The Dyrt is here to help plan your best camping near Shellsburg. There are tons of hikes and other fun activities to partake in. Experience some of the most stunning views that Iowa camping has to offer. At The Dyrt, campers like you share their favorite spots, plus tips and photos. No matter where you're headed in Shellsburg, you'll find the best spot for you and your camping crew.
$12 - $60 / night
"We stayed here for the easy access to the water for the Scouts to get out in canoes and fishing. I have been camping here off and on for the last 25 years. I have not had any issues at all. "
"It's a great recreational area, and a beautiful campground, tent camping is a breeze with very secluded sites, and well water very close to each site and a trail that leads to a large dumpster."
$35 - $50 / night
"Near the highway so it has truck noise"
"Near the highway but road noise is minimal."
"Trails close by and only about 5 min from expressway."
"Morgan Creek has amazing trails and the location is fantastic if you are looking for the camping expirence but still have work or other things to get done."
"There was no map so I only found one primitive site that was super exposed and next to the bathroom. The bathrooms… oh my lanta, that smell will haunt me for the rest of my days."
"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."
$25 - $42 / night
"Relatively wide open, sites adjacent to one another. Utilities all worked fine, decently maintained."
"Campground is a nice bike ride away from the Amana villages and overall a great base camp"
$54 / night
"Linn County, Iowa, county pack in Primitive site is near nature scape, pit toilets, offers fire pit with sitting blocks and firewood included with camp fee, nature center just yards away, trails, forested"
$23 - $33 / night
"We camped at this park for 9 nights with W/E on site with a dump upon exit/entrance. Our site was unlevel but was able to get the RV right with tri-levelers. "
"There are a variety of sites to choose from, nice trees, and a beautiful wildflower field to walk through."
"Dump available on entrance/exit. The site was a level rock pad witch was very spacious with a fire ring and picnic table. Nearest grocery store was within 5 miles. "
"Great county campground with water and electric sites, dump at exit. Bathrooms on loop B are dirty and dated. I suggest going up to the Plains loop and use it's facilities."
"It has a lake where you can fish swim kayak or troll with your boat."
TravelerClean campsites, trash and recycling bins, trails, fishing, boating, cheap sites with electric and water hook up for $15 a night
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
ScoutAll reservable spots...clean bathrooms, showers and spots. Beautiful park!
ScoutBeautiful, very large, clean, quiet, $20 for RV Campspot with electric, sewer dump at park entrance.
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!
ScoutThis is one of our go to parks. Even when we don’t camp, we love to swim here.
Camping near Shellsburg, Iowa, offers a variety of beautiful spots for outdoor enthusiasts. Whether you're looking for a peaceful retreat or an adventure-filled getaway, there are plenty of campgrounds to choose from.
Camping near Shellsburg, Iowa, has something for everyone, whether you're a family looking for fun or an RVer seeking comfort.
Frequently Asked Questions
According to TheDyrt.com, Shellsburg, IA offers a wide range of camping options, with 109 campgrounds and RV parks near Shellsburg, IA and 1 free dispersed camping spot.
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Shellsburg, IA is Pleasant Creek State Recreation Area with a 4.6-star rating from 5 reviews.
According to TheDyrt.com, there is 1 free dispersed camping spot near Shellsburg, IA.
According to TheDyrt.com, there are 5 parks near Shellsburg, IA that allow camping, notably Bankhead National Forest and Chugach National Forest.
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