How much does camping cost at Clarks Ferry?

Camping fees at Clarks Ferry range from $25-$26/night. Prices may vary by site type (standard, hookup, premium) and season. Book online to see exact pricing for your dates.

Is Clarks Ferry first-come first-served or reservation?

Clarks Ferry accepts online reservations. We recommend booking in advance, especially during peak season (typically summer weekends). Use campsite alerts to get notified when spots become available.

Can I see photos of campsites at Clarks Ferry before I book?

Yes! Clarks Ferry has 10 campsite photos on Outdoorithm, contributed by campers who've stayed there. Browse real photos of individual sites to see what to expect before you reserve. You can also add your own photos after your trip to help the next family plan theirs.

What is the best time to visit Clarks Ferry?

Clarks Ferry is open May 01 to October 21. The best time to visit depends on your preferences—summer offers the warmest weather and most activities, while spring and fall provide fewer crowds and milder temperatures. Check current conditions before your trip.

Are there showers at Clarks Ferry?

Yes, Clarks Ferry has shower facilities available for campers. Check the amenities section for details on hours and any fees.

How many campsites does Clarks Ferry have?

Clarks Ferry has 45 campsites. Sites vary in size, privacy, and amenities. Check availability online to find the best site for your needs.

Are dogs allowed at Clarks Ferry?

Yes, pets are allowed at Clarks Ferry. Dogs must typically be kept on a leash (usually 6 feet or shorter) and under control at all times. Be sure to clean up after your pet and check for any breed or size restrictions.

What amenities are available at Clarks Ferry?

Clarks Ferry offers: Restrooms, Showers, Potable Water, Dump Station, Electrical Hookups, Pets Allowed. See our detailed campground page for the full list of facilities and features.

What activities can I do at Clarks Ferry?

Popular activities at Clarks Ferry include Fishing, Boating. The surrounding area offers plenty of outdoor recreation opportunities for all skill levels.

Clarks Ferry

4.44

196 reviews

3860 Sunset Beach

Featured in:Spring Camping Iowa Boating Camping Iowa Group Camping Iowa +2 more

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

Quick Facts

686 ft

Price

$25 - $26/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

45 campsites

Season

Open May 1st to Octo...

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

ElectricShowers

Book on U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Official Website

Get Directions

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

Quick Facts

686 ft

Price

$25 - $26/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

45 campsites

Season

Open May 1st to Octo...

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

ElectricShowers

Book on U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Official Website

Get Directions

Clarks Ferry

$25.00 - $26.00 / night

Campsite Fees

GROUP SHELTER ELECTRIC-356367: $25.00; STANDARD ELECTRIC: $26.00. Plus Recreation.gov reservation transaction fee ($8 online / $9 phone / $3 in...

Group Site Fee$25.00

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Recreation Dot Gov

Provider

563-419-7594

I manage this campground

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Campground Map

3860 Sunset Beach

Clarks Ferry

3860 Sunset Beach

Nearby places

Davenport: 15 miles (~30 minutes)

Muscatine: ~10 miles

Weather at Clarks Ferry

Best Time to Camp at Clarks Ferry

Best season: summer. Summer offers the warmest, most stable weather and full campground services (boat ramp, playgrounds, picnic shelters) — ideal for boating, fishing, and long riverfront afternoons. Expect daytime highs typically in the mid-70s to upper-80s°F (around 75–90°F) with evenings cooling into the 60s, and a steady river breeze that helps mitigate heat. This is peak boating and angling season (bass, catfish and panfish), though weekends and holiday periods are busier so reservations are recommended; watch Peak months: July, August, June, September Avoid: November, December, January, February

Best

Summer(Jun-Aug)

4.0 / 5

Summer noted as prime: good weather, fishing, breezes and peak activity in reviews.

Planning Tips

Peak Season: May 01 to October 21. Book 2-3 months ahead.
Operating Season: Open May 1st to October 25th for reservations; closed outside these dates.

About Clarks Ferry

Clarks Ferry sits on the Mississippi River near Montpelier, Iowa, operated by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. This mid-sized campground offers electric hookups, showers, and a dump station for both tent and RV campers. Anglers and boaters use it as a base for exploring the river pools, and the sites are known for being clean and spacious with views of the water.

Clarks Ferry supports both RV and tent camping. All campsites are equipped with concrete pads and 50-amp electric hookups. Sites vary in their proximity to the Mississippi River and the nearby railroad tracks.

Weather and SeasonsBest season: summer. Summer offers the warmest, most stable weather and full campground services (boat ramp, playgrounds, picnic shelters) — ideal for boating, fishing, and long riverfront afternoons. Expect daytime highs typically in the mid-70s to upper-80s°F (around 75–90°F) with evenings cooling into the 60s, and a steady river breeze that helps mitigate heat. This is peak boating and angling season (bass, catfish and panfish), though weekends and holiday periods are busier so reservations are recommended; watch Peak months: July, August, June, September Avoid: November, December, January, February

Elevation686 ft above sea level

Natural Features and SceneryThe campground occupies a wooded stretch of riverbank at 686 feet elevation along the Upper Mississippi. Mature trees create a dense canopy over the sites, and the river itself flows wide and steady here in its middle reaches. Campers report spotting bald eagles and indigo buntings. The Mississippi at this point has carved deep valleys and floodplains, creating the lush riparian forest that provides both shade and habitat. Views of the river vary by site, with those closer to the water offering better sightlines across the channel.

Best Campsites

Curated by campers, for campers

Reveal picks

Reserving a campsite

Stay Limit

Maximum 14 consecutive nights per visit, and 14 nights total within rolling 30 days.

Guests Allowed Per Site

Exact guest limits per site not specified.

Tents

Tents are allowed

RV vehicles

RV vehicles are allowed

Primitive

Primitive camping is not allowed

Reservable

Reservations are allowed

Reservation PlatformsReservations can be made via Recreation.gov website, mobile app, or call center.

AccessibilityAccessible parking and a new fishing dock designed for shore fishing provide improved accessibility options.

Site SizeSites are described as spacious and well-laid-out. "Spacious campsites, great place to enjoy the Mississippi River," one user noted.

PrivacyMixed reviews regarding privacy—some sites are described as more secluded than others. "The sites along the river were a little closer together than the other sites but I didn’t feel like we were on top of each other.

Total Campsites45 campsites

Recommended SitesChoose sites as far from the train tracks as possible for reduced noise. Riverfront sites provide better views but are closer to the tracks.

Best CampsitesSite 10 gets the most recommendations for its river proximity and concrete pad. Riverside sites offer better views but sit closer together and catch more train noise. Sites farther from the tracks trade scenery for quieter nights. One camper noted that riverside sites "were a little closer together than the other sites but I didn't feel like we were on top of each other.

Need help booking Clarks Ferry?

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Recreation.gov Guide

Booking tips & windows

When to Book

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Cancellation Alerts

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Amenities available

Clarks Ferry provides a wide range of amenities designed to enhance the camping experience. Every campsite is equipped with picnic tables, campfire rings, and 50-amp electric hookups. Additional facilities on-site include a boat ramp, dump station, and picnic shelter. Seasonal flush toilets and showers are also available. Accessibility features include accessible parking and a new fishing dock designed for shore fishing. User reviews highlight the spaciousness and cleanliness of the bathrooms and showers, but some noted issues with water pressure and temperature in the showers. "The bathrooms are the best of all the many Core of Engineering parks we have stayed at." and "Showers are private rooms kept clean!" illustrate positive sentiment.

Showers

Potable water

Electricity hookups

Flush toilets

Dump station

Fire rings

I manage this campground

RV details

Activities you can enjoy

Clarks Ferry offers a variety of activities, from shore fishing at the accessible dock to bird watching. Recreational facilities include two playgrounds, a horseshoe pit, volleyball courts, and access to boating. Reviews highlight the scenic views of the Mississippi River and engaging wildlife experiences: "Watching the barges steaming down the river was fun," and "We had the perfect site from which to watch the river barges!"

Fishing

Boating

Planning your trip?Check out our camping packing checklist

Policies & Safety

Trash & RecyclingThe dump station area is available, with some complaints about its accessibility for RV users. "The dump station is overrun with bushes," noted one reviewer.

Cell CoverageOne user mentioned weak phone service during their stay: "Phone service was a little weak." Another camper working remotely noted, "It’s one of the only campgrounds on the Iowa side of the river that we can get strong AT&T and Verizon signal."

Trip Planning Tools

Set an AlertGet notified when sites open up Check WeatherHistorical weather data Gear for This TripMatched gear recommendations Packing ListCustomizable checklist

Questions & answers

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Tips from campers

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Reviews

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From Booking Sources

4.4

196 reviews

Recommended

Clarks Ferry is recommended, placing it in the top 40% of campgrounds based on reviews

Reviews of Clarks Ferry are generally positive, highlighting its scenic location along the Mississippi River, clean facilities, and spacious campsites. However, the nearby railroad and train noise are frequent concerns. "Great location, excellent facilities, friendly camp host," noted one camper. "Would have been 5 stars except for the trains."

Review Summaries

Based on 196 reviews

What Campers Love

Clean and spacious campsites, new shower facilities, scenic views of the Mississippi River, friendly and accommodating hosts, and proximity to attractions like Wildcat Den State Park.

Based on 196 reviews

Common Concerns

Frequent train noise throughout the day and night, occasional lack of rule enforcement, shower water pressure issues, and accessibility challenges at the dump station.

Based on 196 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

Site 10 is frequently praised for its proximity to the river and scenic views: "Book Site 10 if you can." Site 9 also receives positive feedback: "We could sit under our awning and watch the tugs and...

Based on 196 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Campers recommend selecting sites away from the railroad for quieter stays and sites closer to the river for scenic views. "Book Site 10 if you can," noted one user. Another advised, "Watch your...

Based on 196 reviews

Seasonal Insights

Summer months are highlighted for their optimal weather and scenic river views, but train noise is a consistent drawback regardless of season.

Based on 196 reviews

Camper Quotes

"Spacious campsites, great place to enjoy the Mississippi River." "The bathrooms are very clean and very large." "Watching the barges steaming down the river was fun." "Great location, excellent...

Based on 196 reviews

Accessibility Features

Accessible features like parking and the fishing dock are appreciated. However, issues with water pressure in showers and some challenges at the dump station were noted.

Based on 196 reviews

Pet-Friendly Features

Mixed experiences with pets—some campers enjoyed the pet-friendly atmosphere, while others were disturbed by barking dogs.

Based on 196 reviews

Outdoorithm Community

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Go if

You want river access for fishing and boating with modern amenities and spacious sites near Wildcat Den State Park.

Skip if

You're a light sleeper — train noise and barking dogs are common complaints from campers.

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Campgrounds

Mississippi River - Pools 11-22

Clarks Ferry

About Mississippi River - Pools 11-22

Context for the broader area surrounding Clarks Ferry, sourced from the federal Recreation.gov rec-area record.

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.?