Camping on Mississippi river in Illinois, Iowa or WI

[GMCdiesel]

Looking for suggestions of places to camp on Mississippi river. Northern Illinois from I88 north or Southern Wisconsin.
Will be traveling with two 4 year old. Family friendly, play ground would be nice.
Thank you.

[richp]

Google "Corp of Engineers Illinois Iowa". Many fine options.



Rich Phillips

[rowdy boys 3]

There is also a place near the river in southern IL, not to far from the arch in st louis, although its been quite some time since i've been there, so the name slips me..

[Ortep]

How far north in Southern Wisconsin are you willing to go? We've stayed at Wyalusing S.P. outside of Prairie du Chen. This state park is on top of a bluff, looking down on the Mississippi and Wisconsin rivers confluence. You can see parts of Iowa & Minnesota and there are hiking trails, a playground and fishing pier. This is one of our favorites in Wisconsin.
There's the Mississippi Palisades S.P. outside of Savanna, IL., we've only driven thru this park but sites looked nice.

[hobienick]

Originally Posted by rowdy boys 3

There is also a place near the river in southern IL, not to far from the arch in st louis, although its been quite some time since i've been there, so the name slips me..

Having recently lived in the STL area, I would suggest not spending time in IL that close to STL. It's pretty rough along the river. All of the city and county parks in the area advise not leaving valuables in the car due to the massive amount of break ins. I would also say the graffiti is not family friendly. I can't imagine how the campgrounds in the area would be.

[Wiscampsin]

X2 on Wyalusing state park.

[Jim34RL]

Try Sunset Lakes Resort in Hillsdale IL. This is by the QUAD Cities and just off of I88 but far enough away so, you do not hear the interstate road noise. We have stated there several times over the years with our grandkids. Plenty to do such as a large pool, miniatured golf, fishing, playground, hiking and so forth.

The pool is open but you need to check with the office to make sure!

[Kcoulter]

Mississippi Palisades State Park in Savannah, IL

[djemgoss]

Blackhawk COE Park is right on the river banks of Mississippi!
https://www.recreation.gov/camping/campgrounds/233697
It is 35 miles north of Prairie du Chien, WI and 93 miles north of Dubuque, Iowa. A very scenic drive.
Not sure about playground.

[Zilchie]

Wyalusing is GORGEOUS! Good playground also. The ridge top sites have awesome views. Most don’t but still a lovely campground. It’s popular so Probably not assured of a site.

[tomkatb]

Traveling from South Dakota to Chicago we stopped at Prairie Island Campground
Winona, MN.

As we pulled in they had a taco truck for dinner. Sold the DW on dinner. No rv food. Beer and tacos.

Also they had music for several hours. One of the players had nationally know records.

Have to say it was really nice. Maybe out of your way.

[richp]

Camped here many times when a COE site wasn't available. Very close to I-80 and right on the river.


Forest Preserve District - Illiniwek Forest Preserve


Hope this helps.


Rich

[dbarr]

If you’re bringing bicycles, fishing poles or some sort of water craft I’d recommend Fisherman’s corner, Illiniwek Forest Preserve or Thomson Causeway.
Bike path connects all 3 and beyond in addition to the water trails.

[Eldereaglewatcher]

We camped at Pike's Peak State Park in Iowa in 2018 and really enjoyed it. It's on a bluff above the Mississippi across the river from the confluence of the Wisconsin and Mississippi Rivers. The views of the river are excellent, including Wyalusing State Park across the river in WI.

[old hunter]

That whole stretch from fisherman corner north clear to wyalosing has good places for you. I am not as good on the Iowa side but know of pikes peak and belleview state park.North of town belleview has a county park I believe called Jackson county? There is a marina and nice campground boats going in and out and barge watching for the kids.Also lock and dam in town.When i stay at Thomson causeway I go to the Futon lock and dam good for big kids too.lol The missippi palisades size is cut in about half right now because of past storm damage.Grant river is a corps park near petosi wi on the river and a brewery and things to do in the area.I have stayed at these and you will like them .Grant river has trains here and there for light sleepers.Have Fun! Grant river is not far from wyalosing and nelson ?state park is in between.

[richp]

Old Hunter mentions trains with good cause. Many of these campgrounds down at river level will have train tracks nearby.



At Illiniwek and Fisherman's, for instance, the tracks are just behind the campground, but iirc, they are not so close at Thomson Causeway.


So if occasional train noise would be a problem, I'd suggest a little Google Earth research before choosing.


Rich Phillips

[jeff64]

Spook cave up around Dubuque, Ia. was a hoot. There was a casino near there

[GMCdiesel]

Thank you all for suggestions. Just got back from Mississippi Palisades State Park in Savannah Illinois and we had a great time.