How much does camping cost at Lake Macbride State Park?

Camping fees at Lake Macbride State Park range from Free. Prices may vary by site type (standard, hookup, premium) and season. Book online to see exact pricing for your dates.

Is Lake Macbride State Park first-come first-served or reservation?

Lake Macbride State Park 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 Lake Macbride State Park before I book?

Yes! Lake Macbride State Park has 2 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 Lake Macbride State Park?

Lake Macbride State Park is open Peak season services and activities are available from Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day weekend.. 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 Lake Macbride State Park?

Yes, Lake Macbride State Park has shower facilities available for campers. Check the amenities section for details on hours and any fees.

Can I have a campfire at Lake Macbride State Park?

Fire policies at Lake Macbride State Park: Campfire policies are not explicitly detailed.. Always check current fire restrictions before your trip, as conditions change seasonally.

Are dogs allowed at Lake Macbride State Park?

Pets are not allowed at Lake Macbride State Park. This policy helps protect local wildlife and other campers. Consider nearby pet-friendly campgrounds if traveling with animals.

What amenities are available at Lake Macbride State Park?

Lake Macbride State Park offers: Restrooms, Showers, Potable Water, Dump Station, Electrical Hookups, Water Hookups, Sewer Hookups. See our detailed campground page for the full list of facilities and features.

What activities can I do at Lake Macbride State Park?

Popular activities at Lake Macbride State Park include Hiking, Fishing, Swimming, Biking, Boating, Wildlife Viewing, Beach Activities. The surrounding area offers plenty of outdoor recreation opportunities for all skill levels.

Lake Macbride State Park

3.48

12 reviews

3525 Hwy 382 NE , Solon, Iowa, 52333, United States

Summer Destination

Featured in:RV Camping Iowa

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

Quick Facts

781 ft

Price

Free

Booking

Reservable

Sites

Varies

Season

Year-round

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Check Policy

Full HookupsShowers

Book on Lake Macbride State Park Official Website

Get Directions

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

Quick Facts

781 ft

Price

Free

Booking

Reservable

Sites

Varies

Season

Year-round

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Check Policy

Full HookupsShowers

Book on Lake Macbride State Park Official Website

Get Directions

Lake Macbride State Park

$0.00 - $0.00 / night

Campsite Fees

Fees for campsites (modern and primitive) are not explicitly stated in the source materials.

No paid fee categories listed.

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3196242200

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Campground Map

3525 Hwy 382 NE , Solon, Iowa, 52333, United States

Lake Macbride State Park

3525 Hwy 382 NE , Solon, Iowa, 52333, United States

Nearby places

Solon (5 miles), Coralville Lake (immediately adjacent), Cedar Rapids/Iowa City area (distances not specified)

Nearby supplies

"Grocery Store" is listed as being within greater than 1 mile. For camping supplies and essentials, the source notes "firewood" sales within the facility.

Driving directionsDirections from the main entrance to the modern campground: From Solon take County Road F16 west out of town for 5 miles, when entering the park follow the signs to the campground. Directions to the Primitive campground: From Solon, take 5th St. west out of town for 3 miles. As you enter the park follow the sign to the campground.

The campground is accessible via paved county roads. No mention of seasonal closures or challenging terrain was provided.

Weather at Lake Macbride State Park

Best Time to Camp at Lake Macbride State Park

Summer delivers the full lake experience. Daytime highs run mid-70s to mid-80s°F, occasionally pushing 90°F, with warm water ideal for swimming and paddling. Boat rentals operate Memorial Day through Labor Day. Dawn and dusk fishing is best. Weekends and holidays bring crowds. Visit on weekday mornings for quieter shorelines. Winter temperatures can drop to 7°F, and spring brings wildflowers as the forest wakes up. Autumn turns the oak and hickory stands gold and crimson.

Best

Summer(Jun-Aug)

4.0 / 5

Peak season: beach, boat rentals and visitor services run Memorial Day–Labor Day.

Planning Tips

Peak Season: Peak season services and activities are available from Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day weekend.. Book 2-3 months ahead.
Operating Season: The campground facilities operate year-round, but some services (e.g., boat rental) are seasonal from Memorial Day through Labor Day.

About Lake Macbride State Park

Lake Macbride State Park spreads across 2,180 acres in eastern Iowa near Solon, centered on an 812-acre lake carved by Mill and Jordan Creeks. The park offers both modern campsites with electric hookups and primitive camping in wooded areas. Summer is peak season, with boat rentals and visitor services running Memorial Day through Labor Day.

Lake Macbride State Park offers varied camping accommodations. The modern campground is equipped with full hookups, while the non-modern campground provides a more primitive experience.

Weather and SeasonsSummer delivers the full lake experience. Daytime highs run mid-70s to mid-80s°F, occasionally pushing 90°F, with warm water ideal for swimming and paddling. Boat rentals operate Memorial Day through Labor Day. Dawn and dusk fishing is best. Weekends and holidays bring crowds. Visit on weekday mornings for quieter shorelines. Winter temperatures can drop to 7°F, and spring brings wildflowers as the forest wakes up. Autumn turns the oak and hickory stands gold and crimson.

ElevationThe park's gentle topography creates an accessible outdoor experience, with terrain that welcomes hikers of all skill levels to explore its diverse landscapes.

Natural Features and SceneryThe park sits in wooded valleys shaped by Mill and Jordan Creeks, with oak and hickory forests giving way to restored prairie patches. The 812-acre lake anchors the landscape at 781 feet elevation. Trails wind through shaded forest and open prairie, creating diverse habitat for wildlife viewing. The mix of water, woodland, and grassland shifts with the seasons. Dense green canopy in summer, bare branches revealing lake views in winter.

Geological RegionLake Macbride's landscape tells a fascinating geological story, carved over millennia by the patient work of Mill and Jordan Creeks. These wooded valleys cradle the park's stunning 812-acre artificial lake, while the surrounding terrain showcases a remarkable tapestry of oak and hickory forests interwoven with restored Iowa prairie. This unique geological setting creates diverse habitats and stunning vistas that change with every season, offering visitors a true immersion in Iowa's natural splendor.

Scenic ViewsVisitors can enjoy scenic views of Lake Macbride, the surrounding forest, and prairie landscapes.

Lodging & AccommodationsA day-use lodge is available for family reunions and other events, but it is not specified if overnight lodging accommodations such as cabins are provided.

Programs & ActivitiesNot mentioned in the available materials.

Best Campsites

Curated by campers, for campers

Reveal picks

Reserving a campsite

Groups

No details provided on group camping options.

Tents

Tents are not allowed

RV vehicles

RV vehicles are allowed

Primitive

Primitive camping is allowed

Reservable

Reservations are allowed

Site layoutThe park has two campgrounds: a modern area with electric and full-hookup sites, and a primitive area in the shade near the lake. Sites in both areas sit close together, especially in tent sections. The primitive campground has sloped, uneven terrain that may need leveling.

Reservation PlatformsReservations can be made online for shelters and lodges through an unspecified platform.

Walk-in AvailabilityInformation on walk-up availability for campsites is not provided.

Cancellation PolicyCancellation policy details are not mentioned.

AccessibilityUniversal accessibility features include fishing piers. Detailed accessibility reviews are not provided.

Site SizeNo specific data on site sizes available.

PrivacySome users mention that the sites are close together, particularly in the tent camping areas, which may compromise privacy.

Recommended SitesNo site-specific recommendations are provided.

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Amenities available

Lake Macbride State Park offers a wide range of amenities aimed at enhancing the camping and outdoor experience. Amenities include bait and firewood sales, modern restrooms, boat rental with pontoons, pedal boats, kayaks, canoes, and paddleboards, as well as a concession stand for food and ice sales. The campgrounds provide a playground, picnic areas with shelters, and restrooms with both flush and vault toilets. RV-friendly facilities include a dump station, electrical, water, and sewer hookups. Accessibility features such as universally designed fishing piers are available.

Showers

Potable water

Electricity hookups

Water hookups

Sewer hookups

Flush toilets

I manage this campground

RV details

Activities you can enjoy

Lake Macbride State Park is a hub for a variety of outdoor activities. From its extensive hiking and biking trails to its artificial lake offering fishing, swimming, and boating, the park caters to diverse interests. Winter sports like cross-country skiing and snowmobiling are also available.

Hiking

Fishing

Swimming

Biking

Boating

Wildlife viewing

Planning your trip?Check out our camping packing checklist

Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsUser reviews mention dead limbs falling from old trees during windy conditions in the primitive campground.

Fire PolicyCampfire policies are not explicitly detailed.

Quiet HoursQuiet hours are not mentioned.

Emergency ServicesThe nearest emergency services are not explicitly mentioned in the source materials.

Trash & RecyclingTrash dumpsters are available. However, no specific details on recycling facilities are mentioned.

Water FeaturesThe campground is located near Lake Macbride and Coralville Lake, offering easy access to water activities.

Cell CoverageNo explicit mentions of cell phone service availability in the source materials.

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

From Booking Sources

3.5

12 reviews

Mixed Reviews

Lake Macbride State Park has mixed reviews, placing it in the bottom 85% of campgrounds based on reviews

User reviews highlight the park's well-rounded amenities and activities. Positives include the cleanliness of the park, range of activities, and family-friendly atmosphere. Some concerns were raised about the close spacing of campsites and the uneven terrain in the primitive area.

Review Summaries

Based on 12 reviews

What Campers Love

The park's cleanliness, variety of trails, fishing opportunities, and well-maintained facilities are frequently praised.

Based on 12 reviews

Common Concerns

Negative feedback revolves around the close proximity of campsites in the tent areas and the uneven terrain in the primitive campground.

Based on 12 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

Some users recommend the modern campground for its amenities but note that the primitive campground's uneven terrain can be challenging.

Based on 12 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Consider the modern campground for better amenities if privacy isn't a concern. Primitive camping offers more natural settings but may require leveling adjustments due to sloped terrain.

Based on 12 reviews

Seasonal Insights

Summer is popular for water activities and wildlife viewing, while winter attracts visitors for snowmobiling and skiing.

Based on 12 reviews

Camper Quotes

Peter Shaw: 'Lake Macbride is a great campground with lots of things to do for the family.' Tim O: 'Good with functioning utilities, bathrooms, and showers. Not very tent-friendly, and sites are...

Based on 12 reviews

Accessibility Features

No user reviews specifically address accessibility features.

Based on 12 reviews

Pet-Friendly Features

No user reviews specifically address pet-related features.

Based on 12 reviews

Outdoorithm Community

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Go if

Families who want lake access without hauling their own gear: pedal boats, kayaks, pontoons, and a swim beach are all on-site Memorial Day through Labor Day, plus a limestone trail into Solon for morning rides.

Skip if

Tent campers wanting elbow room will be disappointed. The primitive sites are close together, slope enough to need leveling, and reviewers flag falling limbs from old trees during wind.

Nearby Campgrounds

3369 SANDY BEACH ROAD NE

Sandy Beach Camp sits on the shore of Coralville Lake near Solon, Iowa, operated by the US Army Corps of Engineers. This mid-sized campground offers tent and RV sites with electric and sewer hookups, showers, and direct lake access for fishing and boating. Campers appreciate the spacious, well-separated sites and clean facilities, though hiking options are limited.