Sugar Bottom Campground

For Iowans seeking a vibrant and amenity-rich outdoor experience, Sugar Bottom Campground at Coralville Lake stands out as a premier destination. Located near Solon, this expansive campground, managed by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, is known for its beautiful setting, diverse recreational offerings, and well-maintained facilities. It's a place where the tranquil beauty of the Iowa River Valley meets thrilling outdoor activities, making it a favorite for families, adventure seekers, and those simply looking to relax by the water.

Sugar Bottom Campground is not just a place to pitch a tent or park an RV; it's a hub of activity with something for everyone. From its direct lake access and sandy swimming beach to its renowned mountain biking trails and 18-hole disc golf course, the campground offers a comprehensive outdoor experience. Reviews from past visitors consistently praise the "wonderful host," the "very nice and well maintained" grounds, and the "spotless" outhouses. While one review did suggest a need for more bathrooms and larger playgrounds to accommodate the many children, it also highlighted positive aspects like educational ranger programs, underscoring the commitment to a family-friendly environment. For Iowans desiring a dynamic and engaging camping adventure, Sugar Bottom Campground is a top choice.

---

Sugar Bottom Campground is ideally situated at 2192 Mehaffey Bridge Rd NE, Solon, IA 52333, USA. This prime location places it directly on the eastern shores of Coralville Lake, just north of Iowa City. Its position offers an excellent balance of natural immersion and convenient access to nearby communities and amenities, making it a highly desirable spot for Iowans.

The campground lies among a heavily wooded forest of mixed hardwood species, providing ample shade and a picturesque natural backdrop. Despite its serene setting, Sugar Bottom is easily accessible. From Iowa City, travelers can take Mehaffey Bridge Road NE directly to the campground entrance. Its proximity to major thoroughfares, including quick access to North Liberty and the broader Iowa City/Coralville area, ensures that essential services, diverse dining options, shopping centers, and cultural attractions are just a short drive away. This ease of access, combined with its beautiful natural surroundings, makes Sugar Bottom Campground a perfectly situated getaway for locals from across Iowa.

---

Sugar Bottom Campground is equipped with a wide array of services designed to enhance the comfort and enjoyment of all campers, catering to various camping styles:

• Extensive Campsite Options: As the largest campground at Coralville Lake, Sugar Bottom boasts over 200 campsites. These include full hook-up sites (with 50 Amp electric, water, and sewer connections), standard electric sites (30 Amp or 50 Amp), and primitive walk-in tent sites. This wide variety ensures suitability for RVs, trailers, and traditional tent campers.

• Modern Restroom and Shower Facilities: For a comfortable stay, the campground provides modern restroom and shower facilities with hot and cold water. These are consistently noted by visitors for their cleanliness and good repair, even the "outhouse near my tent site" was described as "spotless."

• RV Dump Station & Potable Water: A convenient dump station is available for RVs, complete with potable water access, making it easy for campers to service their vehicles.

• Boat Ramp & Swimming Beach: Registered campers have exclusive access to a boat ramp and a beautiful, sandy swimming beach. This is a major highlight for water activities on Coralville Lake.

• Reservations System: All sites at Sugar Bottom are reservable up to six months in advance via Recreation.gov or by calling 1-877-444-6777. This allows campers to plan their trips well in advance and secure their preferred spot.

• On-Site Hosts and Ranger Programs: The campground benefits from "wonderful host" who are very helpful. Additionally, the rangers hold "educational program" on topics like snakes, offering engaging and informative activities for children and families, often on Saturday nights.

• Pet-Friendly Policy: Dogs are allowed at Sugar Bottom Campground, provided they are kept on a leash no longer than 6 feet when outside the vehicle. This enables Iowans to bring their beloved pets along for the adventure.

• Recycle Bins: For environmental consciousness, recycle bins for cans and plastic are available at the dump station area.

---

Sugar Bottom Campground is packed with features and highlights that make it a standout destination for outdoor recreation in Iowa:

• Coralville Lake Access & Water Sports: Direct access to Coralville Lake is a major draw. The lake offers excellent opportunities for boating, water skiing, swimming at the sandy beach, and fantastic fishing. Anglers can expect to find large and smallmouth bass, crappie, walleye, and catfish.

• Premier Mountain Biking Trails: Home to the Sugar Bottom Mountain Bike Trail, the campground offers over 10 miles of trails ranging from beginner to expert levels. This makes it a top destination for mountain biking enthusiasts in Iowa.

• 18-Hole Disc Golf Course: The Sugar Bottom Disc Golf Course, featuring 18 partially wooded and open holes, provides a fun and challenging activity for disc golf players.

• Family-Friendly Amenities: The campground includes playgrounds for children, horseshoe pits, and often hosts educational programs by rangers, ensuring there are activities for all ages. While a reviewer mentioned a need for more playgrounds due to popularity, the existing ones are highly utilized.

• Extensive Hiking Trails: Beyond mountain biking, several hiking trails are available, including the Cedar Valley Nature Trail and a barrier-free asphalt trail, offering scenic walks through the natural landscape.

• Heavily Wooded, Shaded Sites: The campground lies among a heavily wooded forest of mixed hardwood species, providing ample shade for many campsites, a welcome feature during warm Iowa summers.

• Devonian Fossil Gorge Nearby: Just 10 miles away, below the Coralville Dam, is the unique Devonian Fossil Gorge, where visitors can explore a 375-million-year-old sea floor exposed by floods, a fascinating educational side trip.

• Well-Maintained & Clean: Consistent reviews highlight the campground's cleanliness and the efforts of staff and volunteers in maintaining the grounds, restrooms, and showers.

---

As a U.S. Army Corps of Engineers campground, Sugar Bottom operates under federal recreation fee policies rather than typical commercial promotions. However, it does offer valuable discounts for eligible individuals:

• America the Beautiful Passes: Holders of the America the Beautiful Interagency Senior Pass (for U.S. citizens or permanent residents aged 62 or older) or the America the Beautiful Access Pass (for U.S. citizens or permanent residents with permanent disabilities) are eligible for a significant 50% discount on camping fees. As noted by a reviewer, "Bring your National Park Seniors pass and get 50% off the $14 fee (tent - no power)," demonstrating real savings.

• Annual Day Use Pass: For Iowans who frequently visit federal recreation sites for day-use activities like picnicking, hiking, or accessing boat ramps, an Annual Pass is available for $40. This pass grants unlimited nationwide access to such areas and can be a cost-effective option for regular visitors to Coralville Lake and its various amenities.

Campsite fees at Sugar Bottom range from $14 per night for non-electric tent sites up to $30 per night for full hook-up concrete sites, providing options for various budgets. While not a direct promotion, the presence of an ice cream truck on weekends, as mentioned by a delighted camper, adds a fun, family-friendly "special offer" to the overall experience!

---

For current information, reservations, or any inquiries about Sugar Bottom Campground at Coralville Lake, here's how to get in touch:

• Address: 2192 Mehaffey Bridge Rd NE, Solon, IA 52333, USA

• Campground Entrance Station (May 1 - September 30): (319) 624-2102

• Coralville Lake Project Office (October 1 - April 30): (319) 338-3543 or +1 319-338-3543

• National Recreation Reservation Service (Reservations): 1-877-444-6777 or visit Recreation.gov

It is highly recommended to use the National Recreation Reservation Service for the most up-to-date availability and to make reservations, especially during peak seasons, as Sugar Bottom is a very popular campground.

---

For Iowans, Sugar Bottom Campground stands out as an exceptionally suitable and appealing destination for a wide range of outdoor activities and family fun. Its prime location on Coralville Lake near Solon offers the perfect blend of natural beauty and convenient accessibility to urban amenities, meaning a refreshing escape is always within easy reach for residents across the state.

The campground's diverse array of over 200 campsites caters to every preference, from full-service RV sites to serene tent spots, ensuring that every local camper finds their ideal setup. What truly sets Sugar Bottom apart is its wealth of recreational opportunities: direct lake access for boating, swimming at a beautiful sandy beach, extensive mountain biking and hiking trails for adventure seekers, and an 18-hole disc golf course for friendly competition. The presence of helpful hosts, educational ranger programs, and clean, well-maintained facilities further enhances the overall experience, creating a welcoming and enjoyable environment for families.

Despite minor concerns about playground capacity during busy times, the overwhelming positive feedback highlights its value as a beloved Iowa gem. For those in Iowa looking for a vibrant, active, and family-friendly camping experience that combines natural beauty with ample amenities and engaging activities, Sugar Bottom Campground at Coralville Lake is undoubtedly a top choice for creating lasting outdoor memories.