Coralville Lake is a fantastic outdoor destination in east-central Iowa! The 5300-acre lake and surrounding land have 8+ recreation areas, three beaches, two marinas, over 500 campsites, and more.
Its primary purpose is flood control and conservation. But, Coralville Lake also has heaps of outdoor activities, from boating and swimming to hiking, biking, camping, and more!
It’s ideally situated between Iowa City and Cedar Rapids, where you’ll find entertainment, shopping, museums, and more outdoor fun.
A Brief History of Coralville Lake
In the 1860s, in the small town south of where the dam is today, locals found fossilized coral reefs while constructing a mill. And this is where the city of Coralville, and Coralville Lake, got their names.
After record flooding in Eastern Iowa in the 1930s, Congress passed the Flood Control Act of 1938. It enabled the US Army Corps of Engineers to build a dam to control flooding on the Iowa River. As a result, the construction of the Coralville Dam started in 1949 and was completed in 1958.
In 1993, record floods exposed a paleontological wonder on the lake’s south side, which became the Devonian Fossil Gorge. It’s a popular spot to view fossils of coral, brachiopods, and other ancient specimens.
Fun facts:
- Coralville Lake is a 23-mile long lake along the Iowa River.
- The Coralville Dam is an earthen embankment that’s 1400 feet long, 100 feet tall, and 22 feet wide. And you can drive across it!
- The lake’s storage pool expands from 5430 acres to 24,800 acres and stores 15x more water during flooding.
Things to Do at Coralville Lake
Go boating
As the largest lake in east-central Iowa, Coralville Lake is a super popular boating destination. And there’s plenty of space for water skiing, tubing, or leisurely cruising the lake!
The area around the dam and north to around Scales Point Marina (& Bobbers Grill) tends to be the busiest. But it’s often less busy north of there.
Boat ramps at Coralville Lake
There are several boat ramps around Coralville Lake. Most are run by the US Army Corps of Engineers, but there’s one at Lake Macbride State Park.*
- Sandy Beach Day Use Area (day use fees apply; open year-round)
- Mehaffey Bridge (on the lake’s west side; day-use fees apply; open year-round)
- West Overlook Day Use Area (day use fees apply)
- Coralville Res Boat Ramp at Lake Macbride State Park (free)
- West Overlook Campground (for campers)
- Sugar Bottom Campground (for campers)
- Tailwater East Recreation Area is Iowa River access below the dam (day-use fees apply).
*Note that day-use fees apply to most boat ramps and annual passes are available (registered campers are free).
Rent a boat
- Coralville Lake Marina rents pontoon boats on-site
- Rez Adventures rents ski boats, pontoon boats, and jet skis.
(Also, rent pontoons, pedal boats, canoes & kayaks, and paddleboards nearby at Lake Macbride State Park.)
Marinas at Coralville Lake
Coralville Lake Marina
This family-owned marina is just east of the dam. They offer slips, hoists, storage, sales, parts & service, and boat rentals. So, basically, they meet all your boating needs!
Scales Pointe Marina & Bobbers Grill
This marina has a restaurant and camping, boat slips & storage. It’s on the lake’s west side near North Liberty.
So, stop for refreshments at Bobbers Grill, their fun lakeside bar and grill with a patio and live music! And stay awhile at their campground with full hookup or tent campsites. A boat ramp and courtesy boat docks are available to registered campers.
Spend a day at the beach
Swimming is open to the public at three beaches managed by the US Army Corps of Engineers.*
- Sugar Bottom Day Use Area Beach (located near the Sugar Bottom Mountain Bike Trailhead)
- West Overlook Beach
- Sugar Bottom Campground (campers only)
*Note that alcohol is not permitted at the beaches, and there are no lifeguards.
Life jacket loaner stations are free for children up to 90 pounds. Adults can check them out at beaches, boat ramps, through a park ranger, or at the Visitor Center and return them after use. For more info, call (319) 338-3543 ext. 6300 or email Coralville.Lake@usace.army.mil.
Check out the Devonian Fossil Gorge
Excessive flooding in 1993 and 2008 caused water to go over the emergency spillway at the lake. This flooding led to considerable erosion in the area. But it also revealed a geological marvel!
The flooding exposed 375 million-year-old Devonian bedrock from ancient seas. And it uncovered the fossils of sea life that once lived there, including coral, brachiopods, and crinoids.
Today, people come from all around to explore the Devonian Fossil Gorge! Displays and markers throughout the gorge help visitors find and learn more about the fossils and their origin.
- See the brochure for more details.
- For audio tours, dial 319-382-0118.
- Guided tours are available through the Corps of Engineers.
Explore the trails
If you want to hike or mountain bike, you’re in luck. Coralville Lake has nearly 20 miles of trails to explore!
The Cedar Valley Nature Trail is a little over one mile long (one way) and is near Sugar Bottom Recreation Area. It winds through native woodlands, crosses bridges and ravines, and features a cave that Native Americans once called home.
The Squire Point & Woodpecker Trails are five miles of connecting trails. And they’re the most popular trails around Coralville, known for their scenic lake views, native woodlands, and wildflowers. Access Woodpecker Trail at Linder Point Campground (Dam Complex) and Squire Point Trail at 3828 Cedar Dr. NE, North Liberty. (See our Google map later in the article for locations.)
Tailwater Riverwalk Trail is a short, accessible paved trail along the Iowa River, south of the Coralville Dam. The trailhead is just south of the Devonian Fossil Gorge.
Veterans Trail is a short, accessible paved loop trail through mature woodlands. Along the route, be sure to stop by the bird observation area. Find the trailhead on the Dam’s east side (near Tailwater East).
Bike the Sugar Bottom Mountain Bike Trail
Sugar Bottom Mountain Bike Trails are considered the best in the area! Over ten miles of single-track, one-way trails wind through the woods and prairie, and some have views of Coralville Lake!
Best of all, there’s something there for everyone! Each section of the trail has a set difficulty level, including Easy, Intermediate, Advanced, and Expert. See the color-coded map here, or check out the map at the trailhead. Find the trailhead at the Sugar Bottom Recreation Area.
Check the bulletin board at the trailhead for trail conditions and difficulty. When the trails are wet and muddy, they may be closed.* Using muddy trails causes unwanted damage and erosion.
*The Sugar Bottom Bike Trail closes during hunting season.
Play disc golf
Two disc golf courses are at Coralville Lake, a 9-hole and 18-hole course:
- Turkey Creek Disc Golf Course is a 9-hole course on the lake’s south end, near the Dam and Coralville Lake Marina.
- Sugar Bottom Disc Golf Course is an 18-hole course at Sugar Bottom Recreation Area.
Picnic
There’s no shortage of fantastic picnic spots around Coralville Lake. Whether it’s an intimate picnic date or a large family get-together, you can find a great place to picnic.
The West Overlook Day Use Shelters (4) and Sandy Beach Shelter are free and available first-come, first-serve.
Six other picnic shelters are reservable and otherwise first-come, first-serve. Make reservations at Recreation.gov.
- East Overlook Shelters (#3 & #4)
- Turkey Creek Shelter (#7)
- Tailwater West Shelter (#9)
- Sugar Bottom Day Use Shelter (#39)
Go camping
With 500+ campsites at Coralville Lake, you’re sure to find one that suits your camping needs! There’s something for everyone, from primitive tent sites to full hookup! See the campground section of this article for campground details.
Go fishing
Anglers love lake and river fishing around Coralville Lake! The lake is regularly stocked with Walleye and Wiper. According to the Iowa DNR, other popular fish species include Northern Pike, Catfish, Crappie, etc. And the good news is, there are plenty of opportunities to fish by boat or shore.
An accessible fishing pier is at the Tailwater West Recreation Area on the Iowa River.
A valid Iowa fishing license is required to fish. Get your license in Solon, North Liberty, Iowa City, or the Iowa DNR website. See the Iowa DNR website and sign up for their weekly Fishing Report for more on fishing at Coralville.
Winter activities
Go hunting
Public hunting is allowed in designated areas around Coralville Lake during hunting season. See the public hunting maps here and here.
Watch the Bald Eagles
During the winter, Bald Eagles frequent the river just below the dam. Morning is an excellent time to view them!
Snowmobile
Designated snowmobile trails are near Coralville Lake at Lake Macbride State Park. Also, see the Iowa Snowdrifters website for information on area snowmobiling.
Coralville Lake Campgrounds
There’s no shortage of great campsites at Coralville Lake! With over 500 campsites and seven campground areas, the Corps of Engineers offers many excellent camping options. Make camping reservations at Recreation.gov.
Sandy Beach Campground
3369 Sandy Beach Rd NE, Solon, IA 52333
- On the lake’s north side and just a few minutes from Cedar Rapids.
- 58 campsites – 8 primitive tent sites, 50 electric sites (2 with full hookups)
- Modern restrooms/showers
- Dump station on-site
- Playground
- Horseshoe pit
- Sand Beach Day Use Area has a boat ramp, picnic shelter, and fish cleaning station.
Sugar Bottom Campground
2192 Mehaffey Bridge Rd NE, Solon, IA 52333
- Largest campground at Coralville Lake
- 240+ campsites – 200+ electric sites (some with full hookup), 10+ primitive campsites, group sites
- Modern restrooms/showers
- Dump station on-site
- Playgrounds
- Horseshoe pits
- Swimming beach
- Boat ramp
- Sugar Bottom Day Use Area has mountain bike trails, a hiking trail, an 18-hole disc golf course, and a swimming beach.
Dam Complex Campgrounds
2850 Prairie Du Chien Rd NE, Iowa City, IA 52240
The Dam Complex is home to several campgrounds near the Coralville Dam. Campgrounds include West Overlook, Linder Point, Cottonwood, Tailwater West, and Tailwater East.
West Overlook campground
- Largest Dam Complex campground; on the dam’s west side
- 80+ electric campsites
- Modern restrooms/showers
- Dump station on-site
- Playground
- Swimming beach
- Boat ramp
- Fish cleaning station
- Picnic sites and shelter
- Volleyball court
- Close to the Devonian Fossil Gorge, hiking trails, and a fishing pier on the Iowa River.
Cottonwood campground
- Located on the dam’s west side
- 15 primitive tent campsites
- Modern restroom/showers
- Water and trash/recycling are nearby at West Overlook Campground
- Amenities nearby include the Devonian Fossil Gorge, West Overlook Beach, hiking trails, accessible paved trails, a fishing pier, and boat ramps.
Linder Point campground
- Small campground just west of the dam and West Overlook campground
- 15+ electric campsites (some full hookup)
- Modern restrooms/showers
- Hiking trailhead
- A dump station and water are located at the West Overlook campground.
- Amenities nearby include the Devonian Fossil Gorge, West Overlook Beach, hiking trails, accessible paved trails, a fishing pier, and boat ramps.
Tailwater West campground
- Small campground below the dam, on the Iowa River’s west banks
- 20 electric & water campsites (8 have sewer hookup); 2 primitive tent sites
- Modern restrooms/showers
- Playground
- Accessible fishing pier & fish cleaning station
- Short, accessible paved trail
- Dump stations are at West Overlook and Tailwater East campgrounds.
- Find water on the dam’s west side at the West Overlook campground.
- Amenities nearby include the Devonian Fossil Gorge, West Overlook Beach, hiking trails, and boat ramps.
Tailwater East campground
- Small campground below the dam on the Iowa River’s east banks
- 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)
- Fish cleaning station
- Amenities nearby include the Devonian Fossil Gorge, West Overlook Beach, and hiking trails (the nearest boat ramp for Coralville Lake is at West Overlook).
Other area campgrounds
Besides the Corps of Engineers campgrounds listed above, there are a few other campgrounds near Coralville Lake to check out:
- Scales Pointe Marina Camping
- Lake Macbride State Park
- Palisades-Kepler State Park
- Beyonder Getaway at Sleepy Hollow
Coralville Lake Map
More area maps
- Coralville Lake & Lake Macbride Overview Map
- Find maps for recreation areas and trails on the Corps of Engineers website.
Know before you go!
Day-use fees
Corps of Engineers boat ramps and day-use areas require day-use fees. However, registered campers use day-use areas for free during their stay.
Visitors pay day-use fees at the fee station at each recreation area. Or they can buy annual America the Beautiful passes or US Army Corps of Engineers passes. To get a yearly pass, call 319-338-3543 or email Coralville.lake@usace.army.mil.
Hours, availability, and conditions
Depending on what you plan to do at Coralville Lake, you might want to check the website and Facebook page for up-to-date information.
- The visitor center & office is temporarily closed. But you can call 319-338-3543 or email Coralville.lake@usace.army.mil for an appointment to buy passes.
- Find lake levels here.
Things to Do Nearby
Lake MacBride State Park is right on the northeast side of Coralville Lake and is Iowa’s largest state park. And it has outdoor activities galore! Go swimming, boating, fishing, camping, and picnicking while you’re there. Boat rentals are available at the beach concession stand.
The Iowa Raptor Project, a program sponsored by the University of Iowa, is home to a dozen native birds of prey. Visitors can see the birds on display and learn about them year-round. See the project’s website for details.
Take your off-road all-terrain vehicle or motorcycle to Lake View OHV Park. It’s on the northeast corner of Coralville Lake, at 3877 140th St NE, Solon, IA 52333. According to the Iowa DNR, the park has ”an “A” level motorcross practice track, a “B” level motorcross practice track, an off-road utility vehicle practice track, a pit bike track, and two kiddie tracks.”
Go golfing at local courses! Play a round (or two or three) or golf while visiting Coralville Lake. The two closest golf courses are Lake MacBride Golf Course and Saddleback Ridge Golf Course.
Palisades-Kepler State Park is another excellent Iowa state park nearby in Cedar Rapids. This scenic 840-acre park along the Cedar River has many outdoor opportunities, including breathtaking views, unique trails, wildlife, and more!
Indian Creek Nature Center is about 20 miles north in Cedar Rapids, near the confluence of Indian Creek and the Cedar River! Hike the trails and explore the Amazing Space while you’re there. And don’t forget a stop in the gift shop.
The Amana Colonies are just a few minutes west of Coralville Lake. Find one-of-a-kind shops and famous homemade food & drink with traditional German flair! And if you’re looking for a unique place to stay, you’re in luck. Choices include Hotel Millwright, Die Heimat Country Inn, and more!
The University of Iowa’s Museum of Natural History is in Iowa City and has free admission. Explore the Iowa Hall to learn about Iowa’s natural and cultural history, check out the “Hall of Birds,” experience the Biosphere, and more!
Visit the Iowa Children’s Museum at Coral Ridge Mall, 30 minutes from the lake. Kids love the hands-on exhibits and programming at this fun, kid-centric museum.
Kent Park is a few short minutes southwest of the lake (and worth the drive). This 1,052-acre County Park has lots of native prairie, plus wetlands and woodlands. It’s ideal for experiencing nature, with its 27-acre lake and three ponds, 9+ miles of trails, a beach, and a campground!
Tour Herbert Hoover Presidential Library & Museum in West Branch. Download the exhibit app and take a self-guided tour. Kids also enjoy the challenge of the museum scavenger hunt!
Pinicon Ridge Park is a scenic 966-acre Linn County Park 40-minutes from the lake. It’s along the beautiful Wapsipinicon River and has an observation tower, wildlife area, and a 520-foot pedestrian bridge! Also, check out the camping and cabins, trails, boat rentals, etc.
