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Recreation Areas and Campground Database

Mississippi River - Pools 11-22

Fifteen campgrounds dot the shoreline along the upper Mississippi River Project. Facilities include campsites, boat ramps, picnic shelters, interpretive programs, hiking trails and eagle watching in the winter months. Fishing is very popular along ?Old Man River.?

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Blanchard Island Recreation Area Campground
List of Campsites

Overview

The Mississippi River Project’s Muscatine Ranger Station has gone to a new way to pay for First-Come First-Serve campsites at the Blanchard Island Recreation Area. This new way is called "Scan & Pay". Blanchard Island’s open fee dates are May 15th through October 15th. Visitors are required to physically arrive at the campground to purchase and claim a site using the QR Code and Recreation.gov mobile APP. (Cash will no longer be accepted for payment. Credit Card Only.)   

Recreation

Fisherman have good luck fishing for catfish from Blanchard Island. If you have a boat, you can launch it from here and find the best catfish holes. In the Fall, hunters enjoy camping and hunting deer from here, as well as the Island; if they bring their boat.

Others just enjoy the serenity of the park and the natural views of the river and bottom lands. Wildife viewing is a popular activity here. Bald Eagles, ducks, Pileated Woodpeckers, deer, and the occasional muskrat or otter may be seen.  

Facilities

This "off the beaten" path Class B campground is a fisherman' and hunter's and camper's paradise. The park has a boat ramp, concrete vault toilets, 15 campsites-each with a picnic table and fire ring, as well as a beautiful and quiet view of Blanchard Chute on the Mississippi River.  

There are a number of water hydrants throughout the park that provide potable water. A dump station is also available for camper's use.  

Natural Features

Blanchard Island Recreation Area is a great place to view wildlife due to it's serene backcountry feel. It sits along the backwaters of the Mississippi River. You'll have to travel about 2 miles on a gravel road to get here, but it's well worth it. You'll want to bring the bug spray though to be safe!

Charges & Cancellations

As in the past, no refunds will be given if you must leave the campground early.  


Bulger's Hollow Recreation Area Campground
List of Campsites

Overview

Bulger's Hollow Recreation Area is a hidden gem located on the Mississippi River. Whether you like camping, fishing, boating, or just taking in nature, Bulger's Hollow Recreation Area is the perfect place.

Recreation

If you are looking for a few nights of good old fashioned camping, then Bulger’s Hollow Recreation Area is your stop. With 23 non-reservable campsites, 17 RV sites and 9 tent camping sites, this park is small in size but offers one of the best views of the Mississippi. This campground offers primitive amenities, such as drinking water, vault toilets, and a dump station. As a reminder, campers have a 14-day camping limit, within a 30-day period. The camping area is open from May 15-October 15. The boat ramp and day use areas are open year-round. Camping is not the only attraction to the area. Bulger’s Hollow also offers a boat ramp, playground equipment and picnic sites for a great way to spend an afternoon with the family. 

Fishing Opportunities: Bulger’s Hollow offers a gravel boat launch for access to Pool 13 of the Mississippi River. A popular launching site for local fishermen, you can easily find a honey hole for an afternoon of fishing. Directly in front of the campground is a field of lily pads that are ideal for fishing. You can also take a short trip up or down river to a find a calm backwater slough for hours of casting. 

Facilities

Bulger's Hollow Recreation Area offers 23 non-reservable campsites, 17 RV sites and 9 tent camping sites, primitive amenities, such as drinking water, vault toilets, and a dump station. Other facilities in the park include a boat ramp, playground, and picnic shelter.

Natural Features

Bulger's Hollow Recreation Area is a great place to view wildlife, boat, fish, and camp. It sits along the Mississippi River, 7.5 miles North of Clinton, IA off Highway 67. You'll have to travel about 1 mile on a gravel road to get here, but it's well worth it. 

Nearby Attractions

  • Lock and Dam 13, Fulton, IL
  • Eagle Point Park, Clinton, IA
  • The Sawmill Museum, Clinton, IA
  • Wide River Winery, Clinton, IA
  • City of Clinton Showboat
  • Clinton Lumberkings Baseball, Clinton, IA
  • Bickelhaupt Arboretum, Clinton, IA
  • Felix Adler Children's Discovery Center, Clinton, IA
  • Windmill Culture Center, Fulton, IL
  • Heritage Canyon, Fulton, IL

Charges & Cancellations

As in the past, no refunds will be given if you must leave the campground early.  


Cattail Slough Recreation Area - Boat Ramp Activity Pass


BLANDING LANDING Campground
List of Campsites

Overview

Blanding Landing is situated in a lush river valley on the east bank of the great Mississippi, just 13 miles from Galena, Illinois. Rich deposits of minerals line the landscape. In the early 19th century, miners from around the globe flocked to the area in search of wealth from minerals. This was the nation's first mineral rush, predating California's legendary Gold Rush.

Recreation

The Mississippi River draws crowds of anglers each year. The most popular species is the channel catfish. Bluegill, walleye, crappie and northern pike also live in these waters. Other activities include boating, picnicking and hunting.

Facilities

All campsites are on grass and most have electric hookups. A playground and showers are also available. Hardwood trees allow for natural shade in the area.

Natural Features

The campround is off the beaten path offering a quiet camping getaway. Nestled along the backwaters of the Mississippi River, this area is a well known birders paradise plus access to miles of great fishing. Thousands of years ago, Ice Age Glaciers divided and detoured around the northwest corner of Illinois. In their wake, clusters of rugged hills remain. Today, the winding country roads are perfect for leisurely drives.

contact_info

For facility specific information, please call (563) 582-0881.

Nearby Attractions

The town of Galena is 13 miles north, and attracts tourists for its quaint atmosphere, unique shops and historic buildings. Eighty-five percent of the buildings in the town are listed in the National Register of Historic Places.


CLARKS FERRY Campground
List of Campsites

Overview

Clarks Ferry is a outdoor lovers delight, with fantastic bird watching and lots of shore fishing opportunities with our new accessible fishing dock! The park has plenty of trees to lounge under while taking in the spectacular views of the mighty Mississippi River.

Recreation

Take the kids to one of the two playgrounds, play a game of horseshoes, volleyball, or go boating. The Mississippi River draws crowds of anglers for channel catfish, bluegill, walleye, crappie and northern pike.

Facilities

Picnic tables, campfire rings, and 50-amp electric hookups are provided at every campsite. A boat ramp, dump station, and picnic shelter are also onsite.

Natural Features

The park is surrounded by large mature trees along the Iowa side of the Upper Mississippi River. The Upper Mississippi is the section of the river that starts in the headwaters of Lake Itasca, Minnesota and flows 1,250 miles to Cairo, Illinois, where it joins with the Ohio River.

Nearby Attractions

Clarks Ferry is near the Shady Creek Recreation Area and the Wildcat Den State Park.


FISHERMANS CORNER Campground
List of Campsites

Overview

With impressive views of the mighty Mississippi River, Fishermans Corner provides convenient RV and tent camping facilities for outdoor enthusiasts. The lush river landscape provides plenty of shade, and activities from water sports to hiking to wildlife viewing. Eagle watching is particularly popular during the winter months at Fishermans Corner.

Recreation

Although there is no river access from within the campground, the Fishermans Corner Day Use facility is a short walk away and offers numerous fishing areas as well as a canoe ramp. Visitors can also catch a weekly educational program at the amphitheater located within the campground.

The Central Trail section of the famous Mississippi River Trail passes directly in front of the campground, offering visitors miles of walking and biking trails along the river bank. The expansive Elton E. Fawks Bald Eagle Refuge and Nature Preserve and the Illiniwek Forest Preserve are also located just minutes away.

Facilities

Of the 51 reservable campsites, 46 campsites have electric hookups and 5 campsites do not have electric hookups and are for tents only.
Fisherman's Corner provides the comforts of modern camping, including drinking water, a shower house, electric hook-ups, flush toilets, while still providing visitors with an authentic outdoor experience.

Natural Features

Fishermans Corner offers an excellent view of a small aquatic marsh near Locks and Dam 14, which is home to an array of wildlife species. On any given morning visitors may see turtles sunning on rocks near the river bed or countless bird species hunting the shallow waters for food.

The scenery during camping season never disappoints, whether it's the vivid greenery during the spring or the breathtaking medley of colors during the fall.

Nearby Attractions

The John Deere Pavilion, an interactive museum spanning almost 200 years of the famous American agricultural company's history is located a convenient 20-minutes away by car. For a more exotic experience, the Botanical Center located in Rock Island, features an array of colorful plant species located in both indoor and outdoor gardens.

contact_info

For local information, please call (309) 496-2720 or call (815) 259-3628 for general information.


GRANT RIVER Campground
List of Campsites

Overview

Spread along the banks of the Upper Mississippi River, the Grant River Campground, located in the "Catfish Capital of Wisconsin," is a modern campground that offers a plethora of outdoor and recreational activities.

Recreation

The famous fishing on the Mississippi River draws crowds of anglers each year. The most popular species is the channel catfish, earning the city of Potosi the nickname "Catfish Capital of Wisconsin." Other species include bluegill, walleye, crappie, northern pike and bass.

Aside from fishing, boating and water sports are the most popular activities, and a boat ramp is available at the campsite for visitors.

Facilities

Picnic shelter and a playgrounds create an ideal environment for a small party or family get-together. Both tent and RV sites are available, and amenities like showers, drinking water and flush toilets offer a comfortable camping experience.

Natural Features

Surrounding the large campsite is a lush river landscape with towering bluffs and beautiful sunsets, creating a nature experience for visitors without losing the comforts of modern camping.

contact_info

For facility specific information, please call (563) 582-0881.

Nearby Attractions

Potosi Brewing Company Restauraunt & Museum (Potosi, WI - 2 miles)

Lock and Dam 11 (Dubuque, IA - 19 miles)

National Mississippi River Museum & Aquarium (Dubuque, IA - 20 miles)

Diamond Jo Casino & The Q Casino (Dubuque, IA - 20 miles)

Historic sites, Antiques, Fine Dining (Galena, IL - 28 miles)


SHADY CREEK Campground
List of Campsites

Overview

Shady Creek Campground is a 22-acre park where campers enjoy getaways on the banks of the Mississippi River. A nature trail, shore fishing and fantastic bird watching are offered at Shady Creek.

Recreation

The Mississippi River draws many anglers annually. The most popular fish species is the channel catfish; bluegill, walleye and northern pike are also found in the river.

Picnicking and playing horseshoes is a popular activity in the park.

Facilities

The park's campsites contain 50-amp electric hookups, campfire rings and picnic tables. Flush toilets and showers are provided. A boat ramp and playground are on-site.

Natural Features

The park has spectacular views of the Mississippi River. Many trees throughout the campground provide great places to lounge in the shade.

The Upper Mississippi River begins at the headwaters of Lake Itasca, Minnesota and flows 1,250 miles to Cairo, Illinois where it joins the Ohio River.

Nearby Attractions

Wildcat Den State Park is just north of Shady Creek, offering hiking trails and the historic Pine Creek Grist Mill built in 1848.

The Mark Twain National Wildlife Refuge is a 40-minute drive downstream. Trails and observation decks are open to the public. Hunting and fishing are allowed in many area of the refuge.


THOMSON CAUSEWAY Campground
List of Campsites

Overview

Thomson Causeway provides the unique experience of island camping on the great Mississippi River and it's well worth a try!

The western edge of the recreation area offers visitors an unobstructed view of the widest spot on the Upper Mississippi River Basin, 3.5 miles from shore-to-shore. Here, campers can enjoy memorable views of the river and the valley, and partake in plenty of great water activities.

Recreation

Popular activities include fishing, hiking, hunting, biking and boating. Common fish species include the channel catfish, bluegill, walleye, large mouth bass, and northern pike. The Central Trail section of the famous Mississippi River Trail passes beside the campground, offering visitors miles of walking and biking trails along the river bank.

Facilities

Of the 125 reservable campsites, 120 have electric hookups and 5 campsites do not have electric hookups and are for tents only. Thomson Causeway provides the comforts of modern camping, including drinking water, an accessible flush toilet, electrical hookups, shower house and boat ramp, while still providing visitors with an authentic outdoor experience.  This park also offers 2 reservable picnic shelters for day use.

Natural Features

The campground is built mainly on an island in the backwaters of the Mississippi River. Slow moving water on the eastern edge of the main recreation area creates a rich environment in which wildlife and fish abound.

Nearby Attractions

Head northbound along the river to see the Ayers Sand Prairie State Nature Preserve or the Mississippi Palisades State Park.

Visit the Ingersoll Wetlands Learning Center and Fulton's Dutch Windmill. Or watch a minor league baseball game at the Clinton Lumberkings stadium.

contact_info

For local information, please call (815) 259-2353 or call (815) 259-3628 for general information.


Pleasant Creek Public Area Facility

This recreation area is part of Mississippi River - Pools 11-22


Bulger's Hollow Facility

This recreation area is part of Mississippi River - Pools 11-22


Andalusia Slough Facility

This recreation area is part of Mississippi River - Pools 11-22


Blanchard Island Facility

This recreation area is part of Mississippi River - Pools 11-22


Ferry Landing Facility

This recreation area is part of Mississippi River - Pools 11-22


Bear Creek Facility

This recreation area is part of Mississippi River - Pools 11-22


Visitor Center Facility

This recreation area is part of Mississippi River - Pools 11-22


Snively Access Facility

This recreation area is part of Mississippi River - Pools 11-22


Lazy River Facility

This recreation area is part of Mississippi River - Pools 11-22


Massey Marina Park Facility

This recreation area is part of Mississippi River - Pools 11-22


Green Gables Facility

This recreation area is part of Mississippi River - Pools 11-22


Chestnut Mountain Resort Facility

This recreation area is part of Mississippi River - Pools 11-22


Hawkeye/Arrowhead Marina Facility

This recreation area is part of Mississippi River - Pools 11-22


Spruce Creek Facility

This recreation area is part of Mississippi River - Pools 11-22


Midtown Marina Facility

This recreation area is part of Mississippi River - Pools 11-22


Fin And Feather Facility

This recreation area is part of Mississippi River - Pools 11-22


Island City Harbor Facility

This recreation area is part of Mississippi River - Pools 11-22


Schleicher's Landing Facility

This recreation area is part of Mississippi River - Pools 11-22


Spring Lake Resort Facility

This recreation area is part of Mississippi River - Pools 11-22


Miller's Hollow (Palisade State Park) Facility

This recreation area is part of Mississippi River - Pools 11-22


Andalusia Park Facility

This recreation area is part of Mississippi River - Pools 11-22


Galena Boat Club Facility

This recreation area is part of Mississippi River - Pools 11-22


Bowfin Yacht Club Facility

This recreation area is part of Mississippi River - Pools 11-22


Great River Tug Site Facility

This recreation area is part of Mississippi River - Pools 11-22


Camp Hideaway Facility

This recreation area is part of Mississippi River - Pools 11-22


Bent Prop Marina Facility

This recreation area is part of Mississippi River - Pools 11-22


Rock Creek Park Facility

This recreation area is part of Mississippi River - Pools 11-22


Shady Creek Recreation Area - Boat Ramp Activity Pass


Clark's Ferry Recreation Area - Boat Ramp Activity Pass


Bulger's Hollow Recreation Area - Boat Ramp Activity Pass


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