Camping options near La Motte range from rustic tent sites to full-service facilities along the Mississippi River backwaters. The area sits within the Driftless Region, characterized by deeply carved river valleys, limestone bluffs, and hardwood forests untouched by glacial flattening. Winter temperatures typically drop below freezing from December through February, while summer camping sees temperatures averaging 75-85°F with moderate humidity.
What to do
Paddle the backwaters: Rock Creek County Marina and Campground offers canoe and kayak rentals for exploring Mississippi backwaters. The campground includes an eco-tourism center with educational displays of local wildlife. "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," notes Ryan.
Fishing opportunities: Multiple waterfront access points throughout the region provide fishing opportunities without requiring a boat. Blanding Landing offers dock fishing with riverside campsites. "Quiet, relaxing small campground with super clean hot showers and flush toilets in shower house. Boat ramp, dock fishing, tall trees all over," reports Ruth M.
Explore hiking trails: Several parks feature maintained hiking paths through wooded areas with varying difficulty levels. "Great walking trails, creek, and small river for fishing," says Aaronius K. about Swiss Valley County Park, which features trails through bottomland forests and prairie plantings.
What campers like
Clean facilities: Campers consistently praise the maintenance standards at several parks. "This is one of the best RV parks we have stayed in awhile. Meticulously maintain with good size, level sites. We had a 50amp water site and the dump station was nearby," reports Tom R. about Swiss Valley County Park.
Natural wildlife viewing: The Mississippi River corridor creates excellent wildlife observation opportunities. "There was a pair of bald eagles in a nest down by the river - bring binoculars!" shares Steph P. about her experience at Nelson Dewey State Park Campground.
Playground access: Family-oriented campgrounds often feature play equipment for children. "Our kids had more fun at this campground than any other so far. They have the most amazing playgrounds (yes, two of them!) That we've ever seen. There were activities for kids of all ages, and they used a rubber composite on the ground at the playground so when kiddos fall, they aren't injured," shares Chelsea D. about Pinicon Ridge Park.
What you should know
Train noise impacts: Several riverside campgrounds sit near active railroad tracks with frequent trains. "Kind of like living next to an airport," notes Tony D. about Blanding Landing. Another camper adds: "Trains are noisy—we slept through them but are also used to living by a train station. Your mileage may vary on that one."
Seasonal flooding risks: Bottomland campgrounds may experience flooding during high water periods. "Watch river levels for flooding, bugs can be bad since location is bottomland riverine forest," advises James M. regarding Rock Creek County Marina.
Site spacing varies: Privacy between sites differs significantly between campgrounds and specific loops. "If you get along the outsides you have a lot more privacy and better chance they will be level. If you aren't worried about sharing a conversation with your neighbor then you can pick anything," explains Scott M. about Palace Campground.
Tips for camping with families
Playground proximity: Choose sites near play areas for constant supervision. "We were up the street from a 'girls' weekend where they had turned the bed of a pickup into their own pool since the property's pool was closed due to the pandemic," shares Scott M. about Palace Campground, which features playground equipment and mini-golf.
Educational opportunities: Several parks offer nature centers with programming for children. "They host events like mini golf. Swings and playground for kids," notes Ivana B. about the family activities at Palace Campground.
Swimming considerations: Water quality varies seasonally at swimming areas. "We had a lot of fun there playing in the water on the beach however my son who was five at the time got a really bad bacterial rash from the water," warns Meg K. about lake conditions at Lake Le-Aqua-Na.
Tips from RVers
Leveling challenges: Pack leveling blocks as many sites require adjustment. "The pad was uneven but we got our pup leveled out," mentions Pam O. about her experience at Morrison-Rockwood State Park.
Dump station congestion: Plan dump station use during off-peak times. "The line to clean out the tanks was long and blocks the way in and out," notes Bill L. about Lake Le-Aqua-Na facilities.
Utility locations: Check hookup positions when reserving. "We had a 50amp water site and the dump station was nearby. This county park is very nice and sits in a very quiet valley," reports Tom R. about Swiss Valley County Park, which offers electrical and water connections.
