How much does camping cost at Cottonwood Campground?

Camping fees at Cottonwood Campground range from $14/night. Prices may vary by site type (standard, hookup, premium) and season. Book online to see exact pricing for your dates.

Is Cottonwood Campground first-come first-served or reservation?

Cottonwood Campground accepts online reservations. We recommend booking in advance, especially during peak season (typically summer weekends). Use campsite alerts to get notified when spots become available.

Can I see photos of campsites at Cottonwood Campground before I book?

Yes! Cottonwood Campground has 5 campsite photos on Outdoorithm, contributed by campers who've stayed there. Browse real photos of individual sites to see what to expect before you reserve. You can also add your own photos after your trip to help the next family plan theirs.

What is the best time to visit Cottonwood Campground?

Cottonwood Campground is open May 22 to September 08. The best time to visit depends on your preferences—summer offers the warmest weather and most activities, while spring and fall provide fewer crowds and milder temperatures. Check current conditions before your trip.

Are there showers at Cottonwood Campground?

Yes, Cottonwood Campground has shower facilities available for campers. Check the amenities section for details on hours and any fees.

How many campsites does Cottonwood Campground have?

Cottonwood Campground has 15 campsites. Sites vary in size, privacy, and amenities. Check availability online to find the best site for your needs.

Are dogs allowed at Cottonwood Campground?

Yes, pets are allowed at Cottonwood Campground. Dogs must typically be kept on a leash (usually 6 feet or shorter) and under control at all times. Be sure to clean up after your pet and check for any breed or size restrictions.

What amenities are available at Cottonwood Campground?

Cottonwood Campground offers: Restrooms, Showers, Potable Water, Dump Station, Pets Allowed. See our detailed campground page for the full list of facilities and features.

What activities can I do at Cottonwood Campground?

Popular activities at Cottonwood Campground include Hiking. The surrounding area offers plenty of outdoor recreation opportunities for all skill levels.

Cottonwood Campground (Ia)

Q: Can I have a campfire at Cottonwood Campground?

Fire policies at Cottonwood Campground: Don't Move Firewood: Protect your forests from tree-killing pests by buying your firewood locally and burning it on-site.Visit Dontmovefirewood.org for further information.. Always check current fire restrictions before your trip, as conditions change seasonally.

3.90

40 reviews

2850 Prairie Du Chien Rd NE

Tent CampingBackcountry Feel

Featured in:Best Campgrounds Iowa

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

Quick Facts

768 ft

Price

$14/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

15 campsites

Season

COTTONWOOD CAMPGROUN...

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

Showers

Book on Coralville Lake Project (US Army Corps of Engineers)Official Website

Get Directions

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

Quick Facts

768 ft

Price

$14/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

15 campsites

Season

COTTONWOOD CAMPGROUN...

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

Showers

Book on Coralville Lake Project (US Army Corps of Engineers)Official Website

Get Directions

Cottonwood Campground (Ia)

$14.00 - $14.00 / night

Campsite Fees

WALK TO: Non-Electric: $14.00. Plus Recreation.gov reservation transaction fee ($8 online / $9 phone / $3 in person).

Hike and Bike Site Fee$14.00

Get Notified When Available

We'll monitor this campground and alert you the moment sites become available.

Free to start · paid plans add 2-min scans

256,000+ sites monitored · Email alerts to start; SMS and in-app with an account

Learn more about alerts →

Share this campground

Recreation Dot Gov

Provider

MAY 1 - OCTOBER 31 CAMPGROUND ENTRANCE STATION: (319) 338-3685 NOVEMBER 1 - APRIL 30 CORALVILLE LAKE PROJECT OFFICE: (319) 338-3543 X.6300coralville.lake@usace.army.mil

I manage this campground

Plan a trip to Cottonwood Campground (Ia)

Compare with similar sites, watch availability, and build a packing list — Camp Sage handles all of it.

Campground Map

2850 Prairie Du Chien Rd NE

Cottonwood Campground (Ia)

2850 Prairie Du Chien Rd NE

Nearby places

Iowa City (3 miles, approximately 10 minutes)

North Liberty (4 miles, approximately 15 minutes)

Cedar Rapids (25 miles, approximately 35 minutes)

West Branch (12 miles, approximately 15 minutes)

Amana Colonies (21 miles, approximately 30 minutes)

Kalona (25 miles, approximately 35 minutes).

Driving directionsFrom Interstate 80 (Iowa City, Iowa), take Exit 244 towards Dubuque St./North Liberty. Travel north on Dubuque St. for 3 miles and turn right onto West Overlook Rd. NE. Travel on West Overlook Rd. NE for 1.1 miles. At the second stop sign, turn right onto Prairie Du Chien Rd. NE. Travel east on Prairie Du Chien Rd. NE for 0.1 miles. The entrance to the Cottonwood Campground will be located on the right side of the road. From Interstate 380 (North Liberty, Iowa), take Exit 4 towards North Liberty. Travel east on W. Penn St. for 2 miles and turn right onto N. Dubuque St. Travel south on N. Dubuque St. for 1.9 miles, at the traffic circle, continue straight onto Dubuque St. NE. Continue traveling south on Dubuque St. NE for 1.9 miles. Turn left onto West Overlook Rd. NE. Travel on West Overlook Rd. NE for 1.1 miles. At the second stop sign, turn right onto Prairie Du Chien Rd. NE. Travel east on Prairie Du Chien Rd. NE for 0.1 miles. The entrance to the Cottonwood Campground will be located on the right side of the road.

Weather at Cottonwood Campground (Ia)

Current alerts(13)

All of the following items are prohibited: bouncy houses, swimming pools, chinese lanterns, loaded firearms, explosives, ammunition, bow or other projectile-firing devices, and fireworks.
Cancellation: If a customer cancels a reservation they will be charged a $10.00 service fee. If a customer cancels a reservation the day before or on the day of arrival they will be charged a $10.00 service fee and will also forfeit the first night's use fee (not to exceed the…
Check-In Time: 2:00 P.M.
Check-Out Time: 12:00 P.M.

Best Time to Camp at Cottonwood Campground (Ia)

Best season: summer. Summer is the best time to visit Cottonwood because the campground is officially open (May 23–Aug 31) and lake-based recreation is at its peak — expect daytime highs generally in the mid-70s to upper-80s°F (≈24–32°C) with cooler mornings in the 50s–60s°F (≈10–20°C). Warm weather makes swimming, boating, and fishing on Coralville Lake most enjoyable, while the shaded, walk-to tent sites under mature hardwoods offer comfortable evenings around the campfire. Weekends can be moderately busy, so plan Peak months: June, July, August, May Avoid: September, October, November, December

Best

Summer(Jun-Aug)

3.5 / 5

Open and busiest season; shade and lake swimming good, but increased noise and raccoon activity.

Planning Tips

Peak Season: May 22 to September 08. Book 2-3 months ahead.
Operating Season: COTTONWOOD CAMPGROUND IS CLOSED FOR THE 2025 RECREATION SEASON

About Cottonwood Campground (Ia)

Cottonwood Campground sits on the shores of Coralville Lake near Iowa City, operated by the US Army Corps of Engineers. This small, wooded campground offers tent and primitive camping with flush toilets, hot showers, and a dump station. Visitors come for lakeside access, shaded sites under tall trees, and a quiet setting during the week.

Cottonwood Campground is exclusively designed for walk-to, non-electric tent camping, offering a primitive camping experience for up to 6 occupants per site.

Weather and SeasonsBest season: summer. Summer is the best time to visit Cottonwood because the campground is officially open (May 23–Aug 31) and lake-based recreation is at its peak — expect daytime highs generally in the mid-70s to upper-80s°F (≈24–32°C) with cooler mornings in the 50s–60s°F (≈10–20°C). Warm weather makes swimming, boating, and fishing on Coralville Lake most enjoyable, while the shaded, walk-to tent sites under mature hardwoods offer comfortable evenings around the campfire. Weekends can be moderately busy, so plan Peak months: June, July, August, May Avoid: September, October, November, December

Elevation768 ft above sea level

Natural Features and SceneryThe campground sits in the Iowa River Valley at 768 feet elevation, under a canopy of oaks, maples, and hickories. Coralville Lake provides the main water feature, with shoreline access for fishing and boating. White-tailed deer, wild turkeys, and songbirds frequent the area. The nearby Devonian Fossil Gorge exposes limestone bedrock from 375 million years ago, revealing fossilized coral and brachiopods from when a tropical sea covered Iowa. Flooding stripped away soil to create this accidental geological window into the region's prehistoric past.

Lodging & AccommodationsNo hotel-style accommodations are available; this campground is tailored for tent camping only.

Programs & ActivitiesThe Devonian Fossil Gorge offers an educational experience to explore a 375-million-year-old sea floor with fossil remains. There are 20 discovery points and a cell phone audio tour to enhance understanding.

Best Campsites

Curated by campers, for campers

Reveal picks

Reserving a campsite

Stay Limit

You may stay up to 14 nights during a visit at this campground. Total stays are capped at 14 nights within a rolling 30-day period.

Guests Allowed Per Site

Up to 6 occupants are permitted per site.

Tents

Tents are allowed

RV vehicles

RV vehicles are not allowed

Primitive

Primitive camping is allowed

Reservable

Reservations are allowed

Reservation PlatformsReservations available via Recreation.gov.

AccessibilityNo specific accessibility features for individuals with disabilities are mentioned, although the site lies within the Dam Complex, which includes the barrier-free Veterans Trail.

Site SizeSites are standard-sized for tent camping, with some reviews noting their spaciousness. "Camped at site 15, nice large wooded site. Nicely shaded," described one user.

PrivacyPrivacy levels vary. Several reviews note that sites are not separated by significant barriers and are relatively close to one another. "Good place to stay but you will be close to others so expect noise and lights," one reviewer mentioned.

Total Campsites15 campsites

Recommended SitesChoose shaded sites like C15 for privacy or sites closer to restrooms for convenience like C10.

Best CampsitesSite 15 gets mentioned for being large and nicely shaded. C10 and C11 are noted for clean nearby restrooms and peaceful surroundings. Arriving early helps you claim the best spot, since sites aren't reservable by number.

Need help booking Cottonwood Campground (Ia)?

Reservation tips, booking windows, and free cancellation alerts.

Recreation.gov Guide

Booking tips & windows

When to Book

Find your booking window

Cancellation Alerts

Free alerts for this campground

Amenities available

Cottonwood Campground is a walk-to tent camping facility located within the Coralville Lake Dam Complex. The site features 11 non-electric campsites and is particularly suitable for primitive camping enthusiasts. Amenities include modern restroom and shower facilities, which users describe as clean and functional. "We love this campground. Mature trees, lots of shade, and super clean restrooms, plus a sink you can wash dishes in," noted one reviewer. Drinking water, trash, and recycling receptacles are available, but these are located outside of the West Overlook Campground, along with a dump station for RV users. Each campsite is equipped with picnic tables and fire rings. The parking arrangement is general rather than per-site, with trailers accommodated at a nearby lot.

Showers

Potable water

Flush toilets

Dump station

Fire rings

Picnic tables

I manage this campground

Activities you can enjoy

Cottonwood Campground offers a variety of recreational activities centered around its natural setting and proximity to Coralville Lake. Popular activities include hiking, fishing, and exploring the unique Devonian Fossil Gorge. "We absolutely love this place to go camping, fishing, or hiking," noted one reviewer. Wildlife viewing and birdwatching are also favored, with abundant species such as deer, turkeys, and songbirds.

Hiking

Cultural and Educational Programs

Water Sports

Planning your trip?Check out our camping packing checklist

Policies & Safety

No Electric HookupsElectric hookups are not available at this campground. RV campers should arrive with a full battery and plan for off-grid power (generator hours/quiet rules permitting).

No Water HookupsSite-level water hookups are not available. RV campers should fill freshwater tanks before arrival; check the No Potable Water note above if applicable for drinking water.

Fire PolicyDon't Move Firewood: Protect your forests from tree-killing pests by buying your firewood locally and burning it on-site.Visit Dontmovefirewood.org for further information.

Quiet HoursQuiet hours are 10:00 p.m to 6:00 a.m

Trash & RecyclingTrash and recycling facilities are present but located outside the campground at the West Overlook Campground.

Cell CoverageNo explicit information about cell phone service quality or coverage is provided. Some reviews suggest the campground has a tranquil, undisturbed environment, implying limited connectivity.

Trip Planning Tools

Set an AlertGet notified when sites open up Check WeatherHistorical weather data Gear for This TripMatched gear recommendations Packing ListCustomizable checklist

Questions & answers

Researching this campground? Ask anything — other campers and our team will weigh in. No visit required.

Tips from campers

Short heads-ups about the road in, gear quirks, timing, and more. You don't have to have been here to share what you know.

Reviews

Rate Cottonwood Campground (Ia)

Been here? Tap a star to start. Takes about a minute.

Sign-in required only if you want your name on it.

From Booking Sources

3.9

40 reviews

Mixed Reviews

Cottonwood Campground (Ia) has mixed reviews, placing it in the bottom 85% of campgrounds based on reviews

User reviews present Cottonwood Campground as a serene and beautiful place for tent camping, often highlighted for its mature trees, clean facilities, and peaceful environment. However, some reviewers noted issues with noise enforcement and raccoon activity.

Review Summaries

Based on 40 reviews

Best sites at a glance

Pulled from per-site mentions in 40 reviews.

Site 15Loved
Site 15 is noted for its large, shaded area but is uphill from the parking lot.
Site 11Loved
Site 11 is praised for its cleanliness and serenity.
Site 6Loved
Site 6 is favored for its peaceful environment and proximity to nature.
site 2Mentioned
Conversely, site 2 experienced raccoon disturbances, and site 14 was noted for its lack of privacy.

What Campers Love

Positive aspects include the cleanliness and functionality of the restrooms and showers, ample shade from tall trees, and the quiet, natural setting. "The bathrooms are kept very clean," and "the...

Based on 40 reviews

Common Concerns

Frequent complaints include lack of noise regulation during quiet hours and issues with raccoons damaging personal belongings. "Rules not enforced," noted a user about noise levels, while another...

Based on 40 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Campers are advised to stow food securely to prevent raccoon tampering. Parking trailers in the designated lot and arriving early to select the best spot are also recommended. Several reviewers also...

Based on 40 reviews

Seasonal Insights

Spring and fall are preferred for their moderate weather and fewer visitors. Summertime sees increased wildlife activity and occasional disturbances from other campers. "The campground was very quiet...

Based on 40 reviews

Camper Quotes

"The bathrooms are maintained and clean. The showers are hot and in good condition," "We absolutely love this place to go camping, fishing, or hiking," "Camped at site 15, nice large wooded site....

Based on 40 reviews

Pet-Friendly Features

Pets are allowed but must be leashed or restrained, as required by campground rules. No specific reviews address pet-related features.

Based on 40 reviews

Outdoorithm Community

Be the first to review this campground

Every adventure creates another. Share what you learned so the next camper feels a little more prepared heading out.

Go if

You want a quiet, wooded campground with modern restrooms and lake access close to town.

Skip if

You need guaranteed quiet-hour enforcement or want to avoid potential wildlife encounters.

Nearby Campgrounds

Frequently Visited

4.6

(310)

Tailwater West Campground

2850 Prairie Du Chien Rd NE

Tailwater West Campground sits on Coralville Lake near Iowa City, operated by the US Army Corps of Engineers. This small, budget-friendly campground offers full hookups on level concrete pads and serves as a convenient base for exploring the nearby Devonian Fossil Gorge. Clean facilities, friendly staff, and access to lake fishing and boating make it a practical choice for RV and tent campers seeking a straightforward lakeside stay.