Coralville Lake camping areas sit within the Iowa River valley at approximately 700 feet above sea level, creating a unique ecosystem where prairie meets woodland. The camping season typically runs from April through October, with summer temperatures averaging 75-85°F during peak months. Many campsites near Coralville, Iowa require reservations up to six months in advance, especially for summer weekends.
What to do
Fossil hunting at Devonian Fossil Gorge: Located near Cottonwood Campground, this unique geological site features exposed 375-million-year-old fossils. "There is an interpretive trail winding through the limestone gorge that will help you spot fossils. There is also a nice river walk trail," explains one visitor at Cottonwood Campground.
Paddling on the lake: Rent canoes, kayaks, or paddleboards from local outfitters to explore Coralville Lake's 5,400 acres of water. At Scales Pointe Camping, "They have boat rental, firewood, propane, etc. The couple downfalls is the shower and bath house is outdated and there's no swimming area on this side of the lake."
Visit Amana Colonies: Take a day trip to the nearby Amana Colonies, a group of historic German settlements about 25 minutes west. "If you'd like to embrace the Amish vibe that exists here in rural Iowa, then head due north to Amana Colonies where you'll come across hand-made blankets and artisan-crafted cabinetry," notes a camper staying at Beyonder Getaway.
What campers like
Secluded, quiet options: For those seeking tranquility, certain campgrounds offer more peaceful sites. "Linder has a nice modern clean bathroom and shower house. They were cleaned each morning. Near the campground within walking distance is a super cute old fashioned ice cream/food place called Funcrest Dairy and Grill," says a visitor at Linder Point Campground.
Spacious sites at Sugar Bottom: This popular campground offers larger sites with more privacy than others in the area. One camper notes, "Very nice COE campground north of Iowa City in the Lake Coralville area. Beautiful setting, lots of options for sites. It was very quiet, lots of wildlife and amenities like a boat ramp, beach, playground, walking trails, recycling (!) and an amphitheater (!)."
Evening wildlife viewing: The area provides excellent opportunities for wildlife observation, especially at dusk. A camper at Lake Macbride State Park reports, "Beautiful place... saw wild turkeys and dear almost ever day walking the camp grounds."
What you should know
Site elevation varies significantly: Many campgrounds in the area have uneven terrain. At Beyonder Getaway, one camper warns, "Busy on the weekend. Bring a lot of leveling blocks. Most sites are slanted in both planes."
Limited cellphone coverage: Cell service is spotty throughout the region. A visitor at Tailwater West Campground states, "Don't plan on using Verizon. I had 1 bar could get texts but not enough to have internet."
Seasonal water levels impact camping: The Cedar River and lake levels fluctuate seasonally. Late spring and early summer can bring high water, while late summer may see lower levels. During flood events, campgrounds may close with little notice.
Tips for camping with families
Best playground access: Several campgrounds offer kid-friendly facilities. At F.W. Kent Park, "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."
Swimming beaches for children: The main beach at West Overlook provides lifeguarded swimming during summer weekends. A visitor notes, "The dam and the lake are cool, there's a decent beach, two playgrounds, and lots of sites to choose from."
Educational opportunities: The Conservation Education Center at F.W. Kent Park runs seasonal programs for kids. "Conservation education center open seasonally with programs offered. Forest, prairie, wetland habitats. Not far from town for quick trip if needed."
Tips from RVers
Full hookup locations: Several campgrounds offer complete services. "We stayed at site W44, a very level site with a great view of the lake," shares an RVer at West Overlook Campground.
Dump station access: Multiple locations provide dump stations, even if sites don't have full hookups. At Sugar Bottom, one RVer noted, "They have a double-hole dump station that can be accessed in both directions."
Site length considerations: Some campgrounds have size limitations. "We proceeded to back-in site 61 with water and electric(50/30/20 AMP). We were one and done on what we thought might be a more difficult back-in, but there was enough level ditch in front to allow an easy swing."
