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Best Campgrounds near Iowa City, IA

439 Reviews

Iowa City features a diverse range of camping opportunities for outdoor enthusiasts. At Maquoketa Caves State Park Campground, campers can explore unique geological formations while enjoying well-maintained facilities. West Overlook Campground, located near Coralville Lake, provides easy access to fishing and boating activities. Sugar Bottom Campground is another popular choice, offering scenic views and proximity to hiking trails. Each of these campgrounds includes amenities such as restrooms and potable water, ensuring a comfortable stay. The best time to visit is during the spring and fall when temperatures are mild. Summer months can be hot, so plan accordingly with plenty of water and sun protection. Winter camping is possible, but some facilities may be closed due to weather conditions. Access to these campgrounds is generally straightforward, with paved roads leading to most sites. However, it's advisable to check for any seasonal road closures or maintenance updates. If you're traveling with an RV, both West Overlook and Sugar Bottom Campgrounds accommodate larger vehicles with appropriate hookups. Always verify the availability of specific amenities before your trip to ensure a smooth experience. Remember to follow Leave No Trace principles to preserve the natural beauty of the area.

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Best Camping Sites Near Iowa City, Iowa (111)

    1. Sugar Bottom Campground

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

    $14 - $240 / night

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

    "A great campground if you want to mountain bike, kayak, boat, hike, fish, play disc golf or just enjoy the view of the lake. Lots of sites to choose from with varying amounts of privacy."

    2. West Overlook Campground

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

    $22 - $28 / night

    "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."

    "We were on a road trip from Colorado to Michigan and Iowa City is a good distance from our destination. The drive from I-80 is not too far and pretty. 

    The locale is beautiful, just on the lake."

    3. F. W. Kent Park

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

    $20 / night

    "It is the perfect camping destination between Amana colonies and Iowa City."

    "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."

    4. Modern North Campground — Lake Macbride State Park

    15 Reviews
    Solon, IA
    11 miles
    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
    10 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. Beyonder Getaway at Sleepy Hollow

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

    $45 - $65 / night

    "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"

    "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"

    7. Tailwater West Campground

    4 Reviews
    Coralville, IA
    5 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."

    8. Linder Point Campground

    3 Reviews
    Coralville, IA
    5 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!"

    9. Cottonwood Campground/Coralville Lake (COE)

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

    $14 / night

    "Campground Review:

    Cottonwood campground is one of several that surround Coralville Lake near Iowa City."

    "Showers/restrooms onsite, walk in sites too, firewood available at West Overlook permit station, beach nearby, Iowa River and Coralville Lake nearby (good fishing)."

    10. Tailwater East Campground

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

    $14 - $26 / night

    "CG has sites along Iowa River for good fishing and paddling."

    "Hot showers, very clean bathrooms, fish cleaning stations, some concrete pads, some gravel Site #1 is right next to the boat ramp with a very bright security light, FYI."

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Recent Camping Photos near Iowa City, IA

82 Photos of 111 Iowa City Campgrounds

Recent Reviews near Iowa City, IA

439 Reviews of 111 Iowa City Campgrounds

Guide to Iowa City

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.

What to do:

  • Explore the caves: At Maquoketa Caves State Park Campground, you can hike through beautiful trails and explore unique caves. One visitor said, "The caves make this a unique place to visit but the hiking is rigorous."
  • Fishing and boating: Shady Creek is right on the Mississippi River, making it a great spot for fishing and launching your boat. A camper mentioned, "Nice boat launch. Right on the Mississippi."
  • Disc golf and playgrounds: At West Overlook Campground, you can enjoy disc golf and let the kids play in the playground. One reviewer noted, "There is disc golf as well."

What campers like:

  • Clean facilities: Campers appreciate the cleanliness of the bathrooms and showers. One visitor at Lake Macbride State Park Campground said, "Clean bathrooms and multiple water wells spread out."
  • Spacious sites: Many campgrounds offer roomy sites. A reviewer at Scott County Park mentioned, "The sites themselves are HUGE and some of them would accommodate the largest camping rigs you could imagine."
  • Friendly staff: Campers often highlight the helpfulness of campground staff. A visitor at Fishermans Corner - Mississippi River said, "The hosts were absolutely the best! They walk through the camp each night checking sites."

What you should know:

  • Limited amenities: Some campgrounds, like Sugar Bottom Campground, do not have showers. A camper noted, "There are shower houses throughout the CG."
  • Noise from trains: If you're sensitive to noise, be aware that some campgrounds, such as Fishermans Corner, are near train tracks. One camper mentioned, "Train tracks are right next to the sites."
  • Busy on weekends: Many campgrounds can get crowded, especially on weekends. A visitor at Maquoketa Caves State Park Campground said, "We were dismayed when we arrived at 3 pm on a Sunday to find the place packed with day-use visitors."

Tips for camping with families:

  • Bring outdoor games: Many campgrounds have open spaces for kids to play. A reviewer at F. W. Kent Park said, "There are playgrounds for your kids to play in."
  • Plan for activities: Look for campgrounds with nearby attractions. One camper at Lake Macbride State Park Campground mentioned, "Will stay here again when come back to visit her."
  • Pack snacks and drinks: Having food on hand can make family outings easier. A visitor at Scott County Park noted, "The park is electric with a convenient dump and water station as you enter the park."

Tips from RVers:

  • Check site sizes: Some sites may not accommodate larger RVs. A camper at Lake Macbride State Park Campground said, "The biggest downside: hard to tell until you see your site if you have water pump close enough!"
  • Use leveling blocks: Many sites may require leveling. A visitor at Sugar Bottom Campground mentioned, "We did have to put blocks under the passenger-side tires."
  • Stay connected: If you need internet access, check cell service availability. A camper at Shady Creek said, "Good cell reception. We have Verizon."

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 24 reviews.

What parks are near Iowa City, IA?

According to TheDyrt.com, there are 6 parks near Iowa City, IA that allow camping, notably Bankhead National Forest and Chugach National Forest.

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