West Burlington sits at the eastern edge of Iowa along the Mississippi River valley, with camping areas spread across rolling hills and river bottoms ranging from 540 to 700 feet above sea level. The region features a humid continental climate with four distinct seasons. Summer temperatures typically reach 85-90°F with high humidity, while spring and fall offer more comfortable camping conditions with 60-75°F daytime temperatures.
What to do
Lake activities: fishing, swimming, kayaking: Big Hollow Recreation Area offers a no-wake zone lake perfect for fishing largemouth bass, crappie, bluegill, and catfish. "Nearby lake has a beach and a boat ramp for launching boats (whole lake is no wake zone) or kayaks. If you are into fishing, this place has large mouth bass, crappie, bluegill, and catfish," notes Sarah J.
Night sky observation: stargazing, astronomy: The primitive camping area at Big Hollow includes an astronomy feature not mentioned in most reviews. "There's a gun range, horse farm, playground, bathrooms, and even a place to use a few telescopes to see the stars!" says Lisa M. The rural setting with minimal light pollution creates good stargazing conditions.
Hiking trails: woodland exploration, bird watching: Geode State Park Campground maintains several trails for nature observation. "The trail system around the lake is in pretty good shape and makes for some great mountain biking," says Douglas P. The trails range from shorter loops near the campground to longer routes around the former lake bed.
What campers like
Affordable pricing: reasonable site fees: Lower Augusta Skunk River Access offers economical camping directly beside the water. "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). Well maintained vault toilets. Site has a shared spicket," Travis R. reports. Most primitive sites throughout the area cost $10-15 per night.
Concrete camping pads: level parking: Wilson Lake Park features sturdy concrete pads for easier setup. "Nice campground with cement pads as well as primitive campsites and cabins," notes Travis R. Andrew P. adds, "We stayed at site 2 which is a little smaller than we would've liked but it is all concrete and has full hook ups."
Helpful campground hosts: friendly staff: The campground hosts at several locations receive praise for their attentiveness. At Wilson Lake Park, "Campground host is super friendly! They ran over when we pulled in and helped guide us into our site," according to Andrew P. Similarly, at Big Hollow, Fred S. mentions, "Campground host was very helpful. Inexpensive firewood."
What you should know
Seasonal closures: water access limitations: Many campgrounds reduce services during off-peak months. Stuart O. reports about Nauvoo State Park Campground: "We stayed in mid-November when a lot of places are closed. They had electricity and the dump station was operating, but the water hookups were shut off and the bath house was closed for the winter."
Algae conditions: water quality varies: Some lakes in the area can develop algae blooms, especially during summer. Lisa M. notes about Big Hollow: "The only downside is the lake was filled with algae. So if you're wanting to fish or swim, this isn't the place for you!" Water quality should be checked before planning water activities.
Self-registration process: payment methods: Several campgrounds use self-service registration. "Full hookups for only $20 per night with a self-service registration box," reports Sam H. about Rodeo Park. At Nauvoo State Park, Jill explains: "There are no camping sites for primitive camping, just drive to a spot you like, put your money in an envelope into a mail box."
Tips for camping with families
Playground access: structured activities: Spring Lake Campground provides multiple recreation options for children. "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," says Taylor A. Troy P. adds it's "Nice place for kids and adults! Would highly recommend."
Beach availability: swimming options: Several pet-friendly campgrounds near West Burlington include swimming areas. Lee County Pollmiller Park offers water recreation for families with children. "The park is clean and family friendly. The beach is a great addition for some family fun," according to Brittany M.
Pet policies: dog-friendly areas: Most dog friendly campgrounds near West Burlington require leashes in common areas. At Big Hollow, pets are welcome at all site types including cabins. "We tent camped here a few weeks ago and it was pretty nice. You self check in and cost is only $10/night for primitive," notes Lisa M., who was able to bring her pet.
Tips from RVers
Hookup types: electricity and water: Crossroads RV Park offers full service sites for larger RVs. "The site was a full hookup- electric, water and sewer. I wouldn't stay longer than an overnight. The sites were close together and very close to a train track," says Melissa A. Most RV sites in the area offer at minimum 30-amp service.
Noise considerations: train proximity: Some campgrounds experience periodic noise disruption. "The issue is NOISE!! Constant train traffic all night! Horns blaring! The tracks are less than 1/4-mile away. And quite a bit of freeway noise, too!" warns John C. about Crossroads RV Park.
Dump station accessibility: waste disposal: Many campgrounds in the region provide sanitary dump stations even if they don't offer full hookups. Most conservation areas like Big Hollow and Wilson Lake Park maintain dump stations for camper use, with some requiring an additional fee for non-registered guests.
