Thomson Causeway

THOMSON CAUSEWAY

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.

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.

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.

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.

Contact Info

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

Important Notices

New check-out/set up times this year:
Check-out: Noon
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 - 4 pm - 8 pm
            Thursday - Sunday - 9 am - 12 pm and 4 pm - 8 pm
            Mondays of holiday weekends - 9 am - 12 pm and 4 pm - 8 pm
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.

Available Activities

DAY USE AREA - Amphitheater
HUNTING - Hunting
HIKING - Hiking
FISHING - Fishing
CAMPING - Camping
BIKING - Biking

Directions

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

Contact Information

Phone: 815-259-3628

PO Box 398
THOMSON, IL 61285

1600 Lewis Avenue
Thomson, IL 61285

Rental Options

Learn more about gear rental options for your trip

Available Campsites

Photo Gallery

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