Whether you have a tent, camping trailer, or RV, you’ll find many excellent campsites in East Central Iowa! Below, we put together a great list of Iowa City and Cedar Rapids campgrounds to help you find the perfect spot.
Of course, Cedar Rapids and Iowa City are only about 20 miles apart. So, no matter which you want to be near, several campgrounds will work for both.
Table of Contents
- Map of campgrounds near Iowa City & Cedar Rapids
- Campgrounds near Iowa City & Cedar Rapids
- Campgrounds near Iowa City
- Campgrounds Near Cedar Rapids
- More campgrounds near Iowa City & Cedar Rapids
Map of campgrounds near Iowa City & Cedar Rapids
Campgrounds near Iowa City & Cedar Rapids
Coralville Lake, Lake Macbride, and Scales Pointe campgrounds are between Iowa City and Cedar Rapids. Read on to learn more about camping options there.
Coralville Lake Campgrounds
Coralville Lake is a premier outdoor destination near Iowa City and Cedar Rapids, close to I-80. The 5300-acre lake is surrounded by 8+ recreation areas, three beaches, two marinas, over 500 campsites, and more!
Read more about Coralville Lake: An Amazing Lake Getaway in East Central Iowa
With 7 campgrounds and 500+ campsites around Coralville Lake, you’re sure to find one to suit your needs! Find everything from primitive tent sites to full hookups. And sites are reservable, so you’re guaranteed a spot (Recreation.gov). Below are the campgrounds around Coralville Lake.
Sandy Beach Campground
3369 Sandy Beach Rd NE, Solon, IA 52333
- Located on the lake’s north side, near Cedar Rapids.
- 58 campsites: 8 primitive tent sites, 50 electric sites (2 full hookups)
- Modern restrooms/showers
- Dump station
Sugar Bottom Campground
2192 Mehaffey Bridge Rd NE, Solon, IA 52333
- Largest campground at Coralville Lake
- 240+ campsites: 200+ electric sites (some full hookup), 10+ primitive sites, group sites
- Modern restrooms/showers
- Dump station
- Swimming beach
- Boat ramp
Dam Complex Campgrounds
2850 Prairie Du Chien Rd NE, Iowa City, IA 52240
The Dam Complex is made up of the campgrounds near the Coralville Dam. These include West Overlook, Linder Point, Cottonwood, Tailwater West, and Tailwater East.
West Overlook campground
- Located on the dam’s west side
- 80+ electric campsites
- Modern restrooms/showers
- Dump station
- Swimming beach
- Boat ramp
Cottonwood campground
- Located on the dam’s west side
- 15 primitive tent campsites
- Modern restrooms/showers
- Find water and trash/recycling at West Overlook Campground
Linder Point campground
- Small campground west of the dam
- 15+ electric campsites (some full hookups)
- Modern restrooms/showers
- Find the dump station and water at West Overlook campground
Tailwater West campground
- Small campground below the dam on the Iowa River
- 20 electric & water campsites (8 with full hookup); 2 primitive sites
- Modern restrooms/showers
- Find dump stations at West Overlook and Tailwater East campgrounds.
- Find water at the West Overlook campground.
Tailwater East campground
- Small campground below the dam on the Iowa River
- 25+ campsites: 20+ electric sites & 5 primitive tent sites
- Modern restrooms/showers
- Dump station on-site
- Boat ramp access to the Iowa River (not the lake)
Lake Macbride State Park
3525 Hwy 382 NE
Solon, IA 52333
Lake Macbride State Park is Iowa’s largest state park, just north of Iowa City and not far from I-80. It’s a 2180-acre park with a 940-acre lake offering fun outdoor activities like swimming, boating, and fishing. It’s also right next to Coralville Lake!
Read more about Lake Macbride State Park: Iowa’s Largest State Park for Outdoor Fun
The park is divided into two units, north and south, and each has its own campground. The north unit campground has modern amenities with electricity and full hookups, and the sites are moderately spaced. And the south unit campground offers shady, primitive tent sites. Most sites are reservable at ReserveAmerica.com.
Northern Unit/Modern Campground
- 43 electric sites, some water & full hookups
- Modern restrooms/showers
- Dump station
Southern Unit/Primitive Campground
- Primitive tent sites
- Vault & flush toilets
- Water hydrants
Scales Pointe Campground
1850 Scales Bend Rd NE
North Liberty, IA 52317
Scales Pointe Marina is between Iowa City and Cedar Rapids on Coralville Lake’s west shore. Visitors often stop for refreshments at Bobbers Grill, a fun lakeside bar and grill at the marina. The good news is they also have a campground!
The Scales Pointe campground has everything from full hookups to tent campsites. The sites are a bit close together, but a boat ramp and boat docks are available to registered campers. Reservations are accepted (with seasonal rates available).
Scales Pointe campground highlights:
- 91 electric and water sites, some with full hookup
- Two tent areas
- Modern restrooms/showers
- Dump station
- See the campground map here.
Campgrounds near Iowa City
Iowa City has many excellent campgrounds, some conveniently located off Interstate 80. Read on for the campgrounds near Iowa City.
Kent Park
2048 US-6 NW
Oxford, IA 52322
Kent Park is a beautiful county park just minutes from Iowa City and four miles from I-80. The 1050-acre park features scenic trails, a 27-acre lake with a beach, great fishing, and excellent camping. In other words, it’s the perfect spot to camp near Iowa City.
Read more: Visit Kent Park For Tons of Fun Outdoor Activities in Johnson County, Iowa
The campground is on the northeast side of the park. Campsites are spacious with paved pads, and there are modern facilities. Between its amenities and beautiful surroundings, it’s one of the most popular campgrounds around. And since it’s first-come, first-serve, finding an open site on the weekends can be challenging.
Kent Park campground highlights
- 86 campsites with electricity accommodate up to 40’ rigs
- Paved and gravel pads
- Modern restrooms/showers
- Dump station
- A youth group camp with an enclosed shelter
Beyonder Getaway at Sleepy Hollow
3340 Black Hawk Ave NW
Oxford, IA 52322
Beyonder Getaway (previously Sleepy Hollow RV Park)* is a campground near I-80, ten miles west of Iowa City. It’s right off the interstate, making it a great place to stop if traveling on I-80 or visiting Iowa City. Plus, they accept reservations.
Guests can enjoy several fun amenities, including a pool, fishing pond, and ball pit. Campsites range from primitive tent sites to full hookup RV sites and three cabins. Sites are relatively closer together, and some are on an incline.
Beyonder Getaway campground highlights*:
- 100+ campsites (most have electric/water or full hookups, seven tent sites)
- Three camping cabins
- Modern restrooms/showers
- Dump station
*This campground is under new ownership as of 2021, and as of this writing are working on updating the campsites and campground amenities.
Hills Access
4210 520th St SE
Iowa City, IA 52240
Hills Access is a small county park on the shores of the Iowa River, about five miles south of Iowa City.
The campground is a peaceful spot with boat access and economical rates! But there are no modern amenities—no water, modern restrooms/showers, or a dump station. Electric and primitive tent sites are first come, first serve and fill up fast before the weekend during warmer months.
Hills Access campground highlights:
- 19 campsites: 14 electric, five primitive tent
- Pit latrines
- No modern restrooms/showers, potable water, or dump station
Little Bear Campground
1961 Garfield Ave
West Liberty, IA 52776
Little Bear Campground is 15 miles east of Iowa City and right off Interstate 80, making it a popular spot for one-night stays.
It’s a quiet, well-maintained campground with a pool and modern amenities. Campsites are gravel and flat, and many can accommodate large rigs. Plus, they have a couple of camping cabins available. Reservations are accepted by phone only (see the Facebook page for more info).
Little Bear campground highlights:
- About 50 campsites (many with full hookups; tent sites available)
- Two camping cabins
- Modern restrooms/showers
- Dump station
Campgrounds Near Cedar Rapids
Cedar Rapids has some excellent campgrounds to check out! And a few are even conveniently located in town. Read on for the best campgrounds closest to Cedar Rapids.
Morgan Creek Park Campground
7287 Worcester Rd
Palo, IA 52324
Morgan Creek Park is on the west side of Cedar Rapids – within city limits! The 350-acre county park has hiking trails, an arboretum, and a butterfly garden. And kids love the new accessible playground with ziplines and climbing areas.
The campground is on the park’s north side and has spacious RV sites with water and electric hookups. Campers have trail access and the convenience to the city of Cedar Rapids. Sites are first come, first serve with self-registration.
Morgan Creek Park campground highlights:
- 35 campsites with electric and water
- Modern restrooms/showers
- Dump station
See the Morgan Park Campground virtual tour here
Wanatee Park
1700 Bald Dr
Marion, IA 52302
Wanatee Park is on the northeast side of Cedar Rapids in Marion and is only minutes from the city. This 980-acre county park is a diverse landscape with wetlands, woodlands, and meadows. Visitors enjoy the multi-use trail system for hiking, mountain biking, and horseback riding. The park’s lodges and picnic shelter are also popular for group get-togethers.
The campground is near the park’s entrance, on the northeast side, with spacious RV sites in a peaceful park setting. Some sites are reservable (A loop), and others are first-come, first-serve (B loop). It’s a super popular campground in the summer, so campers should plan accordingly.
Wanatee Park Campground highlights:
- 69 campsites with electricity and water (several full hookups & concrete pads)
- Modern restrooms/showers
- Dump stations (2)
See the Wanatee Park Campground virtual tour here
Palisades-Kepler State Park
700 Kepler Dr
Mt Vernon, IA 52314
Palisades Kepler State Park is a scenic 840-acre park on the Cedar River, just east of Cedar Rapids (south of Hwy 30). It’s the perfect park for nature lovers, with breathtaking views, unique trails, fishing, and more!
Read more: Palisades Kepler State Park: A Scenic Gem with Views, Trails, Camping & More
The campground is on the park’s northeast side, surrounded by dense woods and sloping hills. From there, you can access a few popular hiking trails. And for an alternative to camping, the park has four modern family cabins available to rent.
Palisades Kepler State Park campground highlights:
- 45 campsites: 31 electric, 13 non-electric, and one group tent site
- Four modern family cabins
- Modern restrooms/showers
- Dump station
Pleasant Creek State Recreation Area
4530 McClintock Rd
Palo, IA 52324
Pleasant Creek State Recreation Area is a 1500-acre recreation area 15 miles northwest of Cedar Rapids. It has plenty of outdoor recreation – visitors enjoy fishing, swimming, and boating at the 400-acre lake and hiking park trails. Add to that its proximity to Cedar Rapids, and it’s a popular spot to go camping during the warmer months.
Three campgrounds on the park’s north side have electric and non-electric sites. Most spots are relatively spacious, and a few have limited lake views. Also, four family cabins are available for rent. Campgrounds fill quickly, so reservations are recommended.
Pleasant Creek Campground highlights:
- 68 campsites: 54 electric, 13 non-electric, & youth group site
- Four cabins
- Modern restrooms/showers
- Dump station
More campgrounds near Iowa City & Cedar Rapids
Amana RV Park
3850 C St
Amana, IA 52203
The Amana RV Park is an 80-acre campground about 20-30 miles from both Iowa City and Cedar Rapids. It’s on the north side of the village of Amana, so it’s a convenient place to camp and visit the Amana Colonies.
The campground has hundreds of campsites, including full hookups and primitive tent sites. Campsites are on gravel/grass pads, level, and are relatively spacious but have little shade. The campground has modern amenities and accepts online reservations. Monthly rates are available.
Amana RV Park highlights:
- 450+ campsites (full hookup, water & electric, and tent sites)
- Modern restrooms/showers
- Dump stations (4)
Wapsipinicon State Park
21301 Co Rd E34
Anamosa, IA 52205
Wapsipinicon State Park is a 400-acre park in Anamosa, about 30 minutes from Cedar Rapids (nearly an hour to Iowa City). This scenic park features scenic limestone bluffs and hills in the Wapsipinicon River Valley. But that’s just the beginning! A system of short trails leads to caves, scenic overlooks, and across a historic bowstring bridge. In other words, it’s a great park to explore.
The small campground is nestled among the trees and is excellent for a quiet getaway. It has electric and non-electric sites that are reservable at Reserve America.
Wapsipinicon State Park campground highlights:
- 25 campsites: 13 electric, 12 non-electric
- Modern restrooms/showers
- No dump station is available
Pinicon Ridge Park
4729 Horseshoe Falls Rd
Central City, IA 52214
Pinicon Ridge Park is a scenic 966-acre county park 30 minutes north of Cedar Rapids. The Wapsipinicon River runs through it, and it has fantastic views, camping, trails, fishing, and more!
Read more: Pinicon Ridge Park in Eastern Iowa: A Treasure of a Park For Nature Lovers
Pinicon Ridge has excellent campgrounds; many sites are spacious and offer great river views. Primitive tent sites and modern sites with electricity (some with water) are available, plus four cabins. Campsites are first-come, first-serve. It’s a popular campground, so weekends fill quickly during warmer months. (Group sites are reservable.)
Pinicon Ridge Park campground highlights:
- 100+ campsites, most with electricity & water; group sites available
- Four modern log cabins (reservable here)
- Modern restrooms/showers
- Dump station
Beyonder Getaway at Lazy Acres
5486 32nd Ave
Center Point, IA 52213
Lazy Acres RV Park is about 20 miles northwest of Cedar Rapids (nearly an hour from Iowa City). And it’s right off I-380, making it a convenient stop for one-night stays. Campers enjoy extra amenities, including mini golf, paddle boats, and a fishing pond.
The campground can accommodate big rigs, with full hookup and pull-through sites available. Other options include a few tent sites and cabins (on the beach!). Campsites are moderately spacious with gravel pads and are reservable.
Lazy Acres RV Park highlights:
- 99 campsites: 85 full hookups, eight water & electric, and three tent sites
- Three cabins
- Modern restrooms/showers
- Dump station
Related articles:
• Coralville Lake: An Amazing Getaway in East Central Iowa
• Lake Macbride State Park: Iowa’s Largest State Park for Outdoor Fun
• Visit Cedar Rapids: Art & Culture & One of a Kind Experiences
• Visit Kent Park For Fun Outdoor Activities in Johnson County
• Palisades Kepler State Park: A Scenic Gem with Views, Trails, & Camping
• Indian Creek Nature Center: The Perfect Place For Outdoor Lovers
• Pinicon Ridge Park in Eastern Iowa
• The Best Camping in Northeast Iowa
