Lake MacBride North Modern Campground

For Iowans seeking a convenient and amenity-rich escape into the heart of nature, the Lake MacBride North Modern Campground in Solon, Iowa, presents an excellent opportunity. Situated within the sprawling and popular Lake Macbride State Park, this campground offers a blend of modern conveniences and natural beauty, making it a favorite destination for families, RV enthusiasts, and anyone looking to enjoy the great outdoors without venturing too far from home. While the term "modern" might occasionally lead to varied expectations, the facilities here are well-maintained and designed to enhance your camping experience, especially for those who appreciate having essential hookups and comfortable amenities.

Lake Macbride State Park, Iowa's largest state park, encompasses over 2,180 acres and provides a vast playground for outdoor activities. The North Modern Campground is a key component of this expansive park, offering a more developed camping experience compared to the park's more primitive southern unit. Visitors often highlight the presence of flushable showers and the availability of full hookup sites as significant advantages, providing a level of comfort that can make a real difference during a camping trip. The dedication of park rangers who regularly clean fire pits and maintain the grounds further contributes to the overall pleasantness of the stay, ensuring a tidy and enjoyable environment for everyone.

Despite its "modern" designation, some campers note that the campground has an older charm, which many find appealing as it speaks to its long-standing presence as a beloved Iowa institution. What remains consistent across all feedback is the beauty of the surrounding natural landscape and the quiet atmosphere, particularly during midweek stays. This allows for peaceful nights and serene mornings, truly immersing you in the tranquil lakeside environment. With direct access to Lake Macbride’s recreational offerings, Lake MacBride North Modern Campground truly offers a balanced and appealing option for your next Iowa adventure.

Lake MacBride North Modern Campground is centrally located within Lake Macbride State Park in Solon, IA 52333, USA. Specifically, the northern unit of Lake Macbride State Park, where this modern campground is found, is located at the end of County Road F-16, approximately four miles west of the town of Solon. This strategic location offers excellent accessibility for residents across Eastern Iowa, including those from major cities like Iowa City and Cedar Rapids.

While the campground feels distinctly natural and removed from urban bustle, the proximity to Solon (about five miles away) means that essential supplies, groceries, and local dining options are just a short drive away. The roads leading to and within the campground are paved with asphalt, contributing to easier navigation. Although some internal roads and turnarounds might be tight for very large RVs, the overall accessibility is good, ensuring a straightforward journey for most campers. Its placement within one of Iowa’s largest state parks also means visitors benefit from a well-established network of trails and recreational areas, all easily reachable from their campsite.

Lake MacBride North Modern Campground offers a range of services and facilities designed to provide a comfortable and convenient camping experience.

• Campsites: The campground features 48 total campsites. This includes approximately 10 full hookup sites (water, electric, and sewer) and 38 electric-only sites (20/30/50 amp hookups), catering to various RV and tent camping needs.
• Modern Restroom and Shower Facilities: A key highlight is the centrally located bathroom and shower house, providing flush toilets and hot showers with good pressure, a welcome amenity for campers.
• Trailer Dump Station: An on-site dump station is available for RV campers, offering a convenient way to empty waste tanks.
• Potable Water Hydrants: Multiple water hydrants are spread throughout the campground, ensuring easy access to drinking water.
• Picnic Tables and Fire Rings: Each campsite is equipped with a picnic table and a fire ring, ideal for outdoor meals and campfires.
• Playground: A children's playground is available, providing entertainment for younger campers.
• Boat Ramps: Access to several boat ramps on Lake Macbride is readily available from the northern unit of the park, facilitating boating and fishing activities.
• Boat Rental and Concessions: Located near the beach in the northern unit, a concession stand offers food, bait, firewood, and various boat rentals, including pontoons, pedal boats, kayaks, canoes, and paddleboards.
• Fish Cleaning Station: A dedicated fish cleaning station is provided for anglers.
• Reservations: All campsites in the Lake MacBride North Modern Campground are reservable online, with reservations accepted from April 1 to November 15. A reservation is required.

Lake MacBride North Modern Campground, as part of the larger Lake Macbride State Park, offers numerous features and highlights that enhance the outdoor experience for visitors.

• Lake Macbride Access: Direct and easy access to the 812-acre artificial Lake Macbride, which is Iowa’s largest state park lake. This provides ample opportunities for swimming at the sandy beach, boating, and fishing.
• Diverse Fishing Opportunities: Lake Macbride is renowned for its fishing, being potentially the only lake in Iowa where the prized Kentucky spotted bass can be caught. Other popular species include walleye, channel catfish, muskie, and crappie. Fishing jetties and a universally accessible fishing pier are available.
• Extensive Trail System: Over seven miles of multi-use trails wind around the lake, through oak/hickory forests, and alongside restored Iowa prairies. These trails are popular for hiking, biking, cross-country skiing, and snowmobiling in winter. A five-mile crushed limestone trail connects the park to Solon.
• Wildlife Viewing: The park’s diverse habitats support a variety of wildlife, offering opportunities for birdwatching (including shorebirds, waterfowl, and ospreys) and observing other native animals.
• Boat Motor Limit: Lake Macbride has a 10 horsepower motor limit (during peak season) and a 5 mph speed limit year-round, contributing to a calmer boating environment ideal for fishing and recreational paddling.
• Well-Maintained Sites: While sites are gravel and may require leveling, they are regularly maintained by park rangers who clean fire pits and mow grass, ensuring a pleasant environment.
• Quiet Atmosphere: Reviews frequently mention the quiet nature of the campground, particularly during midweek stays, making it ideal for a peaceful retreat.
• Proximity to Solon: The nearby town of Solon offers convenient access to amenities, though there is no camp store directly on site.
• Picnic Areas and Shelters: The park provides numerous picnic sites and reservable open picnic shelters (and a day-use lodge), perfect for group gatherings.
• Youth Programs: The adjacent Macbride Nature Recreation Area offers educational programs, including Iowa Wildlife Camps and School of the Wild, focusing on conservation education for youth.

For inquiries, reservations, or more information about Lake MacBride North Modern Campground, please use the following contact details:

Address: Solon, IA 52333, USA (specifically, located in the northern unit of Lake Macbride State Park, accessible via County Road F-16 west of Solon)

Phone: (319) 624-2200

Mobile Phone: +1 319-624-2200

For online reservations, visit the Iowa DNR State Parks online reservation system and search for Lake Macbride State Park.

For Iowans, Lake MacBride North Modern Campground represents an excellent opportunity to enjoy the natural beauty and recreational opportunities of one of our state’s premier parks with the added comfort of modern amenities. Its location within Lake Macbride State Park means unparalleled access to an 812-acre lake perfect for fishing, boating, and swimming, as well as miles of scenic multi-use trails for hiking and biking. Whether you’re an avid angler hoping to catch a Kentucky spotted bass, a family looking for a safe and fun place for the kids to play, or an RV owner needing reliable hookups, this campground caters to diverse needs.

The convenience of having a dump station, hot showers, and electric/full hookup sites truly enhances the camping experience, allowing for a more comfortable stay. While it may not feel as "remote" as some primitive sites, its balance of nature and convenience makes it ideal for those who appreciate easy access to essentials and recreational rentals. The quiet atmosphere, especially during midweek, ensures a peaceful retreat from daily life. By choosing Lake MacBride North Modern Campground, locals can easily access a fantastic outdoor playground, supporting a vital state park and creating cherished memories right here in Iowa.

Lake MacBride North Modern Campground

Solon, IA 52333, USA