Whether you're an RVer or tent camper, Iowa City, IA is a great place to post up for the weekend—or longer. Aside from great camping spots, you'll find hiking and many more outdoor experiences. Thinking of traveling with kids? You're in luck—Iowa City is surrounded by family-friendly activities. Find the best campgrounds near Iowa City, IA. Read reviews from campers like you and find your perfect campsite.
The Sugar Bottom Campground is located on the shores of Coralville Lake. The Coralville Lake Project is a multipule use project providing primary benefits in flood control and low flow augmentation, and secondary benefits in recreation, fish and wildlife management and forest management. Coralville Lake provides many recreational opportunities, including boating, camping, hiking, mountain biking, lake and river fishing, swimming, water activities, picnicking, and hunting.
Visitors enjoy Coralville Lake for boating, fishing, swimming and water activities. Anglers will find large and smallmouth bass, crappie, walleye and catfish. Hiking and mountain biking are popular activities in Sugar Bottom. Several trails are within Sugar Bottom, including the Cedar Valley Nature Trail, Sugar Bottom Mountain Bike Trail, and a barrier-free asphalt trail.The Sugar Bottom Disc Golf Course is located in the Sugar Bottom Day Use Area and offers 18 partially wooded and open holes. The Sugar Bottom Mountain Bike Trail is located in the Sugar Bottom Day Use Area and offers beginner to expert trails.
Coralville Lake is located in the Iowa River Valley, just north of Iowa City. The Sugar Bottom Campground lies among a heavily wooded forest of mixed hardwood species on the east side of the lake. Wildlife is abundant throughout the project. Whitetail deer, turkeys, pheasants, waterfowl, song birds and other species roam the lands around the lake.
The Devonian Fossil Gorge is 10 miles away, just below the Coralville Dam. It offers a unique opportunity to explore a 375-million-year-old sea floor and discover fossil remains of sea life that once inhabited this tropical marine environment. Twenty Discovery Points can be found throughout the site. Iowa City/Coralville offers the Veterans Affairs Medical Center, University of Iowa campus, hospital and clinics, numerous restaurants and shops as well as Coral Ridge Mall. Cedar Rapids has wonderful cultural, historic and ethnic attractions such as The National Czech & Slovak Museum & Library and is the home of the Kernels Professional Baseball Club. West Branch boasts the Herbert Hoover National Historic Site and Presidential Library/Museum. At Amana Colonies visit seven quaint villages with outstanding restaurants, wineries, historic sites and specialty shops. Kalona is known as the ?????Quilt Capital of Iowa__????? and is home to an Old Order Amish and Mennonite Community.
$24 / night
Named after Thomas Macbride, the “father” of Iowa conservation, Lake Macbride State Park is a popular lakeside destination with family friendly outdoor activities. Several multi-use trails wind around the lake, featuring the sights and sounds of Iowa’s native birds. In the summer, soak up the sun by kayaking, paddling or swimming in the lake. Whether you’re visiting for an afternoon or a weekend, Lake Macbride features numerous amenities to enjoy year round.
Camp in one of the two campgrounds at Lake Macbride. A modern campground is located in the northern unit of the park with full and electric hookups, a shower and restroom, and a trailer dump station. One non modern campground can be found in the southern unit of the park with a beautiful shaded setting near the lake. Some campsites are available on a first-come, first-serve basis and advance reservations can be made through the online reservation system for Lake Macbride State Park.
$9 - $19 / night
$20 / night
The West Overlook Campground is located within the Dam Complex at the Coralville Lake Project. The Coralville Lake Project is a multiple use project providing primary benefits in flood control and low flow augmentation, and secondary benefits in recreation, fish and wildlife management and forest management. Coralville Lake provides many recreational opportunities, including boating, camping, hiking, mountain biking, lake and river fishing, swimming, water skiing, picnicking and hunting.
Visitors enjoy Coralville Lake for camping, boating, fishing, swimming and water activities. Anglers will find large and smallmouth bass, crappie, walleye and catfish. Several trails are within the Dam Complex, including Squire Point, Woodpecker Trail, Tailwater Riverwalk and barrier-free Veterans Trail.The Devonian Fossil Gorge is just below the dam, offering a unique opportunity to explore a 375-million-year old sea floor and discover fossil remains of sea life that once inhabited this tropical marine environment. Twenty discovery points can be found throughout the site along with a cell phone audio tour. The Turkey Creek Disc Golf Course is located in the Dam Complex and offers nine partially wooden and open holes.
Coralville Lake is located in the Iowa River Valley, just north of Iowa City. The West Overlook Campground lies among a heavily wooded forest of mixed hardwood species on the west side of the dam. Wildlife is abundant throughout the project. Whitetail deer, turkeys, pheasants, waterfowl, song birds and other species roam the lands around the lake.
Iowa City/Coralville offers the Veterans Affairs Medical Center, University of Iowa campus, hospital and clinics, numerous restaurants and shops as well as Coral Ridge Mall. Cedar Rapids has wonderful cultural, historic and ethnic attractions such as The National Czech and Slovak Museum and Library and is the home of the Kernels Professional Baseball Club. West Branch boasts the Herbert Hoover National Historic Site and Presidential Library/Museum. At Amana Colonies visit seven quaint villages with outstanding restaurants, wineries, historic sites and specialty shops. Kalona is known as the "Quilt Capital of Iowa" and is home to an Old Order Amish and Mennonite Community.
$22 / night
Banquet facility, Cabin rentals, RV & Tent Camping. Shower and laundry facilities, swimming pool.
$22 - $49 / night
Sleepy Hollow RV Park and Campground will offer you a comfortable, family-friendly atmosphere. Fishing in the pond, swimming in the in-ground pool, making sand castles on the beach or exploring local festivals --these are just a few of the things that make camping at Sleepy Hollow RV Park and Campground such a fun experience. Join us for kid-focused themed activities most Saturday's during the peak season. With our nearby shopping malls, fun cities, lakes, and attractions like the Kalona Amish Community, Amana Colonies, Coralville Reservoir, Iowa City and the University of Iowa, you're going to love your stay in Eastern Iowa!
$25 - $48 / night
The Amana RV Park& Event Center is a quiet place for a scenic getaway or long term stay. Offering large, level sites, free wi-fi, laundry facilities, LP service and close proximity to shops and restaurants, the park is a great location for your visit to the Iowa City or Cedar Rapids area. Plenty of festivals and events close by all season to keep you entertained! Open April 1st to November 1st.
$25 - $42 / night
The Tailwater West Campground is located within the Dam Complex at the Coralville Lake Project. The Coralville Lake Project is a multiple use project providing primary benefits in flood control and low flow augmentation, and secondary benefits in recreation, fish and wildlife management and forest management. Coralville Lake provides many recreational opportunities, including boating, camping, hiking, mountain biking, lake and river fishing, swimming, water activities, picnicking and hunting.
Visitors enjoy Coralville Lake for camping, boating, fishing, swimming and water activities. Anglers will find large and smallmouth bass, crappie, walleye and catfish. Several trails are within the Dam Complex, including Squire Point, Woodpecker Trail, Tailwater Riverwalk and barrier-free Veterans Trail. The Devonian Fossil Gorge is just below the dam, offering a unique opportunity to explore a 375-million-year old sea floor and discover fossil remains of sea life that once inhabited this tropical marine environment. Twenty discovery points can be found throughout the site along with a cell phone audio tour. The Turkey Creek Disc Golf Course is located in the Dam Complex and offers nine partially wooden and open holes.
Visitors enjoy Coralville Lake for camping, boating, fishing, swimming and water activities. Anglers will find large and smallmouth bass, crappie, walleye and catfish. Several trails are within the Dam Complex, including Squire Point, Woodpecker Trail, Tailwater Riverwalk and barrier-free Veterans Trail. The Devonian Fossil Gorge is just below the dam, offering a unique opportunity to explore a 375-million-year old sea floor and discover fossil remains of sea life that once inhabited this tropical marine environment. Twenty discovery points can be found throughout the site along with a cell phone audio tour. The Turkey Creek Disc Golf Course is located in the Dam Complex and offers nine partially wooden and open holes.
Coralville Lake is located in the Iowa River Valley, just north of Iowa City. The Tailwater West Campground lies among a heavily wooded forest of mixed hardwood species on the west side of the dam. Wildlife is abundant throughout the project. Whitetail deer, turkeys, pheasants, waterfowl, song birds and other species roam the lands around the lake.
Iowa City/Coralville offers the Veterans Affairs Medical Center, University of Iowa campus, hospital and clinics, numerous restaurants and shops as well as Coral Ridge Mall. Cedar Rapids has wonderful cultural, historic and ethnic attractions such as The National Czech and Slovak Museum and Library and is the home of the Kernels Professional Baseball Club. West Branch boasts the Herbert Hoover National Historic Site and Presidential Library/Museum. At Amana Colonies visit seven quaint villages with outstanding restaurants, wineries, historic sites and specialty shops. Kalona is known as the "Quilt Capital of Iowa" and is home to an Old Order Amish and Mennonite Community.
$28 / night
This recreation area is part of Coralville Lake
The Sugar Bottom Campground is located on the shores of Coralville Lake. The Coralville Lake Project is a multipule use project providing primary benefits in flood control and low flow augmentation, and secondary benefits in recreation, fish and wildlife management and forest management. Coralville Lake provides many recreational opportunities, including boating, camping, hiking, mountain biking, lake and river fishing, swimming, water activities, picnicking, and hunting.
Visitors enjoy Coralville Lake for boating, fishing, swimming and water activities. Anglers will find large and smallmouth bass, crappie, walleye and catfish. Hiking and mountain biking are popular activities in Sugar Bottom. Several trails are within Sugar Bottom, including the Cedar Valley Nature Trail, Sugar Bottom Mountain Bike Trail, and a barrier-free asphalt trail.The Sugar Bottom Disc Golf Course is located in the Sugar Bottom Day Use Area and offers 18 partially wooded and open holes. The Sugar Bottom Mountain Bike Trail is located in the Sugar Bottom Day Use Area and offers beginner to expert trails.
Coralville Lake is located in the Iowa River Valley, just north of Iowa City. The Sugar Bottom Campground lies among a heavily wooded forest of mixed hardwood species on the east side of the lake. Wildlife is abundant throughout the project. Whitetail deer, turkeys, pheasants, waterfowl, song birds and other species roam the lands around the lake.
The Devonian Fossil Gorge is 10 miles away, just below the Coralville Dam. It offers a unique opportunity to explore a 375-million-year-old sea floor and discover fossil remains of sea life that once inhabited this tropical marine environment. Twenty Discovery Points can be found throughout the site. Iowa City/Coralville offers the Veterans Affairs Medical Center, University of Iowa campus, hospital and clinics, numerous restaurants and shops as well as Coral Ridge Mall. Cedar Rapids has wonderful cultural, historic and ethnic attractions such as The National Czech & Slovak Museum & Library and is the home of the Kernels Professional Baseball Club. West Branch boasts the Herbert Hoover National Historic Site and Presidential Library/Museum. At Amana Colonies visit seven quaint villages with outstanding restaurants, wineries, historic sites and specialty shops. Kalona is known as the ?????Quilt Capital of Iowa__????? and is home to an Old Order Amish and Mennonite Community.
$24 / night
Named after Thomas Macbride, the “father” of Iowa conservation, Lake Macbride State Park is a popular lakeside destination with family friendly outdoor activities. Several multi-use trails wind around the lake, featuring the sights and sounds of Iowa’s native birds. In the summer, soak up the sun by kayaking, paddling or swimming in the lake. Whether you’re visiting for an afternoon or a weekend, Lake Macbride features numerous amenities to enjoy year round.
Camp in one of the two campgrounds at Lake Macbride. A modern campground is located in the northern unit of the park with full and electric hookups, a shower and restroom, and a trailer dump station. One non modern campground can be found in the southern unit of the park with a beautiful shaded setting near the lake. Some campsites are available on a first-come, first-serve basis and advance reservations can be made through the online reservation system for Lake Macbride State Park.
$9 - $19 / night
The West Overlook Campground is located within the Dam Complex at the Coralville Lake Project. The Coralville Lake Project is a multiple use project providing primary benefits in flood control and low flow augmentation, and secondary benefits in recreation, fish and wildlife management and forest management. Coralville Lake provides many recreational opportunities, including boating, camping, hiking, mountain biking, lake and river fishing, swimming, water skiing, picnicking and hunting.
Visitors enjoy Coralville Lake for camping, boating, fishing, swimming and water activities. Anglers will find large and smallmouth bass, crappie, walleye and catfish. Several trails are within the Dam Complex, including Squire Point, Woodpecker Trail, Tailwater Riverwalk and barrier-free Veterans Trail.The Devonian Fossil Gorge is just below the dam, offering a unique opportunity to explore a 375-million-year old sea floor and discover fossil remains of sea life that once inhabited this tropical marine environment. Twenty discovery points can be found throughout the site along with a cell phone audio tour. The Turkey Creek Disc Golf Course is located in the Dam Complex and offers nine partially wooden and open holes.
Coralville Lake is located in the Iowa River Valley, just north of Iowa City. The West Overlook Campground lies among a heavily wooded forest of mixed hardwood species on the west side of the dam. Wildlife is abundant throughout the project. Whitetail deer, turkeys, pheasants, waterfowl, song birds and other species roam the lands around the lake.
Iowa City/Coralville offers the Veterans Affairs Medical Center, University of Iowa campus, hospital and clinics, numerous restaurants and shops as well as Coral Ridge Mall. Cedar Rapids has wonderful cultural, historic and ethnic attractions such as The National Czech and Slovak Museum and Library and is the home of the Kernels Professional Baseball Club. West Branch boasts the Herbert Hoover National Historic Site and Presidential Library/Museum. At Amana Colonies visit seven quaint villages with outstanding restaurants, wineries, historic sites and specialty shops. Kalona is known as the "Quilt Capital of Iowa" and is home to an Old Order Amish and Mennonite Community.
$22 / night
Banquet facility, Cabin rentals, RV & Tent Camping. Shower and laundry facilities, swimming pool.
$22 - $49 / night
Sleepy Hollow RV Park and Campground will offer you a comfortable, family-friendly atmosphere. Fishing in the pond, swimming in the in-ground pool, making sand castles on the beach or exploring local festivals --these are just a few of the things that make camping at Sleepy Hollow RV Park and Campground such a fun experience. Join us for kid-focused themed activities most Saturday's during the peak season. With our nearby shopping malls, fun cities, lakes, and attractions like the Kalona Amish Community, Amana Colonies, Coralville Reservoir, Iowa City and the University of Iowa, you're going to love your stay in Eastern Iowa!
$25 - $48 / night
Guide
A small number of electrical sites was all that I saw. I'm sure there are bathrooms somewhere in one of the fairground buildings, but I didn't see any signage for them.
Guide
This is a small campground with electric camper spots. I didn't see any dump station. It features a playground and has vault toilets. There is a walking trail that leads to a lake with ducks. Online only reservations.
Traveler
Water keeps running out. When it does run its white and tastes nasty. You can't do anything with it except flush and shower and that's if it doesn't run out. Pressure horrible. Was charged $1300 for 6 weeks plus I have to pay coat of utilities. They are no longer maintaining the grounds. The pool has been left unfinished for years and is still sitting empty with minimal plastic netting around it. The streets are caving in. The swimming water is right next to the beach pond where your stool is broken down and treated (although it isn't working correctly causing massive issues with odor, color and taste and then recycled back to your camper for showering and drinking water, washing dishes, etc. Hills (where campers park) all lead to bottom of hill where pond is, so if maintenance is this bad now, imagine sliding downhill into the pond due to ice and snow. Showers have push button that only runs water for couple minutes and it's set temp so you have no control over the temp at all. The whole park is run down, lots are extremely small and parking is only on gravel, but many lots only have enough gravel to park a camper so you have to park on other side of park and rent a golf cart (which is extremely high at 100 for 2 days or 60 for one day.) or walk. I could go on, but many others will be posting to tell the same. Had to move from lot 69 to 85 because it was so slanted my disabledd daughter couldn't make it across the lot to the camper. (She has autism and cerebral palsy)
Legend
Camping bookdock style, no restrooms. Awesome sunset views, cider, near food, fuel, etc.
Guide
Nice campground, we have camped there on several occasions. Tent, pop up, and travel trailer. Shower house is a little bit of a walk but not terrible. Bout a 3 block walk to several bars/restaurant a caseys gas station. Everyone was friendly. Would recommend.
Guide
Great place to camp especially if you have a boat or like to fish the Mississippi river. 2 blocks from a restaurant/tavern. City of New Boston has several different community events throught the year as well.
Traveler
We enjoy the peace and quiet especially with the views of the lake and the fall colors.
Scout
It was beautiful, full of wildlife, easy to find,not too far from highway but far away enough to not hear
Traveler
There are sites along the river, while others are larger tucked along the woods and not close to each other. Perfect get away. 15-20 minutes to the closest town.
Traveler
Indian Meadows has individual private sites. If you’re seeking seclusion, this is it! Some are more open, others are like a nature playpen. Lake George is beautiful, perfect for kayaking.
GuideNot too far off the highway. Very clean and quiet. The campground is above the lake but a short trail will take you to the lake. Couldn't see the lake from where we camped, but nice woody area behind our campsite. Nice little visitor area. Lots of trails to walk with the dog including a nice trail along the lake.
Great place to spend one night. If I had more time, I would have gone paddle boarding or fishing on the lake.
Legend
Cabin sleeps 6, has all amenities including firewood at no cost! Education center onsite with live animals, trails, open year round, Wapsipinicon River below bluff offers paddling, fishing. Menke Observatory offers sky programs.
Legend
Campground is nice with a few newer amenities, including shower house and handicap campsite. Gravel pads at sites include tables, fire, pits, electric,. There’s a dump station, play area, shelters for rent, and a pond that you can actually swim and fish and paddling.
Scout
Worst place I have stayed in my 6 years of traveling as an RN. Yes, they had shade. Made cell service very hard to receive. ONLY other thing they has was geese and fishing. No picnic table, no firepits. I had a 30amp space. With slide out on each side, and not superslides either, I had EXACTLY 1 foot left on each side of my slides. I could not put out my awning as it would hit the camper next to me. No zero space behind camper as it went to a steep slope from my spare wheel. If I walked behind camper, I had to hang on to spare wheel or fall down the slope. Barely enough room in from of camper to park pickup at an angle. I have never seen anything like this place before. And hope I never do. Pictures you see of campground are SO VERY MUCH deceiving !!!!!. I rate it a one star only because it will not allow me to go any lower.
Scout
Langwood Education Center looks like a great spot for a weekend camping trip, especially if you’re into outdoor education. If you’re planning to camp there with kids, it could be a fun way to blend learning and adventure. Plus, it’s close enough to larger cities, making it convenient for a quick getaway. I’ve been planning something similar but also juggling a lot of writing assignments lately. For those who need help with academic papers or essays while on the go, https://99papers.com/essay-writing/ has been a great resource. They’ve saved me a lot of time when I’ve had deadlines looming. Anyway, has anyone visited recently and can share tips on the best trails or activities for families?
Guide
Small quite county park with electricity at most sites. First come sites. On Labor Day weekend only 5 campers there out of 21 sites. We found one with mostly shade. There is a first class 21 hole frisbee golf course at this park. Close to 52 mile Cedar Valley Nature bike trail. On the Cedar River. Boats were going in and out, I would guess you could Kayak there. One half mile on gravel to the park. No cell service.
Legend
The campground offers to camp areas: one better suited for RVs, and the other area is better suited for primitive tent, camping. Sites have picnic tables and fire rings, our recites include electric. There is a campground host, shower house, shelter and playground area there too. The tent sites are prone to flooding occasionally from the gun river. There is a boat ramp with access to the river for fishing and paddling.
Legend
Campground has gravel lanes, roads pads, appears to have annual residence, campground office, pool is clean, planes, farm, and fleet nearby for Supplies. Sites include tables, water, electric, though need updating.
Guide
My dad and I tent cramped here in mid August. It is the perfect camping destination between Amana colonies and Iowa City.
Traveler
This was a great campground very clean all around, very nice pool..wish I could for a month. But they don't allow monthly stays
Legend
This cabin has all modern conveniences with two sleeping rooms, full service, kitchen, living room, with sofa, sleeper, and fireplace, ADA bathroom and a covered porch overlooking the lake. There’s a gas grill, fire pit, picnic table for outdoor recreation. The park offers kayak rentals, paddle boat rentals, swimming beach in season, and concessions.
Legend
This modern cabin offers to better bedrooms, full service, kitchen, living room, with sofa, sleeper, and fireplace, ADA bathroom, covered porch with chairs and view of the lake, fire pit, and picnic table outside. Park offers, kayak and paddleboard, rentals, concessions, and a swimming beach in season.
GuideAmazing experience with lots of amenities and space to spread out.
Easy to get to, very well maintained, electric hookups with 120 volt power outlets, lots of stuff to do, including: hiking, swimming, kayaking, easy to get to amenities and grocery stores. plenty of trails and overlooks with picnic benches. Fire pits With built in grill grates.
Scout
Clean, quiet and well set campsite for all camping styles. Set well off the main road, the gravel road is well maintained, graded well for easy driveable whee truck, rvs or trailers. Family and pet friendly, clean, well kept property, amenities on site,completive priced sites for camping and to gather together and enjoy life for a moment or two. Check it out, don't believe you will regret it. Peace fellow travelers.
RangerVery well kept campground! Bathrooms and entire area was really in perfect shape. One of the cleanest showers and bathrooms I have seen. $10 for tent, $16 for electric - how can you go wrong?
Only issue is that the spots are pretty close together. Around 2:30am there was so much smoke in our van from nearby campfires that I woke up sick and my dog threw up all over the bed. At 3am we decided we needed to move to an electric site because it was too much to have the windows open. I felt really bad for anyone in a tent. I coughed all the next day.
The campground was not that busy so there is no way I would stay here on a busy holiday weekend due to the spots being too close. If a few people make a fire you better shut down all your windows. No sleeping in the cool, night air here.
But this is an issue at other places too. Just never experienced anything on this level before. Esp considering no one in our section even had a fire going.
I wish campgrounds would start banning these fires. But that’s a topic for a later date.
Other than that it was a great spot.
Scout
Beautiful relaxing spot. We were in a spot on a hill top.
ScoutI loved this campground. There are a variety of sites to choose from, nice trees, and a beautiful wildflower field to walk through. Bathrooms are stationed without so it’s never a far walk and the shower house was really nice. You can hear the highway, but overall the campground was very quiet.
Camping near Iowa City offers a great mix of outdoor fun and relaxation. With several campgrounds in the area, you can find the perfect spot to enjoy nature and make lasting memories.
With these insights, you’ll be well-prepared for a great camping experience near Iowa City!
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular campground near Iowa City, IA?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Iowa City, IA is Sugar Bottom Campground with a 4.5-star rating from 23 reviews.
What parks are near Iowa City, IA?
According to TheDyrt.com, there are 6 parks near Iowa City, IA that allow camping, notably Coralville Lake and Mississippi River - Pools 11-22.
