Ely is an ideal place for camping adventures of all kinds. There are tons of hikes and other fun activities to partake in. Experience some of the most stunning views that Iowa camping has to offer. Find the best campgrounds near Ely, IA. Read reviews from campers like you and find your perfect campsite.
$14 - $240 / night
"Very nice COE campground north of Iowa City in the Lake Coralville area. Beautiful setting, lots of options for sites."
"Nice grassy sites near lake for fishing, hiking, wildlife viewing. Near Iowa Raptor Project that conducts raptor programs and site with walking tour and live raptors, and Macbride State Park as well."
$25 - $35 / night
"My niece who lives nearby recommended this place to stay when we went to visit her since was a short drive from where she lives. "
"Close access to boating and town"
$22 - $28 / night
"The reservoir behind the dam creates both the Coralville Lake alongside Lake MacBride which is a state park in a side bay."
"LuLu and I stayed for 10 days while visiting family in Iowa City. The campground hosted mainly locals but it’s only a couple of miles off the I80."
$20 / night
"We stayed during an Iowa Football weekend, attended the game in nearby Iowa City, and then enjoyed the rest of our weekend exploring the ponds and trails in the park."
"It is the perfect camping destination between Amana colonies and Iowa City."
$12 - $25 / night
"You may also be able to take the dam trail with a bike, but I'm not totally sure about that."
"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."
$15 - $80 / night
"Great walking trails through wooded areas near the river. Beautiful place."
"Situated along the Cedar river, fishing and paddling can be done. Lots of trails, CG and cabins closed for winter season for improvements and online reservations."
$23 - $33 / night
"We camped at this park for 9 nights with W/E on site with a dump upon exit/entrance. Our site was unlevel but was able to get the RV right with tri-levelers. "
"There are a variety of sites to choose from, nice trees, and a beautiful wildflower field to walk through."
"The couple downfalls is the shower and bath house is outdated and there's no swimming area on this side of the lake. Other than that I had a blast."
"Just looking for a layover spot after a long day of driving. Couldn't figure out where to register so we walked into the bar/restaurant, Bobber's Grill. The owner was at the bar."
$25 - $42 / night
"Relatively wide open, sites adjacent to one another. Utilities all worked fine, decently maintained."
"Campground is a nice bike ride away from the Amana villages and overall a great base camp"
$45 - $65 / night
"Given its proximity to a busy interstate highway, this campground scores high on the convenience factor, but it is just far enough away where you will feel as though you have escaped the busy hustle and"
"Given its proximity to the busy interstate highway, this campground scores high on the convenience factor being EZ on- and off-, but it is just far enough away where you will feel as though you have escaped"
ScoutWould not recommend fairport camping in muscatine iowa at all the host is rude and non caring personality more like two faced i would recommend shady creek or one of the others on the same hwy if looking for nice and great host
On the note dnr are great thou
Traveler“This place became my wife’s and daughters’ favorite this year. It is a place where everyone who visits is very kind and respectful. The managers are always courteous and attentive.”
GuideThe sites are spaced apart well and clean with a beautiful view of the Cedar River. If you camp on the riverside campground be sure to bring a bike or extra vehicle if you camp on the far end because the bathrooms are bit of a walk. And bring a grate with you for your fire ring as some have them and some don’t. All and all it was an enjoyable stay with a fantastic view, even caught a few fish since our campsite was literally on the river edge
GuideSite #12 with electric hookup was in my opinion the best site. Right on the back of the mighty Mississippi. Very clean friendly stay
GuideBeautiful park. The campground has less than 30 sites, most of which have power. The walk in sites are very private but still less than 75 yards from your car. You are in thick forest and will hear lots of animal sounds at night.
LegendCabin has all amenities for six. Charcoal grill, fire ring with wood supplied, picnic table, covered porch, trail head right next to cabin. After hours offers quite park, dark skies, and trails with wildlife. Wapsipinicon River access just down River Trail.
LegendCG has newer RR/shower house. Sites have electric, fire rings, gravel pads. There is a Play area, shelter , host site, dump station. Park has small lake for paddling and fishing.
ScoutWife and I met friends here in August 2025. This was the middle between us & them as we live in CO and they live in NY. The campground was very well maintained. Shower rooms & restrooms were very clean and all were functional. We really enjoyed the long weekend here. Be advised tho, we were not adequately prepared for the humidity in August. Being from Colorado where we live at much higher altitudes & we didnt expect the humidity to affect us as it did. Not a bad thing, we were just used to 15% max and that weekend we saw 90% with 90 degrees. Wife and I will likely return and see more of the Amana communities in the fall.
ScoutGreat campground. Sewer, water, electricity.
It rained a lot while we were there no flooding issues at all. Very friendly and very well maintained.
Definitely would stay again, we were there for 3 weeks.
Camping near Ely, Iowa, offers a mix of beautiful landscapes and fun activities for everyone. Whether you're looking for a peaceful getaway or an adventurous family trip, there are plenty of campgrounds to choose from.
Camping near Ely, Iowa, has something for everyone, whether you're in a tent or an RV. Just remember to plan ahead and enjoy the great outdoors!
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular campground near Ely, IA?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Ely, IA is Sugar Bottom Campground with a 4.5-star rating from 24 reviews.
What parks are near Ely, IA?
According to TheDyrt.com, there are 5 parks near Ely, IA that allow camping, notably Coralville Lake and Mississippi River - Pools 11-22.
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