The best waterside campgrounds near Davenport, Iowa

Davenport is a cultural hot spot in the Quad Cities region. Spanning the Mississippi River, the city is defined by large bridges connecting Iowa to Illinois, which makes for great boating, fishing, and waterside exploration. Whether visiting by campervan, RV, or car, visitors will also find trails, state parks, and camping opportunities in the surrounding area—think private tent sites, RV parks, and cabin stays with fire rings and in some cases even wifi. Plan on seeing the sights, enjoying the food, and experiencing the good Midwestern vibes on your next camping trip through Davenport.

98% (649) • 3 campsites

Top-rated campgrounds near Davenport

Riverview Fin & Feather Campground

1. Riverview Fin & Feather Campground

41mi from Davenport · 2 sites

Fin and Feather is a rustic campground located right on the banks of the Mississippi River backwaters, known for its true “camping in nature” experience and stunning sunsets. Every site looks out over the water with a beautiful sunset view! These primitive sites are large, shaded, and hammock-friendly. The ground is sandy, but the beach is not known as a swimming location. Fin and Feather sits where the main channel of the Mississippi River meets Spring Lake, part of the Upper Mississippi River Wildlife and Fish Refuge. There’s plenty of wildlife to watch and endless nature to enjoy. The Great River Bike Trail runs parallel to the campground, with direct access from camp. We offer canoe and kayak rentals, and the lake is an excellent place to paddle (it closes to all boat traffic on October 1st as part of the wildlife refuge during duck hunting season). Firewood is available for purchase. A small camp store on-site carries essentials like ice, and the nearby towns of Thomson and Savanna offer additional supplies. There’s so much to do in the area—but with the peacefulness of the campground, you may just want to relax and enjoy the view!

Pets

Campfires

Toilets

from

$20

/ night

Mississippi Palisades State Park

2. Mississippi Palisades State Park

100%

(3)

State park 47mi from Davenport · 241 sites

See the mighty Mississippi River from a unique vantage point at this state park.

Pets

Toilets

Campfires

Davenport is a cultural hot spot in the Quad Cities region. Spanning the Mississippi River, the city is defined by large bridges connecting Iowa to Illinois, which makes for great boating, fishing, and waterside exploration. Whether visiting by campervan, RV, or car, visitors will also find trails, state parks, and camping opportunities in the surrounding area—think private tent sites, RV parks, and cabin stays with fire rings and in some cases even wifi. Plan on seeing the sights, enjoying the food, and experiencing the good Midwestern vibes on your next camping trip through Davenport.

98% (649) • 3 campsites

Top-rated campgrounds near Davenport

Riverview Fin & Feather Campground

1. Riverview Fin & Feather Campground

41mi from Davenport · 2 sites

Fin and Feather is a rustic campground located right on the banks of the Mississippi River backwaters, known for its true “camping in nature” experience and stunning sunsets. Every site looks out over the water with a beautiful sunset view! These primitive sites are large, shaded, and hammock-friendly. The ground is sandy, but the beach is not known as a swimming location. Fin and Feather sits where the main channel of the Mississippi River meets Spring Lake, part of the Upper Mississippi River Wildlife and Fish Refuge. There’s plenty of wildlife to watch and endless nature to enjoy. The Great River Bike Trail runs parallel to the campground, with direct access from camp. We offer canoe and kayak rentals, and the lake is an excellent place to paddle (it closes to all boat traffic on October 1st as part of the wildlife refuge during duck hunting season). Firewood is available for purchase. A small camp store on-site carries essentials like ice, and the nearby towns of Thomson and Savanna offer additional supplies. There’s so much to do in the area—but with the peacefulness of the campground, you may just want to relax and enjoy the view!

Pets

Campfires

Toilets

from

$20

/ night

Mississippi Palisades State Park

2. Mississippi Palisades State Park

100%

(3)

State park 47mi from Davenport · 241 sites

See the mighty Mississippi River from a unique vantage point at this state park.

Pets

Toilets

Campfires

Happy farmer sitting in a truck in a grassy field

The best waterside camping near Davenport guide

Where to go

Wildcat Den State Park

Wildcat Den State Park is one of the closest state parks to Davenport, just a 25-minute drive southwest. Here, campers can hit hiking trails through rocky bluffs and see a historic grist mill. The Loud Thunder Forest Preserve is just across the river, too.

Buffalo Shores Park

On the banks of the Mississippi River, Buffalo Shores has 65 campsites for tent camping and RVs. Electric hookups and water are available, but RVers will find a convenient dump station as well. Tent campers love the hot showers and beachfront campsites on the river. Take advantage of the boat ramp for motor-powered watercraft or hand launch a canoe or kayak right from the beach.

Scott County Park

Situated 20 minutes north of Davenport, the 1,280-acre Scott County Park is a popular outdoor destination with camping facilities, an equestrian area, hiking trails, and a number of picnic table areas with grills and fire pits. The RV campsites are prime for big rigs. Hit the heated swimming pool in summer, or head out for sledding and cross-country skiing come winter.

Maquoketa Caves State Park

Maquoketa Caves State Park features 13 stunning limestone caves and hiking trails linking them, plus a small seasonal campground for overnight stays. The Maquoketa River Water Trail nearby offers opportunities for canoeing, kayaking, and camping along the river.

Lake Macbride State Park

Although the Mississippi River runs east of town, Lake Macbride State Park is another popular water hot spot to the west. Here campers can hit the lake for boating, hiking, and fishing—look out for catfish, muskies, and spotted bass.

Mississippi Palisades State Park

Another Mississippi River spot, this state park is reachable from Davenport via about a 75-minute drive north. Come for water fun, Native American history, massive rock formations, and nearly 250 campsites available for reservation.

When to go

Around Davenport, summer is all about camping on the river and nearby lakes. This trend continues into the fall as well, but spring is more difficult for visits due to melting snow and the potential for river flooding. Some parks and campgrounds close when the river rises.