Dispersed Camping in Johnson County, Iowa
Showing 18 locations in Johnson County.
Cottonwood Campground
A developed campground located within the Coralville Lake Dam Complex, offering shaded sites near the river. Note: This location is seasonally offline and completely closed.
F.W. Kent County Park Campground
A well-maintained county park campground featuring spacious electric sites surrounded by mature trees. Guests can enjoy adjacent park amenities including hiking trails, a fishing lake, and playgrounds. Park gates close nightly, so arrivals must be planned accordingly.
Goose Lake Pond Access Road
A quiet gravel access driveway and pull-off area adjacent to Goose Lake Pond and Nick Drive on the rural outskirts of North Liberty. The location offers scenic views over the pond and surrounding cornfields, and although Nick Drive has some semi-truck parking, the gravel access road offers a more secluded space for smaller vehicles and vans.
Lake Macbride State Park - North Campground
A modern developed campground within Lake Macbride State Park featuring electric hookups and shower facilities.
Lake Macbride State Park - South Campground
A quiet, non-modern campground situated on the southern shore of Lake Macbride. This undeveloped section of the state park offers primitive camping without electricity, providing a more peaceful and rustic experience.
Linder Point Campground
Developed public campground located within the Dam Complex at Coralville Lake, offering convenient access to boating, hiking, and the unique Devonian Fossil Gorge nearby. This area is highly scenic with a shaded forest canopy and well-spaced developed campsites.
Lone Tree Dispersed Area
A basic, quiet rural dispersed camping spot situated near Lone Tree.
Planet Fitness - Iowa City
A standard urban parking lot outside Planet Fitness in Iowa City, suitable for quick, self-contained overnight stays.
Planet Fitness Coralville
Paved parking lot at Planet Fitness within the Coral Ridge Mall complex, offering a flat and highly visible location for short-term overnights. Conveniently located near local services and restaurants.
Riverside Casino Resort Parking
A spacious paved parking lot at a casino resort offering designated areas for large rigs and self-contained RVs. Amenities include multiple dining options, a hotel, and a 24-hour cafe on site.
Sugar Bottom Campground
Sugar Bottom Campground is a large, well-equipped federal campground on the shores of Coralville Lake, featuring over 200 sites with hookups. The area is highly popular for boating, fishing, and accessing local mountain biking trails.
Sugar Bottom Day Use Area
A scenic day-use area located on the shores of Coralville Lake offering recreational activities like mountain biking, hiking, and disc golf. Overnight parking and camping are strictly prohibited.
Tailwater East Campground
Located below the Coralville Lake Dam on the Iowa River, this developed campground offers scenic waterside camping. Visitors can enjoy easy access to nearby hiking trails, disc golf, and the unique Devonian Fossil Gorge.
Tailwater West Campground
A developed federal campground located along the scenic tailwaters of the Coralville Lake Dam. Ideal for water recreation, fishing, and boating, with convenient access to nearby hiking trails and local historic geological landmarks.
Tiffin Rest Area I-80
An official highway rest area offering designated parking for eastbound and westbound travelers along Interstate 80. Amenities include clean restrooms, picnic shelters, and potable water access, though highway noise is persistent.
Unverified Spot near University Heights
An unverified dispersed spot located near University Heights; likely restricted or private.
Walmart Coralville
A clean and spacious Walmart parking lot located close to the interstate. Highly accessible, though some entries feature clearance bars, so care must be taken when arriving in tall rigs. Excellent proximity to local shopping.
West Overlook Campground
A peaceful and well-maintained developed campground located within the Coralville Lake Dam Complex, situated just a few miles off the interstate. It features level gravel and paved sites with electric hookups, newly remodeled private shower and restroom suites, and lovely river views. Recreational opportunities abound with direct access to hiking on the Woodpecker Trail, a boat ramp, and the nearby Devonian Fossil Gorge.