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Best Campgrounds near West Burlington, IA

253 Reviews

Southeastern Iowa campers can reach several good spots from West Burlington. West Lake Park has clean campsites with good fishing access and boat ramps for day use. Wildcat Den State Park Campground connects to hiking trails that wind through interesting rock formations and wooded areas. Many campers explore the hiking paths at Wildcat Den to find quieter spots away from the main camping areas. Weather varies significantly by season - spring and fall bring comfortable temperatures in the 60s and 70s, while summer days often hit the 90s with high humidity. Most campgrounds reduce services or close completely during winter. You'll find good roads to the main camping areas, though some of the back routes can get muddy and rough after rain. The woods around West Burlington host deer, raccoons, and many small mammals, so hanging food is smart. Morning walks reward early risers with sightings of woodpeckers, warblers, and other birds. Both tent and RV camping work well in this area. It's worth calling ahead about reservations, especially for summer weekends when sites fill quickly. The area feels surprisingly remote despite being close to town.

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Best Camping Sites Near West Burlington, Iowa (91)

    1. Big Hollow Recreation Area

    6 Reviews
    Sperry, IA
    9 miles
    Website
    +1 (319) 985-2502

    $15 - $20 / night

    "Campgrounds also include a shooting range, beach, equestrian trails, canoe rentals, and launch, and I saw a sign for primitive cabins, though I didn't have time to check those out."

    "If you want more privacy and easy access to the lake for kayaking I'd go for 14, 15, and 16. I'm in 32 and it is private and very pretty."

    2. Lower Augusta Skunk River Access

    3 Reviews
    West Burlington, IA
    6 miles
    Website
    +1 (319) 753-8260

    "Campsite is directly next to the river. Most sites have power but there are a few tent sits as well (those are right on the river). We'll maintained vault toilets. Site has a shared spicket."

    "Amazing view of the skunk river and eagles flying nearby."

    3. Geode State Park Campground

    5 Reviews
    New London, IA
    11 miles
    Website
    +1 (319) 392-4601

    $15 - $33 / night

    "We ventured south to Geode State Park near Burlington, IA. We are getting the travel trailer tweeked in. We weathered a rainy 🌧 day Saturday (all day)."

    "I love this place good camping and a beautiful lake."

    4. Spring Lake Campground

    2 Reviews
    Burlington, IA
    6 miles
    +1 (319) 752-8691

    "I've stayed here every summer great place lots todo with the kids had a lake to fish, kayak, canoe. Has and outdoor skating rink next to the lake very neat"

    5. Welter Recreation Area

    1 Review
    West Burlington, IA
    6 miles
    Website
    +1 (319) 753-8260

    6. Lee County Pollmiller Park

    3 Reviews
    West Point, IA
    15 miles
    Website
    +1 (319) 463-7673

    "Campground had all amenities you would expect with a beach, cabins, all on a small lake. Close to town for any camping needs."

    7. Henderson County State Fish and Wildlife Area

    1 Review
    Oquawka, IL
    11 miles
    +1 (309) 374-2496

    "A small lake has some decent fishing. Cell service will Verizon was awesome. There is no potable water, dump station, showers, flushed toilets. There are a few pit toilets."

    8. Crossroads RV Park - Iowa

    6 Reviews
    Mount Pleasant, IA
    20 miles
    Website
    +1 (319) 385-9737

    $38 / night

    "The sites were close together and very close to a train track."

    "Easy access and amazingly quite dispute the road nearby Clean and new facilities"

    9. Upper Augusta Skunk River Access

    1 Review
    West Burlington, IA
    7 miles
    Website
    +1 (319) 753-8260

    10. Rodeo Park

    1 Review
    Fort Madison, IA
    14 miles
    +1 (319) 372-7700

    $20 / night

    "I stayed at the RV section right next to the rodeo arena. Full hookups for only $20 per night with a self-service registration box. I forgot to count but looked like maybe 20 spots max."

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Recent Camping Photos near West Burlington, IA

30 Photos of 91 West Burlington Campgrounds

Recent Reviews near West Burlington, IA

253 Reviews of 91 West Burlington Campgrounds

  • Emily B.
    Sep. 21, 2025

    River Junction

    Great views and location, but not private and not well-marked

    This was our first time camping here. We pulled in around 8pm when it was already dark and there was another car that had just entered the campground in front of us. After driving down the hill, he saw the basic “welcome” and “Pay here” signs next to a 4-car parking area. There were no signs marking where the bathroom was or any directions on how to choose a site. The group ahead of us chose to camp next to the boat ramp, so we circled around the loop and chose a dirt pad on the right side of the loop next to the river. We were very confused because the pictures on Dyrt showed picnic tables and fire rings at every site, but these were nowhere to be seen. It was getting late, so we set up the tent and went to bed. It wasn’t until the morning that we had discovered that we weren’t camping in one of the marked sites! As it turns out, all 4 sites were walk-in sites on grass behind the parking area that had been occupied by 2 cars when we pulled in. The signage didn’t clarify this and we couldn’t see the marked sites when it was dark! The marked sites were pretty close together and they offered no privacy between groups. Additionally, upon leaving we discovered that the toilet was on the top of the hill right by the entrance. Due to the lack of signage and privacy in between the official campsites, I rate 3 stars. It was very beautiful and peaceful, but it was very confusing in the dark.

  • Michael P.
    Sep. 13, 2025

    Fairport State Recreation Area Campground

    Host not friendly very rude woman would not recommend staying here at all

    Would not recommend fairport camping  in muscatine iowa at all the host is rude and non caring personality more like two faced   i would recommend  shady creek  or one of the others on the same hwy if looking for nice and great host

    On the note dnr are great thou

  • Steve T.
    Sep. 7, 2025

    Saulsbury Bridge Rec Area - Cedar River Campground

    Enjoyable Stay

    The sites are spaced apart well and clean with a beautiful view of the Cedar River. If you camp on the riverside campground be sure to bring a bike or extra vehicle if you camp on the far end because the bathrooms are bit of a walk. And bring a grate with you for your fire ring as some have them and some don’t. All and all it was an enjoyable stay with a fantastic view, even caught a few fish since our campsite was literally on the river edge

  • DThe Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 6, 2025

    Shady Creek

    Beautiful View

    Site #12 with electric hookup was in my opinion the best site. Right on the back of the mighty Mississippi. Very clean friendly stay

  • Erik W.
    Jul. 21, 2025

    Duck Haven Campground

    Hidden campground with a neat backstory

    July, 2017

    Neat little hidden campground with a neat back story. They owner bought it at auction just for a place to hang out with his friends but offers it for the public.  He loves cash and will usually give you a discount if you pay in cash.

    There is a bathhouse but he had to unlock it for us. 

    There is no store but you're at the edge of town so you can get anything you need.  There's no wifi but the cell service is good.

    If I recall, it's a 7 acre stocked pond.  catch and release only.

  • J
    Jun. 27, 2025

    Big River State Forest Campground

    Beautiful campground

    Water and dump station is available. No water or electric at sites. Cell service with Verizon was only available with WeBoost on and not that great then. Fire pits and picnic tables were available at your site. Cost was 8 dollars a night. This is an older campground with many hiking trails nearby at the state forest. It was wonderfully quiet during the week. There is a little unkept fishing area on a back water on the Mississippi River. I loved the place but it is definitely boondocking with water and dump station available.

  • J
    Jun. 27, 2025

    Henderson County State Fish and Wildlife Area

    Small and quiet

    There are only a handful of sites that are RV friendly. A small lake has some decent fishing. Cell service will Verizon was awesome. There is no potable water, dump station, showers, flushed toilets. There are a few pit toilets. I really enjoyed my week here but it is definitely a boondock experience. Grass was mowed and trash cans were empty. I didn’t use the pit toilets. I looked in one and it was your basic out house.

  • J
    Jun. 21, 2025

    Big River State Forest Campground

    Beautiful and quite

    Water is available through out the campground to fill your tank and there is a dump station also. Fire pits and tables at each site. Large pine trees were beautiful. Cell service wasn’t good, used WeBoost to get any internet.

Guide to West Burlington

Camping near West Burlington, Iowa, offers a mix of beautiful scenery and fun activities for everyone. Whether you’re looking for a peaceful retreat or a family-friendly adventure, there are plenty of campgrounds to choose from.

What to do

  • Fishing and Boating: Many campgrounds, like Buffalo Shores County Park, provide great access to the Mississippi River. One visitor mentioned, "The lake is great for boating and fishing and there are boats for rent during the warmer seasons."
  • Hiking and Trails: Explore the trails at Wildcat Den State Park Campground. A reviewer noted, "The park has historical sites, wooded trails, and limestone cliffs that are beautiful to hike."
  • Playgrounds and Activities: Campgrounds like Park Terrace Campground - West Lake Park offer playgrounds and recreational activities. One camper shared, "There are nice trails to walk and a lake for fishing and paddle boats."

What campers like

What you should know

  • Noise Levels: Some campgrounds can be noisy due to nearby trains or roads. A camper at Clarks Ferry mentioned, "The trains were just relentless, even during the night."
  • Limited Amenities: Not all campgrounds have full amenities. A visitor at Shady Creek pointed out, "This is a seasonal campground and has a train track upon entering the park."
  • Reservations: Some campgrounds do not allow reservations, so it’s good to check ahead. A camper at Buffalo Shores County Park noted, "Not reservable, but the sites are clean and have great views."

Tips for camping with families

  • Kid-Friendly Activities: Look for campgrounds with playgrounds and swimming areas. A parent at Park Terrace Campground - West Lake Park said, "The park offers 4 lakes to fish, paddle, and a disc golf course."
  • Safety First: Always keep an eye on kids near water. A reviewer at Wakonda Lake Campground mentioned, "There’s a playground and boat access, which is great for families."
  • Plan for Bugs: Bring bug spray, especially in warmer months. A camper at Wildcat Den State Park Campground warned, "Lots of gnats and other flying bugs, so bring spray."

Tips from RVers

  • Check Site Sizes: Make sure your RV fits the site. A reviewer at Camelot Campground Quad Cities USA noted, "There were much nicer spots, but we had all we needed for one night."
  • Full Hookups: Look for campgrounds with full hookups for convenience. A camper at Galesburg East / Knoxville KOA Journey mentioned, "The deluxe patio site on the ends nearest the pond are preferable."
  • Easy Access: Choose campgrounds with easy access to highways for a smoother trip. A visitor at Buffalo Shores County Park said, "The campground is close to the highway, making it convenient for travelers."

Camping near West Burlington, Iowa, has something for everyone, from families to RV enthusiasts. Enjoy the great outdoors and make some lasting memories!

Frequently Asked Questions

What campgrounds are available in and around Burlington, Iowa?

Burlington, Iowa and its surrounding areas offer several quality camping options. Geode State Park Campground near Danville is a popular choice with reservable sites, water access, and big-rig-friendly accommodations. For those seeking a more rustic experience, Lower Augusta Skunk River Access provides basic camping with toilet facilities near Burlington. Other nearby options include Spring Lake Campground, Welter Recreation Area near Wever, and Lee County Pollmiller Park which offers boating opportunities and family-friendly amenities. Most campgrounds in the area provide basic amenities like fire rings, picnic tables, and access to hiking trails.

How far is West Burlington from popular camping destinations in Iowa?

West Burlington is conveniently located near several notable Iowa camping destinations. Lacey Keosauqua State Park Campground is approximately 40 miles southwest, offering well-maintained sites in one of Iowa's oldest state parks. Lake Darling State Park Campground is about 35 miles northwest, featuring great fishing, kayaking, and walking paths. For those willing to travel a bit further, Shimek State Forest's Donnelson Unit is roughly 25 miles southwest, while Wildcat Den State Park is about 60 miles northeast near Muscatine. Most popular camping destinations are within a 30-60 minute drive from West Burlington.

Are there RV rental options in West Burlington and surrounding areas?

While West Burlington itself has limited RV rental operations, several options exist in the broader region. Crossroads RV Park - Iowa near Mount Pleasant (about 25 minutes from West Burlington) offers RV accommodations and may provide information about local rental services. Marr Park features sites with water and electric hookups that accommodate RVs, with clean facilities and a dump station. For RV rentals, you'll likely need to check with dealerships in larger nearby cities like Iowa City or Davenport, or use online RV rental platforms that facilitate peer-to-peer rentals from private owners in the region.

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