Fairport State Recreation Area

Star3.93
30 reviews
1884 Wildcat Den Road, Muscatine, Iowa, 52761, United States
Peace & Quiet

Quick Facts

554 ft

Price

$16 - $18/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

43 campsites

Season

Year-round

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Check Policy

RV FriendlyElectricShowers
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Fairport State Recreation Area
$16.00 - $18.00 / night
Campsite Fees
Fees range from $16 to $18 per night, depending on site amenities.
Standard Site Fee$0.00
Hookup Site Fee$18.00
Premium Site Fee$0.00
Hike and Bike Site Fee$0.00
Group Site Fee$0.00
Food Storage Locker Fee$0.00

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What Campers Say

3.93

Mixed Reviews

Based on 30 reviews

102 Google reviews

Most mentioned

peacefullocationwell-maintained

Some mention

noisesmalltrain

"User reviews for Fairport State Recreation Area reflect a mixed but generally positive sentiment. Visitors appreciated the peaceful atmosphere, proximity to the Mississippi River, and the availability of amenities like showers and electrical hook-ups. However, repeated complaints about train noise and occasional maintenance issues somewhat detracted from the experience."

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Campground Map

1884 Wildcat Den Road, Muscatine, Iowa, 52761, United States

Fairport State Recreation Area

1884 Wildcat Den Road, Muscatine, Iowa, 52761, United States

Driving directionsFrom Muscatine, take Hwy 22 east 7 miles.
Accessible via a paved road from Highway 22, 7 miles east of Muscatine.
Nearby places
Muscatine (7 miles), Davenport (20 miles)
Nearby supplies
Fuel, grocery store, marina, and motel within 10 miles
grocery store and hospital more than 10 miles away.

Best Time to Camp at Fairport State Recreation Area

Experience the Mississippi River valley through four distinct seasons at Fairport. Spring arrives with gentle warmth and renewed life along the riverbanks, while fall paints the landscape in stunning colors under crisp, comfortable skies. Summer brings long, warm days perfect for water activities and evening campfires, though winter transforms the area into a quiet wonderland where hardy campers can enjoy the stark beauty of the frozen river landscape. Throughout the year, moderate rainfall keeps the surroundings lush and green.

Summer(Jun-Aug)
3.0 / 5

Good river access and amenities; summer reviews often note train noise issues.

Best
Fall(Sep-Nov)
4.0 / 5

Fall foliage and scenic river views highlighted as a strong season.

Spring(Mar-May)
2.0 / 5

Spring growth is nice but campground can be partially underwater during high river levels.

Winter(Dec-Feb)
2.0 / 5

Fewer activities in winter; river views remain but limited services and cold weather.

Planning Tips
  • Current Alerts: Flooding and construction issues have been reported.

About Fairport State Recreation Area

Nestled along the mighty Mississippi River, Fairport Recreation Area Campground offers a peaceful riverside retreat where time slows down and nature takes center stage. This intimate state park features 43 well-appointed sites, each equipped with electrical hook-ups and easy access to modern facilities. Whether you're launching your boat at dawn, settling in with a good book by the water, or simply savoring the tranquil atmosphere that regular visitors cherish, Fairport delivers the perfect blend of convenience and serenity that makes for unforgettable camping memories.
Fairport State Recreation Area offers a variety of camping options, including sites with electrical hookups and tent sites. Reviews indicate it’s a smaller campground with 43 sites, suitable for both RV and tent camping. The campground is particularly noted for its scenic location along the Mississippi River.
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Amenities available

Showers
Electricity hookups
Flush toilets
Dump station
Fire rings
Vault toilets

Activities you can enjoy

The Fairport State Recreation Area offers a range of recreational activities, particularly centered around its prime location on the Mississippi River. Activities include bird watching, fishing, boating, and walking. The area is popular with boaters due to its two boat ramps and courtesy docks. Wildlife viewing is another draw, as the campground provides excellent opportunities to observe birds and other river wildlife. Some reviewers noted that it is a great spot for relaxing and unwinding, though train noise was a common complaint.
FishingFishing opportunities are available directly on the Mississippi River. However, no specific details about the types of fish or fishing regulations were provided.
BoatingThe campground provides two boat ramps and courtesy docks, offering easy access for boating activities. One reviewer commented on how much they enjoyed watching boats come and go from the boat launches.
Wildlife viewingThe campground is a good spot for bird watching and observing river wildlife. According to the authoritative content, 'The large towboats, recreational boaters, river wildlife (especially birds) and the majesty of the river all parade in front of the campground.'
Water Sports
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Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsFlooding has been mentioned by multiple users, and its proximity to train tracks can result in noise disturbances. Occasional high river levels may limit site availability.
Active AlertsFlooding and construction issues have been reported.

Weather at Fairport State Recreation Area

Reviews

3.9
30 reviews
Mixed Reviews
Mixed Reviews
Fairport State Recreation Area has mixed reviews, placing it in the bottom 85% of campgrounds based on reviews
User reviews for Fairport State Recreation Area reflect a mixed but generally positive sentiment. Visitors appreciated the peaceful atmosphere, proximity to the Mississippi River, and the availability of amenities like showers and electrical hook-ups. However, repeated complaints about train noise and occasional maintenance issues somewhat detracted from the experience.
Review Summaries
Based on 30 reviews

What Campers Love

Reviewers frequently praised the campground's scenic location along the Mississippi River, well-maintained facilities, and peaceful ambiance. Specific comments include: 'Beautiful place to relax and...
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Based on 30 reviews

Common Concerns

The most common complaints from reviewers include loud train noise during the night, limited cell service, and maintenance issues in the restrooms and showers. For instance, one reviewer said,...
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Based on 30 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Visitors recommend the campground for its peaceful setting and scenic views of the Mississippi River. However, potential campers are advised to be prepared for train noise and to check conditions, as...
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Based on 30 reviews

Seasonal Insights

Seasonal trends indicate that the campground can be partially underwater during periods of high river levels, which some reviewers noted in the spring. Summer reviews frequently mention train noise...
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Based on 30 reviews

Camper Quotes

1. 'Beautiful place to relax and unwind.' - Stacey Cook 2. 'Nice campground, close to river.' - Bryan Dale 3. 'Not sure how frequent rail traffic can be but I heard at least one train.' - Darrin...
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Based on 30 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

One review mentioned that the campground has 43 sites, with most providing some level of electrical hookup. For $16 per night, one reviewer noted that it was a bargain, provided the train noise isn’t...
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Based on 30 reviews

Accessibility Features

Accessibility features are appreciated, as the campground offers handicap access. However, no specific reviews from users with disabilities were provided.
Based on 30 reviews

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Last updated January 5, 2026
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