
Weekend availability at Shady Creek
Live from Recreation.gov · checked Sep 19, 11:45 PM PT- Fri, Sep 25Open26/54 sites
- Fri, Oct 2Open29/54 sites
- Fri, Oct 9Open26/54 sites
- Fri, Oct 16Open31/54 sites
- Fri, Oct 23Limited3/53 sites
Friday + Saturday nights, sites bookable both nights. Counts come from a rotating sweep and can lag a cancellation by up to a day — alerts watch your exact dates within minutes.
Campsites & amenities
Site-level details from Recreation.gov's official catalog.
- Campsites
- 56
- Electric sites
- 56
About this campground
Overview 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.Recreation The Mississippi River draws many anglers annually. The most popular fish species is the channel catfish; bluegill, walleye and northern pike are also found in the river. Picnicking and playing horseshoes is a popular activity in the park.Facilities The park's campsites contain 50-amp electric hookups, campfire rings and picnic tables. Flush toilets and showers are provided. A boat ramp and playground are on-site.Natural Features The park has spectacular views of the Mississippi River. Many trees throughout the campground provide great places to lounge in the shade. The Upper Mississippi River begins at the headwaters of Lake Itasca, Minnesota and flows 1,250 miles to Cairo, Illinois where it joins the Ohio River. Nearby Attractions Wildcat Den State Park is just north of Shady Creek, offering hiking trails and the historic Pine Creek Grist Mill built in 1848. The Mark Twain National Wildlife Refuge is a 40-minute drive downstream. Trails and observation decks are open to the public. Hunting and fishing are allowed in many area of the refuge.
Getting there
From Davenport, Iowa, drive west on Highway 22 about 17 miles and turn at the Shady Creek sign.
Activities
- DAY USE AREA
- HIKING
- CAMPING
- BOATING
- FISHING
Nearby federal campgrounds
- Clarks FerryMississippi River - Pools 11-224 mi
- Andalusia SloughMississippi River - Pools 11-226 mi
- Blanchard IslandMississippi River - Pools 11-2212 mi
- Herbert Hoover Presidential Library and MuseumNational Archives And Records Administration29 mi
- Visitor CenterHerbert Hoover National Historic Site29 mi
- Turkey Creek Day Use AreaCoralville Lake38 mi
Never miss an opening at Shady Creek
Popular Iowa campgrounds book out months ahead — but cancellations happen every day. We watch Shady Creek around the clock and alert you the moment a sold-out site reopens for your dates, so you don't have to keep refreshing Recreation.gov.
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Details from Recreation.gov's official RIDB catalog. Conditions change — confirm with the managing office or on Recreation.gov before you go. Not affiliated with Recreation.gov or any federal agency.