Thomson Causeway

Sunset on campsite #69
View of Potter’s North campground loop roadway.
Thomson Causeway day use area playground.
View of roadway in Potter’s North campground loop.
Campers driving into the Thomson Causeway campground.

Featured amenities

Playground Playground

Sites & Rates

Average nightly rates

126 total sites

RV Sites

121 sites

Tent Sites

5 sites

About Thomson Causeway

Thomson Causeway provides the unique experience of island camping on the great Mississippi River and it's well worth a try! The western edge of the recreation area offers visitors an unobstructed view of the widest spot on the Upper Mississippi River Basin, 3.5 miles from shore-to-shore. Here, campers can enjoy memorable views of the river and the valley, and partake in plenty of great water activities.

Number of accommodations: 126

Seasonal information

2026 (Current year)

2026 Season availability

Current season
Upcoming seasons
Past seasons
Closed periods
Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
Currently open - May 1 to Oct 24

Campground Amenities

Most popular amenities

Playground Playground
RV Utilities and Hookups

RV Utilities and Hookups

  • Dump station on site
Water and Hygiene

Water and Hygiene

  • Potable Water
On Site Services

On Site Services

  • Playground
Missing information?

Rates, Sites & Availability

Select check-in and check-out dates to see real-time availability for each site.

126 Sites Available

Site
Price
🚐 001, Loop: PMAS RV
Water & Electric
Price not available
🚐 002, Loop: PMAS RV
Water & Electric
Price not available
🚐 003, Loop: PMAS RV
Water & Electric
Price not available
🚐 004, Loop: PMAS RV
Water & Electric
Price not available
🚐 005, Loop: PMAS RV
Water & Electric
Price not available
🚐 006, Loop: PMAS RV
Water & Electric
Price not available
🚐 007, Loop: PMAS RV
Water & Electric
Price not available
🚐 008, Loop: PMAS RV
Water & Electric
Price not available
🚐 009, Loop: PMAS RV
Water & Electric
Price not available
🚐 010, Loop: PMAS RV
Water & Electric
Price not available
🚐 011, Loop: PMAS RV
Water & Electric
Price not available
🚐 012, Loop: PMAS RV
Water & Electric
Price not available
🚐 013, Loop: PMAS RV
Water & Electric
Price not available
🚐 014, Loop: PMAS RV
Water & Electric
Price not available
🚐 015, Loop: PMAS RV
Water & Electric
Price not available
🚐 016, Loop: PMAS RV
Water & Electric
Price not available
🚐 017, Loop: PMAS RV
Water & Electric
Price not available
🚐 018, Loop: PMAS RV
Water & Electric
Price not available
🚐 019, Loop: PMAS RV
Water & Electric
Price not available
🚐 020, Loop: PMAS RV
Water & Electric
Price not available
🚐 021, Loop: PMAS RV
Water & Electric
Price not available
🚐 022, Loop: PMAS RV
Water & Electric
Price not available
🚐 023, Loop: PMAS RV
Water & Electric
Price not available
🚐 024, Loop: PMAS RV
Water & Electric
Price not available
🚐 025, Loop: PMAS RV
Water & Electric
Price not available
🚐 026, Loop: PMAS RV
Water & Electric
Price not available
🚐 027, Loop: PMAS RV
Water & Electric
Price not available
🚐 028, Loop: PMAS RV
Water & Electric
Price not available
🚐 034, Loop: PMAN RV
Water & Electric
Price not available
🚐 035, Loop: PMAN RV
Water & Electric
Price not available
🚐 036, Loop: PMAN RV
Water & Electric
Price not available
🚐 037, Loop: PMAN RV
Water & Electric
Price not available
🚐 038, Loop: PMAN RV
Water & Electric
Price not available
🚐 039, Loop: PMAN RV
Water & Electric
Price not available
🚐 040, Loop: PMAN RV
Water & Electric
Price not available
🚐 041, Loop: PMAN RV
Water & Electric
Price not available
🚐 042, Loop: PMAN RV
Water & Electric
Price not available
🚐 043, Loop: PMAN RV
Water & Electric
Price not available
🚐 044, Loop: PMAN RV
Water & Electric
Price not available
🚐 045, Loop: PMAN RV
Water & Electric
Price not available
🚐 046, Loop: PMAN RV
Water & Electric
Price not available
🚐 047, Loop: PMAN RV
Water & Electric
Price not available
🚐 048, Loop: PMAN RV
Water & Electric
Price not available
🚐 049, Loop: PMAN RV
Water & Electric
Price not available
🚐 050, Loop: PMAN RV
Water & Electric
Price not available
🚐 051, Loop: PMAN RV
Water & Electric
Price not available
🚐 052, Loop: PMAN RV
Water & Electric
Price not available
🚐 053, Loop: PMAN RV
Water & Electric
Price not available
🚐 054, Loop: PMAN RV
Water & Electric
Price not available
🚐 055, Loop: PMAN RV
Water & Electric
Price not available
🚐 056, Loop: PMAN RV
Water & Electric
Price not available
🚐 057, Loop: PMAN RV
Water & Electric
Price not available
🚐 058, Loop: PMAN RV
Water & Electric
Price not available
🚐 059, Loop: PMAN RV
Water & Electric
Price not available
🚐 060, Loop: PMAN RV
Water & Electric
Price not available
🚐 061, Loop: PMAN RV
Water & Electric
Price not available
🚐 062, Loop: PMAN RV
Water & Electric
Price not available
🚐 063, Loop: PMAN RV
Water & Electric
Price not available
🚐 064, Loop: PMAN RV
Water & Electric
Price not available
🚐 065, Loop: PMAN RV
Water & Electric
Price not available
🚐 066, Loop: PMAN RV
Water & Electric
Price not available
🚐 067, Loop: PMAN RV
Water & Electric
Price not available
🚐 068, Loop: PMAN RV
Water & Electric
Price not available
🚐 069, Loop: PMAN RV
Water & Electric
Price not available
🚐 070, Loop: PMAN RV
Water & Electric
Price not available
🚐 071, Loop: PMAN RV
Water & Electric
Price not available
🚐 072, Loop: PMAN RV
Water & Electric
Price not available
🚐 073, Loop: PMAN RV
Water & Electric
Price not available
🚐 074, Loop: PMAN RV
Water & Electric
Price not available
🚐 075, Loop: PMAN RV
Water & Electric
Price not available
🚐 076, Loop: PMAN RV
Water & Electric
Price not available
🚐 077, Loop: PMAN RV
Water & Electric
Price not available
🚐 078, Loop: PMAN RV
Water & Electric
Price not available
🚐 079, Loop: RIVE RV
Electric Only
Price not available
🚐 080, Loop: RIVE RV
Electric Only
Price not available
🚐 081, Loop: RIVE RV
Electric Only
Price not available
🚐 082, Loop: RIVE RV
50 Amp · Electric Only
Price not available
🚐 083, Loop: RIVE RV
Electric Only
Price not available
🚐 084, Loop: RIVE RV
Electric Only
Price not available
🚐 085, Loop: RIVE RV
Electric Only
Price not available
🚐 086, Loop: RIVE RV
Electric Only
Price not available
🚐 087, Loop: RIVE RV
Electric Only
Price not available
🚐 088, Loop: RIVE RV
Electric Only
Price not available
🚐 089, Loop: RIVE RV
Electric Only
Price not available
🚐 090, Loop: RIVE RV
Electric Only
Price not available
🚐 091, Loop: RIVE RV
Electric Only
Price not available
🚐 092, Loop: RIVE RV
Electric Only
Price not available
🚐 093, Loop: RIVE RV
Electric Only
Price not available
🚐 094, Loop: RIVE RV
Electric Only
Price not available
🚐 095, Loop: RIVE RV
Electric Only
Price not available
🚐 096, Loop: RIVE RV
Electric Only
Price not available
🚐 097, Loop: RIVE RV
Electric Only
Price not available
🚐 098, Loop: RIVE RV
Electric Only
Price not available
🚐 099, Loop: HPOI RV
Water & Electric
Price not available
🚐 100, Loop: HPOI RV
Water & Electric
Price not available
🚐 101, Loop: HPOI RV
Water & Electric
Price not available
🚐 102, Loop: HPOI RV
Water & Electric
Price not available
🚐 103, Loop: HPOI RV
Water & Electric
Price not available
🚐 104, Loop: HPOI RV
Water & Electric
Price not available
🚐 105, Loop: HPOI RV
Water & Electric
Price not available
🚐 106, Loop: HPOI RV
Water & Electric
Price not available
🚐 107, Loop: HPOI RV
Water & Electric
Price not available
🚐 108, Loop: HPOI RV
Water & Electric
Price not available
🚐 109, Loop: HPOI RV
Water & Electric
Price not available
🚐 110, Loop: HPOI RV
Water & Electric
Price not available
🚐 111, Loop: HPOI RV
Water & Electric
Price not available
🚐 112, Loop: HPOI RV
Water & Electric
Price not available
🚐 113, Loop: HPOI RV
Water & Electric
Price not available
🚐 114, Loop: HPOI RV
Water & Electric
Price not available
🚐 115, Loop: HPOI RV
Water & Electric
Price not available
🚐 116, Loop: HPOI RV
Water & Electric
Price not available
🚐 117, Loop: HPOI RV
Water & Electric
Price not available
🚐 118, Loop: HPOI RV
Water & Electric
Price not available
🚐 119, Loop: HPOI RV
Water & Electric
Price not available
🚐 120, Loop: HPOI RV
Water & Electric
Price not available
🚐 121, Loop: HPOI RV
Water & Electric
Price not available
🚐 122, Loop: HPOI RV
Water & Electric
Price not available
🚐 123, Loop: HPOI RV
Water & Electric
Price not available
🚐 124, Loop: HPOI RV
Water & Electric
Price not available
🚐 125, Loop: HPOI RV
Water & Electric
Price not available
🚐 126, Loop: HPOI RV
Water & Electric
Price not available
127, Loop: TENT Tent
6 guests · Campfire · Pet Friendly
Price not available
128, Loop: TENT Tent
6 guests · Campfire · Pet Friendly
Price not available
129, Loop: TENT Tent
6 guests · Campfire · Pet Friendly
Price not available
130, Loop: TENT Tent
6 guests · Campfire · Pet Friendly
Price not available
131, Loop: TENT Tent
6 guests · Campfire · Pet Friendly
Price not available

Reviews (760)

What Guests Are Saying

Thomson Causeway is a well-maintained and beautiful campground with stunning views of the Mississippi River, abundant wildlife, and excellent biking trails. Visitors appreciate the clean facilities, friendly staff, and spacious camping areas. While there are minor concerns like occasional bugs and limited shower facilities, the overall experience is positive, making it a favorite destination for many campers.

Review Summary

4.7
760 reviews
5
74.2%
564
4
19.9%
151
3
3.6%
27
2
1.6%
12
1
0.8%
6

JAMES C

Verified

July 28, 2026 Stayed at: 006, Loop: PMAS

3

THE PARK IS CLEAN AND PEOPLE ARE FRIENDLY. I DO HOWEVE HAVE A PROBLEM WHEN I MAKE A RESERVATIOIN THE MAPS DOES NOT SHOW NORTH, SOUTH , EAST OR WEST. I WOULD LIKE TO KNOW WHICH WAY THE SUN IS COMING UP AND GOING DOWN, I DO ALOT OF COOKING OUTSIDE. AND THIS LAST TRIP TO THOMPSON THE WOMENS BATHROOM WAS HOT HOT HOT

Dolores D

Verified

July 29, 2026 Stayed at: 066, Loop: PMAN

5

Clean bathrooms and roadway. Was not able to stay last year, but the cleanliness and interactions with the Ranger staff was a great improvement. Have always loved this campground and will continue to stay

Eldon K

Verified

July 31, 2026 Stayed at: 010, Loop: PMAS

5

I have been camping at Thomson Causeway for over 15 years and I have to say I enjoyed every visit ! My wife and I enjoy bike riding, cooking out doors and just relaxing and enjoy the views. The Army core of Engineers of been up grading little by little each year and have done an Excellent job to raise the standards for all parks to strive for ! They have a great staff of volunteer's and the people are very welcoming and helpful ! I'm looking forward to are next visit !!

Pamela T

Verified

July 31, 2026 Stayed at: 028, Loop: PMAS

4

We had a great time. The fact that the weather was perfect did not hurt. ;-) We really enjoyed watching the wildlife and riding the Great River Bicycle Trail. One concern is that the site picture online was different than reality. The "no concrete" site had recently been upgraded with a concrete pad. For most, this would be a happy surprise. For us, it meant putting up our changing tent was challenging (we travel with a very small trailer in which we cannot stand up). Also, depending on which site you choose, the closest may be only pit toilets.

Tamara H

Verified

July 31, 2026 Stayed at: 036, Loop: PMAN

5

What an absolutely beautiful campground! We had such an amazing view of the river. The sites were level, and nicely arranged. We look forward to visiting again!

Terri P

Verified

July 31, 2026 Stayed at: 117, Loop: HPOI

3

Beautiful views. Could use another shower house - only put toilets were within a reasonable walking distance from our camp sight.

Richard S

Verified

August 2, 2026 Stayed at: 039, Loop: PMAN

4

very nice campground, Good power, reasonable bugs, good wildlife, clean restrooms and civilization resources just across the bridge over th e river! It can feel a little crowded if not reserved early and smartly

Dirk B

Verified

August 2, 2026 Stayed at: 104, Loop: HPOI

3

The sites were basic electric and water with a dump station outside the park. Pit toilets in the loops and a couple of bathhouses spaced well apart. The mosquitoes were active so be prepared. Nice place to stay for a short time especially if you’re visiting Clinton IA to see the Dambo trolls

Paul F

Verified

August 3, 2026 Stayed at: 074, Loop: PMAN

5

nice sites, adn properly maintained

Nancy C

Verified

August 4, 2026 Stayed at: 002, Loop: PMAS

5

Nice, clean, quiet campground.

Location Thomson Causeway

Address:
1600 Lewis Avenue
Thomson, IL, 61285
United States

Highway access

Thomson Causeway is accessible via IL State Route 84, which connects to other major routes in the area.

Elevation: 184 feet

Distance to downtown

1.1 mi drive to downtown Thomson (about 3 min)

Policies & Rules

Arrival & departure

Check in time

2PM

Check out time

12PM

General

  • New check-out/set up times this year: Campsites available to set up on at 2 pm, you may set up earlier than 2 pm if the campsite is vacant
  • All campers must check-in on the day of arrival during fee booth hours.
  • Fee booth hours are: Monday - Wednesday - Thursday - Sunday - Mondays of holiday weekends
  • Campsites 33, 79-97, and 127-131 do not have water available at each campsite. You are able to fill up your holding tank at the dump station or from a water faucet. Campers must unhook from water faucet when done filling holding tank.  
  • Please make sure to empty or flush your water and waste tanks at the designated dump station drains only. Emptying tanks, including freshwater tanks, on roadways, parking lots, campsites or other areas in the park is prohibited. Also, dumping or emptying water or waste tanks, including freshwater tanks, on state, county or city roads is illegal per state statutes. Thank you for your cooperation.
  • Campers using a discount card are required to verify their discount card number during check-in by providing the discount pass and a photo ID.
  • Only one RV and two tents will be allowed on RV sites. The only exception is if there is no RV on site, in which case you may have three tents.
  • Visitors are expected to be aware of Campground Rules 
  • To learn more about this campground, click here
  • Don't Move Firewood: Protect your forests from tree-killing pests by buying your firewood locally and burning it on-site. Visit Dontmovefirewood.org for further information.
  • Firewood can be purchased in the campground during the hours of 5 pm to 8 pm nightly for $6 per bundle from the on-site firewood shed. Use the QR code at the firewood shed to pay for firewood using a credit card. No cash or checks are accepted for firewood sales.

Nearby Campgrounds

Nearby destinations


Last updated: September 4, 2026

US Army Corps of Engineers Logo
Managed by US Army Corps of Engineers