Best Campgrounds near Solon, IA

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 Camping Sites Near Solon, Iowa (128)

    1. Sugar Bottom Campground

    24 Reviews
    North Liberty, IA
    5 miles
    Website
    +1 (319) 624-2102

    $14 - $240 / night

    "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."

    2. West Overlook Campground

    18 Reviews
    Coralville, IA
    6 miles
    Website
    +1 (319) 338-3685

    $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."

    3. Modern North Campground — Lake Macbride State Park

    15 Reviews
    Solon, IA
    4 miles
    Website
    +1 (319) 624-2200

    $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"

    4. F. W. Kent Park

    18 Reviews
    Oxford, IA
    13 miles
    Website
    +1 (319) 645-2315

    $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."

    5. Primitive South Campground — Lake Macbride State Park

    10 Reviews
    Solon, IA
    2 miles
    +1 (319) 624-2200

    $10 - $25 / night

    "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."

    6. Palisades-Kepler State Park Campground

    9 Reviews
    Ely, IA
    7 miles
    Website
    +1 (319) 895-6039

    $12 - $80 / night

    "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."

    7. Scales Pointe Camping and Boating

    4 Reviews
    Coralville Lake, IA
    5 miles
    Website
    +1 (319) 665-3474

    "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."

    8. Linder Point Campground

    4 Reviews
    Coralville, IA
    6 miles
    Website
    +1 (319) 338-3685

    $26 - $30 / night

    "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."

    9. Tailwater West Campground

    4 Reviews
    Coralville, IA
    6 miles
    Website
    +1 (319) 338-3685

    $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."

    10. Sandy Beach Camp

    3 Reviews
    Ely, IA
    5 miles
    Website
    +1 (319) 848-4400

    $14 - $28 / night

    "Probably the best spot in the whole camp, overlooks the lake. Level sites with adequate space."

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Recent Reviews near Solon, IA

494 Reviews of 128 Solon Campgrounds


  • JThe Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 13, 2025

    Central Park

    Late Season Camping

    Great weather.. The sites were clean.. Small lake to fish and kayak!

  • PThe Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 1, 2025

    Linder Point Campground

    Well designed and maintained small RV campground j

    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. Electricity only, with fresh water and a dump station nearby. Modern and clean bathhouse. 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.

  • RThe Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 24, 2025

    Summit Campground - West Lake Park

    Nice Break

    We are headed to North Carolina and needed a break from the back-to-back travel days. This campground was clean and quiet while we’re were there. We did stay from Monday to Wednesday so it might be busier on the weekends.

  • Emily B.
    Sep. 21, 2025

    River Junction

    Great views and location, but not private and not well-marked

    This was our first time camping here. We pulled in around 8pm when it was already dark and there was another car that had just entered the campground in front of us. After driving down the hill, he saw the basic “welcome” and “Pay here” signs next to a 4-car parking area. There were no signs marking where the bathroom was or any directions on how to choose a site. The group ahead of us chose to camp next to the boat ramp, so we circled around the loop and chose a dirt pad on the right side of the loop next to the river. We were very confused because the pictures on Dyrt showed picnic tables and fire rings at every site, but these were nowhere to be seen. It was getting late, so we set up the tent and went to bed. It wasn’t until the morning that we had discovered that we weren’t camping in one of the marked sites! As it turns out, all 4 sites were walk-in sites on grass behind the parking area that had been occupied by 2 cars when we pulled in. The signage didn’t clarify this and we couldn’t see the marked sites when it was dark! The marked sites were pretty close together and they offered no privacy between groups. Additionally, upon leaving we discovered that the toilet was on the top of the hill right by the entrance. Due to the lack of signage and privacy in between the official campsites, I rate 3 stars. It was very beautiful and peaceful, but it was very confusing in the dark.

  • James M.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 15, 2025

    Summit Cabin 2, West Lake Park

    Nice modern cabin along lake

    Cabin has on-site parking as well as overflow parking nearby, hard surface with picnic table, and firing, gas grill, covered porch with Lakeview, sleeps eight, fireplace and full kitchen amenities, ADA accessible restroom. Park offers seasonal swimming beach, for lakes to paddle and fish at, disc golf course, Concessions in season, and lots of trails.

  • Michael P.
    Sep. 13, 2025

    Fairport State Recreation Area Campground

    Host not friendly very rude woman would not recommend staying here at all

    Would not recommend fairport camping  in muscatine iowa at all the host is rude and non caring personality more like two faced   i would recommend  shady creek  or one of the others on the same hwy if looking for nice and great host

    On the note dnr are great thou

  • Jorge F.
    Sep. 8, 2025

    Cedar River Campground

    Good place to go camping with friends and family.

    “This place became my wife’s and daughters’ favorite this year. It is a place where everyone who visits is very kind and respectful. The managers are always courteous and attentive.”

  • Steve T.
    Sep. 7, 2025

    Saulsbury Bridge Rec Area - Cedar River Campground

    Enjoyable Stay

    The sites are spaced apart well and clean with a beautiful view of the Cedar River. If you camp on the riverside campground be sure to bring a bike or extra vehicle if you camp on the far end because the bathrooms are bit of a walk. And bring a grate with you for your fire ring as some have them and some don’t. All and all it was an enjoyable stay with a fantastic view, even caught a few fish since our campsite was literally on the river edge

  • DThe Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 6, 2025

    Shady Creek

    Beautiful View

    Site #12 with electric hookup was in my opinion the best site. Right on the back of the mighty Mississippi. Very clean friendly stay


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?

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?

According to TheDyrt.com, there are 5 parks near Solon, IA that allow camping, notably Coralville Lake and Mississippi River - Pools 11-22.