Thomson Causeway

Star4.63
37 reviews
1600 Lewis Avenue, Thomson, IL 61285
Thomson Causeway
$14.00 - $26.00 / night
Campsite Fees
Peak season rates include $26 for standard electric sites, $14 for tent-only sites, and $25 for group picnic areas. Reservation fees may apply (e.g.,...
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Standard Site Fee$26.00
Hookup Site Fee$0.00
Premium Site Fee$0.00
Hike and Bike Site Fee$0.00
Group Site Fee$25.00
Food Storage Locker Fee$0.00
Total Campsite Fees$51.00

Share this campground
Recreation Dot Gov
Provider
815-259-3628mvrodmn13@usace.army.mil

About this campground

Escape to Thomson Causeway, where the mighty Mississippi River transforms into your personal island paradise. This unique campground seamlessly blends the romance of river island camping with the comfort of modern amenities, creating an extraordinary basecamp for adventurers seeking both relaxation and recreation. Wake to the gentle lapping of water against the shore and end your days watching spectacular sunsets paint the river in brilliant hues.
Thomson Causeway offers options for tent camping, RV camping, and group camping, with 125 reservable campsites, including 120 with electrical hookups and 5 tent-only sites.
Historical SignificanceStep into the living history of America's most storied waterway at Thomson Causeway, where generations of river travelers have found respite and adventure. Your island retreat serves as the perfect launching point to explore the region's rich heritage, from the rare ecosystems of Ayers Sand Prairie State Nature Preserve to the dramatic bluffs of Mississippi Palisades State Park. Don't miss the charming Dutch Windmill in nearby Fulton, a whimsical reminder of the diverse cultures that have shaped this river corridor.
Weather and SeasonsExperience the rhythmic pulse of river seasons at Thomson Causeway, where peak camping months bring comfortable temperatures perfect for outdoor adventures. While the island's lush environment means occasional insect visitors during humid periods, the cooling river breezes and strategic timing can minimize these minor inconveniences. The ever-changing weather patterns create a dynamic atmosphere that keeps each visit unique and memorable.
ElevationNestled at river level on this Mississippi island, Thomson Causeway places you intimately close to the water's edge, where the boundary between land and river becomes beautifully blurred. This prime riverside position offers unparalleled access to both aquatic adventures and the unique perspective that comes from camping at the same elevation as one of North America's greatest rivers.
Natural Features and SceneryDiscover your own river island sanctuary where lazy backwaters teem with bass, catfish, and waterfowl, creating a naturalist's playground. Thomson Causeway's unique island setting offers front-row seats to nature's daily theater - from great blue herons stalking the shallows to eagles soaring overhead. As evening approaches, the campground transforms into an amphitheater for some of the Mississippi's most breathtaking sunsets, reflected perfectly in the calm backwater channels.
Geological RegionThomson Causeway occupies a remarkable island oasis within the Upper Mississippi River Basin's widest stretch, where the great river spreads its fingers into countless channels and backwaters. This unique geological position creates a mosaic of aquatic habitats perfect for fishing, wildlife watching, and paddling adventures. The slow-moving backwaters surrounding the island form a natural aquarium showcasing the river's incredible biodiversity, while the main channel's steady flow reminds visitors of the Mississippi's enduring power and importance.
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Campsite details

AccessibilityThomson Causeway includes accessible features such as flush toilets, pit toilets, and paved trails. Specific details about accessibility for disabled guests are not provided in reviews.
Sites SizeSites are described as spacious and level. C N noted, 'The sites are spacious, level and well maintained.'
Sites PrivacySites are arranged to offer privacy despite being close together. Jay Saxon stated, 'Sites are closer together than many places I've camped, but arranged to offer privacy.'
Total Campsites125 campsites
Recommended CampsitesBring a shade sail for sunny sites like 67. Avoid site 110 for large RVs due to proximity to a drainage ditch.
Best CampsitesSites 67 praised for sunset views and proximity to the river. Sites 33, 79-97, and 127-131 noted for lack of water hookups.

Reserving a campsite

Check-in
2PM
Check-out
12 PM
Stay Limit
Maximum stay limit is 14 nights within a rolling 30-day period.
Guests Allowed Per Site
  • One RV and two tents allowed per RV site
  • three tents if no RV is present.
Groups
Group picnic areas available for $25 per day, but not specified for overnight camping.
Tents
Tents are allowed
RV vehicles
RV vehicles are allowed
Primitive
Primitive are not allowed
Reservable
Reservations are allowed

Site layoutCampsites organized in loops: Hickory, Potters South, and Potters North.
Open and Closed SeasonOpen May 1 through October 25 each year, with reservations starting June 20. Closed during the off-season.
Reservation PlatformsReservations available via Recreation.gov.
Walk-in AvailabilityHighly competitive; user reviews indicate sites often booked 6 months in advance, leaving limited walk-up options.
Cancellation PolicyStandard cancellation fee of $10 applies, along with forfeiture of the first night's fees for late cancellations (individual campsites only).

Amenities available

Showers
Potable water
Fire rings
Picnic tables
Dump station
Firewood available
Flush toilets
Vault toilets
Electricity hookups
Water hookups

Activities you can enjoy

Thomson Causeway provides a variety of recreational activities, popular among campers. Fishing, hiking, biking, boating, and hunting are frequently enjoyed. The Central Trail section of the Mississippi River Trail offers extensive biking and walking opportunities. Wildlife viewing is abundant, with common sightings of egrets, herons, turtles, bald eagles, and geese.
Hiking
Hiking opportunities are available along the Central Trail section of the Mississippi River Trail. Paths pass through scenic river bottom hardwood forests and hidden river sloughs.
Fishing
Fishing is a popular activity at Thomson Causeway. Common fish species include channel catfish, bluegill, walleye, largemouth bass, and northern pike.
Biking
Biking is a common activity, with access to the Mississippi River Trail—a 62-mile trail that extends to the Quad Cities. Jay Saxon mentioned, 'Their well-marked hiking and biking trails offer easy access.'
Boating
Boating is available, and Thomson Causeway includes a boat ramp. However, concerns about motorized boats disrupting wildlife have been raised by g anderson.
Wildlife viewing
Thomson Causeway offers plentiful wildlife viewing opportunities, including sightings of egrets, herons, bald eagles, turtles, and other species. Melissa Elliott described wildlife observations as including 'fish, turtles, coons, bald eagles, and snakes around if you are looking.'
Winter Activities
Details about winter activities are not provided in the source materials.
Water Sports
Kayaking and canoeing are possible, but specific details about these activities are not covered.
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Campground rules

  • Pets are not allowed
  • Follow 'Don't Move Firewood' guidelines. Firewood sold onsite for $5 per bundle.

Hazards

General hazardsMosquitoes can be pervasive. Train noise mentioned as disruptive by users. Wildlife safety precautions apply.
Active alertsSeasonal flooding may affect availability, as indicated by reviews. Infrastructure upgrades (electric systems) ongoing.

Weather forecast

52
°F
Nov 25
Tuesday
Overcast
Precipitation: 0%

Moderate wind, may affect light items

Humidity: 91%

High humidity, may feel muggy

Wind: 7.9 mph

Moderate wind, may affect light items

Overcast

7 day forecast

Weather History
Weather data powered by Open-Meteo

Emergency Services

Closest emergency services are not specified explicitly. Nearest town Thomson, IL, likely contains the closest police and fire services. Clinton, IA may offer hospital services approximately 30 minutes away.

Good to know

Peak season datesMay 1 – October 25 each year.
Trash and recyclingSpecific details about trash and recycling facilities, including locations and pickup schedules, are not provided.
Proximity to water featuresIsland camping on the Mississippi River; includes boat ramp access and slow-moving backwaters.
Common complaintsTrain noise, bugs during wet conditions, limited dump stations leading to delays, and restrictive bike policies for e-bikes.
HostHosts onsite during fee booth hours—helpful and friendly as per user reviews.

Campground Map

1600 Lewis Avenue, Thomson, IL 61285
Driving directionsTake IL Route 84 to Thomson, Illinois. Turn west onto Main Street, then turn south onto Lewis Avenue.
The campground is accessible via paved roads, and seasonal access appears consistent as no closures or challenges are noted.
Nearby places
Thomson, IL (0 miles)
Fulton, IL (approx. 20 minutes via road)
Quad Cities (accessible via bike paths)
Clinton, IA (approx. 30 minutes).
Nearby supplies
Local groceries, camping supplies, and fuel likely accessible in Thomson, IL
additional options in Fulton, IL, or Clinton, IA.

Camper Reviews

4.6
37 reviews
Top-Rated
Top-Rated
Thomson Causeway is top-rated, placing it in the top 15% of campgrounds based on reviews
User reviews highlight the campground's well-maintained facilities, beautiful sunsets, and diverse wildlife. Complaints include noise from nearby trains, limited hot water, and occasional infrastructure issues.
Review Summaries
Based on 37 reviews

What Campers Love

Positive aspects include: level and spacious sites, cleanliness, affordable pricing, proximity to the Mississippi River, wildlife diversity, and extensive biking trails.
Based on 37 reviews

Common Concerns

Common concerns involve noise from trains at night, occasional infrastructure issues (e.g., power problems at specific sites), and limited hot water in showers. Rhonda F noted, 'Bathrooms were ok....
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Based on 37 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Tips include bringing mosquito spray due to high insect activity and planning reservations 6 months in advance due to high demand. Rhonda F suggested bringing a shade sail for sun protection.
Based on 37 reviews

Seasonal Insights

Seasonal trends include higher insect activity after rains and busy weekends. Mary Loomis recommended camping in May to attend Dutch Days in Fulton.
Based on 37 reviews

Camper Quotes

1. Rhonda F: 'Our campsite was 67, front row seats for the sunsets.' 2. Melissa Elliott: 'The best sunsets ever right from the sites.' 3. Jay Saxon: 'It is, and has always been, one of the best...
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Based on 37 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

Site 67 features excellent sunset views but intense afternoon heat. Site 110 is challenging for large RVs due to nearby drainage ditches.
Based on 37 reviews

Accessibility Features

Accessibility reviews emphasize paved trails and clean facilities but lack details specifically from disabled users.
Based on 37 reviews

Pet-Friendly Features

Pet-related reviews and policies are not specifically mentioned.
Based on 37 reviews

Last updated November 24, 2025
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