Campgrounds around Mount Vernon, Iowa sit within the rolling landscape of eastern Iowa near the Cedar River watershed, with elevations ranging from 750-850 feet. Most camping areas operate from April through October, with West Overlook Campground being one of the few open year-round. Summer temperatures typically reach 80-90°F with frequent afternoon thunderstorms, especially from June through August.
What to do
Fishing access points: Sugar Bottom Campground provides convenient access to Coralville Lake for fishing. "Nice location to spend time fishing, watching sunsets, and paddle. Near Wild Cat Den State Park," notes James M. about nearby Shady Creek.
Visit the Amana Colonies: Just a short drive from Mount Vernon, Amana RV Park & Event Center serves as a convenient base for exploring this historic area. "We used our bikes and biked around the colonies. Place was clean, showers and bathroom great. We were there after Labor Day and had section to ourselves," shares Carol J.
Fossil hunting: The Devonian Fossil Gorge near West Overlook Campground offers a unique opportunity to see ancient fossils exposed after the 1993 flood. "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," explains one camper.
What campers like
Concrete camping pads: West Overlook Campground offers level concrete pads for easier setup. "The sites are wide open and generally level, in and out is a breeze. 30 minute walk to the idyllic town of Amana," reports Dan L.
Riverside sites: Campgrounds along the Mississippi River offer scenic views. "Site #12 with electric hookup was in my opinion the best site. Right on the back of the mighty Mississippi. Very clean friendly stay," writes Donna T. about Shady Creek.
Swimming options: Several campgrounds feature swimming areas. "Great campground, cheap sites with electric and water even for tent campers. Fantastic amenities including hot showers and nice bathrooms and a cleaning station with sink basin for camping dishes. Great beach swimming area," says Steve T. about Sugar Bottom Campground.
What you should know
Reservation requirements: Most popular campgrounds fill quickly during peak season. "Make your reservations as early as you can. The spots go quick! The campground even has a military spot!" advises Kimberly W. about Shady Creek.
Train noise considerations: Some otherwise peaceful sites may experience train disruptions. "Only negative was that there is a train track real close and a lot of crosses, so you will hear a lot of close train horns and they go deep into the night/morning," warns David D.
Weather impacts: Little Bear Campground and other sites with gravel roads can become problematic during storms. "The down sides of the park were that the roads and pads are gravel so I could see it becoming an issue during weather but we didn't have much trouble leveling," notes Ash B.
Tips for camping with families
Kid-friendly amenities: Some campgrounds offer extensive family activities. "Great place for kids. This place had so much! They had a little train ride, miniature golf course, catch and release fishing in their pond, splash pad, lots of cool hand-built structures to see as well," shares one visitor about Beyonder Getaway at Lazy Acres.
Tent camping options: Most RV parks accommodate tent campers as well. "We tent camped here for two nights so we could visit the Amana Colonies. This is an RV park with tent sites on the lawn around the perimeter. A bit of a walk to the bathroom and showers, but the sites were level with short grass," reports Kimberly B.
Swimming safety: Beaches at campgrounds may lack lifeguards. "The campground is one of many around Coralville Lake. This campground is close to the dam and the Devonian Fossil Gorge," notes Carolyn M. about West Overlook Campground.
Tips from RVers
Leveling requirements: Most rv sites near Mount Vernon, Iowa have varying surface quality. "Never seen a park where every pad was level like this one. Electric was 30/50 at each site and water was dispersed throughout the park, but often too far for a hose to reach," explains Gary P. about Shady Creek.
Water access limitations: Some rv camping near Mount Vernon requires planning for water hookups. "The water is shared by 4 sites and was 30 ft away," notes Barbara P. about her camping experience.
Full-service options: Cedar River Campground offers complete hookups for extended stays. "Seasonal campground along the Cedar River with camp store, ice, wood, propane, showers/restrooms. Has playground, pool, mini golf, Cedar River access too," explains James M.
