Best Campgrounds near Tiffin, IA

The Tiffin, Iowa area features a variety of camping options centered around Coralville Lake and the Iowa River. Army Corps of Engineers campgrounds like Sugar Bottom and West Overlook provide well-maintained facilities within 10-15 minutes of town. Lake Macbride State Park, located just northeast of Tiffin, offers both modern and primitive camping areas with separate campground sections for different experiences. F.W. Kent Park, approximately 5 miles west of Tiffin, provides grassy sites bordered by prairie grasses and trees. Private options include Beyonder Getaway at Sleepy Hollow and Little Bear Campground, both offering tent sites, RV hookups, and cabin rentals for travelers seeking amenities beyond public lands.

Seasonal considerations significantly impact camping experiences in the Tiffin area. Spring and fall camping tends to be quieter with beautiful foliage, particularly in October when "the entire campground was awash in bright yellows, reds and oranges from the changing colors of the leaves," as one visitor noted. Summer brings higher temperatures and increased campground occupancy, especially at waterfront locations. Most campgrounds in the region operate year-round, though some facilities like showers may close during winter months. Severe weather can occasionally impact the area, with one camper reporting that "a recent wind storm had the area shut down for two weeks but they did a great job cleaning up downed trees and broken limbs."

Water access represents a major draw for campers in the Tiffin region. Sites along Coralville Lake and the Iowa River provide opportunities for fishing, boating, and paddling, with multiple boat ramps available throughout the area. As one visitor to West Overlook Campground described, the campground is "spread out along pines, forest, and open areas including shoreline to Coralville Lake." Wildlife viewing is particularly good in the quieter seasons, with campers reporting sightings of great blue herons, bald eagles, and various woodland birds. Hiking trails connect many of the campgrounds, with the Devonian Fossil Gorge near the Coralville Dam offering unique geological exploration. Proximity to Iowa City (about 15 minutes away) makes these campgrounds convenient bases for University of Iowa events.

Best Camping Sites Near Tiffin, Iowa (104)

    1. Sugar Bottom Campground

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

    $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."

    2. F. W. Kent Park

    18 Reviews
    Oxford, IA
    4 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."

    3. West Overlook Campground

    18 Reviews
    Coralville, IA
    7 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."

    4. Modern North Campground — Lake Macbride State Park

    15 Reviews
    Solon, IA
    8 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"

    5. Beyonder Getaway at Sleepy Hollow

    13 Reviews
    Oxford, IA
    7 miles
    Website
    +1 (319) 628-6900

    $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"

    6. Primitive South Campground — Lake Macbride State Park

    10 Reviews
    Solon, IA
    9 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."

    7. Amana RV Park & Event Center

    10 Reviews
    Amana, IA
    13 miles
    Website
    +1 (319) 622-7616

    $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"

    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. Scales Pointe Camping and Boating

    4 Reviews
    Coralville Lake, IA
    7 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."

    10. Tailwater West Campground

    4 Reviews
    Coralville, IA
    7 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."

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Recent Reviews near Tiffin, IA

405 Reviews of 104 Tiffin 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.

  • Stuart K.The Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 1, 2025

    Diamond Lake County Park

    Campground Diamond In The Rough

    Following 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!

  • 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.

  • 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

  • Allen B.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 9, 2025

    Diamond Lake County Park

    Diamond lake

    Clean showers & flush toilet’s. No hand towels. Sites are close together. Some road noise. But overall a nice campground for one night.

  • 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 Tiffin

Camping sites near Tiffin, Iowa provide access to the limestone bluffs and forest ecosystems along the Iowa River watershed. The region sits at approximately 800 feet above sea level with rolling terrain featuring oak and hickory woodlands. Local campgrounds typically remain open from April through October, with water facilities sometimes closing earlier in fall when overnight temperatures approach freezing.

What to do

Fossil exploration: 15-minute drive from Tiffin, the Devonian Fossil Gorge offers unique geological exploration. "This review is for the West Overlook campground located on the lakeside upstream of the dam. 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 a camper at West Overlook Campground.

Hiking network: Multiple connected trails link campgrounds in the area. At Sugar Bottom Campground, visitors appreciate "amenities like a boat ramp, beach, playground, walking trails, recycling (!) and an amphitheater (!)." The campground connects to nearby nature areas, as one reviewer mentions it's "near Iowa Raptor Project that conducts raptor programs and site with walking tour and live raptors, and Macbride State Park as well."

Paddle sports: Rental options available seasonally from May through September. A visitor to Primitive South Campground shares, "Paddling rentals on other side of the lake. Cheap camping in nature including good fishing access." Multiple boat ramps throughout the area provide convenient water entry points for personal watercraft.

What campers like

Affordable pricing: Most sites under $20 for basic camping. "Very nice COE campground north of Iowa City in the Lake Coralville area. Beautiful setting, lots of options for sites," describes a camper at Sugar Bottom Campground. Some locations offer additional discounts as another visitor notes, "This is a COE Park so you also can get a discount with your Senior Pass."

Fall colors: Peak foliage viewing typically mid-October. A visitor to F.W. Kent Park recounts, "I was there in early October so the weather was too chilly to use the nice beach. Great shower house." Another camper elaborates on the landscape: "The large lake is beautifully landscaped with walking bridges made from recycled iron and memorial trees of many varieties."

Privacy options: Primitive sections tend to be quieter than full-hookup areas. At Lake Macbride, "This park has two campgrounds. The modern side on the north end of the park with full hookups, and the primitive side on the south side of the park with no electricity or water hookups. Both campgrounds have flushing toilets but only the modern side has showers."

What you should know

Water system limitations: Rural supply can sometimes be inconsistent. At Beyonder Getaway at Sleepy Hollow, campers report variable water service. "Pressure horrible, pump issues," notes one visitor. For tent campers, this is less problematic, but RV users should arrive with tanks filled.

Site leveling requirements: Many campgrounds have uneven terrain. "Bring a lot of leveling blocks. Most sites are slanted in both planes," advises a visitor to Beyonder Getaway. Similarly, at Kent Park campers might need to adjust: "Our site was somewhat level, but we did have to put blocks under the passenger-side tires."

Shower facility variations: Different standards across campgrounds. Modern Campground at Lake Macbride has "clean bathrooms" but "showers had to be continually pushed to keep rolling." Meanwhile, at Kent Park, visitors appreciate the "new modern bath houses with showers, and hiking trails all around."

Tips for camping with families

Playground access: Multiple options for children within short walking distance. At West Overlook Campground, "Horsehoe pits and 2 playgrounds in the campground" provide recreation spaces for kids. Additionally, there's a "day use area with picnic tables, picnic shelter, volleyball court, beach and playground."

Wildlife viewing opportunities: Morning and evening offer best sightings. "Beautiful place... saw wild turkeys and dear almost ever day walking the camp grounds," shares a visitor to Lake Macbride State Park. Kent Park offers similar experiences as "forest, prairie, wetland habitats" create diverse ecosystems for wildlife watching.

Educational programs: Conservation center offers seasonal activities. Kent Park features a "conservation education center open seasonally with programs offered." These programs typically run weekends from May through September and provide structured learning opportunities for children of various ages.

Tips from RVers

Dump station logistics: Multiple locations but sometimes busy on Sunday afternoons. Sugar Bottom has "a double-hole dump station that can be accessed in both directions," making for more efficient departure traffic flow. Most campgrounds in the area have sanitary dumps available even for non-hookup sites.

Site selection strategy: Research loop options for the best fit. "The sites down by the boat launch have electric only and tent sites," notes a visitor to Sugar Bottom Campground. At West Overlook, "This campground is one of many around Coralville Lake. Reservations are a must."

Cultural attractions: Amana Colonies provide nearby day-trip opportunities. About 20 minutes from Tiffin, these historic German settlements offer unique shopping and dining. RVers staying at Amana RV Park appreciate that "this is a great location right in the Amana Colonies to explore the area. There are sites for tents up to big rigs."

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is the most popular campground near Tiffin, IA?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Tiffin, IA is Sugar Bottom Campground with a 4.5-star rating from 24 reviews.

What parks are near Tiffin, IA?

According to TheDyrt.com, there are 6 parks near Tiffin, IA that allow camping, notably Coralville Lake and Mississippi River - Pools 11-22.