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."
$14 - $260 / 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."
$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."
"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"
$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."
"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."
$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."
"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."
$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."
$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."
$45 - $65 / night
"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"
LegendThis seasonal campground offers picnic tables, fire rings, play area, restrooms, and fire hydrants for water with dump station. The park offers trails, a nature center, shelter, and lake. Situated near convenience stores for Supplies as well.
LegendRV park is all gravel, electric, water on site, Tables, communal, fire pit, situated next to a cornfield, there are shade trees.
LegendThis overnight location is located along interstate 80 and includes restaurants, fuel, food, ice, showers, chiropractor, dentist, auto supplies, propane, car wash. This space though it is well lit, it is very busy. Regular idling sounds from trucks are heard.
LegendSummit campground offers basic amenities, including firings, Tables, water, electric, sewer, hard pads, seasonal host, firewood, play area, shower, house, and restrooms. The park offers, swimming, fishing, paddling, lakes, with concessions, disc golf, course, trails, and cabins nearby.
LegendPark Terrace campground offers basic sites, including firing, water, electric septic, picnic tables, gravel, pads, firewood, on site, camp, ground host, seasonally, recycling station, shower, house, and restrooms, play area. The park itself offers lake, fishing and paddling, a beach open seasonally, disc golf course, shelters for rent, tent areas as well.
GuideI live in the area we have visited many times throughout my life. The park is always well maintained, clean, friendly rangers, and good accommodations for the size of the park. There’s a swimming area, play grounds, shelters, trails, plenty of places to fish, plenty of parking, and beautiful scenery. I have stayed in both tent sites and camper sites. All were what you would expect from a county park. Nothing extraordinary or fancy but great for what it is and where it is located. It is very popular and there are always many campers even in winter.
LegendFollowing up on my review from over a year ago, I’m adding a bunch of additional reflections and tips as well as an abbreviated post pointing out the HIGHS and LOWS of this camp loop near the remarkable cave system of Maquoketa Caves State Park, Iowa.
HIGHLIGHTS: (1) The campground is nestled under a dense canopy of tall trees, offering shade, peace and a deep-woods feel rarely found so close to a major trail and cave network; (2) It’s just a short walk from the trailhead of the park’s famed 13-cave system, making it ideal for early morning spelunkers or families wanting adventure without long drives; (3) Campsites are reasonably spacious and include essential hookups with 24 of the roughly 28 sites featuring 20 / 30 / 50-amp electric and many are well separated from neighbors; (4) The modern bathhouse and showers are clean and appreciated, especially after muddy hikes through the caves; (5) Wildlife and geology lovers will be delighted, where you can expect to see deer, turkey, and perhaps even a bat fluttering near dusk, with cave formations and hiking trails that are genuinely outstanding; and (6) The campground here really is one of the best I’ve ever come across, where it is nicely tucked away AFTER you pass by the tourist trappings that these bat caves produce, but what you will enjoy most is the serenity of the place, watching as the thick mist lifts from the campground area as the sun rises higher during the day giving off a very cool vibe to this place.
LOWLIGHTS: (1) Some of the access roads and pads are packed sand and gravel rather than smooth pavement, which can challenge level setup for larger rigs after rain; (2) Trail signage can be minimal and navigating the caves may get confusing without a good flashlight or headlamp; (3) Although the hookups exist, this campground is still basic compared to full-service resorts (which, TBH is why I love it here so much), so no big clubhouse or elaborate amenities; (4) Sites closer to the entrance (like #1-#3 or #27-#28) can register more traffic and less tranquility than those deeper in the loop; and (5) Bee and mosquito activity near the creek and cave edges can pick up at dusk in the summer, so a bit of bug protection goes a long way.
Happy Camping!
LegendI’m following up on my review from over a year ago with updated feedback, some additional pics and a quick summary of HIGHLIGHTS and LOWLIGHTS.
HIGHLIGHTS: (1) The campground offers full-hookup RV sites, including pull-throughs and back-ins, along with tent and cabin options that altogether works for a wide range of camping styles; (2) The atmosphere is very family-oriented, with play areas for kids, golf cart rentals, weekend activities and even a communal fire pit near the pond; (3) Amenities are plentiful, with laundry, a small on-site store, free WiFi, kid’s playground, horseshoe pits, a basketball court and plans for a pool; (4) The views are attractive, with sunsets over the pond that create an easygoing, picture-perfect backdrop for evening campfires and s’mores; and (5) The park is Good Sam verified, has a history of positive impressions, and promotes eco-friendly practices.
LOWLIGHTS: (1) There are definitely sites that are uneven or in a few cases, poorly maintained, requiring extra leveling work or creative parking to get set up properly; (2) A few of the facilities feel worn down, with issues like broken water hookups, muddy access points or bathrooms that could use more attention; (3) Inconsistency of maintenance and site quality – sometimes it just depends upon what day of the week you show up to find out whether or not things are organized and in good condition; (4) The beach area near the pond is not especially inviting, as it can be covered in goose and duck doo-doo, which detracts from the idea of relaxing at the shoreline; and (5) Reservations are handled by phone rather than online, which works for some people, but I find it inconvenient and very 1983.
Happy Camping!
LegendFollowing up on my review from over a year ago, here’s a refreshed look at this warm, unpretentious, and delightfully layered campground just east of Maquoketa Caves State Park.
HIGHLIGHTS: (1) The campground’s two-tiered design offers a unique blend of rustic seclusion and riverside serenity where the upper plateau caters to tent campers with grassy lawns, mature shade trees and well-maintained fire rings, while the lower level hugs the slow-moving Maquoketa River and is more suited to the RV camping tribe; (2) Karen Townsend, who manages the place, and her welcoming crew embody true Midwestern hospitality – you know, the kind that makes strangers feel like locals; (3) The lower section features spacious riverfront sites with water and 30-amp hookups, plus a small boat ramp, diving platform and calm waters for kayaking or just floating; (4) The peace and quiet are unbeatable, with the only background noise being a chorus of crickets and the soft babble of the river; and (5) Location-wise, it’s hard to top, being just minutes from Maquoketa Caves State Park, and surrounded by scenic farmland with zero city intrusion.
LOWLIGHTS: (1) The campground operates strictly on cash, money order, or check, so if you’re the ‘tap-to-pay’ type, plan ahead or you’ll be driving back into town for funds; (2) The gravel descent to the river level can be tricky for longer trailers or heavy rigs, particularly after a good Iowa rain; (3) Amenities are minimal here with no frills, no WiFi, no clubhouse… but that’s exactly what keeps this place authentic and peaceful.
Happy Camping!
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.
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.
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."
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."
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.
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.
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