Cottonwood Campground (Ia)
4.0540 reviews2850 Prairie Du Chien Rd NE
Quick Facts
768 ftPrice
$14/night
Booking
Reservable
Sites
15 campsites
Season
Open May 23, 2025 - ...
Cell
Unknown
Pets
Very Pet Friendly
Showers
Get DirectionsQuick Facts
768 ftPrice
$14/night
Booking
Reservable
Sites
15 campsites
Season
Open May 23, 2025 - ...
Cell
Unknown
Pets
Very Pet Friendly
Showers
Get DirectionsCottonwood Campground (Ia)
$14.00 - $14.00 / night
Campsite Fees
Peak season nightly rate for walk-to tent sites is $14.00. Discounts, taxes, or incremental charges are not reflected.
Standard Site Fee$14.00
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
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Recreation Dot Gov
ProviderMAY 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
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What Campers Say
4.05
Satisfactory
Based on 40 reviews
12 Google reviews
Most mentioned
quietcleanshowersrestrooms
Some mention
noise
"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."
Campground Map
2850 Prairie Du Chien Rd NE
Cottonwood Campground (Ia)
2850 Prairie Du Chien Rd NE
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.
Paved roads throughout the route. Easily accessible from major highways (I-80 and I-380).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).
Nearby supplies
Grocery stores, restaurants, and camping supplies available in Iowa City, Coralville, and Coral Ridge Mall, approximately 3-10 miles away.
Best Time to Camp at Cottonwood Campground (Ia)
Experience the full spectrum of Iowa's seasons at Cottonwood, where each brings its own unique charm. Summer transforms the campground into a verdant paradise, with comfortable temperatures perfect for starlit evenings around the campfire and refreshing mornings by the lake. As autumn arrives, the surrounding forest erupts in brilliant colors, creating a photographer's dream. Winter blankets the landscape in pristine snow, offering a serene, frozen wonderland for the hardy souls who appreciate the quiet beauty of the off-season.
Best
Summer(Jun-Aug)
3.0 / 5
Peak season: verdant and active but busier; some noise and raccoon disturbances reported in summer.
Fall(Sep-Nov)
Not recommended
Campground closed outside May 23–Aug 31 for the 2025 recreation season.
Spring(Mar-May)
Not recommended
Campground closed outside May 23–Aug 31 for the 2025 recreation season.
Winter(Dec-Feb)
Not recommended
Campground closed outside May 23–Aug 31 for the 2025 recreation season.
Planning Tips
- Peak Season: May 23, 2025 - August 31, 2025. Book 2-3 months ahead.
- Operating Season: Open May 23, 2025 - August 31, 2025. Closed for the 2025 recreation season outside of these dates.
- Current Alerts: Campground closed for the 2025 recreation season.
About Cottonwood Campground (Ia)
Nestled within the scenic Dam Complex at Coralville Lake, Cottonwood Campground offers an intimate escape into nature's embrace. Here, walk-to tent sites are tucked beneath a canopy of mature hardwoods, creating private sanctuaries for those seeking a genuine connection with the outdoors. Modern conveniences blend seamlessly with the natural setting, featuring a well-appointed restroom and shower facility at the main parking area. Adventure beckons just beyond your tent flap, with winding trails for exploration, prime fishing spots along the shoreline, and fascinating geological wonders waiting to be discovered.
Cottonwood Campground is exclusively designed for walk-to, non-electric tent camping, offering a primitive camping experience for up to 6 occupants per site.
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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. Total stays are capped at 14 nights within a rolling 30-day period.
Amenities available
Showers
Potable water
Flush toilets
Dump station
Fire rings
Picnic tables
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.
HikingSeveral trails, including the Squire Point Trail, Woodpecker Trail, Tailwater Riverwalk, and Veterans Trail, are accessible within the Dam Complex. The latter is designed to be barrier-free. No specific details on trail lengths or difficulty levels were found.
FishingFishing opportunities are abundant in Coralville Lake, with species such as large and smallmouth bass, crappie, walleye, and catfish. "Anglers will find large and smallmouth bass, crappie, walleye, and catfish," according to the official description.
SwimmingSwimming is available at Coralville Lake, although specific information about designated areas or safety measures is not provided. One reviewer mentioned, "The beach is fairly close!"
BoatingCoralville Lake supports various water activities, including boating and water skiing. Details specific to boat types or docking facilities at Cottonwood Campground are not provided.
Wildlife viewingThe surrounding area is rich in wildlife, including whitetail deer, waterfowl, turkeys, and songbirds. "Wildlife is abundant throughout the project," according to official sources.
Beach activitiesBeach-related activities such as sunbathing and lake swimming are possible given the campground's proximity to Coralville Lake.
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Policies & Safety
Hazards & AlertsRaccoon activity is high, requiring campers to store food securely. Mosquito presence is significant due to stagnant water areas.
Active AlertsCampground closed for the 2025 recreation season.
Weather at Cottonwood Campground (Ia)
Reviews
4.1
40 reviews
Cottonwood Campground (Ia) is satisfactory, placing it in the bottom 60% 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
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 reviewsShow more
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 reviewsShow more
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 reviewsShow more
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 reviewsShow more
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 reviewsShow more
Site-Specific Reviews
Site 15 is noted for its large, shaded area but is uphill from the parking lot. Site 11 is praised for its cleanliness and serenity. Site 6 is favored for its peaceful environment and proximity to...
Based on 40 reviewsShow more
Accessibility Features
No specific accessibility reviews were found.
Based on 40 reviewsPet-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 reviews0
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Last updated January 13, 2026
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