Sugar Bottom Campground
Closed — Closed for the season. Opens May 1, 2026, though May reservations are currently unavailable due to ongoing construction. Season typically runs May 1 through September 30. Reservations available via Recreation.gov.
Cold Weather Advisory issued January 19 at 3:02AM CST until January 19 at 12:00PM CST by NWS Quad Cities IA IL
* WHAT...Very cold wind chills as low as 25 to 30 below. * WHERE...Portions of east central and northeast Iowa. * WHEN...Until noon CST today. * IMPACTS...The dangerously cold wind chills as low as 30 below zero could cause frostbite on exposed skin in as little as 30 minutes. Frostbite and hypothermia will occur if unprotected skin is exposed to these temperatures.
From Recreation.gov
Reservations are currently unavailable for the Sugar Bottom Campground during the month of May due to ongoing construction. Please check back at a later date. Reservations will be available as soon as the construction is complete.
About
Sugar Bottom Campground is the largest campground at Coralville Lake, operated by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers on the Iowa River Valley. Located on the east side of the lake among heavily wooded forests of mixed hardwood species, the campground provides 232 campsites including full hookup sites with water, sewer, and 50-amp electric; sites with 50-amp electric and water; standard 30-amp electric sites; and non-electric walk-to tent sites. Three camping units are permitted per site. The campground features modern restroom and shower facilities, vault toilets, drinking water, a dump station, beach, and boat ramp. Visitors enjoy excellent fishing for large and smallmouth bass, crappie, walleye, and catfish. The Sugar Bottom area is renowned for mountain biking with trails ranging from beginner to expert, plus the Cedar Valley Nature Trail and barrier-free asphalt trails. An 18-hole disc golf course is located in the adjacent day use area. Wildlife including whitetail deer, turkeys, pheasants, and waterfowl are abundant throughout the project. Nearby attractions include the Devonian Fossil Gorge, a 375-million-year-old sea floor with fossil remains just 10 miles away. Iowa City and Coralville offer university amenities, restaurants, and shopping, while regional attractions include the Amana Colonies, Herbert Hoover National Historic Site, and Cedar Rapids cultural sites.
Directions
From 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 on the Sugar Bottom Campground Access Rd. for 1.1 miles. The entrance to the Sugar Bottom Campground is straight ahead.
Nearby Campgrounds
Amenities
| Water | Yes |
| Fires Allowed | Yes |
| Toilets | Yes |
| Dump Station | Yes |
| Wifi | — |
| Pets Allowed | Yes |
| Showers | Yes |
| Electric Hookups | Yes |
| Water Hookups | Yes |
| Sewer Hookups | Yes |
| Camp Store | — |
| Price | $14 - $100 |
Vehicle
| Max RV Length | — |
| Max Trailer Length | 66ft |
| Big Rig Friendly | Yes |
| Pull Through Sites | No |
Contact
| kathryn.s.atkinson@usace.army.mil | |
| Phone | +1 (319) 624-2102 |
Cell Service
| AT&T | Yes |
| Verizon | Yes |
| T-Mobile | None |
Availability
Photos
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