The Coralville Lake area near North Liberty sits at approximately 700 feet above sea level and experiences four distinct seasons with hot summers and cold winters. Winter temperatures often drop below freezing from November through March, making most campgrounds in the area seasonal operations that close during colder months. The lake itself covers nearly 5,300 acres with 85 miles of shoreline accessible for camping and recreation.
What to do
Fossil hunting: Visit Devonian Fossil Gorge near the dam, where flood waters in 1993 exposed a 375-million-year-old ocean floor. "The dam and the lake are cool, there's a decent beach, two playgrounds, and lots of sites to choose from... Not terrible but not great," notes Greg S. about West Overlook Campground.
Hiking trails: Explore extensive trail systems throughout the region. "Plenty of campsite offerings with good amenities. Paddling, fishing, hiking, swimming, to name a few. Conservation education center open seasonally with programs offered. Forest, prairie, wetland habitats," writes James M. about F.W. Kent Park.
Wildlife viewing: Watch for deer, wild turkeys, waterfowl and other animals throughout the area. "Saw wild turkeys and dear almost ever day walking the camp grounds," mentions Terri R. who tent camped at Lake Macbride State Park.
Fishing opportunities: Fish from shore or boat at multiple access points. "This campground has become our go to on travels west. September 9, 2020 was our third visit. Beautiful view of the water. Very clean and well run COE," writes John D. about West Overlook Campground.
What campers like
Tent-friendly options: Many sites accommodate tent camping with good shade. "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. about Amana RV Park & Event Center.
Convenient lake access: Several campgrounds offer direct water access. "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," says James M. about Sugar Bottom Campground.
Affordable rates: Many campgrounds have reasonable fees. "This is for the primitive southern camp site at lake macbride, iowa...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," says april W. about Primitive South Campground.
Modern facilities: Most established campgrounds offer clean amenities. "Stayed at the modern campground. Very quiet midweek in October which was great because there would be no privacy between the small sites. Nice walking access to nice beach to dam trail. We appreciated the small playground near the north campground," notes Adam J. about Lake Macbride State Park.
What you should know
Seasonal operation: Most campgrounds close during winter months. "This campground is closed for winter. Offers standard rv sites as well as tent (tables, fire ring), RR/showers, shelter, fish cleaning station. Iowa River runs alongside offering fishing," explains James M. about Tailwater West Campground.
Site spacing varies: Some campgrounds offer more privacy than others. "This was a very handy spot for an overnight while driving cross-country on I-80. We didn't have a reservation but found that there were several. We highly recommend W-38, where we set up our tent. It was a gravel pull-in that could have handled a small trailer. It was the most secluded site in the campground," shares Thomas B. about West Overlook Campground.
Reservation recommendations: Weekends and holidays fill quickly during summer. "This campground has two campgrounds. The modern side on the north end of the park with full hookups, and the primitive side on the south side of the park with no electricity or water hookups. Both campgrounds have flushing toilets but only the modern side has showers," reports Jacob B. about Lake Macbride State Park.
Dog friendly campgrounds near North Liberty: Most area campgrounds welcome pets but have leash requirements. "The campground has a variety of sites, with the 300 loop being full hook-ups. The sites down by the boat launch have electric only and tent sites," mentions MickandKarla W. about Sugar Bottom Campground.
Tips for camping with families
Playground options: Several campgrounds offer play areas. "This campground has many amenities for the whole family. From tent sites, to Airbnb cabins for 9 people they have a site for everyone. They have laundry, showers, horseshoes, volleyball, basketball, fishing and a swimming beach," writes Iris A. about Beyonder Getaway at Sleepy Hollow.
Swimming beaches: Look for designated swimming areas during summer months. "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. Fun for all," shares Steve T. about Sugar Bottom Campground.
Educational opportunities: Nearby nature centers provide family programming. "This is a real family oriented campground. Although it is a primative campground, it allows for fishing, boating and a playground," notes Jeannie B. about Lake Macbride State Park.
Pet-friendly camping near North Liberty: Many campsites accommodate dogs with specific rules. "This campground is one of many around Coralville Lake. Reservations are a must. This campground is close to the dam and the Devonian Fossil Gorge," shares Carolyn M. about West Overlook Campground.
Tips from RVers
Leveling requirements: Some campgrounds have uneven sites. "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," reports Erik W. about Beyonder Getaway at Sleepy Hollow.
Dump station locations: Know where to empty tanks. "Check-in was quick and easy. We proceeded to back-in site 61 with water and electric(50/30/20 AMP). We were one and done on what we thought might be a more difficult back-in, but there was enough level ditch in front to allow an easy swing. They have a double-hole dump station that can be accessed in both directions," explains MickandKarla W. about Sugar Bottom Campground.
Weather considerations: Plan for muddy conditions after rain. "This is a great location right in the Amana Colonies to explore the area. There are sites for tents up to big rigs. They have showers and laundry and the folks are very nice. Only minus is that most roads are gravel and if it rains alot, there are puddles everywhere," advises Julie G. about Amana RV Park & Event Center.
Pull-through availability: Several campgrounds offer easier access sites. "Nice gravel 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," notes James M. about Sugar Bottom Campground.
