer months and weekends. The campground is a reservable facility, similar to nearby Thomson Causeway which also requires planning ahead. If you're looking for alternatives in the region, Maquoketa Caves State Park Campground also operates on a reservation system with electric sites available. For the best camping experience, secure your spot several weeks in advance, particularly if you plan to visit during holidays or summer weekends when regional campgrounds fill quickly.

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