Best Campgrounds near West Branch, IA

Camping options near West Branch, Iowa include several established campgrounds within a short drive of town. Cedar Valley Co Park sits directly in West Branch, offering electric hookups and tent sites with access to the Cedar River for fishing and paddling. Within a 20-mile radius, campers can find a range of facilities including Sugar Bottom Campground in Solon, West Overlook Campground in Iowa City, and Little Bear Campground in West Liberty. Most locations accommodate both tent and RV camping, with Little Bear Campground also offering cabin rentals. The area features a mix of Corps of Engineers sites, state parks, and private campgrounds, many situated near water features like Coralville Lake and the Iowa River.

Seasonal considerations affect campground availability throughout the region, with some facilities operating year-round while others close during winter months. Lake Macbride State Park campgrounds and West Overlook remain open all year, while Little Bear Campground operates from April to October. Flooding can impact accessibility, particularly at sites along the Cedar and Iowa Rivers. Many campgrounds require reservations, especially during summer weekends and University of Iowa football game days. The terrain is generally flat to gently rolling, making most sites accessible without specialized vehicles. Facilities vary widely from primitive tent sites to full-hookup RV spots with 30 and 50 amp service. A camper noted, "This campground is maintained by the Army Corps of Engineers as part of an outdoor recreation complex around a large dam on the Iowa River. The reservoir behind the dam creates both the Coralville Lake alongside Lake MacBride which is a state park in a side bay."

Several visitors highlight the natural features that enhance camping experiences in the area. The Corps of Engineers campgrounds near Coralville Lake receive consistently positive reviews for their proximity to water recreation, hiking trails, and wildlife viewing opportunities. Campers mention seeing bald eagles, deer, and various bird species. F.W. Kent Park stands out with its prairie restoration areas that attract butterflies and birds during warmer months. A review described West Overlook Campground as having "sites spread out along pines, forest, and open areas including shoreline to Coralville Lake." The campgrounds closer to Iowa City provide convenient access to urban amenities while still offering natural settings. Many sites feature mature oak trees providing ample shade during summer months, with spacious sites that accommodate larger camping setups and provide some privacy between neighbors.

Best Camping Sites Near West Branch, Iowa (130)

    1. Sugar Bottom Campground

    24 Reviews
    North Liberty, IA
    13 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. West Overlook Campground

    18 Reviews
    Coralville, IA
    11 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. Little Bear Campground

    8 Reviews
    West Branch, IA
    5 miles
    Website
    +1 (319) 627-2676

    $22 - $49 / night

    "Little Bear Campground is located right off I-80 at the West Liberty exit. It is right next to a trailer park. There are a few tent sites ($22/ night)and Rv sites($33/night)."

    "Very cute campground right off highway. I called while traveling and Mike was very accommodating. Full hookups and showers. Even got a pool. Gas station nearby full of character."

    4. Cedar River Campground

    11 Reviews
    West Liberty, IA
    11 miles
    Website
    +1 (563) 946-2431

    $35 - $50 / night

    "Convenient location a lot of amenities and activities"

    5. Modern North Campground — Lake Macbride State Park

    15 Reviews
    Solon, IA
    15 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"

    6. Primitive South Campground — Lake Macbride State Park

    10 Reviews
    Solon, IA
    13 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. F. W. Kent Park

    18 Reviews
    Oxford, IA
    20 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."

    8. Linder Point Campground

    4 Reviews
    Coralville, IA
    11 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
    11 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. Cedar Valley Co Park

    2 Reviews
    West Branch, IA
    7 miles
    Website
    +1 (563) 886-6930

    "Sites include electric, tables, fire rings, restrooms near by, boat ramp access, playgrounds, shelters, and outdoor amphitheater."

    "Clean campsites, trash and recycling bins, trails, fishing, boating, cheap sites with electric and water hook up for $15 a night"

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Recent Reviews near West Branch, IA

597 Reviews of 130 West Branch 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.

  • Stuart K.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 23, 2025

    Sac-Fox Campground, Scott Co Park

    The Brady Bunch of Campgrounds

    SOC-Fox Campground is like the middle child in a family of seven - yes, count 'em seven - campgrounds within Scott County Park. Think Brady Bunch, but with fire pits and RV hookups instead of bell bottoms and avocado-colored kitchens. It’s not the flashiest sibling, but it’s got that reliable Midwest charm that makes you go,'Yep, it's not the most attractive, but it will get the job done.' First impression? Clean, organized and incredibly less chaotic than you’d expect from the Jan of the camping family.

    The sites here are roomy, shaded, and well-behaved, just like campers who say 'please' and 'thank you' everywhere you go, well, because you're in the Midwest. You’ve got a mix of electric and FHU options, so everyone from RV royalty to tent campers with coolers full of questionable lunch meat can settle in comfortably. Roads are wide enough that you won’t have to close one eye and pray when maneuvering your rig. Bathhouses? Shockingly nice. Like, did a spa consultant sneak in here when no one was looking?!  Nice. Fire rings and picnic tables come standard, and the pet-friendly vibe means your dog will probably make more friends than you do.  There's some shade, but most of it is on the treeline on the perimeter.

    And let’s talk about Scott County Park itself, which is like the Disney World of county parks. You want hiking? Got it. Equestrian trails? Saddle up. Disc golf? Fore! Playground for the kids? Absolutely. And then there’s the aquatic center. Not a pool. Not a splash pad. A full-on aquatic wonderland with waterslides, diving boards and enough chlorine to strip a small car of paint. Meanwhile, other campgrounds are out here bragging about their kiddie swings. Weak, right?!

    Insider Tips?  Here's a handful: (1) Shady sites near the woods are perfect for naps and hiding from the in-laws, while open sites are better if you need your daily satellite news fix; (2) Hungry? Roll into nearby Eldridge for The Rustic Ridge, where the burgers are taller than your nephew’s science project and fries are an entire food group all to itself; (3) Kayak fans can float the Wapsipinicon River where it’s calm, scenic and you’ll get to wave at locals fishing with that 'I’ve lived here since 1842' energy; and (4) Don’t skip the aquatic center as your kids will cannonball themselves into exhaustion while you finally finish that camp chair beer in peace.

    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.

  • 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


Guide to West Branch

Camping near West Branch, Iowa offers sites situated between the Iowa and Cedar rivers within a primarily agricultural landscape. The region sits at approximately 715 feet above sea level with a humid continental climate that features warm summers and cold winters. Fall camping tends to be most comfortable with temperatures between 50-70°F and colorful foliage, while summer humidity can reach uncomfortable levels above 80%.

What to do

Fossil hunting excursions: Visit the Devonian Fossil Gorge near West Overlook Campground where exposed bedrock contains marine fossils. "This campground is maintained by the Army Corps of Engineers as part of an outdoor recreation complex around a large dam on the Iowa River... including a gorge of geologic interest that is filled with Devonian fossils exposed in the flood of 1993," notes Janet R.

Mountain biking trails: Access nearby trail systems from several campgrounds that connect to forest paths. A camper at Sugar Bottom Campground mentions, "There is easy access to a nearby mountain bike trail complex, the state park, fishing, and boating."

Ice cream stops: Walk to Funcrest Dairy and Grill from Linder Point for a nostalgic treat. "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.

Prairie wildlife viewing: Explore prairie restoration areas for bird and butterfly watching. At F.W. Kent Park, visitors can observe native habitat. "Forest, prairie, wetland habitats. Not far from town for quick trip if needed," notes one reviewer.

What campers like

Spacious camping areas: Many sites offer room to spread out. "Spacious sites. Well maintained. Concrete pad with picnic table and fire pit. Close to town if needing shopping," reports Lauren M. from West Overlook Campground.

Budget-friendly options: The area offers some of the most affordable camping in eastern Iowa. A camper at Lake Macbride's Primitive South Campground shares, "Cheap camping in nature including good fishing access."

Fall color displays: The mixed hardwood forests provide scenic autumn camping. "We enjoy the peace and quiet especially with the views of the lake and the fall colors," states joelle V. who visited West Overlook in October.

Clean facilities: Campground maintenance receives consistent praise. At Cedar Valley Co Park in West Branch, a camper notes, "Clean campsites, trash and recycling bins, trails, fishing, boating, cheap sites with electric and water hook up for $15 a night."

What you should know

Seasonal flooding impacts: River-adjacent campgrounds may close during high water events. Cedar Valley Co Park sits directly on the Cedar River, providing excellent fishing but occasional access issues.

Gate closure times: Some parks enforce strict entry/exit times. At F.W. Kent Park, "Only downfall is the gates are locked at 10pm so if you needed to come or go, you're stuck," warns Desiree R.

Highway noise considerations: Several campgrounds sit near Interstate 80. At Little Bear Campground, a camper observed, "I was surprised that the interstate noise was much quieter than I thought it would be."

Cell service variability: Coverage can be spotty depending on location. "Don't plan on using Verizon. I had 1 bar could get texts but not enough to have internet," reports Nick B. from Tailwater West Campground.

Tips for camping with families

Playground access: Several campgrounds feature play equipment for children. At Primitive South Campground, "Our family of two parents and 2 young boys stayed a Friday night... There were some safe little trails in the woods next to our campsite that our kids walked around on with lanterns and looked for bugs and spiders."

Swimming options: Beaches are available at select locations for summertime recreation. "The beach area is usually well maintained. Great place to take the family for summer fun," notes Jessica P. about Lake Macbride State Park.

Educational opportunities: Conservation centers offer structured learning. At F.W. Kent Park, a visitor mentions, "Conservation education center open seasonally with programs offered."

Site selection for privacy: Choose sites away from main campground loops for quieter family experiences. "We've stayed at many of their campgrounds and have always been pleased with them; trees and grass are always appreciated," notes a camper about Army Corps sites.

Tips from RVers

Dump station access: Several campgrounds offer dump stations separate from camping areas. At Sugar Bottom Campground, "They have a double-hole dump station that can be accessed in both directions," explains MickandKarla W.

Site leveling requirements: Be prepared for uneven surfaces at some campgrounds. "Our site was somewhat level, but we did have to put blocks under the passenger-side tires," mentions a camper at Sugar Bottom.

Site spacing variations: Different campground loops offer varying degrees of privacy. "Compared to other COEs we've stayed at, the sites here are closer together," notes one RVer, while another camper at Little Bear Campground shared, "The spot was good sized and clean."

Electric service reliability: Most campgrounds offer reliable power connections. Cedar Valley Co Park provides "electric and water hook up for $15 a night," making it one of the best places to camp near West Branch for budget-conscious RVers.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is the most popular campground near West Branch, IA?

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

What parks are near West Branch, IA?

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