Beach Camping Near West Branch, Iowa, US: 12 Best Beach Campsites 2026

West Branch delivers if you’re looking for a beach camping spot where you can swim, fish, and watch wildlife—all without leaving your tent. You’ll find over 890 options for beach camping here, many sites just steps from the water. Most allow pets, campfires, and have showers, so you won’t sacrifice comfort for location. Prices start at $125 a night, with the average hovering around that mark. One local favorite, Lucky Star Farm (1 review), keeps things simple and peaceful, perfect for unwinding after a day on the sand. Bring your swimsuit and binoculars—swimming and wildlife-watching are prime ways to spend the day. Fishing is a staple pastime along these shores. If you like your camping with a salty breeze and easy access to the water, West Branch is full of options that fit the bill.

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Top-rated campgrounds near West Branch

West Branch delivers if you’re looking for a beach camping spot where you can swim, fish, and watch wildlife—all without leaving your tent. You’ll find over 890 options for beach camping here, many sites just steps from the water. Most allow pets, campfires, and have showers, so you won’t sacrifice comfort for location. Prices start at $125 a night, with the average hovering around that mark. One local favorite, Lucky Star Farm (1 review), keeps things simple and peaceful, perfect for unwinding after a day on the sand. Bring your swimsuit and binoculars—swimming and wildlife-watching are prime ways to spend the day. Fishing is a staple pastime along these shores. If you like your camping with a salty breeze and easy access to the water, West Branch is full of options that fit the bill.

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Top-rated campgrounds near West Branch

1. Lucky Star Farm

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(4)

18mi from West Branch · 1 site · Lodging

Located on a 20-acre stretch of land between Iowa City and Kalona, Lucky Star Farm is a working farm raising dairy goats, llamas, chickens, turkeys & ducks. We are dedicated to sharing local food, education and lodging with the community. Come visit our diverse, sustainable and entertaining farm! The farm is full of outdoor opportunities. Guests can stroll over to the pond and swim, explore, or relax on the sandy beach and dock. Guests are also welcome to fish (catch and release) or use the stand-up paddleboard (lifejackets provided). There is a fire pit, complimentary firewood, and roasting sticks for your use. At the barn you can visit the goats and see their kids playing in the spring. There is a half mile trail around the property that takes you past the restored prairie and llama pasture. Guests can see what's growing in the edible forest and circle through the mandala garden. Visit the chicken coop and see how farm fresh eggs are made!

2. Coralville Lake

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480 sites · North Liberty, Iowa

Discover the scenic beauty and outdoor adventures at Coralville Lake.

Pets

Electrical hookup

Toilets

3. Lake Macbride State Park

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(2)

103 sites · Solon, Iowa

Discover the natural charm of Lake Macbride State Park.

Pets

Electrical hookup

Toilets

4. Palisades-Kepler State Park

40 sites · Bertram, Iowa

Discover the scenic beauty of Palisades-Kepler State Park.

Pets

Toilets

Showers

5. Mississippi River - Pools 11-22

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152 sites · Hampton, Illinois

Discover the scenic splendor of Mississippi River - Pools 11-22.

Pets

Electrical hookup

Toilets

6. Pleasant Creek State Recreation Area

74 sites · Shellsburg, Iowa

Discover the allure of Pleasant Creek State Recreation Area.

Pets

Toilets

Showers

7. Lake Darling State Park

85 sites · Pleasant Plain, Iowa

Discover the serene beauty of Lake Darling State Park.

Pets

Toilets

Showers

Public campgrounds near West Branch

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Dam Complex Campground

11mi from West Branch · 173 sites · Tents, RVs · in Coralville Lake

75%

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Sugar Bottom Campground

13mi from West Branch · 249 sites · Tents, RVs · in Coralville Lake

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Lake Macbride Campground

15mi from West Branch · 103 sites · Tents, RVs · in Lake Macbride State Park

Sandy Beach Campground

17mi from West Branch · 58 sites · Tents, RVs · in Coralville Lake

Palisades-Kepler Campground

19mi from West Branch · 40 sites · Tents, RVs · in Palisades-Kepler State Park

Blanchard Island Campground

26mi from West Branch · 34 sites · Tents, RVs · in Mississippi River - Pools 11-22

Andalusia Slough Campground

33mi from West Branch · 25 sites · Tents, RVs · in Mississippi River - Pools 11-22

Pleasant Creek Campground

40mi from West Branch · 74 sites · Tents, RVs · in Pleasant Creek State Recreation Area

Lake Darling Campground

43mi from West Branch · 85 sites · Tents, RVs · in Lake Darling State Park

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(1)

Fishermans Corner Campground

50mi from West Branch · 56 sites · Tents, RVs · in Mississippi River - Pools 11-22

Recent reviews from the Hipcamp community

Welcome to Betty! Our darling 68' Comet camper ❤

J

Jay

October 2025

Weekend Trip to Lucky Star Farm

Such a beautiful place! The camper was perfect for our weekend in Iowa City, and the farm setting was more amazing than we imagined. Susan was a great host, and everything was just as we had hoped. We’ll be back!

J

Jennifer

August 2025

1 night at Lucky Star Farm

Susan greeted us outside the camper when we arrived & we instantly felt at home. She has such a lovely presence & Lucky Star Farm is truly magical! Their vintage camper, “Betty” is adorable, meticulously clean, & thoughtfully stocked. We were quickly greeted by several resident barn cats & could see llamas, goats, & sheep from our little patio. We loved everything about our stay & definitely plan to visit again with our kids! Thank you so much, Susan & Rich! Hope to see you again soon!

L

Lindsey

April 2025

With kids

Weekend Trip to Lucky Star Farm

My daughter and I stayed in the Oh Betty camper and it was such a great time! Although it looks small from the outside it is actually quite spacious inside, with all of the amenities you need including a flush toilet and a space heater for those chilly evenings. Susan was such a wonderful host, you can tell she is really passionate about what she does and it shines through in her attention to detail. She took the time to let us play with the goats and also explained a bit about all of the animals, which my daughter loved. Goat yoga was so much fun and the teacher created a welcoming environment for all ages, bodies, and abilities. I would highly recommend to anyone looking for a unique weekend getaway, Lucky Star Farm is so peaceful and a great way to reset!