Bulger's Hollow Recreation Area

Bulger's Hollow Recreation Area is a hidden gem on the Mississippi River, 7.5 miles north of Clinton, Iowa off Highway 67. You'll have to travel about a mile of gravel road to get here, but it's well worth it. The park is small in size but offers one of the best views of the Mississippi, and it is a great place to view wildlife, boat, fish and camp. There are 23 campsites: 14 RV sites and 9 tent sites. Amenities are primitive, such as drinking water, vault toilets and a dump station. Campers have a 14-day camping limit within a 30-day period. The camping area is open May 15 to October 15; the boat ramp and day use areas are open year-round. Camping is not the only attraction. Bulger's Hollow also offers a boat ramp, playground equipment, a picnic shelter and picnic sites, for a good way to spend an afternoon with the family. The gravel boat launch gives access to Pool 13 of the Mississippi River and is a popular launching site for local fishermen. Directly in front of the campground is a field of lily pads that are ideal for fishing, and a short trip up or down river will find a calm backwater slough for hours of casting. Nearby are Lock and Dam 13, the Windmill Culture Center and Heritage Canyon in Fulton, Illinois, and, in Clinton, Eagle Point Park, The Sawmill Museum, Wide River Winery, Bickelhaupt Arboretum, the Felix Adler Children's Discovery Center, the City of Clinton Showboat and Clinton LumberKings baseball.