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35 campgrounds and RV Parks near University Heights, IA. Compare campsite amenities, photos, and site types to find the perfect stop for your rig on your route.
35 campgrounds
3886 campsites
17 RVs available for delivery
From $15/night
Own an RV? Earn up to $24,738/year.
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Best campgrounds near University Heights, IA
Primitive - Lake Macbride State Park
Solon, IA (10 miles away)
$$$$$
(56 sites)
+3
Scales Pointe Camping and Boating
North Liberty, IA (10 miles away)
$$$$$
(92 sites)
+6
Cam lo-Dis-E-Ca
Solon, IA (11 miles away)
$$$$$
(10 sites)
BEYONDER Getaway at Sleepy Hollow
Oxford, IA (13 miles away)
$$$$$
(108 sites)
+9
Unhitched Sleepy Hollow RV Park
Oxford, IA (13 miles away)
Palisades-Kepler State Park
Mount Vernon, IA (18 miles away)
$$$$$
(44 sites)
+3
Amana Colonies RV Park
Iowa (20 miles away)
$$$$$
(450 sites)
+10
Cedar Valley Grove Campground
Mechanicsville, IA (21 miles away)
Hidden River Campgrounds
Tipton, IA (22 miles away)
$$$$$
(50 sites)
+11
Cedar River Campground
Tipton, IA (22 miles away)
$$$$$
(185 sites)
+11
Wapsipinicon State Park
Anamosa, IA (33 miles away)
$$$$$
(26 sites)
+5
Pleasant Creek State Recreational Area
Palo, IA (35 miles away)
$$$$$
(70 sites)
+5
Most common amenities
Tables Pet friendly Grills Toilets Showers Dump station Playground Hiking Trails Firewood
Campgrounds near University Heights, Iowa
University Heights is a small residential enclave surrounded by Iowa City in Johnson County, Iowa. RV travelers use it as a jumping-off point for the Coralville Lake corridor and the Cedar River valley, both within a short drive. Coralville Lake is managed by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and sits just north of Iowa City, providing flood control and low-flow augmentation along with recreation.
The closest developed public option is Primitive - Lake Macbride State Park, on one of Iowa's largest state park lakeshores. Lake Macbride State Park spans roughly 2,180 acres around an 812-acre reservoir in Johnson County and is divided into northern and southern units connected by the lake itself. Nearby, Scales Pointe Camping and Boating sits directly on the Coralville Reservoir, and Cam lo-Dis-E-Ca offers a faith-based campground close to Sandy Beach.
West of the city near Interstate 80, BEYONDER Getaway at Sleepy Hollow provides a private full-hookup option. For bluff-and-river scenery, Palisades-Kepler State Park lies along the Cedar River toward Mount Vernon, roughly 20 miles northeast.
Things to do near University Heights
Water recreation drives most trips. Pontoons, motorboats, canoes, kayaks and paddleboats can be rented near the beach at Lake Macbride, and motorboats must not exceed 5 mph on the lake. At Coralville Lake, visitors swim, boat, hike or mountain bike, watch birds, or try disc golf, and can also see the Devonian Fossil Gorge.
Hikers have miles of trail. More than seven miles of hiking trails wind around Lake Macbride through oak and hickory forest and a restored Iowa prairie. Palisades-Kepler has five miles of rugged trails through diverse wildlife and forest habitats, plus fishing in the Cedar River for channel catfish, bass and walleye.
Families traveling with kids can add day trips to downtown Iowa City, the University of Iowa campus, and the Amana Colonies.
Camping spots and RV parks near University Heights, IA
Seasonal patterns and closures
- spring
March - May
62° / 40°F 85 mmState parks reopen April 1; wildflowers along river trails.
- summer
June - August
83° / 63°F 115 mmPeak season; waterfront sites fill weeks out.
- fall
September - November
63° / 42°F 70 mmCool nights; modern facilities close mid-October.
- winter
December - February
33° / 15°F 35 mmPublic campgrounds closed; day use only.
The public campgrounds in this area run on an April-to-November season. The Lake Macbride campground accepts reservations from April 1 to November 15 and is closed November 16 through March 31. Palisades-Kepler follows the same window, accepting reservations April 1 through November 15 until 10:00 pm CST the day of arrival, and closing November 16 through March 31.
Modern facilities are weather-dependent at the shoulders of that window. 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 upon the weather. Summer weekends fill fast, especially waterfront and electric sites, so plan reservations well ahead.
Boat rentals at Lake Macbride align with the traditional summer season, running Memorial Day through Labor Day and offering pontoons, kayaks, canoes, paddle boards, plus food, bait, and firewood. Winter visits are limited to day use, cross-country skiing, and snowmobiling on state park land.
How to book campgrounds near University Heights
Iowa state parks use a single online reservation system. All 100 campsites at Lake Macbride are reservable with no walk-up sites, and the campground operates April 1 through November 15, with reservations available up to three months in advance. Advanced campsite and cabin reservations for Palisades-Kepler are made through the online reservation system, and the campground is 100% reservable and a reservation is required.
Check-in is at 4 PM and check-out at 3 PM, with a maximum stay of 14 consecutive nights. For Coralville Lake Corps of Engineers campgrounds, use Recreation.gov, where reservations typically open several months in advance. For peak season visits, book as early as possible.
Private options such as BEYONDER Getaway at Sleepy Hollow and Scales Pointe Camping and Boating book directly through the operators. Scales Pointe has seasonal and reserved sites available and can be reached by phone to secure a spot.
What to expect on the ground
Sites here range from full-hookup to primitive. The northern unit at Lake Macbride houses a modern campground with 32 standard electric sites and 11 full-hookup sites with water and sewer connections, and these sites accommodate RVs up to 60 feet in length. The southern unit features 52 primitive tent-only sites in a heavily wooded area near the water, and both campgrounds offer modern restrooms with flush toilets and shower facilities.
Expect wooded, sometimes uneven terrain. BEYONDER Getaway at Sleepy Hollow accommodates both RVs and tent campers across sites that can require leveling equipment. Palisades-Kepler State Park lies along the beautiful Cedar River in Linn County, and the 840 acre park has dramatic river bluffs, deep ravines, majestic hardwood trees, a large variety of wildflowers and an abundance of wildlife.
Emerald ash borer has been confirmed in all 99 counties in Iowa, so buy firewood locally near the park you are visiting and burn it all during your stay.
Own an RV? Earn up to $24,738/year.
List your motorhome or travel trailer for free on RVezy.
Frequently asked questions about campgrounds near University Heights, IA
How do I choose the right campsite for my RV?
Start with the practical stuff: site length, the hookups you need, and whether it's a back-in or pull-through. Camping conditions in the U.S. vary by region and elevation, so check the local season, road access, and reservation requirements before you book. Federal campgrounds use Recreation.gov and state parks each have their own systems. Learn more.
How much are RV campsites near University Heights, IA?
Campsite prices near University Heights, IA depend on the type of campground. State park sites typically run $20-$45 with hookups. Private RV parks in town often run $40-$100, with tourist-hub locations charging more. Nearby Forest Service or Bureau of Land Management sites are usually $10-$25, often without hookups.
Is there any free camping near University Heights, IA?
Free camping near University Heights, IA depends on what federal public land is in driving distance. Bureau of Land Management and Forest Service land usually allows up to 14 days of dispersed camping at one spot. Check fire restrictions before you head out. Learn more about free camping.
Can I book a campsite through RVezy?
Not directly. RVezy doesn't handle campsite reservations, but each campground listing links to the operator's website or booking page when one's available.
What's the best time to go camping near University Heights, IA?
Camping near University Heights, IA works best in the shoulder seasons, with spring and fall hitting the sweet spot in most of the country. Summer is peak in northern climates; winter is peak in the southern and desert states. Local weather and elevation drive the specifics.
How far are RV campgrounds from University Heights, IA?
There are {campgroundCount()} RV campgrounds within {campgroundDistanceRadius()} of University Heights, IA. The closest are: {closestCampgroundsWithDistance(3)}. Most U.S. cities have a state park or private RV park within an hour's drive.
Where are dump stations near University Heights, IA?
Dump stations near University Heights, IA are usually at private RV parks and state park campgrounds, sometimes for a fee if you're not staying overnight. RVDumpsites.net maps the nearest options.
What's the best time of year to rent a RV in University Heights, IA?
Renting a RV in University Heights, IA works best in the shoulder seasons (April-May and September-October) across most of the U.S. Peak rental demand runs June through August nationwide, while the snowbird stretch from December through March drives winter demand in the southern states and southwest deserts.
What's the best time of year to rent an RV in University Heights, IA?
RV rentals in University Heights, IA peak from June through August when school is out. Shoulder months (April, May, September, October) usually have better availability and lower rates. Winter is high season for snowbird destinations in Florida, Arizona, Texas, and southern California.
Can I have an RV delivered to my home or campground in University Heights, IA?
Yes. Many RVezy hosts in the U.S. deliver and set up at your home, a campground, or a destination. It's especially useful for first-time renters and for trips into remote areas where backing in a big rig isn't fun.
Can the RV be delivered near University Heights, IA?
In most cases, yes. A lot of U.S. hosts offer to drop off the RV near University Heights, IA at your driveway, a campground, or wherever you're starting your trip. It saves you the drive and the setup.
Nearby cities with campgrounds
Madison, WIDes Moines, IACedar Rapids, IAAlbia, IAChenoa, ILSigourney, IAHiawatha, IAJohnston, IAVan Meter, IAGridley, ILPleasant Hill, IAFairfax, IAMason City, ILWaterloo, IANewton, IAMonona, WINew Milford, ILWest Baraboo, WIRockton, ILMcLean, ILArlington, WIColfax, IADeForest, WIWest Des Moines, IA