How much does camping cost at Sugar Bottom Campground?

Camping fees at Sugar Bottom Campground range from $14-$240/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 1 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.

Can I have a campfire at Sugar Bottom Campground?

Fire policies at Sugar Bottom Campground: Campfires allowed in designated rings only.. Always check current fire restrictions before your trip, as conditions change seasonally.

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, Swimming, Biking, Boating, Wildlife Viewing, Beach Activities. The surrounding area offers plenty of outdoor recreation opportunities for all skill levels.

Sugar Bottom Campground

4.57

627 reviews

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

Summer Destination

Featured in:Best Campgrounds Iowa Boating Camping Iowa

Quick Facts

692 ft

Price

$14 - $240/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

232 campsites

Season

Open season: May 1 t...

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

RV FriendlyElectricShowers

Opens US Army Corps of Engineers site

Official Website

Get Directions

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

April 2026

Compare availability across multiple campgrounds

Quick Facts

692 ft

Price

$14 - $240/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

232 campsites

Season

Open season: May 1 t...

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

RV FriendlyElectricShowers

Opens US Army Corps of Engineers site

Official Website

Get Directions

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

April 2026

Compare availability across multiple campgrounds

Sugar 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...

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

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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."

Read all reviews

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

Nearby supplies

Grocery stores, camping supplies, restaurants, and fuel are conveniently located in Solon (approximately 4 miles) and North Liberty (approximately 6 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.

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."

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.

Best

Summer(Jun-Aug)

4.0 / 5

Peak season: May–Sept; beaches, boating, swimming and crowds make summer the main draw.

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.

Historical Significance

Step back in time 375 million years at the nearby Devonian Fossil Gorge, where ancient seas once covered Iowa. This remarkable geological treasure trove reveals perfectly preserved fossils embedded in the exposed sea floor, offering campers a unique opportunity to literally walk on prehistoric ocean beds and discover the creatures that inhabited Earth's ancient waters. It's a humbling reminder that long before tents and RVs dotted these shores, this land told a very different story.

Weather and SeasonsExperience 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.

ElevationWhile specific elevation details aren't available, the campground's position in the river valley creates a naturally sheltered environment that enhances both comfort and scenic beauty throughout your stay.

Natural Features and SceneryImmerse yourself in the lush embrace of the Iowa River Valley, where Sugar Bottom Campground sits like a jewel among towering mixed hardwood forests. This verdant canopy creates a living cathedral overhead, filtering sunlight into dancing patterns on the forest floor. Wildlife thrives in this protected habitat—keep your camera ready for encounters with graceful white-tailed deer browsing at forest edges, wild turkeys strutting through clearings, ring-necked pheasants bursting from undergrowth, and a symphony of songbirds providing nature's soundtrack from dawn to dusk.

Geological RegionCarved into the heart of the Iowa River Valley, Sugar Bottom Campground occupies prime real estate along Coralville Lake, a masterfully engineered flood control reservoir that serves multiple recreational purposes. The surrounding landscape tells a story of both natural forces and human ingenuity, where dense forests of oak, hickory, and maple create a buffer between civilization and wilderness. This carefully managed ecosystem demonstrates how flood control infrastructure can harmoniously coexist with outdoor recreation, creating an oasis that serves both practical needs and the human spirit's yearning for natural beauty.

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.

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

Site layoutCampground is divided into loops with sites featuring varying levels of privacy, shade, and proximity to amenities.

Reservation PlatformsReservations can be made via Recreation.gov.

Walk-in AvailabilityNo walk-up availability; all sites must be reserved online or via the contact center.

Cancellation PolicyCancellation fee is $10. Late cancellations (less than 1 day for individual sites or less than 14 days for group sites) will result in forfeiting the first night's fee. No-show fee is $20.

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.

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

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.

Hiking

Fishing

Swimming

Biking

Boating

Wildlife viewing

Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsUsers reported wildlife like raccoons entering campsites and steep hills within the campground road system.

Active AlertsNo active alerts were noted.

Fire PolicyCampfires allowed in designated rings only.

Quiet HoursQuiet hours are 10 PM to 6 AM.

Emergency ServicesThe Veterans Affairs Medical Center and the University of Iowa hospital and clinics are located in nearby Iowa City, approximately 11 miles away.

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.

Water FeaturesLocated directly on Coralville Lake, many sites include waterfront access or views.

Camp HostCampground hosts are frequently noted as friendly and helpful—"Camp hosts were extremely helpful and knowledgeable."

Weather at Sugar Bottom Campground

Trip Planning Tools

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

Reviews

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

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

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 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

0 review