Clarks Ferry

4.45

189 reviews

3860 Sunset Beach

Scenic Views

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

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

RV FriendlyElectricShowers

Opens U.S. Army Corps of Engineers site

Official Website

Get Directions

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

January 2026

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

RV FriendlyElectricShowers

Opens U.S. Army Corps of Engineers site

Official Website

Get Directions

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

January 2026

Clarks Ferry

$25.00 - $26.00 / night

Campsite Fees

Standard Electric sites are $26 per night during peak season (May 1st - October 25th). Group Shelter sites charge $25 per night.

Standard Site Fee$26.00

Hookup Site Fee$26.00

Premium Site Fee$0.00

Hike and Bike Site Fee$0.00

Group Site Fee$25.00

Food Storage Locker Fee$0.00

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Recreation Dot Gov

Provider

563-419-7594

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What Campers Say

4.45

Recommended

Based on 189 reviews

181 Google reviews

Most mentioned

viewscleanspaciousfriendly

Some mention

noisetrain

"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.""

Read all reviews

Campground Map

3860 Sunset Beach

Clarks Ferry

3860 Sunset Beach

Driving directionsFrom Davenport, Iowa, drive west on Hwy 22 about 15 miles and turn at Clark's Ferry Sign (in Montpelier).

Accessible via paved roads. The entrance is near railroad tracks, which may require caution when trains are passing.

Nearby places

Davenport: 15 miles (~30 minutes)

Muscatine: ~10 miles

Nearby supplies

Supplies can be obtained in nearby Muscatine (~10 miles) or Davenport (~15 miles).

Best Time to Camp at Clarks Ferry

Experience the gentle transition of seasons at Clarks Ferry, where autumn arrives with crisp mornings hovering in the low 40s before warming to comfortable afternoons in the low 70s. Summer brings those perfect camping days when the river breeze whispers through the trees, while occasional rain showers refresh the landscape and create that distinctive earthy aroma beloved by outdoor enthusiasts. The dynamic weather patterns of the Upper Mississippi keep each visit unique, from misty mornings that shroud the river in mystery to wind-swept afternoons that set the tree canopy dancing overhead.

Best

Summer(Jun-Aug)

4.5 / 5

Top 10% in IA

Peak season May–Oct; summer highlighted for optimal weather and river views in reviews.

Fall(Sep-Nov)

4.0 / 5

Autumn offers crisp mornings and comfortable afternoons; scenery remains appealing.

Spring(Mar-May)

3.5 / 5

Open starting May 1; late spring can be pleasant but season is short and variable early on.

Winter(Dec-Feb)

Not recommended

Closed outside May 1–Oct 25; winter camping not available.

Planning Tips

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

About Clarks Ferry

Perched along the mighty Mississippi River, Clarks Ferry beckons outdoor enthusiasts with its stunning riverfront vistas and towering canopy of mature trees that create natural shade corridors throughout the grounds. This riverside haven seamlessly blends recreation and relaxation, featuring well-appointed playgrounds where children's laughter mingles with the gentle lapping of river waves, inviting picnic shelters perfect for family gatherings, and a convenient boat ramp that serves as your gateway to Mississippi River adventures. While the rhythmic rumble of passing trains adds an authentic touch of American river commerce to the soundscape, the campground's scenic beauty and abundant amenities create an atmosphere where memories are made beneath ancient trees and endless sky.

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.

Historical SignificanceClarks Ferry stands as a living testament to the Mississippi River's enduring role as America's great waterway, where centuries of river commerce have shaped both landscape and culture. This storied location connects visitors to the rich tapestry of river life, from the era of paddle wheelers and river pilots to modern-day barges that continue the tradition of Mississippi commerce. The campground serves as a window into the local heritage of river communities, where generations have lived in harmony with the rhythms of this mighty waterway, creating a cultural landscape as rich as the natural scenery that surrounds it.

Weather and SeasonsExperience the gentle transition of seasons at Clarks Ferry, where autumn arrives with crisp mornings hovering in the low 40s before warming to comfortable afternoons in the low 70s. Summer brings those perfect camping days when the river breeze whispers through the trees, while occasional rain showers refresh the landscape and create that distinctive earthy aroma beloved by outdoor enthusiasts. The dynamic weather patterns of the Upper Mississippi keep each visit unique, from misty mornings that shroud the river in mystery to wind-swept afternoons that set the tree canopy dancing overhead.

Natural Features and SceneryBeneath a majestic cathedral of mature trees that frame spectacular Mississippi River views, Clarks Ferry reveals nature's artistry at every turn. The campground's position along the river creates a front-row seat to one of North America's most diverse ecosystems, where lucky visitors might spot magnificent bald eagles soaring overhead or catch the brilliant flash of indigo buntings darting through the understory. The interplay of ancient trees and flowing water creates ever-changing vistas, from dawn's golden light filtering through the canopy to sunset's reflection dancing on the river's surface, while the surrounding habitats showcase the unique biodiversity that makes the Upper Mississippi region a naturalist's paradise.

Geological RegionNestled on the Iowa shoreline of the legendary Upper Mississippi River, Clarks Ferry occupies a prime position along one of North America's most storied waterways. Here, mature trees stand sentinel over a landscape shaped by countless centuries of river flow, part of the magnificent 1,250-mile journey the Mississippi makes from its humble beginnings at Lake Itasca, Minnesota, to its grand finale at Cairo, Illinois. This section of the Upper Mississippi showcases the river's middle reaches, where the waterway has matured into a powerful force that has carved valleys, created floodplains, and nurtured the lush riparian forests that provide both beauty and shelter for campers today.

Best Campsites

Curated by campers, for campers

Reveal picks

Reserving a campsite

Check-in

2:00 PM.

Check-out

12:00 PM.

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

Site layoutSites are organized in loops with concrete pads; electric hookups are available but water is shared between sites.

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

Walk-in AvailabilityCampsites are available by reservation only. Visitors must scan a QR code or use Recreation.gov to confirm availability before setting up.

Cancellation PolicyReservations can be canceled anytime before the arrival date. Late cancellations (starting from midnight 1 calendar day before check-in) incur a $10 fee and forfeit the first night's recreation use fee.

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.

Amenities available

Showers

Potable water

Electricity hookups

Flush toilets

Dump station

Fire rings

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!"

FishingFishing is a well-loved activity at Clarks Ferry, with anglers targeting channel catfish, bluegill, walleye, crappie, and northern pike. "The platform for fishing was very convenient," noted one user.

BoatingBoating is supported by the on-site boat ramp. "There is a boat ramp next door," noted one reviewer.

Wildlife viewingBird watching and observing barges on the river are popular activities. "Watching eagles flying and blue indigo birds" was a highlight for one camper.

Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsProximity to active train tracks; trains pass frequently and use horns at crossings near the entrance. Occasional flooding and swampy conditions after heavy rain.

Fire PolicyCampfires allowed within designated campfire rings.

Quiet HoursQuiet hours are not explicitly mentioned, but train noise persists through the night.

Emergency ServicesNearest hospital in Muscatine (~10 miles); local police station and ranger services available.

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.

Water FeaturesDirectly adjacent to the Mississippi River, offering fishing docks, barge views, and boating opportunities.

Camp HostHosts are praised for being friendly and accommodating. Volunteers assist with cleaning and maintenance.

Weather at Clarks Ferry

Reviews

4.5

189 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 189 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 189 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 189 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 189 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 189 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 189 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 189 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 189 reviews