Fairport State Recreation Area
00 review1884 Wildcat Den Road, Muscatine, Iowa, 52761, United States
Fairport State Recreation Area
$16.00 - $18.00 / night
Campsite Fees
Standard Site Fee$0.00
Hookup Site Fee$18.00
Premium Site Fee$0.00
Hike and Bike Site Fee$0.00
Group Site Fee$0.00
Food Storage Locker Fee$0.00
Fees range from $16 to $18 per night, depending on site amenities.
About this campground
Nestled along the mighty Mississippi River, Fairport Recreation Area Campground offers a peaceful riverside retreat where time slows down and nature takes center stage. This intimate state park features 43 well-appointed sites, each equipped with electrical hook-ups and easy access to modern facilities. Whether you're launching your boat at dawn, settling in with a good book by the water, or simply savoring the tranquil atmosphere that regular visitors cherish, Fairport delivers the perfect blend of convenience and serenity that makes for unforgettable camping memories.
Fairport State Recreation Area offers a variety of camping options, including sites with electrical hookups and tent sites. Reviews indicate it’s a smaller campground with 43 sites, suitable for both RV and tent camping. The campground is particularly noted for its scenic location along the Mississippi River.
Weather and SeasonsExperience the Mississippi River valley through four distinct seasons at Fairport. Spring arrives with gentle warmth and renewed life along the riverbanks, while fall paints the landscape in stunning colors under crisp, comfortable skies. Summer brings long, warm days perfect for water activities and evening campfires, though winter transforms the area into a quiet wonderland where hardy campers can enjoy the stark beauty of the frozen river landscape. Throughout the year, moderate rainfall keeps the surroundings lush and green.
Natural Features and SceneryThe Mississippi River serves as Fairport's stunning backdrop, creating an ever-changing canvas of natural beauty. Watch great blue herons stalk the shallows at sunrise, spot eagles soaring overhead, and observe the parade of river traffic from massive barges to pleasure craft. The riverfront location transforms your campsite into a front-row seat for nature's daily spectacle, where anglers cast lines into productive waters and boaters explore hidden coves. The diverse river ecosystem attracts an impressive variety of wildlife, making every morning coffee an opportunity for unexpected encounters.
Geological RegionPositioned in the heart of District 5's Mississippi River corridor, Fairport Recreation Area occupies prime real estate along one of North America's most legendary waterways. This strategic location places campers at the intersection of river commerce, wildlife habitat, and recreational paradise, where the ancient rhythms of the Mississippi continue to shape both landscape and experience. The campground's waterfront setting provides unparalleled access to both the natural wonders and recreational opportunities that have drawn people to the great river for generations.
Campsite details
AccessibilityThe campground provides handicap access and is equipped with accessible facilities, such as accessible restrooms and showers.
Sites SizeMixed reviews on campsite sizes. One user noted, 'The sites are large and well-spaced out,' but others claimed, 'Spots are smaller than they say.'
Sites PrivacyReviewers have noted varying levels of privacy, with some sites offering 'nice lots' and others being described as too small or close together. One reviewer noted, 'Campsites are very small and no room between them.'
Total Campsites43 campsites
Recommended CampsitesOpt for sites farther from train tracks to minimize noise disturbances.
Best CampsitesSites closer to the river are highly rated for views.
Reserving a campsite
Tents
Tents are allowed
RV vehicles
RV vehicles are allowed
Primitive
Primitive are not allowed
Reservable
Reservations are allowed
Site layoutDescribed as small and well-organized.
Walk-in AvailabilityAvailability appears to be high during weekdays, as users mention open sites late in the evening.
Amenities available
Showers
Fire rings
Dump station
Flush toilets
Vault toilets
Electricity hookups
Activities you can enjoy
The Fairport State Recreation Area offers a range of recreational activities, particularly centered around its prime location on the Mississippi River. Activities include bird watching, fishing, boating, and walking. The area is popular with boaters due to its two boat ramps and courtesy docks. Wildlife viewing is another draw, as the campground provides excellent opportunities to observe birds and other river wildlife. Some reviewers noted that it is a great spot for relaxing and unwinding, though train noise was a common complaint.
Fishing
Fishing opportunities are available directly on the Mississippi River. However, no specific details about the types of fish or fishing regulations were provided.Boating
The campground provides two boat ramps and courtesy docks, offering easy access for boating activities. One reviewer commented on how much they enjoyed watching boats come and go from the boat launches.Wildlife viewing
The campground is a good spot for bird watching and observing river wildlife. According to the authoritative content, 'The large towboats, recreational boaters, river wildlife (especially birds) and the majesty of the river all parade in front of the campground.'Water Sports
Canoeing and other non-motorized water activities are mentioned as available. Specifics such as rentals or guided tours were not provided.Campground rules
- Pets are not allowed
- Quiet hours are Not explicitly stated, but described as quiet by users.
Hazards
General hazardsFlooding has been mentioned by multiple users, and its proximity to train tracks can result in noise disturbances. Occasional high river levels may limit site availability.
Active alertsFlooding and construction issues have been reported.
Weather forecast
69
°F
Aug 25
Monday
Clear sky
Precipitation: 0%
Strong wind, exercise caution
Humidity: 42%
Comfortable humidity levels
Wind: 9.1 mph
Strong wind, exercise caution
Clear sky
7-Day Forecast
Access to 7-day forecasts tailored to each campground—covering temperature, precipitation, wind, and sky conditions.
Daily & Hourly Insights
View hourly forecasts with expected weather patterns throughout the day.
Temperature Trends
Visualize how temperatures shift over the month to help pick the most comfortable days for your trip.
Precipitation Trends
Plan around rain or snow with monthly visualizations of expected precipitation patterns.
Weather Summaries
Assess conditions with visuals for easier decision-making on when and where to camp.
Weather data powered by Open-Meteo
Emergency Services
Medical Clinic within 10 miles, hospital more than 10 miles away.
Good to know
Trash and recyclingTrash dumpsters are available on-site for waste disposal.
Proximity to water featuresLocated directly on the Mississippi River; two boat ramps and courtesy docks available.
Common complaintsSmall campsite sizes, occasional disrepair in facilities, and train noise are common complaints.
HostHosts are praised in reviews as excellent and helpful.
Campground Map
1884 Wildcat Den Road, Muscatine, Iowa, 52761, United States
Driving directionsFrom Muscatine, take Hwy 22 east 7 miles.
Accessible via a paved road from Highway 22, 7 miles east of Muscatine.Nearby places
Muscatine (7 miles), Davenport (20 miles)
Nearby supplies
Fuel, grocery store, marina, and motel within 10 miles
grocery store and hospital more than 10 miles away.
Camper Reviews
0.0
0 reviews
Fairport State Recreation Area has limited reviews, placing it in the bottom % of campgrounds based on reviews
User reviews for Fairport State Recreation Area reflect a mixed but generally positive sentiment. Visitors appreciated the peaceful atmosphere, proximity to the Mississippi River, and the availability of amenities like showers and electrical hook-ups. However, repeated complaints about train noise and occasional maintenance issues somewhat detracted from the experience.
Review Summaries
What Campers Love
Reviewers frequently praised the campground's scenic location along the Mississippi River, well-maintained facilities, and peaceful ambiance. Specific comments include: 'Beautiful place to relax and...
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Common Concerns
The most common complaints from reviewers include loud train noise during the night, limited cell service, and maintenance issues in the restrooms and showers. For instance, one reviewer said,...
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Pro Tips & Recommendations
Visitors recommend the campground for its peaceful setting and scenic views of the Mississippi River. However, potential campers are advised to be prepared for train noise and to check conditions, as...
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Seasonal Insights
Seasonal trends indicate that the campground can be partially underwater during periods of high river levels, which some reviewers noted in the spring. Summer reviews frequently mention train noise...
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Camper Quotes
1. 'Beautiful place to relax and unwind.' - Stacey Cook
2. 'Nice campground, close to river.' - Bryan Dale
3. 'Not sure how frequent rail traffic can be but I heard at least one train.' - Darrin...
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Site-Specific Reviews
One review mentioned that the campground has 43 sites, with most providing some level of electrical hookup. For $16 per night, one reviewer noted that it was a bargain, provided the train noise isn’t...
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Accessibility Features
Accessibility features are appreciated, as the campground offers handicap access. However, no specific reviews from users with disabilities were provided.
Last updated August 10, 2025