Thomson Causeway
Open for the 2026 season. The campground operates annually from May 1 through the last Sunday in October. Reservations available through Recreation.gov.
Flood Watch issued September 20 at 1:44AM CDT until September 20 at 1:00PM CDT by NWS Quad Cities IA IL
* WHAT...Flooding and flash flooding caused by excessive rainfall is possible. * WHERE...Portions of Illinois, including the following areas, Bureau, Carroll, Henry IL, Jo Daviess, Mercer, Putnam, Rock Island, Stephenson and Whiteside and Iowa, including the following areas, Benton, Buchanan, Cedar, Clinton, Delaware, Dubuque, Iowa, Jackson, Johnson, Jones, Keokuk, Linn, Louisa, Muscatine, Scott and Washington. * WHEN...Until 1 PM CDT this afternoon. * IMPACTS...Excessive runoff may result in flooding of rivers, creeks, streams, and other low-lying and flood-prone locations. Flooding may occur in poor drainage and urban areas. * ADDITIONAL DETAILS... - Widespread showers and storms will continue to move across the watch area through at least late Sunday morning. These storms will be capable of rainfall rates between 1 to 2 inches per hour. Rainfall totals of 1 to 3 inches are likely in the hardest hit areas, with the potential for localized areas of 4 to 5 inches.
About
Thomson Causeway offers a unique island camping experience on the backwaters of the Mississippi River in Carroll County, Illinois. The western edge of the recreation area provides unobstructed views of the widest spot on the Upper Mississippi River Basin, spanning 3.5 miles shore-to-shore. The slow-moving water on the eastern edge creates a rich environment where wildlife and fish thrive. The campground features 125 reservable sites spread across multiple loops. Of these, 120 sites have electric hookups, while five tent-only sites (127-131) are available for primitive camping. Sites in the Hickory, Potters South, and Potters North loops include water hookups at individual campsites. Facilities include flush toilets, a shower house, drinking water, dump station, and boat ramp. Popular activities include fishing for channel catfish, bluegill, walleye, largemouth bass, and northern pike. The Central Trail section of the Mississippi River Trail runs alongside the campground, offering miles of hiking and biking along the riverbank. Nearby attractions include Ayers Sand Prairie State Nature Preserve and Mississippi Palisades State Park.
Directions
Take IL Route 84 to Thomson, Illinois. Turn west onto Main Street, then turn south onto Lewis Avenue. The campground is located at 1600 Lewis Avenue.
Nearby Campgrounds
Amenities
| Water | Yes |
| Fires Allowed | Yes |
| Toilets | Yes |
| Dump Station | Yes |
| Wifi | — |
| Pets Allowed | Yes |
| Showers | Yes |
| Electric Hookups | Yes |
| Water Hookups | Yes |
| Sewer Hookups | No |
| Camp Store | — |
| Price | $14 - $26 |
Vehicle
| Max RV Length | 100ft |
| Max Trailer Length | — |
| Big Rig Friendly | Yes |
| Pull Through Sites | No |
Contact
| mvrodmn13@usace.army.mil | |
| Phone | +1 (815) 259-3628 |
Cell Service
| AT&T | Yes |
| Verizon | Yes |
| T-Mobile | None |
Availability
Photos
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