Bulger's Hollow Recreation Area
The campground is currently open for the 2026 season. Camping operates May 15 through October 15. All 23 sites are first-come-first-served with no advance reservations. Payment is credit card only via the Recreation.gov mobile app. The boat ramp and day use areas remain open year-round.
Flood Watch issued June 11 at 2:51PM CDT until June 11 at 7:00PM CDT by NWS Quad Cities IA IL
One more round of thunderstorms this afternoon could lead to heavy rainfall and flooding. Although these storms will be fast-moving, they will have high rainfall rates, so areas that had storms this morning could be susceptible to runoff and flooding. * WHAT...Flooding caused by excessive rainfall continues to be possible. * WHERE...Portions of Illinois, including the following areas, Bureau, Carroll, Hancock, Henderson, Henry IL, Jo Daviess, McDonough, Mercer, Putnam, Rock Island, Stephenson, Warren and Whiteside, Iowa, including the following areas, Benton, Buchanan, Cedar, Clinton, Delaware, Des Moines, Dubuque, Henry IA, Iowa, Jackson, Jefferson, Johnson, Jones, Keokuk, Lee, Linn, Louisa, Muscatine, Scott, Van Buren and Washington, and northeast Missouri, including the following areas, Clark and Scotland. * WHEN...Until 7 PM CDT this evening. * IMPACTS...Excessive runoff may result in flooding of rivers, creeks, streams, and other low-lying and flood-prone locations. Creeks and streams may rise out of their banks.
Flood Warning issued June 11 at 9:52AM CDT by NWS Quad Cities IA IL
...The Flood Warning continues for the following rivers in Iowa... Maquoketa River near Maquoketa affecting Jackson County. Cedar River near Conesville affecting Louisa and Muscatine Counties. Iowa River near Lone Tree affecting Louisa, Washington and Johnson Counties. English River at Kalona affecting Washington and Johnson Counties. Skunk River at Augusta affecting Henry IA, Des Moines and Lee Counties. Wapsipinicon River near De Witt 4S affecting Scott and Clinton Counties. ...The Flood Warning is extended for the following rivers in Illinois... Rock River near Joslin affecting Henry IL, Rock Island and Whiteside Counties. Rock River at Moline affecting Henry IL and Rock Island Counties. .Several rounds of heavy rainfall will produce flooding on several tributary rivers. * WHAT...Minor flooding is occurring and major flooding is forecast. This approaches the flood of record. * WHERE...Wapsipinicon River near De Witt 4S. * WHEN...Until further notice. * IMPACTS...At 13.0 feet, Water affects many residences along the river. * ADDITIONAL DETAILS... - At 9:30 AM CDT Thursday the stage was 11.1 feet. - Recent Activity...The maximum river stage in the 24 hours ending at 9:30 AM CDT Thursday was 11.1 feet. - Forecast...The river is expected to rise to a crest of 13.0 feet early Saturday afternoon. - Flood stage is 11.0 feet.
About
Bulger's Hollow Recreation Area is a hidden gem along the Mississippi River, located 7.5 miles north of Clinton, Iowa. Managed by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Rock Island District, this campground offers 23 first-come-first-served campsites including 14 RV sites and 9 tent-only sites. All sites are standard nonelectric with primitive amenities. The campground sits directly on Pool 13 of the Mississippi River, providing excellent fishing access via a gravel boat ramp. A field of lily pads directly in front of the campground creates ideal fishing habitat, and nearby backwater sloughs offer calm waters for casting. Additional amenities include playground equipment and picnic areas for day use. Campers are limited to 6 people and 2 vehicles per site, with a 14-day stay limit within any 30-day period. All dogs must be kept on a 6-foot leash. Payment is credit card only via the Recreation.gov mobile app using QR codes at each site.
Directions
From Clinton, IA: Take Highway 67 North for 6.5 miles. Turn right onto 170th Street and travel 1 mile. The entrance to Bulger's Hollow will be straight ahead. Address: 4686 170th Street, Clinton, IA 52732.
Amenities
| Water | Yes |
| Fires Allowed | — |
| Toilets | Yes |
| Dump Station | Yes |
| Wifi | — |
| Pets Allowed | Yes |
| Showers | No |
| Electric Hookups | — |
| Water Hookups | — |
| Sewer Hookups | — |
| Camp Store | — |
| 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
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