Current Recreation Area Status

Campground Check-In Procedures 

Online reservations through www.recreation.gov are required for all Class A campgrounds and same day reservations are now permitted. Class A campgrounds on the Mississippi River Project are: Grant River, Thomson Causeway, Fisherman's Corner, Clark's Ferry and Shady Creek.

In order to take precautions related to the pandemic, the check-in/check-out process at the campgrounds has changed. Reservations can no longer be made at the entrance stations and must be made online at www.recreation.gov or via the Recreation.gov mobile app.  Campsites may be booked on the day of arrival if spots are available. All sites must be paid in full via the online Recreation.gov system prior to occupying the site. 

If you are having difficulties making reservations, you may call the respective Fee Booth phone number for assistance. It is highly recommended that you make reservations prior to arriving at the campground. Follow the instructions below to check in and out of your campsite.

America the Beautiful Interagency Passes are available for purchase through the USGS Store. Any questions may be directed to (309) 794-5338. 

New Check-In Procedures:

Scenario 1
Park attendant is present and camper has reservation

Scenario 2
Park attendant is present and camper does not have a reservation

Scenario 3
Park attendant is not present and camper has a reservation

Scenario 4
Park attendant is not present and camper does not have a reservation

Upon arrival, camper will call the park fee booth (see below) and the park attendant will verify their reservation information over the phone. Camper may then set up on their reserved site.

Camper needs to visit Recreation.gov to make a reservation online. Once the reservation is made, the camper may proceed with Scenario 1.

Camper may set up on their reserved campsite. Then call the park fee attendant during regular business hours to confirm their arrival.

Camper needs to visit Recreation.gov to make a reservation online. Once the reservation is made, the camper may proceed with Scenario 3.

 

Check-Out Procedures:  All campers must vacate their campsite by 4 pm.  Campers do not need to call or stop at the fee booth when leaving. 

 

Recreation Area Status

Last Updated: June 1, 2023
Click on the ranger station or recreation area name for more information.
New status updates will be listed in bold

Ranger Station

 

Recreation Area

 

Fee Booth Contact 

 

Status

Dubuque
563-582-0881

  Grant River   608-763-2140   Campground-OPEN
Day Use Area-OPEN
    Lock & Dam 11 Overlook       OPEN
    Blanding Landing       OPEN
    Pleasant Creek       Boat Ramp-OPEN 
Campground-CLOSED 
-------------------   --------------------------------------       ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Thomson
815-259-3628

  Big Slough      

OPEN

    Thomson Causeway   563-362-8839   River Birch Loop-OPEN
Rest of Campground CLOSED due to ongoing maintenance
    Bulger's Hollow       Campground and Day Use Area-CLOSED
Boat Ramp-OPEN
    Lock & Dam 13       Overlook-OPEN
Boat Ramp-OPEN
    Cattail Slough       OPEN
    Fisherman's Corner North   563-232-9096   OPEN 
    Fisherman's Corner South       OPEN
-------------------   --------------------------------------       -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Project Office   Locks & Dam 14       OPEN
    Smith's Island       OPEN
-------------------   --------------------------------------       -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Visitor Center
309-794-5338

  Mississippi River
Visitor Center
      OPEN, Wednesday - Saturday, 9am - 4pm
-------------------   --------------------------------------       -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Muscatine 
563-263-7913

  Andalusia Slough       OPEN
    Clark's Ferry   563-419-7594   Campground-OPEN
Boat Ramp-OPEN
    Shady Creek   563-419-0857   Campground-CLOSED
Boat Ramp-OPEN
    Lock & Dam 16 Overlook       OPEN
    Blanchard Island       CLOSED
    Kilpeck Landing       CLOSED
    Ferry Landing       CLOSED
    Lock and Dam 18 Overlook       OPEN
    Fenway Landing       OPEN
    Bear Creek       OPEN
    Canton Chute       OPEN
    Lock 19 Overlook       OPEN*
    Lock & Dam 21 Overlook       OPEN
    John Hay       OPEN
    Park-N-Fish       OPEN
    Lock & Dam 22 Boat Ramp       OPEN


 * Restroom facilities at these areas are currently unavailable even if the overlook is open. Please plan accordingly.

Are the parks flooded?