Map showing campground location near Riverside, Iowa

Camper submitted image from River Junction

River Junction

With direct access to the Iowa River, River Junction provides a boat ramp and four walk-in tent sites managed by Johnson County Conservation Board. The campground sits at the bottom of a hill with parking at the top, requiring campers to carry gear down to grass sites that lack privacy between groups.

Site selection can prove challenging in darkness, as one reviewer discovered when accidentally camping outside the designated areas due to limited signage. The restroom facility sits at the hilltop entrance. At $10 per night, this primitive campground allows campfires, pets, and alcohol while providing basic amenities like picnic tables and fire rings at each official site.

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Location

Public Campground

River Junction is located in Iowa

Coordinates

41.49151504 N
91.50150075 W

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Connectivity

T-Mobile5G
Good Coverage
Verified by 6 users
Last on 4/4/26
VerizonLTE
Some Coverage
AT&T5G
Excellent Coverage
Verified by 4 users
Last on 4/4/26

Connectivity

T-Mobile5G
Good Coverage
Verified by 6 users
Last on 4/4/26
VerizonLTE
Some Coverage
AT&T5G
Excellent Coverage
Verified by 4 users
Last on 4/4/26

Access

Walk-In
Park in a lot, walk to your site.

Site Types

Tent Sites
Standard (Tent/RV)

Features

For Campers

Picnic Table
Phone Service
Toilets
Alcohol
Pets
Fires

Contact

General Info

Drive Time

12 min from Iowa City, IA
33 min from Cedar Rapids, IA
58 min from Davenport, IA
1 hr 41 min from Dubuque, IA

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1 Star

4.0

out of 5

2 Reviews

Emily B.

Scout

Reviewed Sep. 21, 2025

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.

SiteNon-official site

Month of VisitSeptember

Susanjoy P.

Traveler

Reviewed Jul. 17, 2021

I camped in "stumptown "

24 years ago River Jct Lone Tree Iowa was Just stumptown. Outhouse at the top. Just a spot by the river. A lone camper. How things have changed . Still primitive tent campgrounds there. Alot of sites. Boat ramp. Camper sites no electricity. $10 per night. Bear & Sue's Adventure 2021.

Month of VisitJune

Frequently Asked Questions

What RV accommodations are available at Riverside Iowa Campground?

River Junction offers basic RV camping with no electrical hookups. The campsites are primitive, making this location best suited for self-contained RVs or those comfortable with dry camping. The fee is $10 per night for camping. While there are designated camper sites available, be prepared for a more rustic experience without standard RV amenities like water or sewer connections. For up-to-date information about site availability and current facilities, contact the campground before your trip.

Where is Riverside Iowa Campground located and how do I get there?

River Junction is located near Lone Tree, Iowa. The campground is situated along a river, offering a peaceful natural setting. To reach the campground, you'll need to drive down a hill to the entrance area, where you'll find welcome signs and a small parking area that accommodates about 4 cars. Look for the payment station near this parking area. For specific directions, it's recommended to contact the campground directly or check with the local county conservation office for the most accurate information.

What are the nearby attractions and activities around Riverside Iowa Campground?

River Junction offers several outdoor recreation opportunities right at the campground. There's a boat ramp providing easy river access for fishing, boating, or kayaking adventures. The natural riverside setting is ideal for nature walks, bird watching, and relaxing by the water. The campground has evolved from its very primitive beginnings but still maintains a simple, nature-focused experience. While specific attractions in the immediate area aren't extensively documented, the proximity to Lone Tree suggests basic services might be available in town. For those seeking a quiet getaway focused on river activities and simple camping, River Junction provides a suitable base.

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