This article about camping near Davenport, Iowa is brought to you be Banner & Oak. Check out their trucker hats for men that you can wear at any of these campgrounds.
The best way to explore America’s rural and picturesque heartland is to find a well-equipped campground in a scenic spot.
If you’re looking for inspiration, check out these gorgeous spots for camping near Davenport, Iowa. These sites offer something unique, from dramatic geological formations to rolling cornfields and an abundance of local flora and fauna.
1. Maquoketa Caves
Image from The Dyrt Camper Shelly S.
This recently upgraded campground is just under 50 miles north of Davenport, nestled in among breathtaking pine trees and fascinating rock formations. The Maquoketa State Park has 13 caves, including the dramatic Dancehall Cave and the smaller, beautiful, Hernando’s Hideaway.
The RV sites at Maquoketa State Park are spaced out, sitting in the shade of the surrounding forest. There’s also a functioning shower facility on site.
“I like the spacing, privacy and shade. There are several water hydrants throughout the campground to use.” – Shelley S.
Campground Details:
- Price: $11-20
- Number of sites: 35
- RV sites: Yes
- Fires allowed: Yes
- Pets allowed: Yes
2. Shady Creek
Image from The Dyrt camper Kathy J.
If you follow the Iowa Highway 22 west from Davenport for just under 20 miles, you’ll come to the Shady Creek Recreation Area, a campground that lies along the Mississippi River banks.
Fans of hiking and wildlife viewing can explore the nearby Wildcat Den State Park and spot local songbirds. Each RV site has 30- or 50-amp electric hookups, and the campground has a boat ramp for easy access to the river.
“Very nice park. Easy to navigate, even with big rigs, of which there were plenty. I’ve never seen a park where every pad was level like this one.” – Gary P.
Campground Details:
- Price: $20-25
- Number of sites: 54
- RV sites: Yes
- Fires allowed: Yes
- Pets allowed: Yes
3. Scott County Park
Image from The Dyrt camper James M.
This campground is just over 15 miles north of downtown Davenport, surrounded by hiking trails and lush trees. If you enjoy exploring open-air museums, you’re in luck. You’ll find a well-maintained trail to the west of the campground that leads to the fascinating Walnut Grove Pioneer Village.
The nearby Pride Lake contains plenty of freshwater fish, and native whitetail deer roam freely through the surrounding forest.
“When you come into the park, you check-in at the entry station. The people there are always friendly and knowledgeable. This is also where you can purchase firewood if you want to.” – Seth N.
Campground Details:
- Price: $17-26
- Number of sites: 400
- RV sites: Yes
- Fires allowed: Yes
- Pets allowed: Yes
4. West Lake Park
Image from The Dyrt camper Nancy W.
You’ll find this 620-acre park just under 8 miles west of the Hamburg Historic District in Davenport. If you’re a fan of wild swimming or angling, you’ll love this spot. There are 4 lakes on-site, an ADA-accessible fishing dock, and a small boat jetty.
This recreational area has two main campground areas with well-equipped electrical hookups, picnic benches, and restrooms.
“Campground office with wood available, snacks, bait. Beach has kayaks, paddle-boats, and a fishing boat for rent.” – James M.
Campground Details:
- Price: $17-26
- Number of sites: 125
- RV sites: Yes
- Fires allowed: Yes
- Pets allowed: Yes
5. Bellevue
Image from The Dyrt camper Lee D.
This campground is just over an hour’s drive north of downtown Davenport, but you’ll find that the stunning views of the Mississippi River and the surrounding geological beauty make the extra time in the car worth the trip.
Hikers can explore the nearby forest trails, and wildlife enthusiasts should expect to see a wide variety of butterfly species in the colorful Butterfly Garden. The campground has restroom facilities and a sanitary dump station.
“There are beautiful overlooks of the Mississippi River from paved walking trails. The camp hosts were very friendly.” – Lee D.
Campground Details:
- Price: $6-15
- Number of sites: 46
- RV sites: Yes
- Fires allowed: Yes
- Pets allowed: Yes
6. Illiniwek Campground
Image from The Dyrt camper Dave W.
This campground is just over 10 miles to the east of the Village of East Davenport, Illinois. A large section of the site lies right on the Mississippi River banks, where angling enthusiasts appreciate the great fishing opportunities.
There’s a store on site that sells useful supplies, and staff are normally available to answer questions you may have about nearby trails and wildlife spotting opportunities.
“We stopped here for the day so that we could bike around East Moline on the trail. It was a perfect location for the trail because the access is literally on the edge of camp and through the campground.” – Scott M.
Campground Details:
- Price: $13-25
- Number of sites: 85
- RV sites: Yes
- Fires allowed: Yes
- Pets allowed: Yes
7. Johnson-Sauk Trail
Image from The Dyrt camper Crystal
This picturesque campground is around 50 miles to the east of downtown Davenport, lying in among a calming pine tree forest. Watersports fans can spend plenty of time in the nearby lake where you can kayak and canoe in the summer.
At the Johnson-Sauk Park entrance is the Ryan Round Barn, a striking centennial building with a breathtaking wooden ceiling. The campground has 70 sites with full electric hookups for RVs.
“One large section of the campground is walk-up non-electric sites in a grove of pine trees. It’s lovely! Perfect for hammocks. Shady but open enough to get a breeze.” – Amanda C.
- Price: $15 – 25
- Number of sites: 95
- RV sites: Yes
- Fires allowed: Yes
- Pets allowed: Yes
When you camp in or near Davenport, Iowa, you can explore America’s rural and scenic heartland. There are plenty of excellent camping opportunities in this area, and if you want to check out more options, head to The Dyrt’s full list of the best camping in Davenport, IA.
This article about camping near Davenport, Iowa was brought to you by Banner & Oak. Be sure to pick up one of their snapback hats before your next adventure.
The post Explore America’s Heartland at These 7 Campgrounds Near Davenport, IA appeared first on The Dyrt Magazine.
