Cottonwood Campground

For Iowans seeking a truly immersive and peaceful camping experience surrounded by nature, Cottonwood Campground near Iowa City stands out as an excellent choice. While its provided address is "Lincoln, IA 52240, USA," it's important for local users to know that this refers to its location within the larger Coralville Lake Dam Complex, just north of Iowa City, rather than a standalone town named Lincoln in this context. Cottonwood Campground is renowned for its heavily wooded setting, offering a distinct sense of seclusion and a refreshing escape from the everyday hustle. It’s particularly suited for tent campers who appreciate a more traditional, no-electric experience, yet still value the convenience of modern facilities.

Cottonwood Campground is a gem within the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers' Coralville Lake Project, a multi-use area dedicated to flood control, forest management, and robust recreational opportunities. This commitment ensures that the natural environment is preserved while providing accessible amenities for visitors. Unlike some larger, more bustling campgrounds, Cottonwood offers a tranquil atmosphere, making it ideal for those who prioritize peace and quiet during their outdoor adventures. Reviewers often highlight the cleanliness of the campground and its facilities, ensuring a comfortable stay even for those who prefer more primitive sites.

Despite its focus on non-electric camping, Cottonwood Campground doesn't skimp on essential comforts. Campers can enjoy access to modern restroom and shower facilities, a significant bonus for a more rustic setting. The well-maintained grounds, including regularly cleaned fire rings, reflect the dedication to providing a pleasant environment. Beyond the campsites themselves, Cottonwood offers immediate access to the vast recreational opportunities of Coralville Lake and the surrounding Dam Complex, from exceptional fishing to unique geological formations. This combination of serene environment, essential comforts, and abundant nearby activities makes Cottonwood Campground a highly appealing destination for Iowans seeking a genuine and memorable connection with nature.

Cottonwood Campground is located at what is colloquially referred to as "Lincoln, IA 52240, USA" but is officially part of the Coralville Dam Complex near Iowa City, Iowa. More precisely, its address is often cited as being within the vicinity of 4089 Prairie Du Chien Rd NE, Iowa City, IA 52240. This places it directly on the west side of the Coralville Lake dam, just a short drive north of the vibrant urban centers of Iowa City and Coralville.

Accessibility to Cottonwood Campground is highly convenient for Iowans. From Interstate 80 in Iowa City, visitors can take Exit 244 towards Dubuque Street/North Liberty, travel north on Dubuque Street, and then follow signage towards the Coralville Lake Dam Complex and West Overlook Road NE. The campground is well-integrated into the Dam Complex, with clear directions available once you're in the area. Its proximity to Iowa City means that essential supplies, restaurants, and other urban amenities are easily accessible, allowing campers to balance their desire for a natural escape with convenient access to necessities. This advantageous location ensures that more time is spent enjoying the outdoors and less time on the road, making it an ideal choice for spontaneous weekend trips or planned family vacations for local residents.

Cottonwood Campground focuses on providing essential services for a comfortable, yet distinctly non-electric, camping experience, appealing primarily to tent campers and those with self-sufficient RVs.

• Non-Electric Campsites: The campground offers 15 designated non-electric, walk-to tent campsites, ideal for a more traditional and rustic camping feel.
• Modern Restroom and Shower Facilities: A significant amenity, modern restroom and shower facilities with flush toilets and hot water are available at the main parking lot, providing a welcome comfort after a day outdoors.
• Individual Picnic Tables and Fire Rings: Each campsite is equipped with a picnic table and a fire ring, perfect for outdoor cooking, meals, and campfires.
• Drinking Water: Access to potable drinking water is available throughout the campground, ensuring campers can replenish their water supply.
• Garbage Collection: Trash and recycling receptacles are provided for convenient waste disposal, contributing to the cleanliness of the campground.
• Dump Station (nearby): A sanitary dump station is located just outside of the West Overlook Campground, serving campers from Cottonwood and other nearby areas within the Dam Complex.
• Fee Booth: The fee booth for Cottonwood Campground is located at the West Overlook Campground entrance, where campers check in.
• Reservations: All campsites at Cottonwood Campground are reservable online via Recreation.gov. Reservations are recommended, especially during peak season, as the campground can fill up. The camping season typically runs from May 1 to October 31.
• Regular Maintenance: Park rangers are dedicated to maintaining the grounds, regularly cleaning fire pits and mowing grass, which helps ensure a tidy and pleasant environment.

Cottonwood Campground, as part of the Coralville Lake Project, offers several features and highlights that make it a compelling destination for outdoor enthusiasts in Iowa.

• Heavily Wooded, Secluded Setting: The campground is nestled within a dense forest of mixed hardwood species on the west side of the Coralville Lake dam. This provides ample natural shade, a serene environment, and a strong sense of being immersed in nature.
• Access to Coralville Lake: Although primarily a tent campground, its location offers easy access to the expansive Coralville Lake for various water activities, including fishing, boating, and swimming. The main swimming beach is conveniently nearby.
• Exceptional Fishing Opportunities: Coralville Lake is well-known for its fishing, with abundant populations of large and smallmouth bass, crappie, walleye, and catfish, making it a favorite spot for anglers.
• Proximity to Devonian Fossil Gorge: A significant highlight is the campground's close proximity to the Devonian Fossil Gorge, a unique geological site where visitors can explore a 375-million-year-old sea floor and discover ancient marine fossils. An interpretive trail and cell phone audio tour enhance this educational experience.
• Extensive Trail System: Cottonwood Campground provides direct access to various trails within the Dam Complex, including the Woodpecker Nature Trail, Tailwater Riverwalk, and the barrier-free Veterans Trail. These trails are perfect for hiking, nature walks, and wildlife viewing.
• Abundant Wildlife: The project area is rich in wildlife, including whitetail deer, turkeys, pheasants, waterfowl, and a variety of songbirds, offering excellent opportunities for wildlife observation and photography.
• Quiet and Clean Environment: Reviewers often praise the campground's peaceful atmosphere and the consistent cleanliness of both the sites and the modern restroom facilities.
• Nearby Attractions: The campground's location near Iowa City and Coralville offers easy access to urban amenities, including restaurants, shops, the University of Iowa, and the Coral Ridge Mall. Day trips to the Amana Colonies or the Herbert Hoover National Historic Site are also convenient.
• Disc Golf Course Nearby: The Turkey Creek Disc Golf Course is located within the Dam Complex, providing another recreational option for visitors.

For inquiries, reservations, or more detailed information about Cottonwood Campground and the Coralville Lake Project, please use the following contact information.

Address: 4089 Prairie Du Chien Rd NE, Iowa City, IA 52240, USA (This is the most common and accurate address for the Coralville Dam Complex entrance that leads to Cottonwood Campground)

Phone for Campground Inquiries (May 1 - Oct 31, Campground Entrance Station): (319) 338-3685

Phone for Coralville Lake Project Office (Nov 1 - Apr 30): (319) 338-3543 ext. 6300

For online reservations, visit Recreation.gov and search for "Cottonwood Campground, Coralville Lake." Booking in advance is highly recommended, especially during peak season, as all sites are reservable.

For Iowans who cherish a true connection with nature and a tranquil camping experience, Cottonwood Campground offers an ideal retreat right on the outskirts of Iowa City. Its heavily wooded, non-electric sites are perfect for tent campers and those seeking a more traditional outdoor adventure, free from the distractions of modern hookups. Yet, the convenience of modern, clean restrooms and hot showers ensures that comfort is not sacrificed.

The true appeal for locals lies in the campground's strategic location within the Coralville Lake Dam Complex. This means campers have direct access to a wealth of recreational opportunities, from excellent fishing and swimming in Coralville Lake to exploring the fascinating Devonian Fossil Gorge and hiking miles of scenic trails. The ability to immerse oneself in such rich natural beauty while still being just a short drive from urban amenities like groceries and restaurants makes Cottonwood Campground exceptionally suitable. It’s a perfect blend of peaceful seclusion and convenient access, allowing Iowans to effortlessly enjoy the best of their state's outdoor offerings without venturing too far from home.

Cottonwood Campground

Lincoln, IA 52240, USA