Mississippi River and Cedar River access points provide multiple RV camping options near Wapello, Iowa. Campsites range from basic riverside spots with electric hookups to full-service RV parks with concrete pads. Weather patterns include hot, humid summers with temperatures regularly exceeding 85°F and occasional flooding impacts access to riverfront camping areas, particularly in spring.
What to do
Fishing opportunities: Ferry Landing offers direct river access where the Iowa and Mississippi rivers meet. One camper noted it's "Great isolated camping at river edge where Iowa and Mississippi rivers meet! Paddling, fishing, hiking in bottom land forests. Look out for insects. Pack in/out, gather drift wood for fire, watch barges pass by."
Paddling excursions: From Ferry Landing, you can explore multiple waterways. As one visitor suggests, "Paddle upstream to Port Louisa NWR or Lake Odessa" for wildlife viewing opportunities. The water levels fluctuate seasonally, affecting paddling conditions.
Playground access: Cedar River Campground provides family recreation beyond just camping. A reviewer mentioned, "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." The campground features a pool, mini-golf, and playground equipment.
Biking trails: Fishermans Corner offers access to the Great River Bike trail. One experienced cyclist reported, "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."
What campers like
Waterfront sites: Many campers prefer the riverside spots at Shady Creek. One reviewer specifically recommended, "Site #12 with electric hookup was in my opinion the best site. Right on the back of the mighty Mississippi. Very clean friendly stay." River views allow for watching barges and wildlife.
Level concrete pads: Multiple campgrounds feature level pads that RV campers appreciate. At Shady Creek, one camper observed, "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, but often too far for a hose to reach."
Wildlife viewing: The area's riverfront location provides wildlife observation opportunities. From waterfowl to river traffic, campers often mention natural surroundings as a highlight. "Access along river for fishing. Railroad runs nearby can be loud," noted one visitor at Fishermans Corner, highlighting both benefits and drawbacks.
Clean facilities: When available, well-maintained bathrooms receive positive comments. A Cedar River Campground visitor noted, "Recently under new ownership, you can tell they've been working hard getting the place going again. Yes, you hear traffic, but it didn't bother us."
What you should know
Flooding risk: Ferry Landing can become inaccessible after heavy rainfall. One visitor warned, "Tried to camp here, but dirt road going in was submerged in deep mud holes after heavy rain. Otherwise, this might have been a good dispersed camping location along the Mississippi River."
Train noise: Railway lines run close to several riverfront campgrounds. At Fishermans Corner, a camper noted, "There's a train but it was infrequent so it did not disrupt our sleep, in fact, all four of us accidentally slept VERY late!" Train schedules vary; some campers report nighttime disturbances.
Limited cell service: Connectivity varies by carrier and location. At Fishermans Corner, a camper reported, "AT&T had 3 bars of LTE and Verizon 1 bar of LTE service."
Reservation requirements: Many campgrounds require advance bookings, especially during peak summer months. For Shady Creek, a reviewer advised, "Make your reservations as early as you can the spots go quick! The campground even has a military spot!"
Tips for camping with families
Pool access: Cedar River Campground offers swimming facilities that children enjoy. A visitor observed, "They had a great fireworks display for the fourth. Spots are tighter than what we prefer, but will be back again."
Site spacing considerations: For families needing room to spread out, site selection matters. At Fishermans Corner, a reviewer noted, "My one complaint is that the sites are packed tightly together and more suited for RVs than tents."
Playground equipment: Several campgrounds feature play areas. At Interstate RV Park, facilities include "a central camp office/store bathrooms, laundry and pool" with a "play area" nearby, providing entertainment options when not exploring natural areas.
Bring insect protection: Riverside locations mean mosquitoes and other insects, especially in warmer months. One Ferry Landing camper specifically mentioned to "Look out for insects" when camping near the river confluence.
Tips from RVers
Site selection strategy: At Updog RV & Camping, site spacing can be tight. One RVer cautioned, "With slide out on each side, and not superslides either, I had EXACTLY 1 foot left on each side of my slides. I could not put out my awning as it would hit the camper next to me."
Water access limitations: Hookup placements vary between campgrounds. At Shady Creek, a camper noted that "water was dispersed through out the park, but often too far for a hose to reach," suggesting bringing extra-long hoses.
Level site availability: Most RV campgrounds in the area provide reliable leveling. At Crossroads RV Park, the consensus is "clean, updated facilities" with "some long-term residents, but everyone seems very kind and helpful."
Winter camping options: Year-round camping is limited, with Crossroads RV Park being one of the few open through winter months. Most riverfront locations close between November and April.
