About CLARKS FERRY
Overview Clarks Ferry is a outdoor lovers delight, with fantastic bird watching and lots of shore fishing opportunities with our new accessible fishing dock! The park has plenty of trees to lounge under while taking in the spectacular views of the mighty Mississippi River. Recreation Take the kids to one of the two playgrounds, play a game of horseshoes, volleyball, or go boating. The Mississippi River draws crowds of anglers for channel catfish, bluegill, walleye, crappie and northern pike.Facilities Picnic tables, campfire rings, and 50-amp electric hookups are provided at every campsite. A boat ramp, dump station, and picnic shelter are also onsite.Natural Features The park is surrounded by large mature trees along the Iowa side of the Upper Mississippi River. The Upper Mississippi is the section of the river that starts in the headwaters of Lake Itasca, Minnesota and flows 1,250 miles to Cairo, Illinois, where it joins with the Ohio River. Nearby Attractions Clarks Ferry is near the Shady Creek Recreation Area and the Wildcat Den State Park.
How to Get There
From Davenport, Iowa, drive west on Hwy 22 about 15 miles and turn at Clark's Ferry Sign (in Montpelier)
Driving directions (Google Maps) →What to Pack for Your Stay
Tuned to the live forecast for this park.
👔 What to Wear
- 👕
UPF sun shirt (long sleeve)
Cooler than direct sun on bare skin.
- 🩳
Light shorts/skirt
Loose-fit, breathable.
- 🧢
Wide-brimmed sun hat
Plus a buff/bandana you can wet for cooling.
- 🕶
Polarized sunglasses
Critical for glare from sun + sand/water.
🎒 What to Pack
- 💧
Water
Bring at least 1L of water; more in heat.
- 🍫
High-energy snacks
A snack for the trail.
- 🧴
Sun protection (UV 7)
SPF 50+ sunscreen, lip balm w/ SPF, sunglasses, sun hat.
- 🩹
First-aid kit
Blister patches, ibuprofen, tape, antiseptic wipes.
- 🗺
Offline map
Download your route in advance via Gaia, Caltopo, or OSM-based apps.
Recommendations adapt to the current forecast + trail stats. Use them as a starting point — local conditions, your experience, and the time of day you start all matter.
Plan Your Visit to CLARKS FERRY
Heading to CLARKS FERRY? A few things to know before you go:
- Reservations: popular sites fill up fast — check Recreation.gov 6 months in advance
- Fees: day-use and camping fees vary; check current rates on the official park page
- Trash & pack-out: follow Leave No Trace principles
- Wildlife: store food in bear boxes where provided; never feed wildlife
- Weather: the 5-day forecast above is updated every 6 hours; verify just before you go
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a reservation for CLARKS FERRY?
No central reservation system listed for CLARKS FERRY. Check the official page (https://www.recreation.gov/camping/campgrounds/233459) for the latest entry policy and availability.
How do I get to CLARKS FERRY?
From Davenport, Iowa, drive west on Hwy 22 about 15 miles and turn at Clark's Ferry Sign (in Montpelier)
How do I contact CLARKS FERRY?
You can reach the park at phone: 563-419-7594.
References & Official Resources
