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.
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.
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