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 never been big on swimming in lakes but summer in Iowa is hot and options are limited, so my…read morehusband and I decided to venture out to Lake Macbride one Saturday afternoon. I was pleasantly surprised! The beach area is a little small, particularly on a crowded hot day, but we were able to find space to spread our towels and enjoy the sun. We spent our time cooling off in the water and laying out. We also drove around the park a bit (honestly because we got lost) and found it to be a beautiful area. I definitely plan to go back and try out the boat rental. It's not a boardwalk along the ocean, but probably the best you can do in this area. Tip: bring a cooler full of snacks and beach chairs and umbrellas. We were a bit spoiled from going to bigger beaches and forgot we couldn't just rent/buy whatever we wanted once we got there .

Another state park that has the physical address of the state park and not the campground. If my…read morehusband didn't call Ohio DNR we would have NEVER found it and gone in circles. We got to the park after given a different address. We had electric for 5 minutes and after that it was gone. We called again and they sent a ranger to our site. A tree had gone down and took electric out. We heard two trees fall at that time. Electric came back about 7 pm. They also make you pay for a two day stay, even if you are staying one night. I understand this in a way, because it keeps them booking entire weekend for others. I believe they would end up booking that day again when they see you left.

I have traveled coast to coast and this has been the best RV park that I have stayed. I stayed for…read moretwo weeks. All of the staff was extremely friendly and helpful. The live bands on the weekends were great too. Even all the campers were friendly. Highly recommend this park if you are in North Liberty or Iowa City area.

Campground is decent. Definitely more for boaters. A nice little playground for kids but it was so…read morebug infested (all over the campground), it definitely could not have been enjoyed. There's a bar on the property but didn't seem to be too noisy at night. When we checked in they gave us no papers for rules or even a map. Would come again if we just needed a place for one night. Staff has been friendly!

Scenic and popular park with plenty of picturesque spots along the Cedar River and woodsy hiking…read moretrails. It was very busy when we visited one weekend, especially along the Cedar Cliff Trail at the far end of the park. We encountered several beautiful viewing areas of the river along this trail and also a short trail up towards the cute camping cabins. There are lots of stone benches to rest on. A wedding was in progress at the lodge, which is available, according to the website for day use. Some of the trails (like the one leading up to the lodge from the beach) are narrow and winding....but fun to hike! I particularly liked all the stonework we came across, such as could be seen with the signs, shelters and restrooms.

Palisades is my favorite local outdoor escape. My only complaint is that it's not a larger park,…read moremostly so the trails can be longer. They have a few different routes to explore through the woods and along the river. At the right time of day with the sun coming through the trees, it can feel pretty magical. I don't know that I'd describe the trails as beyond beginner, but there are some steep and rocky portions that require a sure foot. Speaking of rocky bits, if you're a climber, there are a few spots in the park to do so once registered with DNR. Along the river, you'll find folks fishing and there's a boat launch somewhere too. The park also offers camping and cabins. There's a reason Palisades is such a popular spot for special photos - particularly in the fall, it's absolutely gorgeous! Grab a hammock and your hiking boots and get on out there!

Fun camp! Came here in college for weekend retreats, now returning 30 years later as a counselor…read morefor high school retreats. Nice lodges that can fit 15-100 easily, several 16-bed bunkhouses, fireplaces, outdoor bonfire pits, nice bathroom/showers. Trails, outdoor swimming pool & frisbee golf.

From the owner: Camping and Retreat Center Summer Camp…read moreYouth and children's ministries Adult Ministry Outdoor living

Hickory Hills is a beautiful hidden little gem just south of Waterloo. The perfect weekend camping…read moregetaway and/or intimate ceremony location here in Iowa's cedar valley. The location is beautiful and the event cabin is perfect for small-medium receptions! I'm a photographer local to the area and I LOVE when my couples choose Hickory Hills Park. :)

A nice, county park with newly updated bathrooms and storm shelter. Firewood available from camp…read morehost. Fishing and hiking. No swimming. Newer and older cabins. Bison for viewing. Campground is not very wooded and pricey (see below). Also somewhat packed in. Casino, water park and Waterloo close. 2015 Prices-- Camping - $13.00/night Electricity - $18.00/night Full Hook-Up - $25.00/night With Reservation: Electricity - $23.00/night Full Hook-Up - $30.00/night

Perfect place to stop right off the interstate. Very flat surfaces sit right next to a cornfield…read moreand apparently a pig farm. It's Iowa. You have to expect smells!

People running the place are absolutely wonderful, very well kept and quiet campgrounds. Spacious…read morelot spaces and pool. Love it!!

Quick to pick up a beverage or snack. Great pizza or burgers and fries, onion rings, cheese balls…read moreand lots of other choices. Friendly staff.

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!

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

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