Shady Creek

Mississippi River - Pools 11-22 — lakeside, fishing, hiking

Location: MUSCATINE, IA, IA

Price: From $14 per night

Price range: $14–$26 per night

Rating: 4.6 out of 5 (267 reviews)

Season: May through October

Shady Creek Campground is a 22-acre park where campers enjoy getaways on the banks of the Mississippi River. A nature trail, shore fishing and fantastic bird watching are offered at Shady Creek.The park’s campsites contain 50-amp electric hookups, campfire rings and picnic tables. Flush toilets and showers are provided.

Cell coverage (FCC estimate): moderate signal. Actual signal may vary in remote areas. Best carrier: T-Mobile. Verizon 4G: 100%. AT&T 4G: 0%. T-Mobile 4G: 100%.

Amenities: Fire Rings, Picnic Tables, Flush Toilets, Showers, Electric Hookups, Fishing, Boat Launch

Availability alerts: Set a free cancellation alert at camperwatch.org/campground/shady-creek to be notified when sites open up.

Shady Creek offers 54 sites on 22 acres along the Mississippi River with excellent fishing for channel catfish, bluegill, walleye, and northern pike. Google reviews consistently praise the large paved sites, 50-amp hookups, clean facilities, and scenic riverside location (4.6/5 rating from 176 reviews).

Wildlife alert: Eastern Chipmunk, Cooper's Hawk, Northern Rough-winged Swallow, Eastern Kingbird, Eastern Milksnake, Pond Slider, and Garter Snakes present in the area.

Insider tips for Shady Creek: Book early — this is a popular federal campground with high demand. First 11 sites are winter camping spots with no electricity or water; confirm your site type before booking. All sites feature concrete pads, picnic tables, and fire rings; select sites have 50-amp electric hookups.

Skip Shady Creek if: You need water or sewer hookups — only electric hookups available on select sites.. You're visiting outside May-October — seasonal operations only.. You prefer year-round availability — federal campground closes in off-season..

Best time to visit Shady Creek: May-October — Campground operates seasonally May through October only..

Nearby campgrounds: Clarks Ferry (Muscatine, IA), Blanchard Island Recreation Area (New Boston, IA), Fishermans Corner (East Moline, IL), Turkey Creek Day Use Area (Iowa City, IA).