Kalona is an ideal place for camping adventures of all kinds. There's so much to see and do, from exhilarating hikes or bike rides to exploring the local dining and shopping. You're sure to find the perfect campground for your Kalona camping trip.
$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."
$14 - $240 / night
"Very nice COE campground north of Iowa City in the Lake Coralville area. Beautiful setting, lots of options for sites."
"Nice grassy sites near lake for fishing, hiking, wildlife viewing. Near Iowa Raptor Project that conducts raptor programs and site with walking tour and live raptors, and Macbride State Park as well."
$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"
$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."
"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."
"Awesome place by the Iowa river.. clean and quiet, no drinking water..."
$20 / 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"
"24 years ago River Jct Lone Tree Iowa was Just stumptown. Outhouse at the top. Just a spot by the river. A lone camper. How things have changed . Still primitive tent campgrounds there."
$20 / night
"Close to major highway. Gravel sites. Clean campground. Many paved and grass walking trails surrounded by trees and natural areas. Bath/shower house is under construction. Child’s play equipment."
"There are trails and fishing ponds, play grounds and picnic shelters. It is nice for group camping, but you are so close to other campers."
$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."
TravelerClean campsites, trash and recycling bins, trails, fishing, boating, cheap sites with electric and water hook up for $15 a night
TravelerClean camping sites, fantastic trails and fun historic sites to check out
TravelerThis is our go to campground! We have stayed at this campground several times and plan to several more times! Half of the campgrounds is first come first serve, the other half is reserve only.
LegendThis campground is maintained by the Army Corps of Engineers as part of an outdoor recreation complex around a large dam on the Iowa River. The reservoir behind the dam creates both the Coralville Lake alongside Lake MacBride which is a state park in a side bay. The recreation area also includes campgrounds and river recreation downstream of the dam, including a gorge of geologic interest that is filled with Devonian fossils exposed in the flood of 1993.
This review is for the West Overlook campground located on the lakeside upstream of the dam. This is one of the larger campgrounds at Coralville Lake, and is popular due to the large sandy beach, the modern boatlaunch area, and options for a variety of kinds of campsites in separate loops. Some of the loops are close to the lake or in various heights overlooking the lake, some loops are tucked into beautiful shady woods further inland. As a tent camper I chose one of the loops in the woods as the sites are larger and quieter and more spacious. All of the loops seem family friendly and pretty quiet even though pretty full. There are new modern bath houses with showers, and hiking trails all around. There is easy access to a nearby mountain bike trail complex, the state park, fishing, and boating. This seems to be a camping destination for a lot of folks in the area, but is also an easy stopover right off Interstate 80 for folks on road trips. It is also a nice and inexpensive basecamp for folks visiting Iowa City or the University of Iowa, only about a 15-20 minute drive away. My most recent time camping here was this month, May 2025, but I have camped here many times in the past as far back as 1964, and the campground improvements and recreation opportunities have just gotten better and better over the years. Its a popular location, so Spring camping is quieter; fall camping is also quiet, and the fall leaves are beautiful then.
GuideGreat place, 1 mile from Amana. Our second stay here, from Louisiana. Good food in Amana. Really nice folks, ground squirrels too 😁
TravelerThis 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. Two views of the lake, a modern bathroom and a pit style bathroom as well, no showers though. Plenty of wildlife, great for fishing, or just relaxing. The only cons: Shower house 8 miles away at north campsite, may need your own toilet paper as not always restocked quickly. Expect the usual run ins with raccoons, coyotes, and other wild life and guard your food from them. Pros: the view, spacious sites, peaceful, fishing
ScoutBeautiful, very large, clean, quiet, $20 for RV Campspot with electric, sewer dump at park entrance.
GuideBeautiful clean campground right next to the Mississippi River, Lots of Maple Trees, level concrete pads. Lots of people this weekend, but very quiet. Saw Canadian Geese with little goslings, such a nice treat.
ScoutOwners bought the campground in 2022 and have ruined it.Over 80 seasonal families gone in a matter of a year. They are just not a nice family. They don't mow, they don't keep the Cedar River landing clean, they have music until 2 and 3 in the morning.... NOT FAMILY FRIENDLY at all. Just LOOK INTO THEIR BACKGROUNDS.... The owners are thieves, liars and not good people!!! They moved here from the Nebraska/Iowa boarder and MAN DO THEY HAVE A BAD BACKGROUND!!! Totally research before you put your camper out there. They have not given deposits back. They have kicked seasonal campers out in June, July and August with NO REFUNDS!
Camping near Kalona, Iowa, offers a mix of beautiful landscapes and fun activities for everyone. Whether you're looking for a peaceful retreat or an adventurous getaway, there are several campgrounds to choose from.
Camping near Kalona, Iowa, has something for everyone, from families to RV enthusiasts. Just remember to plan ahead and enjoy the great outdoors!
Frequently Asked Questions
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Kalona, IA is F. W. Kent Park with a 4.8-star rating from 17 reviews.
According to TheDyrt.com, there are 6 parks near Kalona, IA that allow camping, notably Bankhead National Forest and Chugach National Forest.
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