F.W. Kent Park offers spacious camping areas with varying terrain across its 1,052 acres, located 14 miles west of Amana. The park maintains 86 camping sites with electric hookups available at $20 per night. Most campgrounds in the region operate from April through October, though several parks including Lake Macbride State Park maintain year-round accessibility with modified winter services.
What to do
Fishing opportunities: At F.W. Kent Park, the large lake provides productive fishing spots accessible from the campground. "Plenty of campsite offerings with good amenities. Paddling, fishing, hiking, swimming, to name a few. Firewood available. Conservation education center open seasonally with programs offered," notes James M.
Hiking trail access: The southern primitive campground at Lake Macbride State Park connects to miles of nature trails through woodland areas. "Miles of beautiful, well maintained walking trails. We didn't fish, but it seemed like everyone who did was having no problem catching pretty large fish," reports Megan M.
Fossil exploration: West Overlook Campground provides access to the Devonian Fossil Gorge, formed during the 1993 flood. "This campground is maintained by the Army Corps of Engineers as part of an outdoor recreation complex around a large dam on the Iowa River. The recreation area also includes campgrounds and river recreation downstream of the dam, including a gorge of geologic interest that is filled with Devonian fossils exposed in the flood of 1993," explains Janet R.
What campers like
Open layouts: Campers at Amana RV Park & Event Center appreciate the spaciousness. "Great all around park. Grass and gravel sites with plenty of room for your rig. The sites are wide open and generally level, in and out is a breeze. 30 minute walk to the idyllic town of Amaña," notes Dan L.
Lake access: Sugar Bottom Campground provides direct lake access from select campsites. "We stayed at site 48 and it's a perfect spot just off the lake with great views. Only drawback is it's kinda of a walk from a bathroom and the beach but that is more than ok to deal with...with a pop up. Highly recommend," shares Brad B.
Affordable rates: Many public campgrounds in the area maintain competitive pricing. At West Overlook Campground, campers receive good value. "On our way across the state and was concerned about needing power. Was able to find 1 spot for 2 nights only a day early. Very popular place. E/W with dump station in the campground. Water access by beach and boat. Next to the dam on lake side. Spacious sites. Well maintained," reports Lauren M.
What you should know
Site leveling challenges: Multiple campgrounds require additional preparation for level setups. At Beyonder Getaway at Sleepy Hollow, "The land is not flat. The spots are good and most are pull-throughs but some are too short for a 30' camper. Would definitely stay there again," advises Erik W.
Variable shower facilities: Bathroom and shower quality varies significantly between campgrounds. "This is for the primitive southern camp site at lake macbride, iowa. Their is a modern campsite on the north side as well. This one is spacious, beautiful and peaceful. Two views of the lake, a modern bathroom and a pit style bathroom as well, no showers though," notes April W.
Early reservations needed: Popular sites require advance planning. "This campground is one of many around Coralville Lake. Reservations are a must," cautions Carolyn M. For Lake Macbride State Park, "If you want to reserve a campsite online, do so at least 2 days ahead," advises Ethan M.
Tips for camping with families
Playground access: Multiple campgrounds feature facilities for children. At F.W. Kent Park, "This campground has many beautiful spots to camp. There were also a few playgrounds that my grandkids loved. We were there on a lovely night and had a great campfire. Close to amenities if you forget something," shares Sue K.
Beach activities: Several campgrounds offer swimming options during summer months. West Overlook Campground includes "a decent beach, two playgrounds, and lots of sites to choose from. Overall though, it felt a bit... Trashy? We are not spoiled high falutin campers at all, but compared to the COE campgrounds we are used to in GA this one is lacking a bit in tree cover, site spacing, and water cleanliness," explains Greg S.
Wildlife viewing: Children enjoy observing local wildlife at many area campgrounds. "Quiet park, beautiful park setting. Lots of deer, squirrel and other wildli[fe]. Close access to boating and town," notes Jeff K.
Tips from RVers
Site selection: Choosing the right site location impacts experience quality. "This looks like a full time camper site but was pretty quiet. Didn't got the chance to check on their amenities because it was an overnight stay. There was a really bad poop smell but we were inside our coach at all the time plus there was a storm all night," reports Xochilt E. about Beyonder Getaway.
Weather considerations: Seasonal patterns affect site conditions. "The gates are locked at 10pm so if you needed to come or go, you're stuck," warns Desiree R. about F.W. Kent Park. Several campgrounds report significant road degradation after rain.
Hookup availability: Electric options vary between campgrounds. Sugar Bottom Campground provides "cheap sites with electric and water even for tent campers. Fantastic amenities including hot showers and nice bathrooms and a cleaning station with sink basin for camping dishes," notes Steve T.
