Can you reserve a site at Thomson Causeway?

Yes, Thomson Causeway is reservable through Recreation.gov.

How many campsites does Thomson Causeway have?

133 sites in total, of which 128 can be booked.

What is the maximum RV length at Thomson Causeway?

99 ft. That is the longest vehicle the sites here are recorded as taking; individual sites may be shorter.

Are pets allowed at Thomson Causeway?

Yes, pets are allowed at Thomson Causeway.

Are campfires allowed at Thomson Causeway?

Campfires are allowed at Thomson Causeway. Check for a current fire restriction before you go.

Thomson Causeway

Campground · Illinois · 128 bookable sites ·

Managed by the US Army Corps of Engineers

Upper Mississippi River National Wildlife And Fish Refuge (NWR) · Restricted Access

128
Bookable sites: 99 ft
Max rig length: up to 50
People per site: 2
Accessible sites: 603 ft
Elevation

Sunset on campsite #69 — Photo: Dan VanDenBroeke · Recreation.gov

Overview

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.

Recreation

Popular activities include fishing, hiking, hunting, biking and boating. Common fish species include the channel catfish, bluegill, walleye, large mouth bass, and northern pike. The Central Trail section of the famous Mississippi River Trail passes beside the campground, offering visitors miles of walking and biking trails along the river bank.

Facilities

Of the 125 reservable campsites, 120 have electric hookups and 5 campsites do not have electric hookups and are for tents only. Campsites in the Hickory, Potters South, and Potters North camping loops have water available at each individual campsite. Thomson Causeway provides the comforts of modern camping, including drinking water, an accessible flush toilet, electrical hookups, shower house and boat ramp, while still providing visitors with an authentic outdoor experience. This park also offers 2 reservable picnic shelters for day use.

Natural Features

The campground is built mainly on an island in the backwaters of the Mississippi River. Slow moving water on the eastern edge of the main recreation area creates a rich environment in which wildlife and fish abound.

Contact Info

For local information, please call (563) 362-8839 or call (815) 259-3628 for general information.

Nearby Attractions

Head northbound along the river to see the Ayers Sand Prairie State Nature Preserve or the Mississippi Palisades State Park.

Visit the Ingersoll Wetlands Learning Center and Fulton's Dutch Windmill. Or watch a minor league baseball game at the Clinton Lumberkings stadium.

The facts

128 bookable sites
133 sites in total, including non-bookable
2 sites for day use only
2 accessible sites
Vehicles up to 99 ft
Up to 50 people per site
Loops: HPOI, PMAN, PMAS, RIVE, TENT, THOMSON CAUSEWAY

Site types

121 Standard Electric
5 Management
5 Tent Only Nonelectric
2 Group Picnic Area

Amenities

Electric hookups
Water hookups
Campfires allowed
Picnic tables
Grills
Shade
Pets allowed

Not recorded upstream: sewer hookups, fire pits.

Book on Recreation.gov

133 campsites at Thomson Causeway

Accessible only

Site	Loop	Type	Entry	Surface	Water	Max rig	People
099	HPOI	Standard Electric	Back In	Paved	—	55 ft	6	🐾
100	HPOI	Standard Electric	Back In	Paved	—	45 ft	6	🐾
101	HPOI	Standard Electric	Back In	Paved	—	50 ft	6	🐾
102	HPOI	Standard Electric	Back In	Paved	—	50 ft	6	🐾
103	HPOI	Standard Electric	Back In	Paved	—	38 ft	6	🐾
104	HPOI	Standard Electric	Back In	Paved	—	45 ft	6	🐾
105	HPOI	Standard Electric	Back In	Paved	—	20 ft	6	🐾
106	HPOI	Standard Electric	Back In	Paved	—	50 ft	6	🐾
107	HPOI	Standard Electric	Back In	Paved	—	35 ft	6	🐾
108	HPOI	Standard Electric	Back In	Paved	—	45 ft	6	🐾
109	HPOI	Standard Electric	Back In	Paved	—	45 ft	6	🐾
110	HPOI	Standard Electric	Back In	Paved	—	50 ft	6	🐾
111	HPOI	Standard Electric	Back In	Paved	—	45 ft	6	🐾
112	HPOI	Standard Electric	Back In	Paved	—	50 ft	6	🐾
113	HPOI	Standard Electric	Back In	Paved	—	45 ft	6	🐾
114	HPOI	Standard Electric	Back In	Paved	—	35 ft	6	🐾
115	HPOI	Standard Electric	Back In	Paved	—	40 ft	6	🐾
116	HPOI	Standard Electric	Back In	Paved	—	40 ft	6	🐾
117	HPOI	Standard Electric	Back In	Paved	—	40 ft	6	🐾
118	HPOI	Standard Electric	Pull Through	Paved	—	90 ft	6	🐾
119	HPOI	Standard Electric	Back In	Paved	—	65 ft	6	🐾
120	HPOI	Standard Electric	Back In	Paved	—	50 ft	6	🐾
121	HPOI	Standard Electric	Back In	Paved	—	50 ft	6	🐾
122	HPOI	Standard Electric	Back In	Paved	—	50 ft	6	🐾
123	HPOI	Standard Electric	Back In	Paved	—	30 ft	6	🐾
124	HPOI	Standard Electric	Back In	Paved	—	40 ft	6	🐾
125	HPOI	Standard Electric	Back In	Paved	—	40 ft	6	🐾
126	HPOI	Standard Electric	Back In	Paved	—	35 ft	6	🐾
029	PMAN	Management	Back In	Paved	—	60 ft	6	🐾
030	PMAN	Management	Back In	Paved	—	50 ft	6	🐾
031	PMAN	Management	Back In	Paved	—	50 ft	6	🐾
032	PMAN	Management	Back In	Paved	—	40 ft	6	🐾
033	PMAN	Management	Back In	Paved	—	40 ft	6	🐾
034	PMAN	Standard Electric	Back In	Paved	—	30 ft	6	🐾
035	PMAN	Standard Electric	Back In	Paved	—	30 ft	6	🐾
036	PMAN	Standard Electric	Back In	Paved	—	40 ft	6	🐾
037	PMAN	Standard Electric	Back In	Paved	—	50 ft	6	🐾
038	PMAN	Standard Electric	Pull Through	Paved	—	60 ft	6	🐾
039	PMAN	Standard Electric	Back In	Paved	—	40 ft	6	🐾
040	PMAN	Standard Electric	Back In	Paved	—	40 ft	6	🐾
041	PMAN	Standard Electric	Back In	Paved	—	30 ft	6	🐾
042	PMAN	Standard Electric	Back In	Paved	—	50 ft	6	🐾
043	PMAN	Standard Electric	Back In	Paved	—	40 ft	6	🐾
044	PMAN	Standard Electric	Back In	Paved	—	40 ft	6	🐾
045	PMAN	Standard Electric	Back In	Paved	—	40 ft	6	🐾
046	PMAN	Standard Electric	Back In	Paved	—	40 ft	6	🐾
047	PMAN	Standard Electric	Back In	Paved	—	40 ft	6	🐾
048	PMAN	Standard Electric	Back In	Paved	—	40 ft	6	🐾
049	PMAN	Standard Electric	Back In	Paved	—	40 ft	6	🐾
050	PMAN	Standard Electric	Back In	Paved	—	45 ft	6	🐾
051	PMAN	Standard Electric	Back In	Paved	—	25 ft	6	🐾
052	PMAN	Standard Electric	Back In	Paved	—	30 ft	6	🐾
053	PMAN	Standard Electric	Back In	Paved	—	35 ft	6	🐾
054	PMAN	Standard Electric	Back In	Paved	—	30 ft	6	🐾
055	PMAN	Standard Electric	Back In	Paved	—	30 ft	6	🐾
056	PMAN	Standard Electric	Back In	Paved	—	32 ft	6	🐾
057	PMAN	Standard Electric	Back In	Paved	—	28 ft	6	🐾
058	PMAN	Standard Electric	Back In	Paved	—	50 ft	6	🐾
059	PMAN	Standard Electric	Back In	Paved	—	40 ft	6	🐾
060	PMAN	Standard Electric	Back In	Paved	—	40 ft	6	🐾
061	PMAN	Standard Electric	Back In	Paved	—	38 ft	6	🐾
062	PMAN	Standard Electric	Back In	Paved	—	40 ft	6	🐾
063	PMAN	Standard Electric	Back In	Paved	—	38 ft	6	🐾
064	PMAN	Standard Electric	Back In	Gravel	—	42 ft	6	🐾
065	PMAN	Standard Electric	Back In	Paved	—	40 ft	6	🐾
066	PMAN	Standard Electric	Back In	Gravel	—	38 ft	6	🐾
067	PMAN	Standard Electric	Back In	Paved	—	38 ft	6	🐾
068	PMAN	Standard Electric	Back In	Paved	—	38 ft	6	🐾
069	PMAN	Standard Electric	Back In	Paved	—	38 ft	6	🐾
070	PMAN	Standard Electric	Back In	Gravel	—	40 ft	6	🐾
071	PMAN	Standard Electric	Back In	Gravel	—	50 ft	6	🐾
072	PMAN	Standard Electric	Back In	Paved	—	54 ft	6	🐾
073	PMAN	Standard Electric	Back In	Paved	—	36 ft	6	🐾
074	PMAN	Standard Electric	Back In	Paved	—	70 ft	6	🐾
075	PMAN	Standard Electric	Back In	Paved	—	40 ft	6	🐾
076	PMAN	Standard Electric	Back In	Paved	—	70 ft	6	🐾
077	PMAN	Standard Electric	Back In	Gravel	—	50 ft	6	🐾
078	PMAN	Standard Electric	Back In	Paved	—	50 ft	6	🐾
001	PMAS	Standard Electric	Back In	Paved	—	45 ft	6	🐾
002	PMAS	Standard Electric	Back In	Paved	—	40 ft	6	🐾
003	PMAS	Standard Electric	Back In	Paved	—	80 ft	6	🐾
004	PMAS	Standard Electric	Back In	Paved	—	40 ft	6	🐾
005	PMAS	Standard Electric	Back In	Paved	—	30 ft	6	🐾
006	PMAS	Standard Electric	Back In	Paved	—	40 ft	6	🐾
007	PMAS	Standard Electric	Back In	Paved	—	40 ft	6	🐾
008	PMAS	Standard Electric	Back In	Paved	—	40 ft	6	🐾
009	PMAS	Standard Electric	Back In	Paved	—	30 ft	6	🐾
010	PMAS	Standard Electric	Back In	Paved	—	40 ft	6	🐾
011	PMAS	Standard Electric	Back In	Paved	—	30 ft	6	🐾
012	PMAS	Standard Electric	Back In	Paved	—	50 ft	6	🐾
013	PMAS	Standard Electric	Back In	Paved	—	30 ft	6	🐾
014	PMAS	Standard Electric	Back In	Paved	—	30 ft	6	🐾
015	PMAS	Standard Electric	Back In	Paved	—	30 ft	6	🐾
016	PMAS	Standard Electric	Back In	Paved	—	40 ft	6	🐾
017	PMAS	Standard Electric	Back In	Paved	—	35 ft	6	🐾
018	PMAS	Standard Electric	Back In	Paved	—	50 ft	6	🐾
019	PMAS	Standard Electric	Back In	Paved	—	35 ft	6	🐾
020	PMAS	Standard Electric	Back In	Gravel	—	40 ft	6	🐾
021	PMAS	Standard Electric	Back In	Paved	—	40 ft	6	🐾
022	PMAS	Standard Electric	Back In	Gravel	—	35 ft	6	🐾
023	PMAS	Standard Electric	Back In	Gravel	—	40 ft	6	🐾
024	PMAS	Standard Electric	Back In	Gravel	—	40 ft	6	🐾
025	PMAS	Standard Electric	Back In	Gravel	—	40 ft	6	🐾
026	PMAS	Standard Electric	Back In	Gravel	—	40 ft	6	🐾
027	PMAS	Standard Electric	Back In	Gravel	—	40 ft	6	🐾
028	PMAS	Standard Electric	Back In	Gravel	—	40 ft	6	🐾
079	RIVE	Standard Electric	Back In	Gravel	—	50 ft	6	🐾
080	RIVE	Standard Electric	Back In	Gravel	—	50 ft	6	🐾
081	RIVE	Standard Electric	Back In	Gravel	—	50 ft	6	🐾
082	RIVE	Standard Electric	Back In	Gravel	—	60 ft	6	🐾
083	RIVE	Standard Electric	Back In	Gravel	—	60 ft	6	🐾
084	RIVE	Standard Electric	Back In	Gravel	—	50 ft	6	🐾
085	RIVE	Standard Electric	Back In	Gravel	—	50 ft	6	🐾
086	RIVE	Standard Electric	Back In	Gravel	—	45 ft	6	🐾
087	RIVE	Standard Electric	Back In	Gravel	—	60 ft	6	🐾
088	RIVE	Standard Electric	Back In	Gravel	—	50 ft	6	🐾
089	RIVE	Standard Electric	Back In	Gravel	—	70 ft	6	🐾
090	RIVE	Standard Electric	Back In	Gravel	—	75 ft	6	🐾
091	RIVE	Standard Electric	Back In	Gravel	—	55 ft	6	🐾
092	RIVE	Standard Electric	Back In	Gravel	—	70 ft	6	🐾
093	RIVE	Standard Electric	Back In	Gravel	—	70 ft	6	🐾
094	RIVE	Standard Electric	Back In	Gravel	—	50 ft	6	🐾
095	RIVE	Standard Electric	Back In	Gravel	—	99 ft	6	🐾
096	RIVE	Standard Electric	Back In	Gravel	—	35 ft	6	🐾
097	RIVE	Standard Electric	Back In	Gravel	—	40 ft	6	🐾
098	RIVE	Standard Electric	Back In	Gravel	—	65 ft	6	🐾
127	TENT	Tent Only Nonelectric	—	—	—	—	6	🐾
128	TENT	Tent Only Nonelectric	—	—	—	—	6	🐾
129	TENT	Tent Only Nonelectric	—	—	—	—	6	🐾
130	TENT	Tent Only Nonelectric	—	—	—	—	6	🐾
131	TENT	Tent Only Nonelectric	—	—	—	—	6	🐾
Octagon	THOMSON CAUSEWAY	Group Picnic Area	—	—	Riverfront	—	30	♿ 🐾
Stone	THOMSON CAUSEWAY	Group Picnic Area	—	—	Riverfront	—	50	♿ 🐾

Getting there

Take IL State Route 84 to Thomson, Illinois. Turn west onto Main Street, then turn south onto Lewis Avenue.

41.95167, -90.11083 · 41°57'6.0"N 90°6'39.0"W

Directions (Google Maps) · Directions (Apple Maps)

Typical weather

Typically 84°F in Jul, down to 29°F in Jan.

	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
High °F	29	34	46	59	71	81	84	82	76	63	48	35
Low °F	14	17	28	40	51	62	65	63	55	43	31	21
Precip in	1.4	1.6	2.4	3.4	4.0	4.5	3.4	3.4	3.7	2.6	2.2	1.7

1991–2020 averages from the nearest NOAA station, 4.3 mi away — not measured at the facility itself, and elevation can make a real difference over that distance.

Map

More photos

Thomson Causeway day use area playground. — Photo: USACE · Recreation.gov

Thomson Causeway Trick-or-Treat event. — Photo: USACE · Recreation.gov

Member photos

Add a photo

Common questions about Thomson Causeway

Can you reserve a site at Thomson Causeway?: Yes, Thomson Causeway is reservable through Recreation.gov.
How many campsites does Thomson Causeway have?: 133 sites in total, of which 128 can be booked.
What is the maximum RV length at Thomson Causeway?: 99 ft. That is the longest vehicle the sites here are recorded as taking; individual sites may be shorter.
Are pets allowed at Thomson Causeway?: Yes, pets are allowed at Thomson Causeway.
Does Thomson Causeway have hookups?: Electric, Water.
Are campfires allowed at Thomson Causeway?: Campfires are allowed at Thomson Causeway. Check for a current fire restriction before you go.

Camping near Thomson Causeway

Bulger's Hollow Recreation Area 3.9 mi · Campground · we watch it
Blanding Landing 27.5 mi · Campground · we watch it
Fishermans Corner 30.1 mi · Campground · we watch it
Clarks Ferry 49.2 mi · Campground · we watch it
Shady Creek 52.7 mi · Campground · we watch it
Grant River 57.7 mi · Campground · we watch it
Ronald Reagan Boyhood Home Preservation Foundation 33.4 mi · Facility
The National Mississippi River Museum and Aquarium 47 mi · Facility

Comments

Contact

Recreation.gov last updated this record on 2026-08-03.

Facility information and photographs from Recreation.gov (RIDB). SpotOpened is not affiliated with Recreation.gov or any federal agency.