Riverside/Old Church Campground

This is a pleasant camping and day use area in the northern part of Rockport State Park that's not accessible from the park's main road, but rather from Rockport Road along State Route 32. It is located just below the dam, so it is on the river rather than the lake, which gives the area a more natural feel than the gravelly beaches of the reservoir. The river's shoreline is green and marshy, loved by wildlife like deer and waterfowl.

There are many tent sites as well as two group campgrounds. Riverside tent sites have grills, fire rings, and tables but no picnic shelters. Some sites have ample shade beneath the cottonwoods, but others are more exposed. There is one pit toilet facility and water faucet to share among campers. The Riverside group site has its own toilets and water, spread out picnic tables and plenty of trees, but no constructed picnic shelter. A group pavilion picnic shelter is available at Old Church Group Group Campground, which is located in a grassy field next to the historic one-room church. It too has its own toilets and water faucet.

Riverside/Old Church is a great choice for fisherman and wildlife watchers, while the rest of Rockport's campgrounds may be better for boaters. You can still park your boat here and drive it around to the marina, however. The day use area is convenient for those staying elsewhere in the park who want to try fishing on the river.

​​Note: Riverside/Old Church Campground is open from May 1 through October 31.