Camping on the Mississippi River

The most beautiful place we have ever camped now officially goes to Thomson Causeway Recreation Area on the Mississippi River. Every night a gorgeous sunset, with drastically different colors than the night before. The perfect spot for an evening of fishing or a romantic sit to watch it go down. We had a lovely adventure camping on the river.

Thomson Causeway Recreation Area

We stayed at the Thomson Causeway Recreation Area in Thomson, IL. It is one of many camping areas on the Mississippi river that you can choose from. The site is run by the US Army Corps who keep it well taken care of and of course safe. We chose it because it was advertised online as being able to camp on an island which we thought was exciting. We also chose them  because they are dog friendly. There is a road that connects you to where the campsites are so don’t worry you can actually drive out to it you don’t have to boat or anything. They have RV and tent sites that are located pretty close together, so if you are looking for isolation look elsewhere. That said, it was very quiet at night and any other time. Everyone , while friendly and quick to wave hello, had a healthy appreciation for the peace and quiet that most of us are seeking when on a camping trip. As far as amenities, they have outhouses and one indoor bathroom shower house along with an outdoor movie screen, playground and and tons of benches along the water for fishing or enjoying the view.

Fisherman’s Paradise

Camping on the Mississippi River is the perfect opportunity to do some fishing. Ryan tried several different spots, and although he wasn’t too successful he was excited at the opportunity to fish the mighty Mississippi. Then on our second day we discovered this perfect isolated fishing spot. It was along one of the hiking paths in the woods located to the left of the park playground area.  It was just the right amount of sandy area for us to set up our chairs and our cooler. We had to battle the throng of bugs along the walk there, but to have our own private beach space with this view, it was worth it. The water was amazingly shallow, only a couple feet going out for ages. It was perfect for wading and lounging, not really for swimming. We had a perfect morning at what we then referred to as our spot.

Turtle Crossing

The sign above is posted on the road into Thomson Recreation Area and it is no joke. We had to stop and wait on several occasion for turtles to get across and on one occasion for me to get out and help a snapping turtle along. With a stick of course, I’m not trying to lose a finger. We saw several breeds of turtle throughout the area. Turtles are my favorite animal so I was in heaven. They were walking around everywhere, even in our campground. They also became my favorite part of the trip when we got to see one laying eggs in the soil like you see sea turtles do in t.v. It was one of the coolest animal experiences I have had so far, made even more special that they were living in their natural habitat and we were living there along with them.

Eaten Alive

We had one major downfall on our camping trip over memorial day Weekend (end of May) and that was the bugs. At the time that we had gone there had just been flooding and additionally it was spring which is mosquito breeding time. As a result of this the mosquitos were horrendous even worse in the woods. We were dousing ourselves in all kinds of bug sprays and still getting bitten. A bit later into the summer and I think it would be there perfect trip but as it was we went home with a lot of unwanted itching. If you are going at any time I would make sure and bring your bug repellant to save yourself some misery.

Local Attractions

Given the areas popularity as a tourist location a large amount of local attractions have sprung up considering the population. It is about a 25 minute drive from Clinton, Iowa which has the most ammenties, including the closest Walmart or anything similar where we bought all our food rather than drive it out with us. Clinton is  home to the Sawmill museum which we didn’t get a chance to explore and the Clinton Inn restaurant located right on the water. I visited the Clinton Inn Restaurant with a large group for my Niece’s baptism and it was very yummy but does require you to step out of your camping clothes so we unfortunately didn’t make it there this trip. We did drive the fifteen minutes into Fulton, IL to visit the local attractions there. First stop, the De Immigrant windmill  which the town built in the nineties in authentic dutch style to celebrate their  heritage. It is a fully functioning mill run by dedicated volunteers which continue to make flours that they sell locally and that we picked up in the gift shop. Next we checked out Heritage Canyon, built in retirement by a couple who bought the natural canyon area and brought or built historical buildings there and filled them with authentic artifacts to explore self-guided. I was impressed by the Labour of love that the place was, continued now by the caretaker who lives onsite. Both sites we visited in Fulton were technically free though we did leave a donation as suggested. Fulton also happens to  be the home of President Ronald Reagan’s ancestors and they are buried in their cemetery still with a commemorative marker that designates they were his relatives which I assume was added sometime later. I had to go and check it out for my dad, an avid Reagan fanatic.

Camping on the Mississippi River

Another gorgeous sunset pictured above is all that really needs saying when it comes to why we loved Camping on the Mississippi River  at Thomson Causeway Recreation Area. And so I will leave you with that and with the link  so you can check it our for yourself Here. below in case you want to visit as well.