Thomson Causeway Recreation Area

Was looking for a fall getaway before the RV went into winter storage. You can almost never go wrong with an Army Corp campground and this campground did not disappoint. Booked a in the most secluded loop, River Birch, in a site that backs right up the the Mississippi River. This loop has gravel pads, (all other loops are concrete), and ours was perfectly level. Spent our mornings hiking on some really great nearby trials in Savannah, IL and Clinton, IA and our afternoons biking the Great River Trail which runs right through the access road to River Birch loop. The only negative is there are busy rail lines running through Thomson and across the river on the Iowa side. So if nighttime train horns bother you, sleeping my be interrupted semi regularly. They are distant, but noticeable.

We stayed at site 33 for two nights. The site was spacious and no sites were to the left of us and they used the site to the right for storing a mower. The sites were all cement with rocky surface where the fire pit and grill is. If you can get a site next to the River there are some beautiful views of the Mississippi. The only complaint I have is the shower drain was plugged leaving you standing in two inches of water trying to get dressed.

This campground is classic COE quality. The grounds are well maintained. Most sites are dry with several hydrants spread throughout the camping circles. Fill up on water at those before you get to you site.

Scenery is gorgeous with views of Mississippi River backwater and main channel waters. Tons of birds and other fauna.

I paid half price ($10/night) with the National Access Pass. Other national passes get 50% off, too.

The Great River Trail (bicycle trail) runs right through the park for easy access.

Some barking dogs, but campers seem to behave themselves more at COE campgrounds versus other campgrounds. Maybe it's a different clientele?

Lovely views from our riverside campsite with lilly pads, croaking frogs, wandering turtles and lots of people biking, or boating. Site came with a fire pit and picnic table. Buggy, but to be expected by the slow moving water. Downsides: Huge park and hard to get direct waterfront sites unless booked well in advance. In June, the nature trail may as well be the Amazon Jungle, but it did offer a fun spot for our shepherd to blow off steam before getting back in the rig. There is no water at the site and you need to drive to the dump station. It is a long drive off I-80 for a one night stay.

We have stayed at this COE Cg numerous times. It is almost always full, especially on the weekends. The campground was in a definite need of mowing. The shower houses also needed a better cleaning. They weren't horrible or the worse I have seen but I wouldn't classify them as clean. We stayed in the first loop to the right when you cross the water onto the island and had a nice view of the river. No mosquitoes but biting gnats. The sites were not crowded but no privacy. This park also has a lot of drive through traffic.

We like this park due to it's easy access to the bike trail which runs from Rock Island, Illinois to Savannah,Illinois. The little town of Thomson has a very good bike shop for repairs, accessories or to purchase a new bike. They specialize in recumbent bikes.

It is an easy drive to Galena, Illinois for a day outing from the campground.

Camped here July 22-25. Very hot, temps in the mid 90's and very humid. Our site, which was on the channel side, had great shade. There are many sites right along the River which offer a beautiful view of the Mississippi and also provide a beautiful panoramic sunset. Many of these sites, however, are fully exposed in the sun for much of the day, so beware on hot summer days. Riverfront sites would be absolutely beautiful in spring and fall but it appears these are reserved far in advance, so act quickly to get one if planning to stop here.
The small town of Thompson is an easy bike ride away and the local Casey's offers ample provisions. Great bike trails in the area, though we limited our rides to the immediate area because of the heat.
We have US Cellular and had good cell service in the campground.