Sugar Bottom Campground
4.57627 reviews2192 MEHAFFEY BRIDGE ROAD, SOLON, IA, 52333-9208, USA
Summer Destination
Quick Facts
692 ftPrice
$14 - $240/night
Booking
Reservable
Sites
232 campsites
Season
Open season: May 1 t...
Cell
Unknown
Pets
Very Pet Friendly
RV FriendlyElectricShowers
Get DirectionsQuick Facts
692 ftPrice
$14 - $240/night
Booking
Reservable
Sites
232 campsites
Season
Open season: May 1 t...
Cell
Unknown
Pets
Very Pet Friendly
RV FriendlyElectricShowers
Get DirectionsSugar Bottom Campground
$14.00 - $240.00 / night
Campsite Fees
Fees vary depending on site type and hookups. Full hookup sites cost up to $30 per night, walk-to tent sites cost $14 per night, and group standard...
Show more
Standard Site Fee$30.00
Hookup Site Fee$30.00
Premium Site Fee$0.00
Hike and Bike Site Fee$14.00
Group Site Fee$240.00
Food Storage Locker Fee$0.00
Get Notified When Available
We'll monitor this campground and alert you the moment sites become available.
Free with account · Checks every 2 minutes
150,000+ sites monitored · Email, SMS, or in-app notifications
Share this campground
Recreation Dot Gov
Provider(319) 624-2102 (May 1-Sept 30); (319) 338-3543 x.6300 (Oct 1-April 30)kathryn.s.atkinson@usace.army.mil
Help improve this page
See something outdated or incorrect? Let us know!
Advertisement
What Campers Say
4.57
Top-Rated
Based on 627 reviews
302 Google reviews
Most mentioned
viewspeacefulcleanhiking
Some mention
noise
"Sugar Bottom Campground is widely praised for its clean and spacious sites, well-maintained facilities, and beautiful natural surroundings. However, issues such as noisy neighbors, lack of enforcement of rules, and uneven parking pads at some sites were raised."
Campground Map
2192 MEHAFFEY BRIDGE ROAD, SOLON, IA, 52333-9208, USA
Sugar Bottom Campground
2192 MEHAFFEY BRIDGE ROAD, SOLON, IA, 52333-9208, USA
Driving directionsFrom Interstate 380 (North Liberty, Iowa), take Exit 4 towards North Liberty. Travel east on W. Penn St. for 2.2 miles. At the four-way stop sign, turn left onto N. Front St./Mehaffey Bridge Rd. NE. Continue traveling on Mehaffey Bridge Rd. NE for 2.9 miles. Right after crossing the Mehaffey Bridge, take a right-hand turn onto the Sugar Bottom Campground Access Rd. Continue for 1.1 miles to reach the entrance. From Highway 1 (Solon, IA), turn west onto 180th St. NE/E 5th St. Travel west for 2.3 miles. The road becomes Mehaffey Bridge Rd. NE. Continue for 2.4 miles. Before the Mehaffey Bridge, take a left-hand turn onto Sugar Bottom Campground Access Rd. Continue for 1.1 miles to reach the entrance.
Access to the campground involves paved roads, but reviews noted challenges such as steep hills, blind turns, and speeding drivers. "First of all there were no signs or warnings about the major hills and 90° turns just to get in. People were flying and we almost got hit several times." Some users found it manageable, with comments like "The road in is a bit steep with some tight blind turns... we did it in a 33' Class A with a toad. Not hard at all."Nearby places
North Liberty, IA - approximately 6 miles
Solon, IA - approximately 4 miles
Iowa City, IA - approximately 11 miles
Cedar Rapids, IA - approximately 31 miles
West Branch, IA - approximately 18 miles
Nearby supplies
Grocery stores, camping supplies, restaurants, and fuel are conveniently located in Solon (approximately 4 miles) and North Liberty (approximately 6 miles).
Best Time to Camp at Sugar Bottom Campground
Experience the full tapestry of Iowa's seasons at Sugar Bottom, where each time of year paints a different picture. Summer transforms the campground into an aquatic playground, with warm, sun-drenched days perfect for splashing in the lake and balmy evenings ideal for campfire gatherings. As autumn arrives, the surrounding forests burst into spectacular color. Winter brings its own quiet magic, blanketing the landscape in snow and creating a peaceful retreat for those seeking solitude, though visitors should come prepared for freezing temperatures and winter conditions.
Summer(Jun-Aug)
4.0 / 5
Peak season for swimming, boating, fishing; busy but vibrant with full amenities.
Fall(Sep-Nov)
3.5 / 5
Open through Sept 29; early fall offers good weather and foliage, crowds ease after peak.
Best
Spring(Mar-May)
4.0 / 5
Opens May 1; spring offers mild weather and fewer crowds early in season.
Winter(Dec-Feb)
Not recommended
Campground closed outside May 1–Sep 29 season.
Planning Tips
- Peak Season: May 1 to September 29.. Book 2-3 months ahead.
- Operating Season: Open season: May 1 to September 29. Reservations start June 20.
- Current Alerts: No active alerts were noted.
About Sugar Bottom Campground
Nestled along the pristine shores of Coralville Lake, Sugar Bottom Campground beckons outdoor enthusiasts with its perfect blend of modern comfort and natural beauty. Wake up to the gentle lapping of lake waters before launching into a day filled with adventure—cast your line for the day's catch, glide across the sparkling waters by boat, or cool off with a refreshing swim. Land lovers can explore miles of scenic trails by bike or on foot, all while enjoying the convenience of modern restrooms, hot showers, and full hookup sites equipped with electricity and water.
Sugar Bottom Campground offers a range of camping options including primitive tent sites, electric and full hookup RV sites, and group camping areas. Some sites are waterfront, providing scenic views.
Advertisement
Best Campsites
Curated by campers, for campers
Reveal picks
Reserving a campsite
Check-in
2:00 PM
Check-out
12:00 PM
Stay Limit
Maximum stay periods are 14 nights within a rolling 30 calendar days.
Amenities available
Showers
Potable water
Electricity hookups
Flush toilets
Dump station
Fire rings
Activities you can enjoy
Activities at Sugar Bottom Campground are diverse and cater to families, outdoor enthusiasts, and solo travelers. Popular activities include hiking, fishing, mountain biking, disc golfing, swimming, boating, and wildlife viewing. The campground also features trails, beaches, and water access.
HikingSeveral trails within the Sugar Bottom area attract hikers, including the Cedar Valley Nature Trail and Sugar Bottom Mountain Bike Trail. Trails vary in difficulty from beginner to expert, and many users praised the scenic nature of the hikes.
FishingAnglers can expect to catch bass, crappie, walleye, and catfish in Coralville Lake and nearby rivers. Reviews highlight the fishing opportunities as a key draw for the campground.
SwimmingThe campground features designated swimming areas with sand beaches. Some users found the beaches clean and well-maintained, while others commented on muddy sand and goose droppings.
BikingThe Sugar Bottom Mountain Bike Trail offers routes suited for all skill levels, ranging from beginner to expert. Positive user reviews praised the well-maintained trails and the unique biking experience.
BoatingCoralville Lake provides excellent boating opportunities, though some users noted issues with boat ramp closures and limited overnight docking facilities.
Wildlife viewingWildlife is abundant, with whitetail deer, turkeys, pheasants, waterfowl, and songbirds frequently spotted. Many users enjoyed the quiet natural environment for birdwatching and wildlife observation.
Advertisement
Policies & Safety
Hazards & AlertsUsers reported wildlife like raccoons entering campsites and steep hills within the campground road system.
Active AlertsNo active alerts were noted.
Weather at Sugar Bottom Campground
Reviews
4.6
627 reviews
Sugar Bottom Campground is top-rated, placing it in the top 15% of campgrounds based on reviews
Sugar Bottom Campground is widely praised for its clean and spacious sites, well-maintained facilities, and beautiful natural surroundings. However, issues such as noisy neighbors, lack of enforcement of rules, and uneven parking pads at some sites were raised.
Review Summaries
Based on 627 reviews
What Campers Love
Users highlighted the campground's cleanliness, helpful staff, beautiful views, and variety of activities including hiking, fishing, and boating. Many appreciated the private bathroom/shower combos...
Based on 627 reviewsShow more
Common Concerns
Noise disturbances from campers on weekends, uneven campsite pads, lack of trash cans throughout the campground, and limited Wi-Fi/cell service were common complaints. Some users expressed...
Based on 627 reviewsShow more
Pro Tips & Recommendations
Campers recommend booking waterfront sites for scenic views, arriving during weekdays for a quieter stay, and bringing long hoses for water hookups. Avoid sites known for uneven pads such as 30, 31,...
Based on 627 reviewsShow more
Seasonal Insights
Weekdays and off-season periods are recommended for peaceful experiences, while holiday weekends attract rowdy crowds. Seasonal closures limit accessibility.
Based on 627 reviewsCamper Quotes
1. 'Beautiful campground, clean restroom/showers.' - Barbara M
2. 'Wide spacious sites, super clean fire rings, and restrooms.' - Renee P
3. 'We love Sugar Bottom Campground. Restrooms and showers...
Based on 627 reviewsShow more
Site-Specific Reviews
Site 54: Quiet with facilities nearby but distant from the beach. Site 178: Waterfront and close to the beach but far from showers. Site 31: Beautiful view but uneven pad and damaged electrical box....
Based on 627 reviewsShow more
Accessibility Features
Mixed reviews on accessibility. Barrier-free trails and private bathroom/shower combos are valued, but enforcement of handicap policies has caused discomfort for some users.
Based on 627 reviewsPet-Friendly Features
Pet-friendly policies are appreciated, although issues with unleashed dogs and barking were noted. Several campers urged better control of pets to enhance the experience.
Based on 627 reviews0
0 review
1
2
3
4
5
Add your voice to the Outdoorithm community
Been to Sugar Bottom Campground? Your review helps fellow campers discover what makes this place special—and what to expect.
Last updated January 13, 2026
Advertisement