Sandy Beach Camp
4.3396 reviews3369 SANDY BEACH ROAD NE
Sandy Beach Camp
$14.00 - $28.00 / night
Campsite Fees
Standard Site Fee$22.00
Hookup Site Fee$0.00
Premium Site Fee$0.00
Hike and Bike Site Fee$14.00
Group Site Fee$0.00
Food Storage Locker Fee$0.00
Peak season rates range from $14 for walk-to sites to $28 for standard electric sites. Additional reservation fees may apply based on booking method.
Share this campground
Recreation.govProvider
(319) 848-4400 (May 1 - Sep 30) / (319) 338-3543 X. 6300 (Oct 1 - Apr 30)kathryn.s.atkinson@usace.army.mil
About this campground
Nestled along the pristine northern shores of Coralville Lake, Sandy Beach Campground beckons outdoor enthusiasts with 58 thoughtfully positioned campsites amid Iowa's natural splendor. This waterfront haven seamlessly blends modern comfort with wilderness charm, featuring contemporary restroom and shower facilities, family-friendly playgrounds, and convenient dump stations. The adjacent Sandy Beach Day Use Area enhances your lakeside experience with welcoming picnic shelters, a dedicated fish cleaning station for the day's catch, and a well-maintained boat ramp that serves as your gateway to aquatic adventures. Whether you're casting a line at dawn, exploring the lake by boat, or gathering around the campfire under star-filled skies, Sandy Beach creates the perfect backdrop for unforgettable outdoor memories.
Sandy Beach Campground accommodates RV camping, tent camping, and walk-to sites, with options for full hook-ups and electric sites.
Historical SignificanceYour Sandy Beach adventure extends far beyond the campground borders, with three remarkable attractions waiting to enrich your stay. Journey back 375 million years at the fascinating Devonian Fossil Gorge, where ancient sea creatures left their stories in stone. Step into American history at the Herbert Hoover National Historic Site, exploring the humble beginnings of our 31st president. Complete your cultural exploration with a visit to the enchanting Amana Colonies, where old-world craftsmanship and communal traditions create a living testament to Iowa's diverse heritage.
Weather and SeasonsSandy Beach Campground offers a delightful climate for outdoor adventurers, with comfortable temperatures gracing most of the camping season. While nature occasionally delivers refreshing rain showers or rare snow dustings, the campground truly shines during those perfect weeks when low humidity meets crystal-clear skies—creating ideal conditions for stargazing, hiking, and lakeside relaxation. These pristine weather windows transform the campground into an outdoor paradise where every activity feels effortless and every sunset spectacular.
ElevationThe campground's gentle terrain provides comfortable camping conditions suitable for all experience levels.
Natural Features and SceneryImmerse yourself in the breathtaking beauty of Iowa's hardwood cathedral, where towering oaks, maples, and hickories create a living canopy above Sandy Beach Campground. This verdant sanctuary in the Iowa River Valley transforms with each season—from spring's delicate wildflowers to autumn's fiery display. Wildlife enthusiasts will delight in frequent encounters with graceful white-tailed deer browsing at dawn, wild turkeys strutting through the underbrush, and a symphony of songbirds greeting each morning. The nearby waters attract elegant waterfowl, creating perfect opportunities for photography and peaceful wildlife observation.
Geological RegionSandy Beach Campground occupies a stunning position in the Iowa River Valley, where ancient geological forces carved a landscape of remarkable beauty. This northern outpost of Coralville Lake sits within a magnificent hardwood forest ecosystem, where diverse tree species have thrived for generations. The interplay between the lake's sparkling waters and the surrounding woodland creates a unique microclimate that supports rich biodiversity and offers campers an authentic taste of Iowa's natural heritage.
Campsite details
AccessibilityAccessibility details are limited in the source materials.
Sites SizeSites vary in size with some accommodating large RVs up to 50 feet.
Sites PrivacyMixed levels of privacy; some sites are described as spacious and secluded, while others are closer together.
Total Campsites58 campsites
Recommended CampsitesSites on the upper loop are quieter and offer lake views. Sites with proximity to playgrounds or shower facilities may be more convenient for families.
Best CampsitesSite 10 offers elevated views of the lake. Site 14 is spacious with shade and near amenities.
Reserving a campsite
Check-in
2:00 PM
Check-out
12:00 PM
Stay Limit
You may stay up to 14 nights during a visit at this campground.
Guests Allowed Per Site
Up to 6 occupants are permitted per site.
Tents
Tents are allowed
RV vehicles
RV vehicles are allowed
Primitive
Primitive are not allowed
Reservable
Reservations are allowed
Site layoutCampsites are arranged in loops, some offering lake views while others provide shaded forest coverage.
Open and Closed SeasonOpen from May 1 to September 29. Can be reserved starting June 20.
Reservation PlatformsReservations can be made on Recreation.gov.
Walk-in AvailabilityWalk-up sites are available, but visitors are encouraged to check availability online due to limited staff assistance for onsite registrations.
Cancellation PolicyReservations can be canceled anytime before the arrival date. A $10 cancellation fee applies, and late cancellations (starting midnight the day before arrival) result in forfeiture of the first night's fee.
Amenities available
Showers
Potable water
Fire rings
Picnic tables
Dump station
Firewood available
Flush toilets
Vault toilets
Electricity hookups
Sewer hookups
Activities you can enjoy
Coralville Lake offers extensive recreational opportunities. Guests can enjoy camping, boating, fishing, swimming, picnicking, and wildlife viewing. Anglers have access to bass, crappie, walleye, and catfish.
Fishing
Fishing opportunities are abundant, with species like large and smallmouth bass, crappie, walleye, and catfish available.Swimming
Swimming is available but experiences vary. Some reviewers described the swimming area near the boat ramp as rocky and not well-marked.Boating
Boating is a popular activity at Coralville Lake, with a boat ramp and fish cleaning station available near Sandy Beach Campground.Wildlife viewing
The area around Coralville Lake offers abundant wildlife viewing, including whitetail deer, turkeys, pheasants, waterfowl, and songbirds.Water Sports
Popular water sports include boating, swimming, and fishing.Campground rules
- Pets are allowed
- Campfires are allowed but visitors are encouraged to buy firewood onsite to prevent the spread of pests.
- Quiet hours are 10:00 PM - 6:00 AM
Hazards
General hazardsSome user reviews mention issues with electrical outlets and low-hanging tree branches, which may cause challenges for large RVs or motorhomes.
Active alertsFlooding and water supply closures have occasionally been reported near the campground.
Weather forecast
53
°F
Aug 26
Tuesday
Clear sky
Precipitation: 0%
Moderate wind, may affect light items
Humidity: 77%
High humidity, may feel muggy
Wind: 4.2 mph
Moderate wind, may affect light items
Clear sky
7-Day Forecast
Access to 7-day forecasts tailored to each campground—covering temperature, precipitation, wind, and sky conditions.
Daily & Hourly Insights
View hourly forecasts with expected weather patterns throughout the day.
Temperature Trends
Visualize how temperatures shift over the month to help pick the most comfortable days for your trip.
Precipitation Trends
Plan around rain or snow with monthly visualizations of expected precipitation patterns.
Weather Summaries
Assess conditions with visuals for easier decision-making on when and where to camp.
Weather data powered by Open-Meteo
Emergency Services
Veterans Affairs Medical Center and University of Iowa hospitals and clinics are available in Iowa City, located approximately 10 miles away.
Good to know
Peak season datesMay 1, 2025 - September 29, 2025
Trash and recyclingSeveral reviewers expressed concerns about trash facilities, noting only one dumpster at the entrance station, which they found inconvenient. 'Not having cans within easy walking distance encourages campers to just burn what they discard,' one user explained.
Proximity to water featuresLocated on the shores of Coralville Lake, the campground provides direct access to the lake and nearby rivers for fishing and boating.
Common complaintsComplaints include a lack of hiking trails, limited trash disposal options, and maintenance issues with electric hookups.
HostHosts are generally helpful but some reviews mention instances of unfriendliness.
Campground Map
3369 SANDY BEACH ROAD NE
Driving directionsFrom Interstate 380 (Shueyville, Iowa) take Exit 10 towards Shueyville. Travel east on 120th St. NW for 1.2 miles. At the stop sign, turn right onto NE Curtis Bridge Rd. Travel south on NE Curtis Bridge Rd for 1.1 miles. Turn left onto Sandy Beach Rd. NE and travel east for 1.9 miles. The entrance to Sandy Beach Campground will be located on the right side of the road. From Highway 1 (Solon, Iowa) turn onto Hwy 382 NE/E Main St at the stop light. Travel on Hwy 382 NE for 2.6 miles. At the traffic circle, turn left onto Ely Rd. NE. Travel on Ely Rd. NE for 1 mile. Turn left onto 140th St. NE and travel west for 2.0 miles. 140th St. NE will become Sandy Beach Rd. NE. Continue traveling on Sandy Beach Rd. NE for 1.7 miles. The entrance to the Sandy Beach Campground will be located on the left side of the road.
The campground is accessible via paved roads from both Solon and Shueyville. The route from Shueyville involves paved roads, while the route from Solon includes some gravel roads which can be dusty or washboarded depending on the weather. Roads within the campground are paved and provide easy navigation for large vehicles.Nearby places
Solon (about 5 miles), Coralville (approximately 9 miles), Iowa City (roughly 10 miles), Cedar Rapids (about 20 miles)
Nearby supplies
Coralville and North Liberty offer access to groceries, fuel, and camping supplies. The campground is also near local gas stations and stores in Solon.
Camper Reviews
4.3
96 reviews
Sandy Beach Camp is recommended, placing it in the top 40% of campgrounds based on reviews
The campground receives mixed reviews, with positive highlights on cleanliness, amenities, and scenic views. Several reviewers appreciated the quiet atmosphere and well-maintained facilities.
Review Summaries
Based on 96 reviews
What Campers Love
Positive aspects include clean facilities, well-maintained grounds, warm showers, and spacious sites. One user commented, 'Very clean, great place to camp.' Another noted, 'Spots are far apart from...
Based on 96 reviewsShow more
Common Concerns
Common complaints include limited trash disposal facilities, occasional maintenance issues, and lack of hiking trails. Some campers also reported bugs and poor cell reception.
Based on 96 reviewsPro Tips & Recommendations
Recommendations include bringing long hoses for water connections due to limited hookups and avoiding sites near the entrance for quieter stays. Several reviewers also suggest entering the campground...
Based on 96 reviewsShow more
Seasonal Insights
Reviews indicate heavy usage during peak summer months, with some campers noting busier facilities. Fall reviews are fewer but highlight peaceful conditions.
Based on 96 reviewsCamper Quotes
1. 'Immaculate great little wooded park on the river. Gorgeous grassy areas to play on.'
2. 'Sandy Beach and the campground are not well kept. The bug problem is horrible.'
3. 'There aren't any...
Based on 96 reviewsShow more
Site-Specific Reviews
Site 014 was rated for its spaciousness and proximity to the dump station. Site 021 was noted for being near the playground and bathrooms but busy. Site 009 was described as quiet and clean.
Based on 96 reviewsAccessibility Features
Accessibility-related reviews are sparse but generally note decent site layouts and road conditions.
Based on 96 reviewsPet-Friendly Features
Pets are allowed, and some campers appreciated the pet-friendly policies. However, one review highlighted an issue with an aggressive off-leash dog from a non-camping visitor.
Based on 96 reviewsLast updated August 10, 2025