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FacilityCampgroundRecreation.gov

SANDY BEACH CAMP

Swisher, Iowa · Johnson County · Campground

Overview The Sandy Beach Cammpground is located on the northern shores of Coralville Lake. The Coralville Lake Project is a multiple use project providing primary benefits in flood control and low flow augmentation, and secondary benefits in recreations, fish and wildlife management, and forest management. Coralville L…

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About SANDY BEACH CAMP

Overview The Sandy Beach Cammpground is located on the northern shores of Coralville Lake. The Coralville Lake Project is a multiple use project providing primary benefits in flood control and low flow augmentation, and secondary benefits in recreations, fish and wildlife management, and forest management. Coralville Lake provides many recreational opportinities, including boating,, camping, hiking, mountain biking, lake and river fishing, swimming, water activities, picnicking, and hunting.Recreation Visitors enjoy Coralville Lake for camping, boating, fishing, swimming and water activities. Anglers will find large and small mouth bass, crappie, walleye, and catfish. Facilities The Sandy Beach Campground offers 58 campsites to include full hook-up campsites, standard electric campsites, and non-electric walk- to tent campsites. Amenities include modern restroom and shower facilities, playground, dump station, drinking water, and entrance station. The Sandy Beach Day Use Area offers picnic sites, a large group picnic shelter, boat ramp, fish cleaning station, vault restroom, and lake access.Natural Features Coralville Lake is located in the Iowa River Valley, just north of Iowa City. The Sandy Beach Campground lies among a heavily wooded forest of mixed hardwood species on the northern reaches of Coralville Lake. Wildlife is abundant throughout the project. Whitetail deer, turkeys, pheasants, waterfowl, song birds and other species roam the lands around the lake. Nearby Attractions The Devonian Fossil Gorge is just below the dam, offering a unique opportunity to explore a 375-million-year old sea floor and discover fossil remains of sea life that once inhabited this tropical marine environment. Twenty Discovery Points can be found throughout the site. The Lake MacBride Golf Course is nearby, offering nine holes among rolling hills. Several additional golf courses are scattered around the lake. Iowa City/Coralville offers the Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Universi

How to Get There

From Interstate 380 (Shueyville, Iowa) take Exit 10 towards Shueyville. Travel east on 120th St. NW for 1.2 miles. At the stop sign, turn right onto NE Curtis Bridge Rd. Travel south on NE Curtis Bridge Rd for 1.1 miles. Turn left onto Sandy Beach Rd. NE and travel east for 1.9 miles. The entrance to Sandy Beach Campground will be located on the right side of the road. From Highway 1 (Solon, Iowa) turn onto Hwy 382 NE/E Main St at the stop light. Travel on Hwy 382 NE for 2.6 miles. At the traffic circle, turn left onto Ely Rd. NE. Travel on Ely Rd. NE for 1 mile. Turn left onto 140th St. NE and travel west for 2.0 miles. 140th St. NE will become Sandy Beach Rd. NE. Continue traveling on Sandy Beach Rd. NE for 1.7 miles. The entrance to the Sandy Beach Campground will be located on the left side of the road.

Driving directions (Google Maps) →

What to Pack for Your Stay

Tuned to the live forecast for this park.

👔 What to Wear

  • 👕
    Long-sleeve shirt
    Synthetic or merino, sun-protective.
  • 🧥
    Light shell or windbreaker
    Even on warm days, wind can chill (avg wind 0 mph).
  • 👖
    Hiking pants or convertible
    Layer for variable conditions.
  • 🥾
    Trail runners or low boots
    Comfortable, broken in.

🎒 What to Pack

  • 💧
    Water
    Bring at least 1L of water; more in heat.
  • 🍫
    High-energy snacks
    A snack for the trail.
  • 🧴
    Sun protection
    Sunscreen, sunglasses, brimmed hat.
  • 🩹
    First-aid kit
    Blister patches, ibuprofen, tape, antiseptic wipes.
  • 🗺
    Offline map
    Download your route in advance via Gaia, Caltopo, or OSM-based apps.

Recommendations adapt to the current forecast + trail stats. Use them as a starting point — local conditions, your experience, and the time of day you start all matter.

Plan Your Visit to SANDY BEACH CAMP

Heading to SANDY BEACH CAMP? A few things to know before you go:

  • Reservations: popular sites fill up fast — check Recreation.gov 6 months in advance
  • Fees: day-use and camping fees vary; check current rates on the official park page
  • Trash & pack-out: follow Leave No Trace principles
  • Wildlife: store food in bear boxes where provided; never feed wildlife
  • Weather: the 5-day forecast above is updated every 6 hours; verify just before you go

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a reservation for SANDY BEACH CAMP?

No central reservation system listed for SANDY BEACH CAMP. Check the official page (https://www.recreation.gov/camping/campgrounds/233618) for the latest entry policy and availability.

How do I get to SANDY BEACH CAMP?

From Interstate 380 (Shueyville, Iowa) take Exit 10 towards Shueyville. Travel east on 120th St. NW for 1.2 miles. At the stop sign, turn right onto NE Curtis Bridge Rd. Travel south on NE Curtis Bridge Rd for 1.1 miles. Turn left onto Sandy Beach Rd. NE and travel east for 1.9 miles. The entrance to Sandy Beach Campground will be located on the right side of the road. From Highway 1 (Solon, Iowa)…

How do I contact SANDY BEACH CAMP?

You can reach the park at phone: MAY 1 - SEPTEMBER 30 SANDY BEACH CAMPGROUND (319) 848-4400 OCTOBER 1 - APRIL 30 CORALVILLE LAKE PROJECT OFFICE (319) 338-3543 X. 6300 or email: kathryn.s.atkinson@usace.army.mil.