How much does camping cost at Bulger's Hollow Recreation Area?

Camping fees at Bulger's Hollow Recreation Area are $14/night. Prices may vary by site type (standard, hookup, premium) and season. Book online to see exact pricing for your dates.

Is Bulger's Hollow Recreation Area first-come first-served or reservation?

Bulger's Hollow Recreation Area 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 Bulger's Hollow Recreation Area before I book?

Yes! Bulger's Hollow Recreation Area has 3 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 Bulger's Hollow Recreation Area?

Bulger's Hollow Recreation Area is open May 15 to October 14. 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 Bulger's Hollow Recreation Area?

Bulger's Hollow Recreation Area does not have shower facilities. Plan accordingly—nearby alternatives may include day-use areas or towns.

How many campsites does Bulger's Hollow Recreation Area have?

Bulger's Hollow Recreation Area has 23 campsites. Sites vary in size, privacy, and amenities. Check availability online to find the best site for your needs.

Are dogs allowed at Bulger's Hollow Recreation Area?

Yes, pets are allowed at Bulger's Hollow Recreation Area. 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 Bulger's Hollow Recreation Area?

Bulger's Hollow Recreation Area offers: Restrooms, Potable Water, Dump Station, Pets Allowed. See our detailed campground page for the full list of facilities and features.

What activities can I do at Bulger's Hollow Recreation Area?

Popular activities at Bulger's Hollow Recreation Area include Fishing, Boating. The surrounding area offers plenty of outdoor recreation opportunities for all skill levels.

Bulger's Hollow Recreation Area

4.35

20 reviews

4686 170th Street, Clinton, IA 52732

Featured in:Pet-Friendly Campgrounds Illinois#2 RV Camping Illinois Fishing Camping Illinois +8 more

Quick Facts

702 ft

Price

$14/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

23 campsites

Season

Year-round

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

RV Friendly

Book on US Army Corps of Engineers Official Website

Get Directions

Quick Facts

702 ft

Price

$14/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

23 campsites

Season

Year-round

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

RV Friendly

Book on US Army Corps of Engineers Official Website

Get Directions

Bulger's Hollow Recreation Area

$14.00 / night

Campsite Fees

Campsites: $14.00. Plus Recreation.gov reservation transaction fee ($8 online / $9 phone / $3 in person).

No campsite fee categories listed.

Get Notified When Available

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Provider

815-259-3628mvrodmn13@usace.army.mil

I manage this campground

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Campground Map

4686 170th Street, Clinton, IA 52732

Bulger's Hollow Recreation Area

4686 170th Street, Clinton, IA 52732

Nearby places

Clinton, IA - 7.5 miles, approximately 15 minutes

Fulton, IL - approximately 10 miles, 20 minutes.

Weather at Bulger's Hollow Recreation Area

Current alerts(8)

A maximum of 6 campers are allowed per site as well as 2 vehicles.
All dogs must be on a 6 foot leash and not allowed to roam freely for the safety of other campers and the pet.
First, you’ll want to download the Recreation.gov mobile APP to your phone prior to coming to the park, then create an account if you don’t already have one, because some remote areas have limited or no cellular service.
Note: You cannot use Recreation.gov the website, to secure your site; you must use the Recreation.gov mobile APP and be at the campground. The Recreation.gov website, however; will have an information page for Bulger's Hollow and you can learn more about “Scan and Pay” by…

Best Time to Camp at Bulger's Hollow Recreation Area

Best season: summer. Summer offers the fullest access to Bulger's Hollow’s riverfront recreation — warm, long days (typical highs 80–90°F / 27–32°C) with cooling Mississippi breezes make boating, fishing, and wildlife viewing most comfortable and productive. Lily pad fields and backwater sloughs are at their most scenic, and boat ramps and primitive campsites are fully open and most convenient to use. Expect moderate weekend crowds but plenty of solitude on weekday stays and in quieter back channels. Peak months: July, August, June, September Avoid: November, December, January, February

Best

Summer(Jun-Aug)

4.0 / 5

Overview lists summer as best season with full access to river recreation and warm weather.

Planning Tips

Peak Season: May 15 to October 14. Book 2-3 months ahead.

About Bulger's Hollow Recreation Area

Bulger's Hollow Recreation Area sits along the Mississippi River backwaters near Clinton, Iowa, operated by the US Army Corps of Engineers. This small, seasonal campground offers primitive tent sites and RV camping with vault toilets, a dump station, and direct access to lily pad sloughs and fishing channels. Campers come for quiet mornings on the water, bird-watching in the backwater habitat, and budget-friendly riverfront stays with minimal development.

Bulger's Hollow Recreation Area offers primitive camping with a mix of RV and tent sites. Sites are non-reservable and operate on a first-come, first-served basis.

Weather and SeasonsBest season: summer. Summer offers the fullest access to Bulger's Hollow’s riverfront recreation — warm, long days (typical highs 80–90°F / 27–32°C) with cooling Mississippi breezes make boating, fishing, and wildlife viewing most comfortable and productive. Lily pad fields and backwater sloughs are at their most scenic, and boat ramps and primitive campsites are fully open and most convenient to use. Expect moderate weekend crowds but plenty of solitude on weekday stays and in quieter back channels. Peak months: July, August, June, September Avoid: November, December, January, February

Elevation702 ft above sea level

Natural Features and SceneryPool 13's backwaters create a mosaic of lily pad fields and quiet sloughs where cypress trees adapt to the river's seasonal rhythms. The interplay between flowing channels and protected backwaters makes for productive fishing and scenic sunrise reflections. Great blue herons stalk the shallows, eagles appear overhead, and deer and raccoons frequent the diverse riverside terrain at 702 feet elevation. The lily pad fields are especially photogenic in summer.

Lodging & AccommodationsOnly camping accommodations are mentioned. No hotel-style lodges are noted.

Programs & ActivitiesNo cultural or educational programs are mentioned.

Best Campsites

Curated by campers, for campers

Reveal picks

Reserving a campsite

Stay Limit

Campers have a 14-day camping limit within a 30-day period.

Guests Allowed Per Site

Amaximum of 6 campers are allowed per site.

Groups

No group camping facilities are mentioned.

Tents

Tents are allowed

RV vehicles

RV vehicles are allowed

Primitive

Primitive camping is allowed

Reservable

Reservations are allowed

Reservation PlatformsReservations are made through the Recreation.gov mobile app only, using a QR code on-site.

Site SizeSite sizes are not specified, but the campground includes 17 RV sites and 9 tent sites.

PrivacyNo specific description of site layout in terms of privacy, though reviews indicate a quiet environment.

Total Campsites23 campsites

Recommended SitesWaterfront sites are highly recommended for their views and proximity to the Mississippi River.

Need help booking Bulger's Hollow Recreation Area?

Reservation tips, booking windows, and free cancellation alerts.

Recreation.gov Guide

Booking tips & windows

When to Book

Find your booking window

Cancellation Alerts

Free alerts for this campground

Amenities available

Bulger's Hollow Recreation Area provides a variety of amenities despite its small size, making it a great destination for scenic and recreational purposes along the Mississippi River. Campers can enjoy a boat ramp, playground, picnic shelter, and access to drinking water, vault toilets, and a dump station. The campground's primitive setup is complemented by stunning river views and opportunities for fishing, boating, and wildlife observation.

Potable water

Dump station

Fire rings

Picnic tables

Vault toilets

I manage this campground

RV details

Things to do at Bulger's Hollow Recreation Area

Bulger's Hollow Recreation Area offers a variety of recreational opportunities, particularly for those who enjoy fishing, boating, and connecting with nature. Popular activities include camping, birding, and using the playground facilities. The location's proximity to the Mississippi River enhances its appeal for water-based activities.

Fishing4.0/5

Boating4.0/5

Gravel boat launch gives direct access to Pool 13 backwaters; boating cited as a popular activity.

Water Sports4.0/5

Winter Activities

Not sure what to pack?Our complete camping packing checklist

Policies & Safety

No Electric HookupsElectric hookups are not available at this campground. RV campers should arrive with a full battery and plan for off-grid power (generator hours/quiet rules permitting).

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

4.4

20 reviews

Recommended

Bulger's Hollow Recreation Area is recommended, placing it in the top 40% of campgrounds based on reviews

User reviews for Bulger's Hollow Recreation Area highlight its serene environment, scenic views of the Mississippi River, and opportunities for outdoor activities such as fishing and kayaking. Several reviews emphasize the quiet nature of the campground and its suitability for relaxation.

Review Summaries

Based on 20 reviews

What Campers Love

Campers enjoyed the peaceful environment and scenic beauty, especially the sunrise and moonrise reflections on the river. Many appreciated the variety of activities, including kayaking, fishing, and...

Based on 20 reviews

Common Concerns

Some concerns included the presence of mosquitoes, shallow waters for boating, and occasional noise from nearby train tracks. One user reported, 'So quiet! Almost nobody was camping...but we were...

Based on 20 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Campers recommend bringing insect repellent due to mosquito issues, and one advised caution when boating due to shallow waters in some areas.

Based on 20 reviews

Seasonal Insights

The campground is noted to be less crowded, especially outside peak summer months. The boat ramp and day-use areas remain accessible year-round, appealing to off-season visitors.

Based on 20 reviews

Camper Quotes

1. 'Amazing sunrise reflecting over the Mississippi, campfires and cooking every night.' 2. 'Used to camp there as a kid. Used to be great fishing off shore.' 3. 'Great quiet place to camp, fish, or...

Based on 20 reviews

Accessibility Features

No accessibility-specific reviews are mentioned.

Based on 20 reviews

Pet-Friendly Features

Pets are allowed, but dogs must be on a 6-foot leash. No specific user reviews addressing pet-related experiences are noted.

Based on 20 reviews

Outdoorithm Community

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Bulger's Hollow Recreation Area

$14.00 / night

Campsite Fees

Campsites: $14.00. Plus Recreation.gov reservation transaction fee ($8 online / $9 phone / $3 in person).

No campsite fee categories listed.

Get Notified When Available

We'll monitor this campground and alert you the moment sites become available.

Free to start · paid plans add 2-min scans

263,000+ sites monitored · Email alerts to start; SMS and in-app with an account

Learn more about alerts →

Share this campground

Recreation Dot Gov

Provider

815-259-3628mvrodmn13@usace.army.mil

Go if

You want budget-friendly Mississippi River access for fishing and kayaking in a low-key, seasonal setting.

Skip if

You need modern restrooms, want to avoid mosquitoes, or are sensitive to occasional train noise.

Nearby Campgrounds

1600 Lewis Avenue, Thomson, IL 61285

Thomson Causeway sits on the Mississippi River between Pools 11 and 22, operated by the Army Corps of Engineers. This large, budget-friendly campground offers level sites with electric and water hookups, flush and vault toilets, and showers. Campers fish the backwaters, bike extensive trails along the river, and watch migratory birds move through the island ecosystem.

Bulger's Hollow Recreation Area

Quick Facts

Quick Facts

Get Notified When Available

Ask Camp Sage about Bulger's Hollow Recreation Area

Campground Map

Weather at Bulger's Hollow Recreation Area

Current alerts(8)

Best Time to Camp at Bulger's Hollow Recreation Area

Planning Tips

About Bulger's Hollow Recreation Area

Best Campsites

Reserving a campsite

Need help booking Bulger's Hollow Recreation Area?

Amenities available

RV details

Things to do at Bulger's Hollow Recreation Area

Policies & Safety

Trip Planning Tools

Reviews

What Campers Love

Common Concerns

Get Notified When Available

Go if

Skip if

Featured in these camping guides

Ask Camp Sage about Bulger's Hollow Recreation Area

Current alerts(8)

Best Time to Camp at Bulger's Hollow Recreation Area

Planning Tips

Best Campsites

Reserving a campsite

Need help booking Bulger's Hollow Recreation Area?

Amenities available

Things to do at Bulger's Hollow Recreation Area

Policies & Safety

Trip Planning Tools

Reviews

What Campers Love

Common Concerns