5 Places to Camp for Under $20 Near the Quad Cities

After a long winter and an unusually cold spring, it's finally time to get outside and enjoy all Mother Nature has to offer. If your summer plans include camping, you might want to consider checking out one of these free (or cheap) campgrounds near the QC. Stock up on the hot dogs and s'mores ingredients and get to planning your next adventure at one of these locations.

Some of these campgrounds take reservations, but others are first come, first serve. Always make sure to call or check websites before heading out.

Ferry Landing in Oakville, Iowa

Just a quick 35 mile drive south from the QC, Ferry Landing is not only free, but offers 22 camping sites and beautiful views of the Mississippi and Iowa rivers.

Fees: Free, but campsites are primitive, meaning no electricity or water etc.

Cedar County Campgrounds in West Branch, Iowa

Cedar County has several different options for camping, depending on how off-the-grid you want to get- Cedar Valley Park and Bennett Park have both electric and non-electric sites, Massillon Park has no electric sites, and Cedar Bluff Access is completely primitive. The park is about 40 miles west of us, towards Iowa City.

Fees: $10 a night for electric sites, $7 for non-electric.

Andalusia Slough Recreation Area in Taylor Ridge, Illinois

Although Andalusia only has primitive camping available, their amenities include boat ramp access, picnic shelters, vault toilets, and water hydrants. It's situated along the Mississippi, about 20 miles south of the QC.

Fees: $4 a night.

Riverside Campground in Keithsburg, Illinois

Situated about 40 miles south of Moline along the Mississippi, Riverside is a popular area for fisherman and boaters due to the proximity of the campground to the river (just steps away), as well as the many fishing tournaments held there throughout the year.

Fees: $15 a night for electric hookups, $8 for primitive.

Illiniwek Forest Preserve in Hampton, Illinois

If you're wanting to stay close to home, but not spend a bundle, Illiniwek has got you covered. Just minutes from East Moline, the campground features 25 primitive sites, 60 hookup areas for RVs, two showers, a picnic shelter, and plenty of hiking and biking trails for a very low cost.

Fees: Costs vary depending on whether or not you're a county resident, but fees for both primitive and electric are under $20.