W
World T.
Scout
ScoutLake Darling State Park Campground
Quiet
Quiet place. Camp host was friendly. Bathroom needs a little care but overall great campground. As far as cellular service, I was only getting one bar, however Starlink worked great.
Camping near Solon, IA
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SUMMARY PRESENTED BY
Campgrounds near Solon, Iowa cluster around the Coralville Lake and Iowa River region, offering a mix of Corps of Engineers and state park facilities. Sugar Bottom Campground, Lake Macbride State Park, and F.W. Kent Park provide the backbone of established camping in the area, with accommodations ranging from primitive tent sites to full-hookup RV spots. Most campgrounds feature a combination of wooded and open sites, with many offering direct lake or river access for fishing and water recreation. The region includes both modern facilities with electric hookups and more rustic options for those seeking a quieter experience.
Seasonal considerations affect camping availability throughout the year, with several campgrounds operating from spring through fall. The area experiences periodic flooding events along the Cedar River and Iowa River, which can temporarily close certain campgrounds or restrict access to some sites. Most campgrounds require reservations, particularly for electric sites and during summer weekends. Temperatures in eastern Iowa range from hot and humid in summer to below freezing in winter. Local campgrounds typically provide drinking water, picnic tables, and fire rings, with varying levels of additional amenities like showers and dump stations. A visitor noted, "Very nice COE campground north of Iowa City in the Lake Coralville area. Beautiful setting, lots of options for sites. A recent wind storm had the area shut down for two weeks but they did a great job cleaning up."
Campers frequently mention the abundance of recreational opportunities as a key highlight of the Solon area. Multiple reviews praise the access to mountain biking trails, hiking paths, fishing spots, and water activities. Lake Macbride State Park offers both modern and primitive camping areas, with the primitive sites being described as more isolated and quieter despite having fewer amenities. The Corps of Engineers campgrounds around Coralville Lake provide excellent fishing opportunities and beach access, though primitive camping areas may have limited flat spots for setting up tents. Several visitors mentioned appreciating the proximity to Iowa City for urban amenities while still enjoying natural surroundings. According to one camper, the area is "a great campground if you want to mountain bike, kayak, boat, hike, fish, play disc golf or just enjoy the view of the lake."
Best Campgrounds near Solon (132)
1. Sugar Bottom Campground
"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."
"Very nice COE campground north of Iowa City in the Lake Coralville area. Beautiful setting, lots of options for sites."
from $14 - $260 / night
Check Availability2. West Overlook Campground
"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."
from $22 - $28 / night
Check Availability3. Modern North Campground — Lake Macbride State Park
"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"
from $26 - $38 / night
Check Availability4. F. W. Kent Park
"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."
from $20 / night
Check Availability5. Primitive South Campground — Lake Macbride State Park
"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."
from $14 - $25 / night
Check Availability6. Palisades-Kepler State Park Campground
"Great walking trails through wooded areas near the river. Beautiful place."
"Situated along the Cedar river, fishing and paddling can be done. Lots of trails, CG and cabins closed for winter season for improvements and online reservations."
from $18 - $80 / night
Check Availability7. Linder Point Campground
"This is one of around 4 campgrounds near/around Lake Coralville."
"Natural setting with plenty of trees and located near Coralville Reservoir. Paved roads and sites. Ample roam for big rigs, but no pull through sites."
from $26 - $30 / night
Check Availability8. Scales Pointe Camping and Boating
"The couple downfalls is the shower and bath house is outdated and there's no swimming area on this side of the lake. Other than that I had a blast."
"Just looking for a layover spot after a long day of driving. Couldn't figure out where to register so we walked into the bar/restaurant, Bobber's Grill. The owner was at the bar."
9. Tailwater West Campground
"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."
from $14 - $30 / night
Check Availability10. Beyonder Getaway at Sleepy Hollow
"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"
from $45 - $65 / night
Check Availability
Drive Time
- 19 min from Cedar Rapids, IA
- 20 min from Iowa City, IA
- 57 min from Davenport, IA
- 1 hr 9 min from Dubuque, IA
Recent Camping Photos near Solon, IA
110 Photos of 132 Solon Campgrounds
Megan M.
Primitive South Campground — Lake Macbride State Park
Matthew M.
Macbride Nature Recreation Area
Mindi M.
Modern North Campground — Lake Macbride State Park
Steve T.
Sugar Bottom Campground
Kayla M.
Tailwater East Campground
Matthew M.
West Overlook Campground
Amy W.
Cottonwood Campground/Coralville Lake (COE)
Carrie V.
Palisades-Kepler State Park Campground
James M.
F. W. Kent Park
Susanjoy P.
Hills Access Campground
Stuart K.
Beyonder Getaway at Sleepy Hollow
Recent Reviews near Solon, IA
544 Reviews of 132 Solon Campgrounds
Stuart K.
LegendSummit Cabin 2, West Lake Park
Front-Porch Perch Above Railroad Lake
If sleeping on the ground has begun losing some of its charm, Summit Cabin 2 at West Lake Park offers a pretty compelling alternative. Perched atop a rolling prairie hillside overlooking Railroad Lake, this modern 1.2K sq ft cabin combines the serenity of camping with enough creature comforts that you might briefly forget you're supposed to be 'roughing it'. Managed by the Scott County Conservation Board, the cabin is ADA-accessible, sleeps up to eight and sits within a 620-acre county park encompassing 4 lakes, giving you plenty of nature outside the door without surrendering air conditioning, indoor plumbing or a proper mattress at the end of the day.
Inside, this place is impressively equipped with two bedrooms - one with a queen bed plus twin bunks and a second room with a queen - a queen sleeper sofa, full kitchen with stove/oven, refrigerator, microwave and dishwasher, dining table for eight, modern bathroom with shower, Wi-Fi, gas fireplace, heat and air conditioning. Outside you'll find a covered porch overlooking the lake, picnic table, fire ring and gas grill, with parking for 2 vehicles. The kitchen even includes dishes, cookware and utensils, although you'll need to bring your own bedding, pillows, bath towels and toiletries. Pets aren't permitted, which is worth remembering before Fido hops into the truck expecting a weekend at the lake.
The real advantage, though, is everything waiting beyond the front porch. West Lake Park offers four lakes for fishing and recreation, a seasonal swimming beach, boat dock, accessible fishing dock, paddleboat rentals, playgrounds, trails, disc golf and seasonal concessions. For forgotten groceries or something worthy of tossing onto that gas grill, nearby Hy-Vee Grocery Store on West Locust Street is a convenient Davenport resupply option; you're also close enough to the Quad Cities that civilization never feels particularly far away.
Insider's tips? Here's a handful: (1) Bring a couple of lawn chairs because that covered porch overlooking Railroad Lake begs for morning coffee and an evening sundowner, but it's in the shade - if you want to grab some proper dawn or dusk light, you'll need to bring your own seat; (2) pack all bedding and bath linens, because those aren't provided; (3) bring fishing rods and take advantage of the park's four lakes, or make a day of the swimming beach and paddling opportunities during warmer months; (4) Firewood is available for purchase inside the park, saving you from hauling your own; (5) Remember that only two vehicles may park at the cabin, although overflow parking is nearby (like literally 20 yards from the VIP parking you'll find here at the cabin); and (5) Don't arrive expecting to pitch an extra tent beside the cabin as tents and campers aren't permitted within the cabin area.
Happy Camping!
- LLori M.
TravelerWest Overlook Campground
So may options!
I rolled in on a Tuesday with no reservation and got a fantastic site. It was easy to reserve online after I picked one out. The site is really clean and there is easy access to the water in just a short walk. The shower house and facilities are nice and it is cheaper than most state parks I stopped at on this trip. I would stay here again!
Gail G.TravelerSummit Campground - West Lake Park
Nice county park
Stayed one night as passing thru, has lots of pull thru sites, FHU, and 30/50 amp. Great bathrooms, some shaded sites. Kinda crazy, pulled into gate 5 to check if had available site, was told, had to go into gate 1, pick an open site, and then go back to gate 5 to pay!!! Thankful the ranger, who we followed into campground, set up, and were able to pay ranger, thus did not need to disconnect our tow car! Can book in advance online which would be easier, but we were winging the one night stay.
Garet W.
GuidePinicon Ridge Park
My 2nd visit to Pinicon
One of my favorites. Iowa knows how to do County campgrounds. Firefly campground has full hookups and reservations. The other campgrounds have water and electric and are first come first serve. I arrived on a Friday afternoon in July and found a site easily.
Royce M.ScoutMcFarlane Park
Nice park
A well kept park with a very laid back atmosphere. Buggy yes but the park is worth it.
- BBonnie G.Scout
Palisades-Kepler State Park Campground
Very Quiet
The campground was very nice and clean. Rangers made several loops around so we felt safe. Saw plenty of wildlife. Campsites were big but not level. We thought they only had outhouses until we discovered a modern bathhouse at the other end of the campground. Showers were big but very shall rustic. We only stayed one night as we were passing through but definitely could be an option in the future for other stays.
- TTim Z.Guide
Linder Point Campground
Quiet and VERY clean
Good spacing between spots that have oversized cement slabs. The bath/shower rooms are the cleanest I have even witnessed.
There is a bike trail running just outside the campground.
Hills, trees and water.
- MMindi M.Traveler
Modern North Campground — Lake Macbride State Park
Three nights in early July
We really liked the nearby trails and the beach area was lovely. Our dogs lived hiking to the spillway and laying down for a soak. Our site (35) was slanted and wished we had more shade since it was in the upper 80s while we were there. Site 38 would be great for full shade and more privacy. Next time.
Guide to Solon
The area surrounding Solon, Iowa sits within Johnson County where terrain transitions from wooded river valleys to prairie uplands at elevations ranging from 700-850 feet. Camping options include both Corps of Engineers facilities and county parks, with varying levels of tree cover affecting shade availability throughout the summer. Most campgrounds in the region remain open April through October, though several offer year-round access.
What to do
Fossil hunting opportunities: At the Devonian Fossil Gorge near West Overlook Campground, visitors can explore unique geological features. "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," notes Janet R.
Mountain biking access: Multiple trail networks connect to camping areas around Coralville Lake. At Lake Macbride State Park, campers appreciate the outdoor activities. "There is easy access to a nearby mountain bike trail complex, the state park, fishing, and boating," explains a visitor.
Winter camping options: Unlike most seasonal facilities, several campgrounds remain open year-round. The West Overlook Campground offers off-season availability. "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," says Janet R.
What campers like
Budget-friendly options: Primitive camping areas provide substantial savings compared to full-hookup sites. According to Jeff A. at Primitive South Campground, campers enjoy "clean sites right on the lake... Peaceful nights with other friends & other campers.. Good place to launch kayaks from.. We had cell service.. Free firewood for campers was a plus!!! $9.00/night!!!"
Quiet weekday experiences: Mid-week visits significantly reduce crowding issues at most campgrounds. At F.W. Kent Park, one camper noted: "Stayed just overnight and enjoyed the dam at sunset. Would love to go back."
Lake access variety: Different campgrounds offer varied waterfront experiences. At Sandy Beach Camp, visitors appreciate waterfront positioning. Kristin B. shares that it's "probably the best spot in the whole camp, overlooks the lake. Level sites with adequate space."
What you should know
Post-derecho recovery: The 2020 windstorm damaged many campground areas, but cleanup efforts have progressed. At Linder Point Campground, visitors note the natural setting has been restored: "Natural setting with plenty of trees and located near Coralville Reservoir. Paved roads and sites. Ample roam for big rigs, but no pull through sites."
Site levelness varies: Many campgrounds in the area have sloped sites requiring leveling equipment. At Primitive South Campground, one camper observed: "Very few spots had flat area for tents, most were on a hill."
Cell service inconsistency: Coverage varies significantly between campgrounds, even those close together. At Tailwater West Campground, Nick B. warns: "Don't plan on using Verizon. I had 1 bar could get texts but not enough to have internet."
Tips for camping with families
Ice cream proximity: At Linder Point Campground, families appreciate the nearby dessert option. "Near the campground within walking distance is a super cute old fashioned ice cream/food place called Funcrest Dairy and Grill. We had several root beer floats during our stay and enjoyed the fifties music and themed style while there," shares Stephanie S.
Playground access: Multiple campgrounds feature play equipment for children. At Scales Pointe Camping and Boating, campers note: "There is a playground for the kids and a huge patio next to it attached to the bar and restaurant."
Beach considerations: Sandy Beach Camp's namesake feature requires attention. "A bummer is that it's called sandy beach but the beach seems to be forgotten and overgrown," reports Tiffany K., suggesting families check beach conditions before planning water activities.
Tips from RVers
Dump station locations: Several campgrounds share common dumping facilities. At Sugar Bottom Campground, MickandKarla W. notes: "They have a double-hole dump station that can be accessed in both directions."
Hook-up configurations: Electrical service types vary between campgrounds. One reviewer at Palisades-Kepler State Park mentioned: "Campground offers pads, firings, electric, tables, and there is a dump station."
Satellite connectivity: Tree cover affects satellite reception differently across campgrounds. Peter K. at Linder Point Campground observed: "Open sky at most sites for Starlink. No other amenities at this campsite for children, but there are hiking trails and activities at the nearby reservoir recreation areas."
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular campground near Solon, IA?
Which is the most popular campground near Solon, IA?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Solon, IA is Sugar Bottom Campground with a 4.5-star rating from 24 reviews.
What parks are near Solon, IA?
What parks are near Solon, IA?
According to TheDyrt.com, there are 5 parks near Solon, IA that allow camping, notably Coralville Lake and Mississippi River - Pools 11-22.
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