Camping near Coralville Lake

Looking for the best campgrounds near Coralville Lake, IA? Coralville Lake is filled with the activities, sights, and experiences to make everyone in your crew a happy camper. You're sure to find the perfect spot for your Iowa camping adventure.

Best Camping Sites Near Coralville Lake (126)

    1. Sugar Bottom Campground

    24 Reviews
    North Liberty, IA
    2 miles
    Website
    +1 (319) 624-2102

    $14 - $240 / night

    "Our one-night stay at the Sugar Bottom- Coralville Lake Campground was terrific! My husband and I stopped there during our cross-country road trip."

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

    2. West Overlook Campground

    18 Reviews
    Coralville, IA
    4 miles
    Website
    +1 (319) 338-3685

    $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."

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

    3. F. W. Kent Park

    18 Reviews
    Oxford, IA
    9 miles
    Website
    +1 (319) 645-2315

    $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."

    4. Modern North Campground — Lake Macbride State Park

    15 Reviews
    Solon, IA
    1 mile
    Website
    +1 (319) 624-2200

    $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"

    5. Primitive South Campground — Lake Macbride State Park

    10 Reviews
    Solon, IA
    2 miles
    +1 (319) 624-2200

    $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."

    6. Palisades-Kepler State Park Campground

    9 Reviews
    Ely, IA
    9 miles
    Website
    +1 (319) 895-6039

    $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."

    7. Beyonder Getaway at Sleepy Hollow

    13 Reviews
    Oxford, IA
    14 miles
    Website
    +1 (319) 628-6900

    $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"

    8. Scales Pointe Camping and Boating

    4 Reviews
    Coralville Lake, IA
    2 miles
    Website
    +1 (319) 665-3474

    "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."

    9. Tailwater West Campground

    4 Reviews
    Coralville, IA
    4 miles
    Website
    +1 (319) 338-3685

    $14 - $30 / night

    "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."

    10. Linder Point Campground

    3 Reviews
    Coralville, IA
    4 miles
    Website
    +1 (319) 338-3685

    $26 - $30 / night

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

    "Very quiet and relaxing- nice hiking trails and the dam is amazing!"

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Recent Reviews near Coralville Lake

483 Reviews of 126 Coralville Lake Campgrounds


  • Jorge F.
    Sep. 8, 2025

    Cedar River Campground

    Good place to go camping with friends and family.

    “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.”

  • Steve T.
    Sep. 7, 2025

    Saulsbury Bridge Rec Area - Cedar River Campground

    Enjoyable Stay

    The 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

  • DThe Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 6, 2025

    Shady Creek

    Beautiful View

    Site #12 with electric hookup was in my opinion the best site. Right on the back of the mighty Mississippi. Very clean friendly stay

  • DThe Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 3, 2025

    Maquoketa Caves State Park Campground

    Great campground

    Beautiful 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.

  • James M.The Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 30, 2025

    Wapsi River Environmental Ed. Ctr.

    Very nice, quite, cabin surrounded by forest

    Cabin 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.

  • James M.The Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 25, 2025

    Bennett Park

    Nice smaller County CG with small lake

    CG 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.

  • Clifton B.
    Aug. 18, 2025

    Lake Iowa County Park

    Very nice campground off the beaten path

    Wife 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.

  • Susie K.
    Aug. 7, 2025

    Porth RV Park

    Porth Campground

    Great 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.

  • Erik W.
    Jul. 21, 2025

    Beyonder Getaway at Sleepy Hollow

    Neat place but it's not flat

    Super nice staff.  We stayed here for a few weeks while working in the area. 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. 

    We stayed there in October, 2017


Guide to Coralville Lake

Camping near Coralville Lake, Iowa, offers a mix of beautiful scenery and fun activities for everyone. Whether you're pitching a tent or parking your RV, there are plenty of campgrounds to choose from, each with its own unique vibe.

What to do:

  • Hiking and Trails: Explore the scenic trails around the lake. One camper mentioned, “The park offers hiking, swimming, kayaking, and plenty of trails with overlooks” at F. W. Kent Park.
  • Fishing and Boating: Enjoy fishing or take your boat out on the water. A review for Iowa Dam Complex West Overlook Campground noted, “Coralville Lake is huge and there's a launch space for boats.”
  • Family Activities: Many campgrounds have activities for kids. One reviewer at Sugar Bottom Campground said, “The beach was a plus for the kids as well.”

What campers like:

  • Clean Facilities: Campers appreciate well-maintained restrooms and showers. A visitor at Lake Macbride State Park Campground shared, “Had a bathroom with showers and multiple water wells spread out.”
  • Spacious Sites: Many enjoy the roomy campsites. A review for Pinicon Ridge Park mentioned, “Clean shower house with storm shelter. Mixed sun and shade with generous grassy sites.”
  • Quiet Atmosphere: Campers often seek peace and quiet. One reviewer at West Overlook Campground said, “Sites are decently spaced out & there is ample natural shade.”

What you should know:

  • Reservations: Some campgrounds require reservations, especially during peak seasons. A camper at F. W. Kent Park noted, “Easy to get to, very well maintained.”
  • Limited Amenities: Not all campgrounds have stores or markets nearby. A visitor at Sugar Bottom Campground mentioned, “There’s no place to buy firewood nearby, so come prepared.”
  • Site Conditions: Some sites may not be level. A camper at Pinicon Ridge Park pointed out, “The tent area is on a small mound, not a very level area.”

Tips for camping with families:

  • Bring Activities: Pack games and outdoor toys. A family at Cedar River Campground said, “So many things to do for adults and kids!!”
  • Check for Kid-Friendly Amenities: Look for campgrounds with playgrounds or swimming areas. One reviewer at Little Bear Campground mentioned, “There was a kid’s playground with swingset and teeter-totters.”
  • Plan for Meals: Some campgrounds have fire pits and picnic tables, making it easy to cook outdoors. A camper at Amana RV Park & Event Center noted, “The sites are wide open and generally level.”

Tips from RVers:

  • Check Site Size: Make sure your RV fits the site. A visitor at Lake Macbride State Park Campground mentioned, “The entry on this app says big rig friendly, but it might be hard to fit a big rig on the electrical only sites.”
  • Use Leveling Blocks: Many sites may require leveling. A camper at Beyonder Getaway at Sleepy Hollow advised, “Bring a lot of leveling blocks. Most sites are slanted in both planes.”
  • Connectivity: Check for cell service if you need to stay connected. A reviewer at Sugar Bottom Campground mentioned, “Verizon service was not great in the area but could still stay connected for the most part.”

Camping near Coralville Lake, Iowa, has something for everyone, from families to solo adventurers. Just remember to plan ahead and enjoy the great outdoors!

Frequently Asked Questions

What camping options are available at Coralville Lake?

Coralville Lake offers diverse camping options across several campgrounds. West Overlook Campground features both electric and primitive sites spread along pines, forests, and shoreline areas. For tent-only camping, Cottonwood Campground/Coralville Lake (COE) provides shaded sites with fire rings in a grove of trees within walking distance to the spillway and Devonian Fossil Gorge. Additional options around the lake include Tailwater West, Linder Point, and the popular Sugar Bottom Campground. Most sites are reservable and maintained by the Army Corps of Engineers as part of the outdoor recreation complex around the dam on the Iowa River.

What amenities and facilities are available at Sugar Bottom Campground?

Sugar Bottom Campground is a well-appointed COE campground north of Iowa City in the Lake Coralville area. The campground offers various site options with beautiful natural settings. Amenities include clean facilities, access to wildlife viewing opportunities, and proximity to lake recreation. Visitors appreciate the quiet atmosphere and convenient location. The campground provides a friendly welcome with helpful staff at the entrance station who can answer questions about the area. Many campers note its appeal for both overnight stays and longer visits, making it an excellent base for exploring the Coralville Lake region.

What does Scales Pointe Campground look like?

Scales Pointe Camping and Boating offers a versatile camping experience near North Liberty on the shores of Coralville Lake. The campground features boat-in, drive-in, and walk-in access options, making it ideal for water enthusiasts. The property includes reservable sites with water access, toilet facilities, and is big-rig friendly for RV campers. Its waterfront setting provides scenic views of Coralville Lake and convenient boat launching facilities. The campground's location offers easy access to water recreation while still being close to nearby amenities in North Liberty and Iowa City, making it popular with both local campers and travelers passing through the area.