Sandy Beach Campground

For those in Iowa seeking a refreshing escape into nature without sacrificing comfort and convenience, Sandy Beach Campground in Solon is a true hidden gem. Nestled on the northern shores of Coralville Lake, this charming and quiet campground offers a delightful mix of serene natural beauty and accessible outdoor activities. It’s the kind of place where you can unwind, reconnect with loved ones, and immerse yourself in the natural splendor that our beautiful state has to offer.

Sandy Beach Campground isn't just a place to pitch a tent or park an RV; it's a gateway to endless recreation. While the name might suggest a sprawling sandy shoreline, visitors appreciate its more intimate and tranquil atmosphere, making it ideal for those who prefer a peaceful retreat over bustling crowds. It's often praised for its well-maintained grounds and the friendly, helpful nature of the grounds crew, ensuring that your stay is as smooth and enjoyable as possible. This commitment to guest satisfaction truly sets Sandy Beach apart, creating a welcoming environment for all.

What truly makes this campground shine is its exceptional proximity to Lake Macbride and the abundance of water-based activities available. Imagine spending your days kayaking on calm waters, fishing for crappie or walleye, or even renting a pontoon boat for a leisurely cruise – all just moments from your campsite. The combination of its quiet setting, access to fantastic recreational opportunities, and comfortable amenities like "hot and good pressure" showers makes Sandy Beach Campground a highly recommended destination for anyone looking to make the most of Iowa's natural landscapes. It truly is a local favorite for good reason.

Sandy Beach Campground is conveniently located at 3369 Sandy Beach Rd NE, Solon, IA 52333, USA. This prime spot places it directly on the northern shores of Coralville Lake, offering campers immediate access to the water and its associated activities. Solon, a welcoming community in Johnson County, is just a short drive away, providing easy access to any last-minute supplies or local dining experiences you might need.

The campground’s accessibility is a significant advantage for Iowans. Situated north of Iowa City, it’s an easy drive from major population centers like Cedar Rapids and Iowa City, making it perfect for weekend getaways or longer vacations without extensive travel. Its close proximity to Lake Macbride State Park further enhances its appeal, allowing visitors to seamlessly enjoy the amenities and rental options available at both bodies of water. The well-maintained roads leading to the campground ensure a smooth journey for all types of vehicles, from cars pulling pop-ups to larger RVs, making it a stress-free destination for your next outdoor adventure in Eastern Iowa.

Sandy Beach Campground offers a range of services and facilities designed to ensure a comfortable and enjoyable camping experience for all visitors.

• Campsites: The campground features 58 campsites, including full hook-up campsites (water, electric, sewer), standard electric campsites (20/30 amp hookups), and non-electric walk-to tent campsites, accommodating a variety of camping preferences.
• Modern Restroom and Shower Facilities: Campers can enjoy the convenience of modern, well-maintained restrooms and showers, with reviews specifically praising the hot water and good pressure.
• Dump Station: An on-site dump station is available, providing a convenient service for RV campers.
• Drinking Water: Accessible drinking water stations are provided throughout the campground, ensuring campers have easy access to potable water.
• Playground: A designated playground area offers entertainment for children, making it a family-friendly destination.
• Picnic Sites and Group Picnic Shelter: The Sandy Beach Day Use Area offers individual picnic sites and a large group picnic shelter, ideal for gatherings and day trips.
• Boat Ramp: A boat ramp is available for launching watercraft onto Coralville Lake. While some debris may be present, it accommodates fishing boats and smaller vessels.
• Fish Cleaning Station: For anglers, a convenient fish cleaning station is provided, making it easy to prepare your catch.
• Firewood Availability: Reviewers mention "plenty of firewood," indicating easy access to this camping essential.
• Pet-Friendly: Dogs are allowed at Sandy Beach Campground but must be kept on a leash no longer than 6 feet when outside your vehicle.
• Entrance Station: An entrance station is typically staffed for check-in and information.
• Reservations: All 58 campsites are reservable via Recreation.gov, allowing campers to plan their trips in advance.

Sandy Beach Campground boasts several features and highlights that make it a compelling choice for outdoor recreation in Iowa.

• Proximity to Coralville Lake: The campground's location directly on the northern shores of Coralville Lake provides direct access for boating, fishing, swimming, and various water activities. Coralville Lake is a multi-use project, offering benefits in recreation and wildlife management.
• Close to Lake Macbride State Park: A significant highlight is its exceptional closeness to Lake Macbride State Park and its boat rental facilities. This allows campers to easily rent pontoons, kayaks, canoes, and paddleboards for exploring Lake Macbride's waters.
• Excellent Fishing: Anglers will appreciate the opportunities to catch various species, including large and smallmouth bass, crappie, walleye, and catfish in Coralville Lake.
• Quiet and Peaceful Atmosphere: Despite its proximity to recreational hubs, the campground is noted for being "nice, small, quite," making it ideal for those seeking a tranquil camping experience.
• Heavily Wooded Forest: The campground is set among a heavily wooded forest of mixed hardwood species, providing natural shade, a pleasant environment, and opportunities for wildlife observation. Whitetail deer, turkeys, pheasants, waterfowl, and various songbirds are abundant.
• Hiking and Mountain Biking Trails: The surrounding area of Coralville Lake offers numerous trails for hiking and mountain biking, allowing visitors to explore the natural landscape and observe wildlife.
• Nearby Attractions: Beyond the immediate lake activities, Sandy Beach Campground is close to several notable Iowa attractions, including the Devonian Fossil Gorge, Lake Macbride Golf Course, and the cultural offerings of Iowa City/Coralville and Cedar Rapids. The Amana Colonies are also within a reasonable drive.
• Friendly Grounds Crew: Reviews consistently praise the "super nice and helpful" grounds crew, contributing to a positive and welcoming atmosphere.
• Seasonal Operation: The campground is typically open from May through September, aligning with prime camping season in Iowa.

For inquiries, reservations, or more detailed information about Sandy Beach Campground, please use the following contact details:

Address: 3369 Sandy Beach Rd NE, Solon, IA 52333, USA

Phone: (319) 338-3543 ext. 6300

Mobile Phone: +1 319-338-3543 ext. 6300

For online reservations, visit Recreation.gov and search for "Sandy Beach Camp, Coralville Lake." It's advisable to book in advance, especially during peak season.

For Iowans seeking an accessible, comfortable, and activity-rich outdoor retreat, Sandy Beach Campground in Solon is an outstanding choice. Its unique position on Coralville Lake, combined with its immediate proximity to Lake Macbride's extensive recreational offerings, creates an unparalleled opportunity for aquatic adventures right in our backyard. Whether you’re looking to cast a line, paddle a kayak, or simply relax by the water, the options are abundant and conveniently located.

The positive experiences shared by previous visitors, highlighting the "quiet campground," "hot showers," and the genuinely "super nice and helpful" grounds crew, attest to the quality and care provided at Sandy Beach. This means you can truly unwind and enjoy your time, knowing that the facilities are well-maintained and the atmosphere is welcoming. Its balance of modern amenities (like electric hookups and dump stations) with the natural beauty of a heavily wooded lakeside setting makes it suitable for both RV and tent campers. For local families and individuals, Sandy Beach Campground offers the perfect blend of convenience, natural beauty, and recreational fun, making it an ideal destination to create cherished memories without having to travel far from home.

Sandy Beach Campground

3369 Sandy Beach Rd NE, Solon, IA 52333, USA