Illinois / Carroll County / Thomson

Thomson Causeway

Closed — Closed for the season. The campground typically operates from late April through late October. Reservations available through Recreation.gov.

About

Thomson Causeway Recreation Area provides a distinctive island camping experience on the Mississippi River, managed by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. The campground sits mainly on an island in the backwaters of the Mississippi, offering unobstructed views of the widest spot on the Upper Mississippi River Basin at 3.5 miles from shore to shore. The facility features 125 reservable campsites, with 120 sites offering electric hookups and 5 tent-only sites without electricity. Sites in the Hickory, Potters South, and Potters North loops have water hookups at individual campsites. Modern amenities include flush toilets, showers, drinking water, a dump station, and a boat ramp. The campground also offers two reservable picnic shelters and three playgrounds. The slow-moving backwaters create rich habitat for wildlife and fish, including channel catfish, bluegill, walleye, largemouth bass, and northern pike. The Central Trail section of the Mississippi River Trail runs alongside the campground, providing miles of scenic walking and biking paths. Additional activities include hunting and exploring the Hidden Slough Nature Trail. Nearby attractions include Mississippi Palisades State Park and Ayers Sand Prairie State Nature Preserve.

Directions

Take IL Route 84 to Thomson, Illinois. Turn west onto Main Street, then turn south onto Lewis Avenue.

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