Best Campgrounds near Sabula, IA
Sabula is an ideal place for camping adventures of all kinds. Enjoy the scenic camping, fun activities, and sights and sounds of Sabula. Discover great camping spots near Sabula, reviewed by campers like you.
Sabula is an ideal place for camping adventures of all kinds. Enjoy the scenic camping, fun activities, and sights and sounds of Sabula. Discover great camping spots near Sabula, reviewed by campers like you.
"Hidden gem near the iowa/illinois border. Secluded and beautiful."
"It has trails for walking and lots of concrete for riding bikes. We did both. The park is close to the River and has plenty of places to put your boat in across the highway."
$14 - $26 / night
"This is a beautiful spot on the outskirts of a small town. The train museum is open for a few hours on weekends. Other towns are nearby with more things to do."
"This is a really pretty area fairly close to home so it is a good option."
$25 - $35 / night
"It's like a step back in time in the best way possible."
"The bike trail is within steps of your site. Hookups for electric and water available. Well maintained portapotties at various points throughout the grounds."
$12 - $28 / night
"CG site atop river bluff with pads, fire rings, tables, RR, recycling, trails, shelters nearby. Sites are close to each other but plenty to do."
"The site our friends had next to us was uninhabitable due to mud and sloping but the rangers let them switch sites no problem."
"We took several walks and bike rides around it. There is also a pool and a club house on property, however we did not visit them. There is ATT service, but not strong."
$20 / night
"We saw an article about "Dutch Days" in nearby Fulton on www.OnlyInYourState.com, (first weekend in May) and thought it looked like fun."
"We enjoyed the beautiful lake and cute restaurant/gift shop. We liked the different loops of campsites with pit toilets every where and a nice modern bathroom/shower house also."
$14 / night
"Usually a pretty quiet area although its next to a train track so expect a train or two to wake you up. Tucked away next to the Mississippi. There is a boat ramp and parking."
"Highly recommend Timber Lake Resort"
RV site include gravel pads, firings, electric, play area, seasonal host, shower, house, shelter, horseshoes, firewood, available. Primitive sites include gravel entrance, picnic tables, fire rings only. There is a boat ramp for the Wapsipinicon river with access for fishing, paddling, etc.
The campground is very pretty. Being on the water is beautiful and from what I saw I’m sure it’s nice. However the weekend we went it was not. The weather wasn’t the problem. The problem is how the weather was handled. If you need ANY assistance or guidance from the host, good luck. I was met with attitude and zero empathy on where, how or what to do when our camp site was ankle deep in water. No help at all. Zero. When our camp was destroyed the next night from the storm - not one person came to see if we were ok, needed assistance or anything. Only thing we got was they we could NOT leave the metal from our pop ups and had to get them to the dumpster. When all my daughter and I wanted to do was leave as it was still storming and there were employees EVERYWHERE with skids. They cleared a path to our spot from a tree down in less than 2 minutes. There was zero reason to not let us leave under the circumstances and knowing we had a long drive home in the storm on top of.
I contacted the board and was told they will use this for further training. And they were sorry.
I have read several reviews on other online platforms and all is wonderful ASIDE- the host. They have a big problem and until it’s fully addressed- stay clear. It’s simply not safe.
It will be a wonderful weekend for you as long as you need no assistance. I don’t think they like to be bothered.
Came July 2024 for our annual camping trip with 12 people and 6 cars at Group Camp 204.
Main complaints from the group were there were too many kids for our camping experience and the swimming beach was small for the amount of people there during the day. The campground itself is further from major stores (~15-20 min), gas, and ATM’s for replenishing ice, needing to grab something from the store, or grabbing more cash for boat rentals.
Biggest pro from the group was being secluded from the other sites and rarely hearing other sites. We occasionally saw folks from 203 coming to use the pit/vault toilets but that didn’t bother us. We also rented a 12 person pontoon from Cork Down Saloon Boat Rentals and that was great!
We likely won’t return but had a great time while there!
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.
This is an incredibly quaint, somewhat out-of-the-way (in a very good way) location that will treat you to a heavy dose of isolation and privacy wherein you’ll feel completely blessed by the nature you will be surrounded by. This incredibly friendly (pet-friendly as well BTW) operation does an excellent job in how it is set up, offering up a few distinct loops that are ear-marked pretty much exclusively for the wheel-toting camping variety (think RVs, rigs, trailers and 5th wheels) providing 59 pull-thru and 12 back-in slots, while also offering up a discreet space flanked towards the front of the property that is simply perfect for mi tent pitchin’ bredren, which is surrounded by mature Oaks. And, just in case you either forgot your tent or RV, Geneseo Campground has 4 super comfy cabins (each sleeps 4 and come with A/C) or an amazing yurt that sleeps 8 that they’ll gladly rent you.
From an amenities standpoint, there’s an amazing kid’s playground, well-stocked camp store, propane refueling station, kayak & canoe rental, gas grill rental, e-bike, pedal carts & fat tire bike rental, full and partial hook-ups offering 30 / 50 electric amp, water & sewage hook-ups. There’s also a meeting room, WiFi everywhere, enclosed dog park, firewood & ice for sale, arcade games, RV dump station, coin-operated washers & dryers / laundr-O-mat, excellent showers & bathrooms, direct access to the Hennepin Canal and don’t forget the 60 or so miles worth of hiking trails!
This place is spacious, very well organized, incredibly clean all the while within a short 10 minute drive into nearby Geneseo, which quite frankly, is one of the most idyllic small towns you’ll come across anywhere in Illinois that is both convivial and provincial, but also quite emblematic of a typical Norman Rockwell painting. What I loved most about this place is that while it doesn’t offer up EVERYTHING that you might be looking for while camping, you only need to head due south to Izaak Walton Park (further south of this spot) or to Geneseo Prairie Park, both of which offer up amazing hiking trails as well as good launch spots to access the Hennepin Canal via kayak and canoe.
Insider’s tips? Here’s a few: (1) If you’re reeling, you should expect to catch blue gill, catfish, bass and crappie, and while you can throw your line from the Geneseo Campground property, I would highly recommend you cross the canal to Izaak Walton Park on its east side where there’s a large open canal / lake to cast in; (2) While there’s tons of hiking trails, you don’t want to forget your bikes – there’s 72 miles of biking trails as well as miles and miles of nicely paved empty country roads to pedal on; (3) Maybe you have a kayak or canoe, but in the case you don’t, do yourself a favor and rent one from the good people at Geneseo Campground in which to explore the Hennepin Canal - trust me, you won't be disappointed; and (4) Should you grow weary of eating franks & beans again from your campsite and want to try out some local cuisine, then get yourself over to nearby Geneseo where you can dine out at The Cellar, Sweet Peas Grill & Bar or Geneseo Brewing Company.
Happy Camping!
If you find yourself near the Quad Cities, you’ll definitely want to check out Scott County Park, which boasts 6 different CGs to choose from. Wilderness campground, as the name suggests, puts you smack-dab in the middle of the forest, and of all the campgrounds, is definitely one of my favorites as a tent pitchin’ outdoors enthusiast. 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 tree roots, forest boundaries like thick brush and space constraints to consider, yet this CG still offers near equal amenities as the other CGs.
The surroundings here are thick and lush, providing you with a real authentic experience in nature and offers real amazing solitude, peace & quiet as well as substantial privacy, where you and your camping exploits won’t be on full display with the entire campground that you are surrounded by. This lone fact makes Wilderness unlike any of the other campgrounds here at Scott County Park. The individual camping sites are incredibly spacious, fairly uneven land with all spaces offering substantial shade, thick backdrop behind each spot and tons of foliage. Because of all the trees and brush, the grounds don’t feel as well-kept as some of the other CGs, but that’s really just a result of fallen leaves and branches – so not the worst outcome (and if it bothers you that much, just bring a rake). Like all of the other campgrounds here, you’ll experience impeccably clean bathroom / shower facilities with great HOT running water and decent – not great– space in the shower.
Incredibly different from either Bald Eagle or Woodside campgrounds, there is no nearby lake here at Wilderness, so if you do want to get your oaring in, you’ll have to drive to one of the park’s lakes, which isn’t the most difficult thing to accomplish here. While there is no dedicated shelter in or near Wilderness CG, there is a designated picnic area just due west called Prairie Sun, which is great for a game of football, hosting a BBQ or playing cards on one of the several picnic tables you’ll find here. You’ll discover that there’s a total of 3 restroom facilities, but only one with shower capabilities – all of which are incredibly well-maintained. Lastly, one of the things that make Wilderness differentiated here in Scott County Park is that a ton of the best hiking trails converge at this CG, so if you’re tent camper and want to be located right in the thick of nature, while having direct access to prize hiking above just about anything else, then this is your haven.
Scott County Park is easy to fall in love with, whether traveling solo or with a family as there is a lot that this park offers up: from fresh water catch & release lakes, combination of topographies, from woodlands, wetlands and prairie grasslands, beautiful 18-hole championship golf course, outdoor exercise areas, club house and concessions, stand-alone cabins for rent, designated dump stations and trash receptacles, numerous picnic areas, massive heated swimming pool complete with a snake-like water slide, volleyball court, ranger stations, seasonal on-site hosts, firewood available for purchase at entry stations, Walnut Grove Pioneer Village and St. Anne’s church at the park’s NW perimeter, 7 community shelters, designated picnic areas, a memorial park, equestrian area and an incredibly well-paved network of roads that allows you to easily access just about every corner of this park. The rangers here are incredibly friendly, professional and very helpful by constantly being on patrol and keeping this beautiful park in full working order.
Happy Camping!
Sites are shaded, with services, fire pits, wood available, site volunteer. Access along river for fishing. Railroad runs nearby can be loud.
Sites include sites with service, fire rings, shower houses/rr, play areas, shelter for rent, river access for boating/paddling/fishing.
Great campground. Has full hook ups, and pull through sites. Hosts are very responsive to texts if you need anything. They warned me ahead of time that GPS would navigate me under a 10 ft bridge and gave me directions around it!! They have a dog park, bathroom, propane, and trash. Very nice place
Camping near Sabula, Iowa, offers a mix of beautiful landscapes and fun activities for everyone. Whether you're looking for a peaceful retreat or an adventurous getaway, there are several campgrounds to choose from.
Camping near Sabula, Iowa, has something for everyone, from families to RV enthusiasts. Just be sure to plan ahead and enjoy the great outdoors!
Frequently Asked Questions
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Sabula, IA is Mississippi Palisades State Park Campground with a 4.2-star rating from 26 reviews.
According to TheDyrt.com, there are 3 parks near Sabula, IA that allow camping, notably Bankhead National Forest and Chugach National Forest.
Keep Exploring