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."
