98% (61) • 9 campsites
Top-rated campgrounds near Bonaparte
Railroad creek camp ground
1. Railroad creek camp ground
95%
(67)
32mi from Bonaparte · 5 sites · Tents, RVs
Learn more about this land:Come enjoy primitive camping while you commune with nature and hunt geodes and fossils in the famous Keokuk Geode region. Property is within close proximity to Nauvoo, Illinois and within a very short distance to the Mississippi River. The camping area is level ground and surrounded by trees. The property has a hillside geode mine on it and there is a creek running through it that has a lot of geodes in it.
Pets
Toilets
Campfires
from
$20
/ night
Whitetail Tent Camping
2. Whitetail Tent Camping
100%
(10)
5.8mi from Bonaparte · 3 sites · Tents, RVs
Camping, (Fishinfg at 2 of our sights) Enjoying a campfire and sometimes even petting Pedro the donkey!
Learn more about this land:
Nestled into the center of historic and scenic Van Buren County (where there are more Whitetail Deer than people)
You are a 5 minute drive away from The Des Moines River which is great for kayaking, boating and fishing.
You’re also 5 minutes away from Lacey State Park, which has a 30 acre lake. Lacey Lake also has a sandy beach area and over 13 miles of trails to hike on.
If you like to go fishing and boating, Lake Sugema, a 579 acre lake, is a 10 minute drive from this campsite.
If you’re into horseback riding, you’ll be camping 19 miles from where you can rent a horse and ride on 25 miles of trails in Shimek State Forest, just east of Farmington, Iowa.
Pets
Toilets
Campfires
from
$28
/ night
Crossroads RV Park
3. Crossroads RV Park
23mi from Bonaparte · 11 sites
Nestled at the intersection of two major highways in Southeast Iowa, our family-owned RV Park offers a unique blend of convenience and charm that sets it apart from the rest. With easy access to local attractions and natural wonders, our campground serves as the perfect base for your adventures.
Spanning a generous acreage, our park provides ample space for relaxation and privacy, ensuring a peaceful retreat for all our guests. Enjoy the serene surroundings while taking advantage of our special amenities, which include well-maintained facilities and recreational areas designed for family fun.
Nearby, you'll find a variety of outdoor activities, from hiking trails to swimming holes, perfect for those looking to immerse themselves in nature. Additionally, local restaurants and shops are just a short drive away, allowing you to explore the vibrant community while enjoying your stay. Come experience the warmth of our family-run RV Park, where unforgettable memories await!
Battle of Athens State Historic Site
4. Battle of Athens State Historic Site
29 sites · Missouri
Explore Civil War history and riverfront landscapes at this park in northeastern Missouri.
Pets
Electrical hookup
Toilets
Lacey-Keosauqua State Park
5. Lacey-Keosauqua State Park
82 sites · Keosauqua, Iowa
Discover the serene beauty of Lacey-Keosauqua State Park.
Pets
Toilets
Showers
Geode State Park
6. Geode State Park
100%
(1)
168 sites · Danville, Iowa
Discover Geode State Park's serene lake and lush trails.
Pets
Electrical hookup
Toilets
Nauvoo State Park
7. Nauvoo State Park
100%
(2)
30 sites · Nauvoo, Illinois
Situated peacefully on the banks of the mighty Mississippi River, historic Nauvoo State Park has nature lovin’ folk jumping for joy at the sight of an expansive lake and sandy, mile-long shoreline. Take in some of the best views the park has to offer on the Locust Lane Trail. A 1.5-mile loop, the path winds around the lake, through the woods, and over prairie flower dotted hillsides. The campsites are many and the accommodations are vast. From spacious, individual sites, to a youth group area, all are centrally located and hook you up with VIP access to all adventurin’ possibilities.
Pets
Toilets
Campfires
Lake Darling State Park
8. Lake Darling State Park
85 sites · Pleasant Plain, Iowa
Discover the serene beauty of Lake Darling State Park.
Pets
Toilets
Showers
Lake Wapello State Park
9. Lake Wapello State Park
100%
(1)
93 sites · Unionville, Iowa
Discover the serene beauty of Lake Wapello State Park.
Pets
Toilets
Showers
98% (61) • 9 campsites
Top-rated campgrounds near Bonaparte
Railroad creek camp ground
1. Railroad creek camp ground
95%
(67)
32mi from Bonaparte · 5 sites · Tents, RVs
Learn more about this land:Come enjoy primitive camping while you commune with nature and hunt geodes and fossils in the famous Keokuk Geode region. Property is within close proximity to Nauvoo, Illinois and within a very short distance to the Mississippi River. The camping area is level ground and surrounded by trees. The property has a hillside geode mine on it and there is a creek running through it that has a lot of geodes in it.
Pets
Toilets
Campfires
from
$20
/ night
Whitetail Tent Camping
2. Whitetail Tent Camping
100%
(10)
5.8mi from Bonaparte · 3 sites · Tents, RVs
Camping, (Fishinfg at 2 of our sights) Enjoying a campfire and sometimes even petting Pedro the donkey!
Learn more about this land:
Nestled into the center of historic and scenic Van Buren County (where there are more Whitetail Deer than people)
You are a 5 minute drive away from The Des Moines River which is great for kayaking, boating and fishing.
You’re also 5 minutes away from Lacey State Park, which has a 30 acre lake. Lacey Lake also has a sandy beach area and over 13 miles of trails to hike on.
If you like to go fishing and boating, Lake Sugema, a 579 acre lake, is a 10 minute drive from this campsite.
If you’re into horseback riding, you’ll be camping 19 miles from where you can rent a horse and ride on 25 miles of trails in Shimek State Forest, just east of Farmington, Iowa.
Pets
Toilets
Campfires
from
$28
/ night
Crossroads RV Park
3. Crossroads RV Park
23mi from Bonaparte · 11 sites
Nestled at the intersection of two major highways in Southeast Iowa, our family-owned RV Park offers a unique blend of convenience and charm that sets it apart from the rest. With easy access to local attractions and natural wonders, our campground serves as the perfect base for your adventures.
Spanning a generous acreage, our park provides ample space for relaxation and privacy, ensuring a peaceful retreat for all our guests. Enjoy the serene surroundings while taking advantage of our special amenities, which include well-maintained facilities and recreational areas designed for family fun.
Nearby, you'll find a variety of outdoor activities, from hiking trails to swimming holes, perfect for those looking to immerse themselves in nature. Additionally, local restaurants and shops are just a short drive away, allowing you to explore the vibrant community while enjoying your stay. Come experience the warmth of our family-run RV Park, where unforgettable memories await!
Battle of Athens State Historic Site
4. Battle of Athens State Historic Site
29 sites · Missouri
Explore Civil War history and riverfront landscapes at this park in northeastern Missouri.
Pets
Electrical hookup
Toilets
Lacey-Keosauqua State Park
5. Lacey-Keosauqua State Park
82 sites · Keosauqua, Iowa
Discover the serene beauty of Lacey-Keosauqua State Park.
Pets
Toilets
Showers
Geode State Park
6. Geode State Park
100%
(1)
168 sites · Danville, Iowa
Discover Geode State Park's serene lake and lush trails.
Pets
Electrical hookup
Toilets
Nauvoo State Park
7. Nauvoo State Park
100%
(2)
30 sites · Nauvoo, Illinois
Situated peacefully on the banks of the mighty Mississippi River, historic Nauvoo State Park has nature lovin’ folk jumping for joy at the sight of an expansive lake and sandy, mile-long shoreline. Take in some of the best views the park has to offer on the Locust Lane Trail. A 1.5-mile loop, the path winds around the lake, through the woods, and over prairie flower dotted hillsides. The campsites are many and the accommodations are vast. From spacious, individual sites, to a youth group area, all are centrally located and hook you up with VIP access to all adventurin’ possibilities.
Pets
Toilets
Campfires
Lake Darling State Park
8. Lake Darling State Park
85 sites · Pleasant Plain, Iowa
Discover the serene beauty of Lake Darling State Park.
Pets
Toilets
Showers
Lake Wapello State Park
9. Lake Wapello State Park
100%
(1)
93 sites · Unionville, Iowa
Discover the serene beauty of Lake Wapello State Park.
Pets
Toilets
Showers
Recent reviews from the Hipcamp community
M
Mel
August 2025
Tent
With pets
Tent camping was great. beautiful creek. We took back two sites so we had plenty of room to spread out. Pit toilet is by the geode mine area so take the site before the bridge if that's important to you.
See moreM
Mel
August 2025
16 ft car
With pets
Got there early and took the back two sites so tents were farthest back from the one other site in the vicinity and we used the fire and picnic table in the other one. The creek is beautiful and all solid rock in the creek bed so you can hunt for all kinds of cool fossils and geodes without getting muddy. The only pit toilet is up by the gate/entrance where the geode mine is so if you're thinking you want to be close than take the first site before the little bridge but be aware people showing up to the geode mine early in the morning might make noise with their pickaxes.
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J
Jager
August 2025
Tent
Me and my wife really enjoyed our stay at whitetail tent camping. It was a cool setup right next to a beautiful pond and nice and secluded from everything.
See moreC
Cj
July 2025
Tent
We
Loved the place. We were the only people camping... definitely primitive camping!!! But that is what we were looking for. Clean, safe. Talked to some people who were digging on land and they found bucket full of geodes..... definitely going back!!!
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J
Jessica
June 2025
Tent
With kids
Amazing geodes, peaceful site full of frog and cricket songs.
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T
Tim
June 2025
16 ft car
We had a relaxing evening! The campsite was clean, included a picnic table, fire ring, and a trash can. Right next to the creek, close enough to hear a small waterfall all night long. While you may hear the occasional vehicle off in the distance, the site is secluded and private. Minutes away from food and convenience stores, as well as the Mississippi River. You can dig for geodes on the property, and we found plenty of good ones.
See moreM
Michael
May 2025
Tent
Group trip
Charles was an awesome host! Helped load up my gear! Gave me some fishing recommendations. Great spot! Super quiet. Great pond to fish in and some pretty cool albino channel cats! Very great experience! Will definitely be coming back!
See moreJ
Jacob
May 2025
Tent
Group trip
Super nice and really helpful really cool area super cool fish
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L
Lesa
May 2025
16 ft car
It is rustic so is quiet, and surrounded with woods with a stream next to your camp. Trash cans present. Enjoyed nature. Great time.
See moreK
Kristen
May 2025
Tent
With pets
Loved camping next to the creek and exploring! The site was clean and well maintained.
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Paige
January 2025
Tent
We had a fantastic visit at Johnny's place. We were the only ones there since it was a cold Thursday in January but we will definitely go back. The sites are well spaced with fire pits and picnic tables. Ours was right on the creek which had been frozen but the water running under the ice was beautiful.
The space is close to houses which we could see because the leaves are off the trees but it felt like we were far away. It was so peaceful. I read reviews of dogs barking in the distance which we did hear but we also heard some coyotes, lots of owls, some raccoons getting in a kerfuffle, and the sounds of so many birds.
The spots were pretty level and shaded but we were able to set up our solar panels. We traveled in our Jeep with roof top tent and set up our annex room and awnings plus our privacy potty tent away from the site. We did not use the bathroom that's on site.
Great that there are trash bins available.
Overall I totally recommend the place and look forward to making it a regular spot to get away to.
See moreP
Pete
October 2024
Tent
This was a delightful, peaceful location and Charles went out of his way to ensure that I arrived safely. My stay coincided with a big wind storm and he not only offered a more sheltered site, but to help pitch the tent if needed. The site was nestled right beside a pond and the gentle lapping of water sent me off to sleep in no time. Up early on the morning,
I watched the stars until the sun rise. This was my first stay here, and I am sure it won't be the last.
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