How much does camping cost at Shady Creek?

Camping fees at Shady Creek range from $14-$26/night. Prices may vary by site type (standard, hookup, premium) and season. Book online to see exact pricing for your dates.

Is Shady Creek first-come first-served or reservation?

Shady Creek 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 Shady Creek before I book?

Yes! Shady Creek has 9 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 Shady Creek?

Shady Creek 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 Shady Creek?

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

How many campsites does Shady Creek have?

Shady Creek has 53 campsites. Sites vary in size, privacy, and amenities. Check availability online to find the best site for your needs.

Are dogs allowed at Shady Creek?

Yes, pets are allowed at Shady Creek. 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 Shady Creek?

Shady Creek 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 Shady Creek?

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

Shady Creek

4.58

396 reviews

3550 HWY 22

Top 16% in IASummer

Tent Camping

Featured in:Boating Camping Iowa#2 Spring Camping Iowa#2 Best Campgrounds Iowa#3 +8 more

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

Quick Facts

561 ft

Price

$14 - $26/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

53 campsites

Season

Open May 1 to Octobe...

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

ElectricShowers

Book on Recreation.gov Official Website

Get Directions

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

Quick Facts

561 ft

Price

$14 - $26/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

53 campsites

Season

Open May 1 to Octobe...

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

ElectricShowers

Book on Recreation.gov Official Website

Get Directions

Shady Creek

$14.00 - $26.00 / night

Campsite Fees

GROUP SHELTER ELECTRIC-356417: $25.00; STANDARD ELECTRIC: $26.00; TENT ONLY NONELECTRIC: $14.00. Plus Recreation.gov reservation transaction fee ($8...

Group Site Fee$25.00

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Recreation Dot Gov

Provider

563-419-0857

I manage this campground

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Campground Map

3550 HWY 22

Shady Creek

3550 HWY 22

Nearby places

Davenport (17 miles), Muscatine (7 miles), Iowa City (50 miles), Cedar Rapids (75 miles)

Weather at Shady Creek

Best Time to Camp at Shady Creek

Best season: summer. Summer is the best time to visit Shady Creek for warm-weather river recreation — expect daytime highs typically in the mid-70s to mid-80s°F (roughly 75–90°F) and pleasant evenings in the 60s. Boat ramp access, warm water for fishing and swimming, and full campground services (flush toilets, hot showers, playground) are all at their peak, making it ideal for families and boaters. Weekends and holiday periods are busiest, so midweek visits in summer will feel quieter while still offering all water Peak months: July, June, September, August Avoid: November, December, January, February

Best

Summer(Jun-Aug)

4.5 / 5

Top 16% in IA

Summer is prime season (May–Oct); high reviewer praise and many activities available.

Planning Tips

Peak Season: May 01 to October 21. Book 2-3 months ahead.
Operating Season: Open May 1 to October 25 for reservations. Closed during off-season.

About Shady Creek

Shady Creek sits along the Mississippi River near Muscatine, offering budget-friendly tent and RV camping with direct river access for boating and fishing. This mid-sized campground operates seasonally during peak months and provides electric hookups, hot showers, and a dump station. Reviewers praise the spacious, level sites and cleanliness, though train noise from nearby tracks is common.

Shady Creek Campground caters to diverse camping needs. With options for tent camping, RV sites, and group facilities, it offers an inclusive camping experience.

Weather and SeasonsBest season: summer. Summer is the best time to visit Shady Creek for warm-weather river recreation — expect daytime highs typically in the mid-70s to mid-80s°F (roughly 75–90°F) and pleasant evenings in the 60s. Boat ramp access, warm water for fishing and swimming, and full campground services (flush toilets, hot showers, playground) are all at their peak, making it ideal for families and boaters. Weekends and holiday periods are busiest, so midweek visits in summer will feel quieter while still offering all water Peak months: July, June, September, August Avoid: November, December, January, February

Elevation561 ft above sea level

Natural Features and SceneryTowering trees create dense shade across the campground, filtering sunlight onto concrete pads below. The Mississippi River dominates the landscape, its wide waterscape shifting with weather and season. Campers report seeing painted turtles on logs, beavers along the shoreline, and woodpeckers working the canopy. The riparian forest grows thick here, a product of nutrient-rich floodplain soils. River views vary by site, with some offering direct sightlines to the water.

Lodging & AccommodationsNo hotel-style lodging accommodations such as cabins or lodges are provided at Shady Creek Campground.

Programs & ActivitiesEducational experiences are available, such as visiting the Muscatine County Environmental Learning Center and the Arboretum. One reviewer noted, 'Best thing is the Muscatine County Environmental Learning Center!'

Best Campsites

Curated by campers, for campers

Reveal picks

Reserving a campsite

Stay Limit

Maximum 14 nights within a rolling 30-day period.

Guests Allowed Per Site

Number of guests not explicitly stated, likely depends on site size.

Groups

Group sites offer electric hookups and appear to accommodate larger groups effectively. Specific details about the maximum capacity of group sites were not available.

Tents

Tents are allowed

RV vehicles

RV vehicles are allowed

Primitive

Primitive camping is not allowed

Reservable

Reservations are allowed

Reservation PlatformsReservations available via Recreation.gov website and app, or by calling the contact center.

AccessibilityAccessible parking and showers are available, supporting campers with disabilities. Some reviews highlight the ease of moving between sites and the overall accessibility of the campground.

Site SizeSites are described as large with concrete pads that are level, spacious, and clean. One user noted, 'Nice big level concrete sites' while another remarked, 'Large sites with good spacing.

PrivacySites generally offer sufficient privacy with good spacing. Reviews mention, 'Spacing was adequate,' and 'Sites were spacious and not cramped.

Total Campsites53 campsites

Recommended SitesChoose sites closer to the river for scenic views and shade (e.g., #13, #34). Avoid sites #22, #23 during high water levels due to flooding risks.

Best CampsitesSites #13, #34, and #5 get consistent praise for river proximity and views. Campers warn against sites #21, #22, and #23 during high water, when flooding can reach the pads.

Need help booking Shady Creek?

Reservation tips, booking windows, and free cancellation alerts.

Recreation.gov Guide

Booking tips & windows

When to Book

Find your booking window

Cancellation Alerts

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Amenities available

Shady Creek Campground offers a robust array of amenities catering to diverse camping experiences. The campground boasts 50-amp electric hookups, campfire rings, and picnic tables at each site. Flush toilets and showers are available, alongside vault toilets for convenience. The campground includes features such as a boat ramp, playground, accessible parking, and a dump station. Drinking water is accessible during the peak season, and firewood is available for purchase on-site. Additional amenities include a volleyball court, picnic shelters, a host station, and a spacious parking area.

Showers

Potable water

Electricity hookups

Flush toilets

Dump station

Fire rings

I manage this campground

RV details

Activities you can enjoy

Shady Creek offers an array of recreational opportunities centered around its picturesque location by the Mississippi River. Popular activities include fishing, boating, hiking, and wildlife viewing. The campground also features a playground and horseshoe pits for casual leisure.

Hiking

Fishing

Boating

Cultural and Educational Programs

Winter Activities

Water Sports

Planning your trip?Check out our camping packing checklist

Policies & Safety

No Water HookupsSite-level water hookups are not available. RV campers should fill freshwater tanks before arrival; check the No Potable Water note above if applicable for drinking water.

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

Researching this campground? Ask anything — other campers and our team will weigh in. No visit required.

Tips from campers

Short heads-ups about the road in, gear quirks, timing, and more. You don't have to have been here to share what you know.

Reviews

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From Booking Sources

4.6

396 reviews

Top-Rated

Shady Creek is top-rated, placing it in the top 15% of campgrounds based on reviews

Shady Creek Campground is widely praised for its scenic views, clean facilities, and friendly host services. However, recurring complaints include issues with decorative lighting, barking dogs, and the need for improved shower facilities.

Review Summaries

Based on 396 reviews

What Campers Love

Positive aspects frequently mentioned include the cleanliness of the campground, spacious and level sites, and proximity to the Mississippi River. Reviews such as 'Beautiful campground on the...

Based on 396 reviews

Common Concerns

Common complaints include the lack of sewer hookups, issues with water temperature in showers, barking dogs, and overly bright decorative lighting at night. One user stated, 'There should be a lights...

Based on 396 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

Specific campsites such as #34 and #13 are praised for their river views and spaciousness. Negative reviews include campsite #5 for issues with decorative lighting and campsite #23 for flooding risks.

Based on 396 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Tips from users include bringing extra hooks for the shower house, filling water tanks before arriving due to spigot placement, and avoiding certain sites during high water levels. A user shared,...

Based on 396 reviews

Seasonal Insights

Summer is the most popular season for camping due to the pleasant weather and access to recreational activities like fishing and boating. However, rainfall and muddy conditions are noted after...

Based on 396 reviews

Camper Quotes

'The camp host attendants are really nice people.' - DEWAYNE Z 'Nice clean sites and amenities. Friendly camp host.' - JACK W 'Watching barges on the river is always a pleasure.' - LYNN S 'Flush...

Based on 396 reviews

Accessibility Features

Accessible parking and showers support campers with disabilities, but detailed reviews from users with accessibility needs are limited.

Based on 396 reviews

Pet-Friendly Features

Pets are allowed, but multiple reviews highlight issues with barking dogs and overcrowding of pets. Some suggest limiting the number of pets per site.

Based on 396 reviews

Outdoorithm Community

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Go if

You want affordable Mississippi River access for boating and fishing with full amenities including showers and electric hookups.

Skip if

You're a light sleeper sensitive to train noise or need a campground open outside peak summer months.

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Campgrounds

Mississippi River - Pools 11-22

Shady Creek

About Mississippi River - Pools 11-22

Context for the broader area surrounding Shady Creek, 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.?