We visited Sugar Bottom for a beach day. The area was beautiful! It has a number of paths and what…read moreseems like a nice camping area (although we weren't there for that). The beach area was spacious--lots of room to spread out on the sand. The beach also has a couple of good shady spots, which is helpful on a hot day. However, we ended up heading over to the Lake MacBride beach because the Sugar Bottom area was a little less lively. Could have just been the day, but we were looking for somewhere more high energy on a summer weekend afternoon. They also don't have the boat rental options that MacBride beach has. If you do like quiet spaces then this would be the place! It also seems great if you have kids (which we don't) because there is just more space to run around. Just be prepared to bring all of your own entertainment.

Beautifully maintained campground. Several spaces with a lake view! Great for families and anyone…read morewho likes outdoor recreation. Boat dock available, and honors system firewood available in the evening. We did reservations through Recreation.gov and that made check in super easy! We brought our 2 Yorkies, and about 1/3 or more of the campers also brought dogs. Lots of trees, but also well mowed green spaces. This is now on our top 10 for Iowa campgrounds! Several spots right next to the bathroom / shower house, and great areas for larger camping groups. Would like to see a couple more updates to the shower facility. The water temp was fully adjustable-a knob rather than a button type, so you could have water the full duration of your shower. The water pressure was great, temperature great, but tile could use some updating. That may be in the works because the lighting was motion sensor and LED. There was also a ceiling fan which helped discourage bugs in the bathhouse!

I've spent several weekends here tent camping at site 54 (walk up) over the past few months. This…read morepark is about a 10 - 15 drive on 94 (Blairs Ferry) from Cedar Rapids (now that Palo Marsh RD has reopened). Tent sites are generally 'walled off' from one another with patches of natural flora separating the sites, with a walking path leading the length of them. (Water spigots are also available on this center path). Each and every time has been ideal and serene. Most visitors adhere to the 'quiet time' rule (10:30 PM to 6:30 AM, I believe), so noise is generally not a concern. Washroom facilities in both the shower equipped and latrine are clean, and well stocked with toilet paper. DNR staff are both friendly, and generally 'hands off' during your stay. My most recent stay was on 10/22 through 10/23, and albeit a very cold morning, the views were breathtaking with the morning fog surrounding the park. (Image attached). I cannot speak to fishing at the park as I have not fished here, however camping is great, and I highly recommend this park.

We stayed in a 25 foot travel trailer in the middle of the week. Weekends are pretty much…read moreSold out. We love the area. Kayaking, biking, and fishing. Very well maintained grounds. Camp sites do not provide private water/sewer but there is a good water/sewer station on the way in. My only complaint. Thurs evening we had friends join us. The Ranger Man enforced a 2 car per campsite rule. He forced 3 over 65 couples to drive to a parking lot and I shuttled them back and forth. Really? Do us Seniors party too hard for you? Haha I understand rules but I don't have to like them...

I'm focusing on the campground here- outer perimeter sites are nice - shady and private. Inner…read moreperimeter sites are laid out so there is very little separation - no privacy and no noise abatement. Our neighbors weren't loud in any way but because of the layout their conversations were entirely audible. The camp host was never seen so sites had as many as 5 cars parked on them etc. The park has beautiful walking and bike paths throughout and the bike paths are heavily used. Unfortunately many of the bikers leave the path and cut through the campground road going quite fast- faster than cars would drive through - as campgrounds tend to have small kids playing I would be concerned if those were my kids. The park itself had much to offer - the campground and rest rooms are well maintained. Sites have some gravel and are mostly level. I think during the week would be a better experience.

This is a beautiful park and campground in Waterloo, Iowa. Really nice bike trails a decent beach…read moreon the lake and a nice campground. We didn't fish but saw a lot of anglers. The campground is on the bank of the Cedar river as are the boat launch ramps. The river is really pretty. The primitive campsites are right next to the river and are really nice sites.

Sites sizes and extremely narrow turn around weren't mentioned on sites, this is No big Rig 40 ft…read moreor mor friendly. Site let us book site #4 even asking for size of rig, but once we arrived Large signage read-No Big Rigs ,narrow to no turn around for this site. We disconnected our tow car and drove around looking for a spot. We were able to locate site 30 which read 45 ft with full hook ups. However we barely at 40 ft fit,even had to back up Over fire ring to fit and park our tow. We then saw it is electric only,Not full hook ups. We are parked and staying for our original 3 nights, however we are very disappointed at the discrepancy in the description of park,it is really for for TT,Campers, tents..id say 34 ft max for sites. Make sure you scout your site first to assure you will fit

Today we started with paddle boarding and kayaking. Then we headed to the beach for some fun. I…read morelove this beach!

FW Kent Park continues to be a family favorite. Both because of how close it is to Iowa City (it's…read morejust three miles west of Tiffin on Highway 6) and it's beauty. We popped over this weekend for some fresh air and fall family photos. I am always just in awe of how busy the park is year round. Since my last review both of my kiddos have had the chance to take school field trips out to visit the Conservation Education Center, which is located at the park. It offers year-round educational programs and workshops. The staff is knowledgeable and the kids always have a blast. There's something for everyone at this gem. A bird blind for bird watchers. Access to the entire shoreline for anglers. Nine miles of trails for hikers and cross-country skiers. Seven historic bridges for photographers and families looking for fun family photos :) A large campground for campers-- available April through October. As well as a handful of picnic shelters (available via reservation). And, of course, Kent Park beach, my family's favorite (open Memorial Day through Labor Day) -- it is pristine, free and a great time. Overall, FW Kent Park is a wonderful place to get outside and clear your head. Drive over and explore today!

Definitely a favorite! Now that the lake has been re-opened, the park is better than ever. What I…read moreenjoy most about Kent Park is the diversity of options for activities. The park boasts a swimming beach, a nice trail around the entirety of the lake with benches if you want to stop and enjoy the views. There are many picnic shelters around the park, and a gazebo in the middle of a prairie area. I recommend taking a hike through the prairie trails. I'm also partial to taking a hike through the forest as well, or around the lake...heck, try them all at whatever length or difficulty you choose! There is a large playground area as well as a campground, so something for everyone. It's common to see many people out around the lake fishing and kayakers exploring the water.

Iowans know that parks with lakes are scarcities in this state, which is why I'm fond of any and…read moreall parks that include: a. a lake b. walking trails and c. overall convenient access. Prairie Rose is just seven miles north off I-80 at the Antique City Dr./Walnut exit; a convenient stop if you're looking to shed the stress of interstate travel for an hour or two. Entrance into the park is free. Don't be deceived by the park's office; it is in an old house very close to the entrance of the park. There, the park attendant explained the walking trails in the area and offered a map. I would most certainly consider visiting for a weekend, as Prairie Rose offers just enough to do/explore in order to fill two days (especially for those with kids). Camping spots are plentiful, and there are a few cabins on the premises. There are a handful of trails for walking (come with walking shoes), a beach on the NW side of the lake, a playground or two, and picnic benches throughout for those homemade meals. If you're looking for a quick getaway, I'd say it's worth the 50-mile drive from Omaha or Council Bluffs.

Hidden treasure! Quiet, green, tree-lined campsites. Lovely little lake with swimming beach…read more Well-maintained sites...some with full hook ups! Will definitely be coming back. Town of Harlan is cute and even has good Mexican food!

We had an absolutely beautiful day at West Overlook Beach yesterday. The sun was hot yet there was…read morea cool breeze. We love just hanging in the water, picnicking on the beach, and just enjoying the beautiful Lake views.

Nice park shelters with quite a few picnic tables, a large playground, well-maintained horseshoe…read moregame setup, tons of parking, and a beach. But those bathrooms! I'm all for self-composting toilets but can we at least have some privacy doors installed? I walked into the women's side of the cement slab "building" (no roof or doors) to find two holes in the ground with a seat over each one - no stall doors, sinks, or antibacterial. I like that this beach is only a 20 minute bike ride from where I live (North side of Iowa City) though, and the beach itself is nice and big, with a decent sized swim zone roped off.

This isn't a review for the campground as much as it is the annual Holiday Lights at the Lake event…read morethat's going on through the end of December. THANK YOU to the campground because this event is AMAZING. We've been twice and I'd definitely go back again. Proceeds benefit Bird House, Hospice Home of Johnson County. Recommend. Link to event: https://www.facebook.com/HolidayLightsatTheLake

Its about 2 miles from my house. The bank fishing sucks due to the weeds. Camping was awesome over…read more4th july weekend. Beautiful scenery except for all the goose . The staff is helpful, friendly and polite.

Beautifly manicured and organized camping site. Staff super helpful too. Efficient RV dump!read more