3 MONTHS FREEPlan your Iowa trip with offline maps, RV Trip Planner, and the Free Camping Map.Try PRO
Try PRO free for 3 months

Camping near Coralville, IA

8 campgrounds with availability this weekend

Search destinations
    Add dates

    Coralville Lake and the surrounding area offer multiple campgrounds managed by the Army Corps of Engineers, providing a range of camping experiences within minutes of Iowa City. Sugar Bottom Campground features spacious sites with lake access, while West Overlook Campground provides both wooded and lakeside camping options with electric hookups. Other nearby options include Lake Macbride State Park with both modern and primitive campgrounds, F.W. Kent Park for tent and RV camping, and Cottonwood Campground for tent-only sites along the Cedar River.

    Seasonal considerations affect camping availability, particularly during spring when the Cedar River and Coralville Lake can experience flooding. "When the Cedar River is high, it pushes Chicken Creek out of its banks which can mean potential closure of campgrounds," noted one camper about nearby recreation areas. Most campgrounds in the region are open from mid-April through mid-October, though some like West Overlook offer year-round camping. Reservations are strongly recommended, especially for summer weekends and University of Iowa home football games when campgrounds fill quickly. The area experiences typical Midwestern weather patterns with hot, humid summers and cold winters, making spring and fall the most comfortable camping seasons.

    Campers consistently praise the natural setting and recreational opportunities around Coralville Lake. The Devonian Fossil Gorge near Cottonwood Campground offers unique geological exploration, while the lake provides swimming beaches, boat ramps, and fishing access. One visitor described West Overlook as "spread out along pines, forest, and open areas including shoreline to Coralville Lake" with "multiple shower/restrooms, firewood available, recycling, beach and boat ramp." Many campgrounds feature modern amenities including shower houses, playgrounds, and hiking trails. The proximity to Iowa City (about 15-20 minutes away) makes these campgrounds convenient for visitors to the University of Iowa while still providing a natural retreat. Wildlife viewing opportunities include deer, wild turkeys, and bald eagles along the river during winter months.

    Best Campgrounds near Coralville (119)

      1. Sugar Bottom Campground

      4.6(25)5mi from Coralville244 sitesRVs, Tents

      "Very nice COE campground north of Iowa City in the Lake Coralville area. Beautiful setting, lots of options for sites."

      "Located on Coralville reservoir, has nice beaches."

      Campground full this weekend

      Get a text when available

      from $14 - $260 / night

      Check Availability

      2. West Overlook Campground

      4.6(22)4mi from Coralville89 sitesRVs, Tents

      "The reservoir behind the dam creates both the Coralville Lake alongside Lake MacBride which is a state park in a side bay."

      "CG is spread out along pines, forest, and open areas including shoreline to Coralville Lake. Sites include electric or primitive."

      Campground full this weekend

      Get a text when available

      from $22 - $28 / night

      Check Availability

      3. F. W. Kent Park

      4.7(20)7mi from CoralvilleRVs, Tents

      "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."

      from $20 / night

      Check Availability

      4. Modern North Campground — Lake Macbride State Park

      4.1(16)7mi from Coralville43 sitesRVs, Tents

      "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"

      Available this weekend

      from $20 / night

      30 Sites Available

      5. Primitive South Campground — Lake Macbride State Park

      4.2(11)8mi from Coralville53 sitesRVs, Tents

      "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."

      from $10 - $25 / night

      Check Availability

      6. Beyonder Getaway at Sleepy Hollow

      3.8(14)11mi from CoralvilleRVs, Tents, Cabins

      "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"

      from $45 - $65 / night

      Check Availability

      7. Linder Point Campground

      4.6(7)3mi from Coralville18 sitesRVs, Tents

      "This is one of around 4 campgrounds near/around Lake Coralville."

      "Natural setting with plenty of trees and located near Coralville Reservoir. Paved roads and sites. Ample roam for big rigs, but no pull through sites."

      Campground full this weekend

      Get a text when available

      from $26 - $30 / night

      Check Availability

      8. Tailwater West Campground

      3.8(5)4mi from Coralville22 sitesRVs, Tents

      "Iowa River runs alongside offering fishing. Trails, play area and Visitor Center just a 2 minute drive or hike away. Firewood available at check station."

      "Very short walk to the overflow of the dam. People are friendly facilities are clean."

      Campground full this weekend

      Get a text when available

      from $14 - $30 / night

      Check Availability

      9. Scales Pointe Camping and Boating

      4.5(4)7mi from CoralvilleRVs, Tents

      "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."

      10. Palisades-Kepler State Park Campground

      4.3(11)16mi from Coralville44 sitesRVs, Tents, Cabins, Glamping

      "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."

      Available this weekend

      from $12 - $80 / night

      24 Sites Available

    2026 Explorer Giveaway

    Presented byLifeStraw

    Review campgrounds, win gear.

    Enter to Win

    Drive Time



    Recent Reviews near Coralville, IA

    509 Reviews of 119 Coralville Campgrounds

    • Stuart K.The Dyrt Pro User
      Oct. 24, 2026

      Park Terrace Campground - West Lake Park

      Quad Cities Sweet Camping Retreat

      Just minutes west of Davenport, Park Terrace Campground is a delightful county-operated camping destination nestled within the sprawling 620-acre West Lake Park. With four picturesque lakes, rolling green lawns, mature shade trees and an impressive assortment of recreational activities, this is much more than your average roadside CG. Whether you're passing through the Quad Cities or settling in for a relaxing weekend, there's plenty to keep you entertained, including fishing, kayaking, hiking, disc golf and a seasonal swimming beach. It's an especially appealing destination for families who appreciate having a little adventure right outside their camper door.

      The campground itself features approximately 77 campsites, including spacious RV sites with 50-amp electrical service, water and sewer hookups, plus 13 primitive tent sites tucked toward the wooded perimeter in the rear - so for those tent campers that like to be somewhat removed from the RV crowd, this is an excellent option. Most RV sites are reasonably level, with gravel parking pads, picnic tables and fire rings, although spacing can be a little cozy (er, tight) in places. Mature trees provide welcome shade throughout portions of the campground, while the modern bathhouse offers restrooms and showers. Additional conveniences include a dump station, playground, seasonal campground host and firewood availability. Best of all, the CG delivers an impressive collection of amenities without the hefty price tag of a commercial RV resort.

      A few things worth knowing before arriving: the CG is accessed through Gate 5 off 110th Avenue, and water hookups are generally seasonal despite the CG's year-round designation. Some sites are more exposed than others, and the relatively close spacing means privacy isn't necessarily its strongest selling point. Nevertheless, for RV travelers, tent campers and families seeking affordable accommodations with outstanding recreational opportunities, Park Terrace is a terrific little discovery.

      Insider's Tip: Tent campers should head toward the designated wooded camping area toward the back of the CG for a more traditional outdoor experience. RV travelers should bring an extra-long drinking-water hose, as some sites share water connections positioned several campsites apart. Also, the park gates close overnight, so plan your arrival accordingly.

      Happy Camping!

    • Brenda Y.The Dyrt Pro User
      Oct. 23, 2026

      Morgan Creek County Park

      Great little county park! Lots of back in sites; we found a pull-through that fit our 43' motorhome towing a truck with room to spare (site #20). $25 a night for water and elec is a fair price, and there's a dump station on the way out. My only reason for marking 4 stars is that trees could be trimmed back a bit more for big rigs to navigate without brushing up against them. (See couple pics). However it was late in the season -- we stayed Oct 22 and the park closes for winter on Oct 25, so maybe they'll be due for a trim next spring.

    • mThe Dyrt Pro User
      Oct. 21, 2026

      Wanatee Park (formerly Squaw Creek)

      I arrived after dark. Crept in slowly as its dark. Loop B. Found a spot easy. I’ll drop the envelope on the way out. Some minor road noise. Dark! Quiet! So far, excellent. I plan to head out early. I would stay here again. $25water/electric. Cash in iron ranger. Haven’t used the restroom. Perhaps in the morning. Lovely clear night sky

    • Benjamin S.
      Oct. 20, 2026

      Louisa County Fairgrounds

      $25 a night with Wi-Fi that actually works! I absolutely love it out here I'm not sure how busy it gets but there's no one out here right now in Oct! Electrical hookup at every site, water hook up every other site. But lots of sites available!

    • TThe Dyrt Pro User
      Oct. 12, 2026

      Lake Iowa County Park

      Nice campground

      Nice quiet campground. The front looks like more long timers and it was a little noisier up there but I drove to the back loop and it's nice and quiet back here. PLENTY of 50/30/20 amp hookups and the shower house in the back was nice. Water was just lukewarm but it was hot out so no problem. Might be less pleasant in colder weather though. Pull through spots available. I would stay here again for sure.

    • James M.The Dyrt Pro User
      Oct. 10, 2026

      Wildcat Den State Park Campground

      Great State Park with Great trails and mature forests.

      This campground has basic amenities, including tables, fire pits, water on site, restrooms. There is also a larger group campsite across from the standard campground. There are many trails throughout the limestone Bluffs and pine Creek credited through. There is a historical site known as Pine Creek Brit Mill, pioneer cemetery, and a cabin and school site.

    • James M.The Dyrt Pro User
      Oct. 9, 2026

      Buffalo Shores County Park

      Nice county campground on the Mississippi River

      This campground is well located on Highway 22 in Buffalo, Iowa. Sitting along the banks of the Mississippi river, sites include hard pads, fire rings, electric, water, showers, and restrooms, campground Office, seasonal host with wood. There is a playground, volleyball, Sandy beaches, boat ramps. This campground recently connected to City water instead of septic.

    • Mary H.The Dyrt Pro User
      Oct. 1, 2026

      West Overlook Campground

      Sweet campground

      We had a delightful afternoon and overnight stay here. We were warmly welcomed by the volunteer at the registration booth, who filled us in on the area and what we might see during our short visit. Our site was lovely, tucked at the end of a loop overlooking the woods, where we spotted several deer. We explored a bit while we were there, including the dam and the nearby fossil site—both very cool. Bathrooms were clean, and the showers had plenty of hot water and good pressure. We only wish we could have stayed longer at this lovely park. It was a wonderful final stop on our trip.

    Guide to Coralville

    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."

    Frequently Asked Questions

    Where are the best campgrounds at Coralville Lake?

    Coralville Lake offers several excellent campgrounds managed by the Army Corps of Engineers. Sugar Bottom Campground is highly rated for its beautiful setting, wildlife viewing opportunities, and lakeside location with beaches. West Overlook Campground is another popular option spread along pines, forest, and shoreline areas, offering both electric and primitive sites. It's conveniently located near the Coralville Dam, Devonian Fossil Gorge, boat ramps, and playgrounds. For those seeking a quieter experience, Linder Point provides a more secluded setting away from the busier areas of the lake.

    Are there any campgrounds near downtown Coralville, Iowa?

    Yes, there are camping options near downtown Coralville. Cottonwood Campground/Coralville Lake (COE) is relatively close to town, offering tent sites in a grove of cottonwoods with additional wooded sites accessed via a hiking path. For those needing just an overnight stop, Walmart — Coralville Supercenter allows limited overnight parking. Lake Macbride State Park's campgrounds are also within a short drive of Coralville, providing both modern and primitive camping options with lake access and recreational activities.

    What amenities are available at Coralville Reservoir camping areas?

    Coralville Reservoir camping areas offer numerous amenities for campers. Diamond Lake County Park features freshwater lake access and fall colors. At Lake Macbride State Park, you'll find modern restrooms, showers, and boat ramps. Most Coralville Lake campgrounds include shower and restroom facilities, fire rings, picnic tables, and access to beaches and boat ramps. Many sites offer electric hookups, while water and dump stations are available at entrance areas. Recreation options include fishing, hiking trails, playgrounds, and disc golf courses. Firewood is typically available for purchase at permit stations, and some areas offer recycling facilities.

    How much does camping cost at Coralville Lake campgrounds?

    Camping fees at Coralville Lake vary by campground and site type. At Linder Point Campground, electric sites typically range from $18-22 per night. Tailwater West Campground offers similar pricing with both primitive and electric options available. Most Corps of Engineers campgrounds in the area charge between $16-24 for standard sites, with primitive tent sites on the lower end and electric hookup sites on the higher end. Additional fees may apply for extra vehicles or watercraft. Reservations are strongly recommended, especially during summer months and weekends.