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Bulger's Hollow Recreation Area
USACEU.S. Army Corps of Engineers — Clinton · Iowa · Mississippi River - Pools 11-22
| Agency | USACEU.S. Army Corps of Engineers |
|---|---|
| Area | Mississippi River - Pools 11-22 |
| Location | Clinton · Iowa · Mississippi River - Pools 11-22 · 41.93513, -90.18422 · Map |
| Sites | 24 public sites counted from the federal listing — 24 standard nonelectric |
| Getting a site | Reservable — the federal listing marks this campground as taking reservations. Some sites or seasons may still be first-come; the listing’s own words are below. |
| Hookups | Electric at 0 of 24 sites Water hookups at 0 of 24 sites Sewer hookups at 0 of 24 sites Full hookups (all three at one site) at 0 of 24 sites Counted site by site from affirmative reports in the federal record. A site with no report is not counted either way. |
| Max RV length | Not reported in the federal data |
| Months open | Not in federal data — the federal listing does not publish a season for this campground. Check the official description below or Recreation.gov. |
| Fees | The "Scan & Pay" way to pay for your campsite is easy to use. However, once payment is made on-site; know that we do not offer refunds or modifications. |
| Check-in / out | In 2:00 PM · Out 12:00 PM (most common in the listing) |
| Pets | Allowed at 1 sites, as reported |
| Amenities, as reported | Boat rampDump stationPlaygroundRiver accessVault toilets |
| Phone | 815-259-3628 |
Check availability & book on Recreation.gov →
This site takes no reservations and shows no live availability. Source: Recreation.gov (RIDB export pulled November 5, 2026); this listing was last updated in the federal record on 2026-08-11.
From the official listing
Overview Bulger's Hollow Recreation Area is a hidden gem located on the Mississippi River. Whether you like camping, fishing, boating, or just taking in nature, Bulger's Hollow Recreation Area is the perfect place.
Recreation If you are looking for a few nights of good old fashioned camping, then Bulger’s Hollow Recreation Area is your stop. With 23 non-reservable campsites, 17 RV sites and 9 tent camping sites, this park is small in size but offers one of the best views of the Mississippi. This campground offers primitive amenities, such as drinking water, vault toilets, and a dump station. As a reminder, campers have a 14-day camping limit, within a 30-day period. The camping area is open from May 15-October 15. The boat ramp and day use areas are open year-round. Camping is not the only attraction to the area. Bulger’s Hollow also offers a boat ramp, playground equipment and picnic sites for a great way to spend an afternoon with the family.
Fishing Opportunities: Bulger’s Hollow offers a gravel boat launch for access to Pool 13 of the Mississippi River. A popular launching site for local fishermen, you can easily find a honey hole for an afternoon of fishing. Directly in front of the campground is a field of lily pads that are ideal for fishing. You can also take a short trip up or down river to a find a calm backwater slough for hours of casting.
Facilities Bulger's Hollow Recreation Area offers 23 non-reservable campsites, 14 RV sites and 9 tent camping sites, primitive amenities, such as drinking water, vault toilets, and a dump station. Other facilities in the park include a boat ramp, playground, and picnic shelter.
Natural Features Bulger's Hollow Recreation Area is a great place to view wildlife, boat, fish, and camp. It sits along the Mississippi River, 7.5 miles North of Clinton, IA off Highway 67. You'll have to travel about 1 mile on a gravel road to get here, but it's well worth it.
Nearby Attractions
Lock and Dam 13, Fulton, IL Eagle Point Park, Clinton, IA The Sawmill Museum, Clinton, IA Wide River Winery, Clinton, IA City of Clinton Showboat Clinton Lumberkings Baseball, Clinton, IA Bickelhaupt Arboretum, Clinton, IA Felix Adler Children's Discovery Center, Clinton, IA Windmill Culture Center, Fulton, IL Heritage Canyon, Fulton, IL
Charges & Cancellations As in the past, no refunds will be given if you must leave the campground early.
Directions, from the listing
The address to Bulger's Hollow Recreation Area is 4686 170th Street, Clinton, IA 52732
From Clinton, IA:
Take Highway 67 North for 6.5 miles Turn right onto 170th Street Travel 1 mile and the entrance to Bulger's Hollow will be straight ahead.
Nearest federal campgrounds
46 mi straight-line · MONTPELIER IowaUSACEU.S. Army Corps of EngineersShady Creek
49 mi straight-line · Muscatine IowaUSACEU.S. Army Corps of EngineersTurkey Creek Day Use Area
70 mi straight-line · Iowa City IowaUSACEU.S. Army Corps of EngineersTailwater East Campground
71 mi straight-line · Iowa City IowaUSACEU.S. Army Corps of EngineersEast Overlook Day Use Area
71 mi straight-line · Iowa City Iowa
Trip Card — Bulger's Hollow Recreation Area
Clinton · Iowa · Mississippi River - Pools 11-22
| Agency | USACE · U.S. Army Corps of Engineers |
|---|---|
| Location | Clinton · Iowa · Mississippi River - Pools 11-22 |
| Fees | The "Scan & Pay" way to pay for your campsite is easy to use. However, once payment is made on-site; know that we do not offer refunds or modifications. |
| Getting a site | Reservable |
| Hookups | None reported |
| Max RV | Not reported |
| Months open | Not in federal data |
| Sites | 24 sites |
Book: recreation.gov/camping/campgrounds/10172129 · Source: Recreation.gov, pulled November 5, 2026. Facility details come from federal recreation data and may be out of date — this site takes no reservations and shows no live availability; confirm details and book through Recreation.gov or the managing agency.