Best Campgrounds near Bettendorf, IA

Campgrounds near Bettendorf, Iowa include several well-established sites along the Mississippi River, with a mix of RV, tent, and cabin accommodations. Fishermans Corner and Illiniwek Campground provide direct river access, while Bald Eagle Campground and West Lake Park offer cabin options for those seeking more amenities. The camping areas span both Iowa and Illinois sides of the river, with most facilities concentrated within a 20-mile radius of Bettendorf. Several campgrounds feature full hookups for RVs, while others maintain more rustic sites with basic facilities for tent campers.

The camping season in the region typically runs from April through October, with most facilities closing during winter months. As noted by one visitor, "This campground is quite nice for the cost. Sites have decent spacing, and during the week it seems to be only 20% full." Access roads to the campgrounds are generally well-maintained and suitable for most vehicles, including larger RVs at facilities like Interstate RV Park and Camelot Campground. Reservation requirements vary by location, with many campgrounds accepting advance bookings, while others operate on a first-come, first-served basis. Summer weekends see higher occupancy rates, particularly at waterfront sites, making weekday visits preferable for those seeking quieter experiences.

Mississippi River views represent a significant draw for many campgrounds in the area. Fishermans Corner and Illiniwek Campground both offer sites directly overlooking the water. A camper observed that Fishermans Corner provides "a really nice campground right on the Mississippi with level gravel pads with a picnic table and firepit." Train noise affects some riverside locations, with railroad tracks running parallel to several campgrounds. Park facilities typically include shower houses, dump stations, and electrical hookups, with varying levels of amenities. Family-friendly features appear at several locations, with playgrounds, open spaces, and fishing access making these campgrounds suitable for multi-generational trips. Most mixed-use campgrounds in the area maintain reasonable site spacing, though proximity to neighbors varies by facility and specific site selection.

Best Camping Sites Near Bettendorf, Iowa (115)

    1. Fishermans Corner - Mississippi River

    23 Reviews
    Bettendorf, IA
    5 miles
    Website
    +1 (815) 259-3628

    $14 - $26 / night

    "Site 13 seemed to be one of the best situated. We stayed in Site 12 which had a beautiful, unobstructed view of the river."

    "As with all the campgrounds along the Northern Illinois Great River Trail, it is along side Rt. 84, and railroad tracks."

    2. Bald Eagle Campground and Cabins

    18 Reviews
    Long Grove, IA
    10 miles
    Website
    +1 (563) 328-3282

    $17 - $36 / night

    "Enjoyed almost 2 weeks at West Lake Park, part of the Scott County, IA park system. Helpful staff, park rangers make daily patrols, nice spots, many with shade trees & decent room."

    "Although theres a small "lake" here, Ive never had great luck catching much. Pool is nice and updated. Park rangers are always frequently present and patrolling."

    3. Camelot Campground Quad Cities USA

    17 Reviews
    Rock Island, IL
    10 miles
    Website
    +1 (309) 787-0665

    "My wife, son, and I recently stayed here on our trip back home from Iowa. The campground was clean and quiet."

    "Close to stores, and resturants. A casino close by."

    4. Illiniwek Campground

    12 Reviews
    Bettendorf, IA
    4 miles
    Website
    +1 (309) 496-2620

    "The campground is also right next to a biking trail. There was public and private bathrooms. The private ones were only accessible to campers that received a key from the park office."

    "There is a section of the campground where you can camp right on the edge of the Mississippi River which is nice, but you must deal with people fishing the entire time."

    5. Park Terrace Campground - West Lake Park

    11 Reviews
    Davenport, IA
    11 miles
    Website
    +1 (563) 328-3281

    $27 / night

    "The host is on site plus a park ranger was frequently driving around to check on things. We were there on Labor Day weekend and everyone quieted down in the evening."

    "This campground is located in West Lake Park about 5 miles from downtown Davenport. There are two campgrounds – Summit and Park Terrace. "

    6. Interstate RV Park

    8 Reviews
    Eldridge, IA
    8 miles
    Website
    +1 (563) 386-7292

    "Easy on off from highway, cute little place but still fit a big rig towing a trailer. DoorDash in area is convenient. 50 ⚡️💩👍💧👍"

    "It’s a bit noisy due to the nearness to the interstate."

    7. Summit Campground - West Lake Park

    7 Reviews
    Davenport, IA
    11 miles
    Website
    +1 (563) 328-3281

    $17 - $36 / night

    "CG has new septic lines and walking paths! Sites have upgraded lanes, pads."

    "Sites offer: tables, fire rings, hard drive through pads, electric, water, showers/RR, play areas, horse shoes, trails, and 2 cabins adjacent to CG. Overflow/visitor parking."

    8. Geneseo Campground

    15 Reviews
    Geneseo, IL
    18 miles
    Website
    +1 (309) 442-2662

    $40 - $95 / night

    "The tent sites are nicely tucked away from the RVs, with a row of bushes to separate you from your neighbor. Nice shade."

    "will be surrounded by."

    9. Sac-Fox Campground, Scott Co Park

    6 Reviews
    Long Grove, IA
    11 miles
    Website

    $15 - $23 / night

    "I met include restrooms and showers, campground host with firewood, available, trash, bins, playground area, trails nearby, I shelter to rent, a golf course across from the entrance, And the park has a"

    "CG offers primitive site amenities: tables, fire rings, some hammock structures, spacious sites, shelter to rent, seasonal host with fire wood and golf course like cated at entrance."

    10. Wilderness Campground, Scott County Park

    5 Reviews
    Long Grove, IA
    11 miles
    Website

    $15 - $23 / night

    "The campground has a seasonal host offering firewood on site, showers and restrooms, play area, trails, and overflow parking just adjacent for the entrance."

    "Unlike either nearby Woodside or Bald Eagle campgrounds, which are more geared for the RV driving and 5th Wheel hauling camping community, Wilderness CG isn’t very level, has decent natural barriers like"

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Recent Reviews near Bettendorf, IA

546 Reviews of 115 Bettendorf Campgrounds


  • Stuart K.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 27, 2025

    Geneseo Izaak Walton League Campground - Members Only

    Hidden Gem Along the Hennepin Canal

    This is the Geneseo Chapter of the Izaak Walton League of America, which coming across one fine Autumn day, I was completely unaware of this organization, which apparently is America’s oldest and most successful conservation organizations. This particular chapter in Geneseo was chartered back in 1952 and shortly thereafter founded Ike’s Park located right along the Hennepin Canal, which features among other things: picnic facilities, fishing, boating and kayaking, a boat ramp, handicapped accessible fishing pier as well as a community lodge that you can book in advance, in addition to a primitive style campground offering up some 20 or so sites on a first-come, first served basis.

    To put it bluntly, this place is incredibly simple and basic, which is its beauty in a nutshell. This undiscovered little gem will make you feel as though you’ve just hit the primitive camping lottery jackpot as very few folks outside of Geneseo even know of this place. So if you’re coming from slightly further afield, you’ll appreciate getting in on something special. Upon arrival from Route 82, which if you are coming from the nearest major highway of I80, you’d be heading northbound, you need to simply hang a right onto a very modest gravel road that has an immediate declining slope upon entry. Once you turn into Izaak Walton Park, you’ll feel embraced by something truly special with mature maples and oaks surrounding you before coming across a sign marking this territory as Ike’s Place with the community lodge on the right. If you continue on, just about 30 yards further you’ll come across the self-check-in kiosk where you just need to fill out the required information and drop your$10(member) or$20(non-members) in an envelope and you can set up wherever you’d like.

    As you are literally right next to the Hennepin Canal, you’ll want to set up as near the canal as you can get, although, you could sit back a bit further south if you’d like under the canopy of a mature treeline. Beyond the beautiful, scenic riverview, there’s just a couple of community shelters, basic restroom facilities with vault toilets, a fishing pier and a large area that faces a larger swath of the Hennepin Canal that for a short bit resembles a lake, although when you are on the water, you’ll learn it’s just the bend in the river. Here at Izaak Walton Park alongside the property immediately to the south, Geneseo Prairie Park, there’s lots of decent hilly hiking trails to keep you occupied. And of course, if you’re an angler, you’ll appreciate the quick and easy access to casting a line where you’ll be able to catch panfish, small- and large-mouth bass as well as catfish.

    Insider’s tips? Here’s a few:(1) While you are north of Geneseo, you shouldn’t have too much problem with cell coverage out in these parts– we got 4 bars with Verizon and 3 bars with AT&T;(2) Not all of the sites are level, so you definitely want to check out a number of the sites before deciding upon which to choose from– where you’ll also want to keep in mind that not all of the sites have electricity, so either plant yourself near an outlet or bring a long electrical cord;(3) While there is a dump station on-site, when we were there, it was locked, so while we were able to place most of our trash in the garbage receptables, be prepared to haul yours out with you before leaving; and(4) You’ll want to take note that you are sitting alongside the Hennepin Canal, which if you haven’t been to before, provides about 100 miles worth of some pretty amazing slow-moving current that is excellent for kayaks and canoes, so if you’ve got one, bring it, but if not, the good folks at Geneseo Campground just due north of this location across the river will rent you one.

    Happy Camping!

  • RThe Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 24, 2025

    Summit Campground - West Lake Park

    Nice Break

    We are headed to North Carolina and needed a break from the back-to-back travel days. This campground was clean and quiet while we’re were there. We did stay from Monday to Wednesday so it might be busier on the weekends.

  • Stuart K.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 23, 2025

    Sac-Fox Campground, Scott Co Park

    The Brady Bunch of Campgrounds

    SOC-Fox Campground is like the middle child in a family of seven - yes, count 'em seven - campgrounds within Scott County Park. Think Brady Bunch, but with fire pits and RV hookups instead of bell bottoms and avocado-colored kitchens. It’s not the flashiest sibling, but it’s got that reliable Midwest charm that makes you go,'Yep, it's not the most attractive, but it will get the job done.' First impression? Clean, organized and incredibly less chaotic than you’d expect from the Jan of the camping family.

    The sites here are roomy, shaded, and well-behaved, just like campers who say 'please' and 'thank you' everywhere you go, well, because you're in the Midwest. You’ve got a mix of electric and FHU options, so everyone from RV royalty to tent campers with coolers full of questionable lunch meat can settle in comfortably. Roads are wide enough that you won’t have to close one eye and pray when maneuvering your rig. Bathhouses? Shockingly nice. Like, did a spa consultant sneak in here when no one was looking?!  Nice. Fire rings and picnic tables come standard, and the pet-friendly vibe means your dog will probably make more friends than you do.  There's some shade, but most of it is on the treeline on the perimeter.

    And let’s talk about Scott County Park itself, which is like the Disney World of county parks. You want hiking? Got it. Equestrian trails? Saddle up. Disc golf? Fore! Playground for the kids? Absolutely. And then there’s the aquatic center. Not a pool. Not a splash pad. A full-on aquatic wonderland with waterslides, diving boards and enough chlorine to strip a small car of paint. Meanwhile, other campgrounds are out here bragging about their kiddie swings. Weak, right?!

    Insider Tips?  Here's a handful: (1) Shady sites near the woods are perfect for naps and hiding from the in-laws, while open sites are better if you need your daily satellite news fix; (2) Hungry? Roll into nearby Eldridge for The Rustic Ridge, where the burgers are taller than your nephew’s science project and fries are an entire food group all to itself; (3) Kayak fans can float the Wapsipinicon River where it’s calm, scenic and you’ll get to wave at locals fishing with that 'I’ve lived here since 1842' energy; and (4) Don’t skip the aquatic center as your kids will cannonball themselves into exhaustion while you finally finish that camp chair beer in peace.

    Happy Camping!

  • James M.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 15, 2025

    Summit Cabin 2, West Lake Park

    Nice modern cabin along lake

    Cabin has on-site parking as well as overflow parking nearby, hard surface with picnic table, and firing, gas grill, covered porch with Lakeview, sleeps eight, fireplace and full kitchen amenities, ADA accessible restroom. Park offers seasonal swimming beach, for lakes to paddle and fish at, disc golf course, Concessions in season, and lots of trails.

  • 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

  • Jorge F.
    Sep. 8, 2025

    Cedar River Campground

    Good place to go camping with friends and family.

    “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.”

  • 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

  • Sam B.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 6, 2025

    Mississippi Palisades State Park Campground

    Loud, crowded.

    I don't think we'll be back. The best part about the whole experience was the crazy road that leads to the overlooks. The campground is stacked close together, there's no signs for directing you towards sites, no place to put garbage, only a couple vault toilets. Never did see the shower house, but we just left the next day anyways. Loud people singing, playing music and snapping limbs till almost 4am, trains run all night. Not really my kinda place.


Guide to Bettendorf

Camping near Bettendorf, Iowa, offers a variety of beautiful spots for outdoor enthusiasts. Whether you're looking for a peaceful retreat or an adventurous getaway, there are several campgrounds that cater to different needs.

What to do:

  • Explore the caves: At Maquoketa Caves State Park Campground, you can hike through unique caves. One visitor mentioned, "The caves make this a unique place to visit but the hiking is rigorous."
  • Enjoy the lake: Lake Macbride State Park Campground is perfect for swimming and fishing. A camper noted, "Beautiful lake. Will stay here again when come back to visit her."
  • Hiking and biking: The trails around Thomson Causeway are great for biking. One reviewer said, "The paved bike route heads along the Mississippi and connects towns."

What campers like:

  • Clean facilities: Campers appreciate the cleanliness of the bathrooms. A visitor at Sugar Bottom Campground remarked, "Bathrooms were clean. Easy in and out of the campground."
  • Quiet atmosphere: Many enjoy the peacefulness of the campgrounds. A review for Shady Creek stated, "Nice quiet spot on the Mississippi."
  • Friendly hosts: Campers often mention the helpfulness of campground staff. At Fishermans Corner - Mississippi River, one camper said, "The hosts were absolutely the best! They walk through the camp each night checking sites."

What you should know:

  • Site spacing: Some campgrounds have sites that are close together. A visitor at Illinois White Pines Forest State Park noted, "The campground is absolutely jammed with camp sites—it's ridiculous."
  • Insect presence: Be prepared for bugs, especially in warmer months. A camper at Thomson Causeway mentioned, "I should’ve taken the other reviews more seriously about the number of insects."
  • Limited amenities: Some campgrounds may not have all the amenities you expect. A review for Chief Keokuk Campground stated, "The restaurant and bait shop/boat rental was closed due to no staffing."

Tips for camping with families:

  • Choose quieter sites: Look for sites that offer more privacy. A family at Lake Macbride State Park Campground found, "Doesn't feel like a bunch of campers crammed together."
  • Bring activities: Make sure to pack games and outdoor toys. One camper at Sugar Bottom Campground said, "The beach was a plus for the kids as well."
  • Plan for meals: Consider cooking at your campsite. A visitor at Maquoketa Caves State Park Campground enjoyed, "The good news is that likely due to the bats, there were no gnats or mosquitos."

Tips from RVers:

  • Check site size: Make sure your RV fits the site. A camper at Lake Macbride State Park Campground mentioned, "The entry on this app says big rig friendly, but it might be hard to fit a big rig on the electrical only sites."
  • Use leveling blocks: Some sites may not be perfectly level. A visitor at Sugar Bottom Campground noted, "We did have to put blocks under the passenger-side tires."
  • Stay connected: Check for cell service availability. One camper at Fishermans Corner - Mississippi River said, "Excellent AT&T service, remote worked from my site for four hours today."

Camping around Bettendorf, Iowa, has something for everyone, from families to RVers. Just be prepared for the unique quirks of each campground!

Frequently Asked Questions

Are there RV rental options in Bettendorf, Iowa?

While there aren't dedicated RV rental facilities directly in Bettendorf, several options exist in the Quad Cities area. You can find rental services in nearby Davenport or consider Interstate RV Park which sometimes has information about local rental options. Porth RV Park in the broader region offers basic pull-in sites with water and electric hookups that accommodate rental RVs. For RV camping near Bettendorf, options include several campgrounds with big-rig-friendly sites like Park Terrace Campground and Rock Creek Marina and Campground.

Can I find campgrounds with cabin accommodations near Bettendorf?

Bald Eagle Campground and Cabins offers cabin options near the Bettendorf area, providing a comfortable alternative for those who prefer not to tent camp. Another option is Mississippi Palisades State Park Campground, which is considered a favorite in the region with excellent amenities and scenic views, though you should check availability for their cabins in advance. When booking cabins near Bettendorf, especially during peak summer months, early reservations are recommended as these accommodations tend to fill quickly.

What campgrounds are available near Bettendorf, Iowa?

Several great campgrounds are available within easy driving distance of Bettendorf. Wildcat Den State Park Campground is a hidden gem in southeast Iowa offering non-electrical campsites surrounded by beautiful natural scenery with hiking trails. Shady Creek is located on the Iowa side of the Mississippi River and managed by the US Army Corps of Engineers, offering riverside camping. Other nearby options include West Lake Park's campgrounds, Scott County Park's Wilderness Campground, and Rock Creek Marina and Campground, all within a short drive from Bettendorf.