Iowa / Johnson County / Sugar Bottom Park

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.

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.

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