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 June 11 at 10:10AM CDT until June 11 at 7:00PM CDT by NWS Quad Cities IA IL
Several rounds of heavy rain producing thunderstorms will be seen across the watch area. Storms may redevelop over the same areas resulting torrential rainfall and possibly several inches of rain. Flash flooding will be possible through this evening. * 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.
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.
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
Community Posts
No posts yet. Be the first to share your experience!