Sandy Beach Campground

Dining options near Sandy Beach Campground in Solon offer a pleasing variety of local flavors with an emphasis on casual and welcoming atmospheres. The Bluebird Cafe Solon is a standout, praised for its fast service, great coffee, and comfort food, ideal for breakfast or a casual dinner. Its wheelchair accessibility and family-friendliness make it a convenient choice for visitors seeking a cozy spot to relax after outdoor activities.

For craft beer and globally inspired bistro fare, the Big Grove Brewpub-Solon delivers with a trendy yet laid-back setting, featuring house-brewed ales and a robust menu. It's popular for lunch and dinner and offers an inviting patio for enjoying pleasant Iowa evenings. This brewpub has a warm, inclusive vibe that appeals to a diverse crowd including tourists and locals alike.

The Uncle Sang Sushi & Kitchen offers a refined casual dining experience with excellent sushi and Japanese dishes, praised for fast service and great cocktails. It is wheelchair accessible and family-friendly, providing a nice alternative for those wanting something beyond traditional Midwest fare. Other notable places include American Legion & Patriot Grille known for its vibrant live music atmosphere and comfort food, and Bobbers Grill in nearby North Liberty, featuring lakeside views, a full bar, and live entertainment, perfect for an active evening outing.

Visitors to the Sandy Beach Campground area have access to several quality accommodations that cater to a range of preferences and budgets, all within reasonable driving distance. The The Literary Hotel in Solon is a boutique option featuring cozy, stylish rooms and free Wi-Fi. It is known for its welcoming atmosphere, including LGBTQ+ friendliness, providing a comfortable base close to the campground and local dining.

In Coralville, the Country Inn & Suites by Radisson offers practical amenities such as complimentary breakfast, an indoor pool, and a gym, making it ideal for families or business travelers looking for comfort and convenience. Similarly, the Heartland Inn provides simple accommodations with free breakfast and a hospital shuttle, appealing to travelers seeking no-frills comfort near major city conveniences.

The Drury Inn & Suites Iowa City Coralville is a consistently praised option with an indoor/outdoor pool and a gym, combining a relaxed hotel environment with modern amenities. For extended stays and business travelers, the SpringHill Suites Coralville offers spacious suites with free breakfast and parking, underscoring convenience near the lake and shopping centers.

Sandy Beach Campground is well-equipped to provide campers and day visitors with essential amenities for a comfortable and enjoyable outdoor experience. Facilities include modern restrooms and shower buildings that are regularly maintained to ensure cleanliness and convenience. Drinking water stations are available throughout the campground, making hydration easy for visitors participating in active pursuits.

The campground also offers a playground for children, making it family-friendly and enjoyable for visitors of all ages. A dump station is provided for RV campers, alongside sites that include full hook-ups with water, electricity, and sewer options. Picnic areas are available both within the campground and in the day-use area, which also features large group picnic shelters ideal for gatherings and celebrations.

Additional amenities include an entrance station for check-in and information, as well as accessible parking and pathways, supporting visitors with varying needs. The day use area offers boat ramps and fish cleaning stations, making it convenient for anglers and boaters who want to spend the day on Coralville Lake.

Sandy Beach Campground and Coralville Lake provide a vast array of activities that cater to outdoor enthusiasts and families alike. Swimming and fishing are among the top attractions, with the lake offering abundant species such as largemouth and smallmouth bass, crappie, walleye, and catfish. Boating is also popular, supported by boat ramps and rental options nearby, allowing visitors to explore the scenic waterway or engage in water sports like kayaking and paddleboarding.

Hiking and mountain biking trails surround the campground, weaving through mixed hardwood forests and offering opportunities to observe local wildlife including deer, turkeys, and diverse bird species. Picnicking and casual beach games are common ways to unwind along the shorelines, providing restful yet engaging outdoor time for visitors of all ages.

The campground’s well-maintained layout supports camping with options from full hook-up RV sites to primitive tent sites, and the playground makes it welcoming for families. Whether it’s an active day on the water or a relaxed evening around a campfire, Sandy Beach Campground fosters a vibrant, nature-immersed recreational experience.

Sandy Beach Campground includes several accessibility features to accommodate visitors with disabilities, though access may vary by specific facility. The campground provides wheelchair accessible entrances and parking areas, ensuring ease of arrival and movement around the main areas. Some campsites and restroom facilities are designed to be wheelchair accessible, enhancing comfort for all guests.

Nearby restaurants such as Bluebird Cafe Solon and Big Grove Brewpub also offer wheelchair accessible entrances, parking, restrooms, and seating, supporting an inclusive visit beyond the campground itself. However, some areas may be more challenging due to the natural terrain and availability of paths, so visitors are encouraged to inquire ahead to ensure specific needs can be met.

Overall, the campground and surrounding amenities demonstrate a commitment to accessibility, offering ramps and accessible restrooms while maintaining the natural charm of the outdoor environment.

Parking at Sandy Beach Campground is well-organized to accommodate a variety of visitors, including those with RVs, tents, and day-use vehicles. The campground provides designated parking spaces at each campsite, with many sites offering full hook-ups for convenience. Ample parking spaces are available near the main amenities such as restrooms, showers, and picnic areas, minimizing walking distance for guests.

Visitors can expect free parking within the campground and day-use areas, making it easy and affordable to enjoy a full day or overnight stay. The parking lots near the boat ramps and fish cleaning stations also have adequate capacity to support anglers and boaters. Additionally, public street parking and free parking lots are commonly found in the nearby Solon town area, providing additional options for visitors exploring the local restaurants and shops.

The campground’s parking facilities are accessible and designed to handle a steady flow of visitors during peak seasons, ensuring a smooth and hassle-free arrival and departure experience.

Sandy Beach Campground is part of the broader Coralville Lake Project, which serves multiple important functions including flood control, low-flow augmentation, fish and wildlife management, and forest conservation. The lake itself was constructed by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and has become a central hub for outdoor recreation in the region, blending practical environmental management with recreational enjoyment.

The area surrounding the campground is rich in native wildlife, featuring whitetail deer, wild turkeys, pheasants, and a variety of waterfowl and songbirds. This diversity creates excellent opportunities for wildlife observation and photography, making it a favorite spot for nature lovers and bird watchers.

Another interesting aspect is the balance Sandy Beach strikes between being a peaceful natural retreat and its proximity to urban centers like Cedar Rapids and Iowa City. This mix offers visitors a unique chance to experience the tranquility of a forested lakeshore with easy access to city amenities, education centers, and cultural attractions.

Near Sandy Beach Campground, several attractions enhance the outdoor experience. Lake Macbride State Park, just a short drive away, offers expansive hiking trails, playgrounds, swimming beaches, and fishing opportunities on its 812-acre lake. It’s a favored destination for families and outdoor enthusiasts looking to extend their adventure beyond the campground.

The Coralville Lake Recreation Area itself provides varied terrain for mountain biking, hiking, and wildlife viewing, complemented by picnic areas and boat rentals that invite visitors to fully immerse in the lake's scenic beauty. Nearby shopping centers and cultural venues in Iowa City and Coralville add urban exploration options within reach.

Additionally, the Sandy Beach Day Use Area features picnic shelters, a large group area, boat ramps, and a fish cleaning station, making it a practical and enjoyable spot for gatherings and water-focused activities. These nearby attractions collectively contribute to a well-rounded visit, blending nature, recreation, and community charm.