The Dyrt is here to help plan your best camping near Swisher. Enjoy the scenic camping, fun activities, and sights and sounds of Swisher. Find the best campgrounds near Swisher, plus reviews and photos from other campers like you.
$14 - $240 / night
"Very nice COE campground north of Iowa City in the Lake Coralville area. Beautiful setting, lots of options for sites."
"Nice grassy sites near lake for fishing, hiking, wildlife viewing. Near Iowa Raptor Project that conducts raptor programs and site with walking tour and live raptors, and Macbride State Park as well."
$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."
$25 - $35 / 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"
$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."
$12 - $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."
$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"
$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"
$15 - $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."
$14 - $28 / night
"Probably the best spot in the whole camp, overlooks the lake. Level sites with adequate space."
TravelerNatural 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.
LegendFollowing up on my review from over a year and a half ago, I’m adding a bunch of additional photos as well as an abbreviated post pointing out the HIGHS and LOWS of this county park campground gem in a very rural part of Iowa.
HIGHLIGHTS: (1) EZ access and just a 20 minute / 9 mile drive due south from I-80 via Exit 201; (2) Incredibly well-manicured campground – very clean and well-organized; (3) Superb Midwestern hospitality from the CG staff and camping community; (4) The RV area looks to be brand spanking-new and offers very nice FHUs and fairly spacious areas as well as most have an excellent view of Lake Diamond; (5) The hiking trails and bountiful fishing spots make this a simply wonderful campground; (6) Incredibly simple honor system to accessing any site on a first-come, first-served basis – simply stick your money in an envelope and pick out whatever location suits you; (7) While basic, the bathhouses were in pretty good condition and very clean; (8) Kid’s playground is fantastic and nearly brand new; (9) Reasonably priced bundles of pre-cut firewood; and (10) Overall the overnight price to stay here, whether RV or tent-camping is very cheap, so great value for $
LOWLIGHTS: (1) There’s no security gate to prevent any wandering traffic in here, although you are so far out in the boondocks, it’s not really much of a concern; (2) The newly minted RV area slopes down to the lake, but as you park perpendicular, it shouldn’t be an issue; (3) Also, because the RV area is new, there’s no trees or brush, which creates a lack of privacy between sites; (4) Nearly all of the RV slots – save the few that are right next to the lake - have no shade, so bring your own awning or shelter; (5) Some sites have very close proximity to their neighbors; (6) Picnic tables & fire rings, at least in the tent camping areas, are worn-out and in pretty poor condition and should be replaced or refurbished; (7) The water in Lake Diamond is quite dark and murky, so unless you are an adventurous soul, I don’t recommend swimming here
Happy Camping!
ScoutThis 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.
ScoutWould 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
GuideClean showers & flush toilet’s. No hand towels. Sites are close together. Some road noise. But overall a nice campground for one night.
Traveler“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.”
GuideThe 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
LegendCabin has all amenities for six. Charcoal grill, fire ring with wood supplied, picnic table, covered porch, trail head right next to cabin. After hours offers quite park, dark skies, and trails with wildlife. Wapsipinicon River access just down River Trail.
LegendCG has newer RR/shower house. Sites have electric, fire rings, gravel pads. There is a Play area, shelter , host site, dump station. Park has small lake for paddling and fishing.
Camping near Swisher, Iowa, offers a mix of beautiful landscapes and fun activities for everyone. Whether you're looking for a quiet getaway or an adventurous family trip, there are plenty of campgrounds to choose from.
Camping around Swisher, Iowa, has something for everyone, whether you're a family looking for fun or an RVer seeking comfort.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where can I find camping opportunities in Swisher, Iowa?
While Swisher itself is a small town, several excellent campgrounds are located within a short drive. Sugar Bottom Campground is a popular Corps of Engineers site north of Iowa City featuring spacious sites, beautiful lake access, and wildlife viewing opportunities. Another great option is Cottonwood Campground/Coralville Lake (COE), which offers tent camping among trees with fire rings, showers, restrooms, and proximity to both the Iowa River and Coralville Lake for fishing. Both campgrounds provide easy access from Swisher and are within 20-30 minutes driving distance, making them convenient for visitors looking to experience Iowa's natural beauty.
What hotels or accommodations are available in Swisher for visitors?
Swisher itself has limited hotel options as it's a smaller community, but visitors can find alternative accommodations nearby. For those with RVs or campers, West Overlook Campground offers electric sites just off I-80 and is part of an outdoor recreation complex on the Iowa River. For budget-conscious travelers passing through, Walmart — Coralville Supercenter provides overnight parking with convenient highway access. Traditional hotels can be found in nearby larger communities like Cedar Rapids and Iowa City, which are both within a 20-minute drive from Swisher and offer a range of accommodations from budget to upscale options.
Which is the most popular campground near Swisher, IA?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Swisher, IA is Sugar Bottom Campground with a 4.5-star rating from 24 reviews.
What parks are near Swisher, IA?
According to TheDyrt.com, there are 5 parks near Swisher, IA that allow camping, notably Coralville Lake and Mississippi River - Pools 11-22.
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