Campgrounds and RV parks near Lone Tree, IA

Water recreation drives most trips. Lake Macbride offers a swimming beach, seven boat ramps, dock slips, ADA-accessible fishing piers, a fish cleaning station, and over seven miles of hiking trails, with Lake Macbride Boat Rentals operating Memorial Day through Labor Day and offering pontoons, kayaks, canoes, and paddle boards. During the peak season a 10 hp speed limit is in effect, and during the off-season this limit is reduced to five hp. On land, multi-use trails wind through oak-hickory forest and restored prairie around the lake, with winter sports like cross-country skiing and snowmobiling also available. The adjacent Coralville Lake adds power boating and jet ski access. Off the water, families typically pair a camping trip with the Iowa Children's Museum in Coralville, the University of Iowa Museum of Natural History, and the Amana Colonies.

Iowa's public campgrounds run on a shoulder-season calendar. The Lake Macbride campground accepts reservations from April 1 through November 15 and is closed November 16 through March 31. Park staff generally try to have the water on and shower buildings and dump stations open by May 1, and start closing down shower buildings and turning off water and dump stations around mid-October depending on the weather, so if you are interested in camping in April or later in October, there is no guarantee modern facilities will be available. Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak season. Weekends, holidays, and the summer boat-rental window fill first, and sites are relatively close together with limited privacy, especially during peak season. Private options such as Hidden River Campgrounds typically run mid-April through mid-October. Spring brings shorebirds, waterfowl, and the wettest stretch of the year. Fall delivers cooler nights, quieter midweek sites, and hardwood color. Winter camping is limited to a handful of private year-round parks, and trail use shifts to cross-country skiing and snowmobiling.

The modern campground has standard electric sites at 20, 30, and 50 amps and full-hookup sites with water and sewer connections, accommodating rigs up to 60 feet in length, while the southern unit is primitive and tent-focused in a heavily wooded, shaded setting near the water. Both campgrounds offer modern restrooms with flush toilets and shower facilities, and the modern campground includes a trailer dump station. Expect close site spacing typical of Midwest state parks, quieter midweek stays, and busy weekend crowds. Some sites are uneven, so leveling blocks are useful. All animals shall be kept on a leash not to exceed 6 feet in length, and pets cannot be left unattended in the campground. Buy firewood locally near the campground rather than transporting your own.