Thomson Causeway

Star4.63
879 reviews
1600 Lewis Avenue, Thomson, IL 61285
Scenic ViewsGreat HikingFishing

Quick Facts

607 ft

Price

$14 - $26/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

125 campsites

Season

Open May 1 through O...

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Check Policy

RV FriendlyElectricShowers

Opens Army Corps of Engineers site

Official Website
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Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

January 2026

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

January 2026
Thomson Causeway
$14.00 - $26.00 / night
Campsite Fees
Peak season rates include $26 for standard electric sites, $14 for tent-only sites, and $25 for group picnic areas. Reservation fees may apply (e.g.,...
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Standard Site Fee$26.00
Hookup Site Fee$0.00
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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Provider
815-259-3628mvrodmn13@usace.army.mil
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What Campers Say

4.63

Top-Rated

Based on 879 reviews

74 Google reviews

Most mentioned

cleanspacioussites

Some mention

noisebugstrain

"User reviews highlight the campground's well-maintained facilities, beautiful sunsets, and diverse wildlife. Complaints include noise from nearby trains, limited hot water, and occasional infrastructure issues."

Read all reviews

Campground Map

1600 Lewis Avenue, Thomson, IL 61285

Thomson Causeway

1600 Lewis Avenue, Thomson, IL 61285

Driving directionsTake IL Route 84 to Thomson, Illinois. Turn west onto Main Street, then turn south onto Lewis Avenue.
The campground is accessible via paved roads, and seasonal access appears consistent as no closures or challenges are noted.
Nearby places
Thomson, IL (0 miles)
Fulton, IL (approx. 20 minutes via road)
Quad Cities (accessible via bike paths)
Clinton, IA (approx. 30 minutes).
Nearby supplies
Local groceries, camping supplies, and fuel likely accessible in Thomson, IL
additional options in Fulton, IL, or Clinton, IA.

Best Time to Camp at Thomson Causeway

Experience the rhythmic pulse of river seasons at Thomson Causeway, where peak camping months bring comfortable temperatures perfect for outdoor adventures. While the island's lush environment means occasional insect visitors during humid periods, the cooling river breezes and strategic timing can minimize these minor inconveniences. The ever-changing weather patterns create a dynamic atmosphere that keeps each visit unique and memorable.

Summer(Jun-Aug)
4.0 / 5

Peak season with comfortable temps and full access; watch for insects and busy weekends.

Fall(Sep-Nov)
4.0 / 5

Seasonal river views and cooler weather likely attractive; less specific review data for fall.

Best
Spring(Mar-May)
4.0 / 5

May recommended (Dutch Days); lush environment and wildlife make spring appealing.

Winter(Dec-Feb)
Not recommended

Campground closed Nov–Apr (open May 1–Oct 25).

Planning Tips
  • Peak Season: May 1 – October 25 each year.. Book 2-3 months ahead.
  • Operating Season: Open May 1 through October 25 each year, with reservations starting June 20. Closed during the off-season.
  • Current Alerts: Seasonal flooding may affect availability, as indicated by reviews. Infrastructure upgrades (electric systems) ongoing.

About Thomson Causeway

Escape to Thomson Causeway, where the mighty Mississippi River transforms into your personal island paradise. This unique campground seamlessly blends the romance of river island camping with the comfort of modern amenities, creating an extraordinary basecamp for adventurers seeking both relaxation and recreation. Wake to the gentle lapping of water against the shore and end your days watching spectacular sunsets paint the river in brilliant hues.
Thomson Causeway offers options for tent camping, RV camping, and group camping, with 125 reservable campsites, including 120 with electrical hookups and 5 tent-only sites.
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Best Campsites

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Reserving a campsite

Check-in
2PM
Check-out
12 PM
Stay Limit
Maximum stay limit is 14 nights within a rolling 30-day period.

Amenities available

Showers
Potable water
Electricity hookups
Flush toilets
Dump station
Fire rings

Activities you can enjoy

Thomson Causeway provides a variety of recreational activities, popular among campers. Fishing, hiking, biking, boating, and hunting are frequently enjoyed. The Central Trail section of the Mississippi River Trail offers extensive biking and walking opportunities. Wildlife viewing is abundant, with common sightings of egrets, herons, turtles, bald eagles, and geese.
HikingHiking opportunities are available along the Central Trail section of the Mississippi River Trail. Paths pass through scenic river bottom hardwood forests and hidden river sloughs.
FishingFishing is a popular activity at Thomson Causeway. Common fish species include channel catfish, bluegill, walleye, largemouth bass, and northern pike.
BikingBiking is a common activity, with access to the Mississippi River Trail—a 62-mile trail that extends to the Quad Cities. Jay Saxon mentioned, 'Their well-marked hiking and biking trails offer easy access.'
BoatingBoating is available, and Thomson Causeway includes a boat ramp. However, concerns about motorized boats disrupting wildlife have been raised by g anderson.
Wildlife viewingThomson Causeway offers plentiful wildlife viewing opportunities, including sightings of egrets, herons, bald eagles, turtles, and other species. Melissa Elliott described wildlife observations as including 'fish, turtles, coons, bald eagles, and snakes around if you are looking.'
Winter Activities
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Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsMosquitoes can be pervasive. Train noise mentioned as disruptive by users. Wildlife safety precautions apply.
Active AlertsSeasonal flooding may affect availability, as indicated by reviews. Infrastructure upgrades (electric systems) ongoing.

Weather at Thomson Causeway

Reviews

4.6
879 reviews
Top-Rated
Top-Rated
Thomson Causeway is top-rated, placing it in the top 15% of campgrounds based on reviews
User reviews highlight the campground's well-maintained facilities, beautiful sunsets, and diverse wildlife. Complaints include noise from nearby trains, limited hot water, and occasional infrastructure issues.
Review Summaries
Based on 879 reviews

What Campers Love

Positive aspects include: level and spacious sites, cleanliness, affordable pricing, proximity to the Mississippi River, wildlife diversity, and extensive biking trails.
Based on 879 reviews

Common Concerns

Common concerns involve noise from trains at night, occasional infrastructure issues (e.g., power problems at specific sites), and limited hot water in showers. Rhonda F noted, 'Bathrooms were ok....
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Based on 879 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Tips include bringing mosquito spray due to high insect activity and planning reservations 6 months in advance due to high demand. Rhonda F suggested bringing a shade sail for sun protection.
Based on 879 reviews

Seasonal Insights

Seasonal trends include higher insect activity after rains and busy weekends. Mary Loomis recommended camping in May to attend Dutch Days in Fulton.
Based on 879 reviews

Camper Quotes

1. Rhonda F: 'Our campsite was 67, front row seats for the sunsets.' 2. Melissa Elliott: 'The best sunsets ever right from the sites.' 3. Jay Saxon: 'It is, and has always been, one of the best...
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Based on 879 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

Site 67 features excellent sunset views but intense afternoon heat. Site 110 is challenging for large RVs due to nearby drainage ditches.
Based on 879 reviews

Accessibility Features

Accessibility reviews emphasize paved trails and clean facilities but lack details specifically from disabled users.
Based on 879 reviews

Pet-Friendly Features

Pet-related reviews and policies are not specifically mentioned.
Based on 879 reviews

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Last updated January 13, 2026
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