How much does camping cost at Sugar Bottom Campground?

Camping fees at Sugar Bottom Campground range from $14-$260/night. Prices may vary by site type (standard, hookup, premium) and season. Book online to see exact pricing for your dates.

Is Sugar Bottom Campground first-come first-served or reservation?

Sugar Bottom 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 Sugar Bottom Campground before I book?

Yes! Sugar Bottom Campground has 11 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 Sugar Bottom Campground?

Sugar Bottom Campground is open May 01 to September 29. 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 Sugar Bottom Campground?

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

How many campsites does Sugar Bottom Campground have?

Sugar Bottom Campground has 232 campsites. Sites vary in size, privacy, and amenities. Check availability online to find the best site for your needs.

Are dogs allowed at Sugar Bottom Campground?

Yes, pets are allowed at Sugar Bottom 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 Sugar Bottom Campground?

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

What activities can I do at Sugar Bottom Campground?

Popular activities at Sugar Bottom Campground include Hiking, Fishing, Biking. The surrounding area offers plenty of outdoor recreation opportunities for all skill levels.

Sugar Bottom Campground

4.55

627 reviews

2192 MEHAFFEY BRIDGE ROAD, SOLON, IA, 52333-9208, USA

Top 6% in IASpring

Scenic ViewsSummer Destination

Featured in:Best Campgrounds Iowa Boating Camping Iowa

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

Quick Facts

692 ft

Price

$14 - $260/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

232 campsites

Season

Open season: May 1 t...

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

Full HookupsShowers

Book on US Army Corps of Engineers Official Website

Get Directions

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

Quick Facts

692 ft

Price

$14 - $260/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

232 campsites

Season

Open season: May 1 t...

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

Full HookupsShowers

Book on US Army Corps of Engineers Official Website

Get Directions

Sugar Bottom Campground

$14.00 - $260.00 / night

Campsite Fees

Concrete Site, 50 amp, water: $28.00; Concrete Site: 30 Amp: $24.00; Concrete Site: 50 Amp, Electric, Water, Sewer: $30.00; Concrete Site: 50 Amp:...

Hike and Bike Site Fee$14.00

Group Site Fee$240.00

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Recreation Dot Gov

Provider

MAY 1 - SEPTEMBER 30 CAMPGROUND ENTRANCE STATION: (319) 624-2102 OCTOBER 1 - APRIL 30 CORALVILLE LAKE PROJECT OFFICE: (319) 338-3543 X.6300kathryn.s.atkinson@usace.army.mil

I manage this campground

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Campground Map

2192 MEHAFFEY BRIDGE ROAD, SOLON, IA, 52333-9208, USA

Sugar Bottom Campground

2192 MEHAFFEY BRIDGE ROAD, SOLON, IA, 52333-9208, USA

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

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.

Weather at Sugar Bottom Campground

Best Time to Camp at Sugar Bottom Campground

Best season: spring. Spring (primarily May at Sugar Bottom) offers the best balance of mild weather, active wildlife, and excellent fishing as the lake warms — daytime highs typically range from the low 50s to mid-70s°F with cool mornings. Trails and woodlands are fresh with spring wildflowers and migrating birds, and crowds are still light before the reservation rush starts June 20. Boating and bank fishing are excellent in May, and lower weekend traffic makes it ideal for relaxed camping and wildlife viewing. Peak months: May, June, September, July Avoid: October, November, December, January

Best

Spring(Mar-May)

4.5 / 5

Top 6% in IA

May called a 'sweet spot' — mild temps, warming lake, wildflowers, lighter crowds before reservations start.

Planning Tips

Peak Season: May 01 to September 29. Book 2-3 months ahead.
Operating Season: Open season: May 1 to September 29. Reservations start June 20.

About Sugar Bottom Campground

Sugar Bottom Campground sits on Coralville Lake near Solon, Iowa, operated by the US Army Corps of Engineers. This large facility offers full-hookup RV sites, tent camping, and primitive options across varied terrain with lake access for fishing and boating. Spring brings mild weather, wildflowers, and active fishing as the lake warms, with trails winding through woodlands popular with hikers and bikers.

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.

Weather and SeasonsBest season: spring. Spring (primarily May at Sugar Bottom) offers the best balance of mild weather, active wildlife, and excellent fishing as the lake warms — daytime highs typically range from the low 50s to mid-70s°F with cool mornings. Trails and woodlands are fresh with spring wildflowers and migrating birds, and crowds are still light before the reservation rush starts June 20. Boating and bank fishing are excellent in May, and lower weekend traffic makes it ideal for relaxed camping and wildlife viewing. Peak months: May, June, September, July Avoid: October, November, December, January

Elevation692 ft above sea level

Natural Features and SceneryDense oak, hickory, and maple forests buffer the campground from Coralville Lake, a flood control reservoir at 692 feet elevation. The forest canopy provides shade across most loops, creating filtered light and cooler temperatures. White-tailed deer, wild turkeys, and ring-necked pheasants move through the woods, especially at dawn and dusk. Songbirds are active throughout the day. Some sites face the lake directly. Others back into wooded areas with varying understory thickness.

Best Campsites

Curated by campers, for campers

Reveal picks

Reserving a campsite

Stay Limit

Maximum stay periods are 14 nights within a rolling 30 calendar days.

Guests Allowed Per Site

Up to 6 occupants are permitted per site.

Groups

Group sites accommodate large gatherings, with pricing tiers ranging from $80 to $240 per night depending on group size and amenities.

Tents

Tents are allowed

RV vehicles

RV vehicles are allowed

Primitive

Primitive camping is allowed

Reservable

Reservations are allowed

Reservation PlatformsReservations can be made via Recreation.gov.

AccessibilityBarrier-free trails, clean private shower/toilet combos, and accessible sites are noted, though one user experienced issues regarding staff enforcing handicap status.

Site SizeSites vary in size, with options for large, spacious spots accommodating RVs up to 45 feet, and smaller tent-specific areas. Several campers noted uneven parking pads at certain sites.

PrivacyPrivacy levels vary across the campground, with some sites offering separation via bushes or trees, while others are described as closer together.

Total Campsites232 campsites

Recommended SitesAvoid sites 30 and 31 for campers requiring level areas. Site 54 has water hookups but is far from the beach. Site 178 offers proximity to beach activities.

Best CampsitesSite 31 has lake views but an uneven parking pad (several reviews warn about leveling issues there and at sites 30 and 53). Site 178 sits waterfront near the beach. Weekday visits guarantee quieter conditions. Waterfront sites book fast. Bring long hoses for water hookups at distant spigots.

Need help booking Sugar Bottom Campground?

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

The Sugar Bottom Campground offers extensive amenities including modern restroom and shower facilities, vault toilets, dump station, drinking water supply, entrance station, beach access, boat ramp, firewood for purchase, and picnic shelters. Additional amenities include flush toilets, paved sites, fire rings, grills, recycling, and electric, water, and sewer hookups. Accessibility features such as barrier-free trails and clean private bathroom/shower combos are appreciated by many.

Showers

Potable water

Electricity hookups

Water hookups

Sewer hookups

Flush toilets

I manage this campground

RV details

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.

Hiking

Fishing

Biking

Winter Activities

Water Sports

Planning your trip?Check out our camping packing checklist

Policies & Safety

Trash & RecyclingTrash and recycling facilities are concentrated at the entrance and dump station, which some users found inconvenient for extended stays. Recycling is appreciated by environmentally-conscious campers.

Cell CoverageMixed reviews on cell phone service quality. Some users noted poor reception with US Cellular and Verizon, while others found Consumer Cellular service reliable. Several campers expressed a desire for Wi-Fi to improve 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 Sugar Bottom Campground

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From Booking Sources

4.6

627 reviews

Top-Rated

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

Best sites at a glance

Pulled from per-site mentions in 627 reviews.

Site 54Loved
Site 54: Quiet with facilities nearby but distant from the beach.
Site 178Mentioned
Site 178: Waterfront and close to the beach but far from showers.
Site 31Mentioned
Site 31: Beautiful view but uneven pad and damaged electrical box.
Site 53Issues noted
Site 53: Not suitable for large RVs due to uneven terrain.

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 reviews

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 reviews

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 reviews

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 reviews

Camper 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 reviews

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 reviews

Pet-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 reviews

Outdoorithm Community

Be the first to review this campground

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Go if

You want full hookups near Coralville Lake with hiking trails and don't mind uneven terrain at some sites.

Skip if

You need a quiet holiday weekend or prefer campgrounds with on-site garbage service.

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Linder Point Campground

2850 Prairie Du Chien Rd NE

Linder Point Campground sits on Coralville Lake near Iowa City, operated by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. This small lakeside facility offers full hookups and modern amenities during the peak summer season. Campers enjoy level concrete pads, clean showers, and access to trails for hiking and wildlife viewing, with quiet hours enforced throughout the property.