Bulger's Hollow Recreation Area
Closed — Closed for the season. Camping area reopens May 15, 2026 and operates through October 15. Boat ramp and day use areas remain open year-round. All sites are first-come, first-served with payment via Recreation.gov mobile app only.
Cold Weather Advisory issued January 19 at 3:02AM CST until January 19 at 12:00PM CST by NWS Quad Cities IA IL
* WHAT...Very cold wind chills as low as 25 to 30 below. * WHERE...Portions of east central and northeast Iowa. * WHEN...Until noon CST today. * IMPACTS...The dangerously cold wind chills as low as 30 below zero could cause frostbite on exposed skin in as little as 30 minutes. Frostbite and hypothermia will occur if unprotected skin is exposed to these temperatures.
About
Bulger's Hollow Recreation Area is a hidden gem operated by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers on the banks of the Mississippi River. Located 7.5 miles north of Clinton, Iowa, this primitive campground offers 23 first-come, first-served campsites including 14 RV sites and 9 tent sites. The campground provides stunning views of Pool 13, the widest pool on the Upper Mississippi River. The campground offers basic amenities including drinking water, vault toilets, and a dump station. Sites are non-electric and primitive, perfect for campers looking for a more rustic experience. The park features a gravel boat launch providing excellent access to Pool 13 for fishing enthusiasts, with lily pad fields directly in front of the campground and backwater sloughs nearby. Additional facilities include a picnic shelter, playground equipment, and horseshoe pits. Payment is handled through the Recreation.gov mobile app using a scan-and-pay QR code system at each campsite. The camping area operates seasonally from May 15 through October 15, while the boat ramp and day use areas remain open year-round. Campers are limited to 14 consecutive nights within a 30-day period. Access requires traveling about 1 mile on a gravel road off Highway 67.
Directions
From Clinton, IA: Take Highway 67 North for 6.5 miles. Turn right onto 170th Street. Travel 1 mile and the entrance to Bulger's Hollow will be straight ahead. The address is 4686 170th Street, Clinton, IA 52732.
Nearby Campgrounds
Amenities
| Water | Yes |
| Fires Allowed | Yes |
| Toilets | Yes |
| Dump Station | Yes |
| Wifi | No |
| Pets Allowed | Yes |
| Showers | No |
| Electric Hookups | No |
| Water Hookups | No |
| Sewer Hookups | No |
| Camp Store | No |
| Price | $14 |
Vehicle
| Max RV Length | — |
| Max Trailer Length | — |
| Big Rig Friendly | — |
| Pull Through Sites | No |
Contact
| mvrodmn13@usace.army.mil | |
| Phone | +1 (815) 259-3628 |
Cell Service
| AT&T | Yes |
| Verizon | Yes |
| T-Mobile | None |
Useful Links
| View on Recreation.gov |
Availability
Photos
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