Lake Macbride State Park

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Park Alerts & Notices

For current closures or important information please visit, Park Alerts and Notices.

Park Alerts & Notices

About the Park

Named after Thomas Macbride, the “father” of Iowa conservation, Lake Macbride State Park is a popular lakeside destination with family friendly outdoor activities. Several multi-use trails wind around the lake, featuring the sights and sounds of Iowa’s native birds. 

In the summer, soak up the sun by kayaking, paddling or swimming in the lake. Whether you’re visiting for an afternoon or a weekend, Lake Macbride features numerous amenities to enjoy year round.

Plan Your Visit

Lake Macbride is split into two units. The northern unit is located at the end of County Road F-16, 4 miles west of Solon, and features a modern campground, boat ramps, beach and boat rental, picnic areas and the park office. 

The southern unit is located off County Road F-28 by Fifth Street in Solon. This unit includes a non-modern campground, boat ramps, picnic areas and numerous prairies.

• Hike one of the many multi-use trails at Lake Macbride. More than seven miles of hiking trails wind around the lake through the oak/hickory forest, alongside a restored Iowa prairie and more. In spring and fall seasons, enjoy the sights and sounds of native birds including shorebirds, waterfowl and ospreys. A flat interpretive trail around the lake is easily accessible for all ages and skill levels. Cross-country skiing and snowmobiling are popular activities to enjoy in the winter.
• Boat in the lake or relax on the beach with refreshments from the concession stand. Pontoons, motor boats, canoes, kayaks and paddle boards can also be rented at the beach. To rent a boat, please call 319-624-2315.
  • A 10 hp motorboat limit will go into effect starting the Friday before Memorial Day through Labor Day. Motorboats must not exceed 5 mph on Lake Macbride any time during the year.
• Fish for the prized Kentucky spotted bass at Lake Macbride. Walleyes, channel catfish and muskie are also popular finds that can be caught using the lake’s accessible fishing pier or a fishing jetty.
• Camp in one of the two campgrounds at Lake Macbride. A modern campground is located in the northern unit of the park with full and electric hookups, a shower and restroom, and a trailer dump station. One non modern campground can be found in the southern unit of the park with a beautiful shaded setting near the lake. Advanced reservations can be made through the online reservation system for Lake Macbride State Park. and 100% of the campsites are reservable and a reservation is required.  The campground accepts reservations from April 1 - November 15 and is closed November 16 - March 31.
• Reserve one of four shelters or day-use lodge at the park. Lake Macbride is a beautiful destination for a large family gathering or relaxing picnic after day-time activities. The shelters can be reserved through the online reservation system for Lake Macbride State Park.

Concessions

Lake Macbride Boat Rentals, Inc is open Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day weekend, 7 days a week.

• Monday - Friday: 9 a.m. to 8 p.m.
• Saturdays and Sundays: 8 a.m. to 8 p.m.

Services include boat rentals (pontoons, pedal boats, kayaks, canoes, paddle boards), food concessions, bait and firewood. Call 319-624-2315 for more information.

After Hours Fishing

Open to fishing activity between the hours of 10:30 p.m. and 4 a.m. in addition to normal park hours. All fishing must be done from the bank in the areas designated for each lake or river. Vessels are not permitted on the lakes after 10:30 p.m. Parking is allowed in specially marked lots only.

The shoreline of the south arm of the lake adjacent to the county road commencing at the “T” intersection of the roads at the north end of the north-south causeway proceeding across the causeway then southeast along a foot trail to the east-west causeway, across the causeway to the parking area on the east end of that causeway.

Amenities at a Glance

• Interpretive trail
• Playground; ADA accessible
• Swimming beach
• Concessions
• Paddlesport rental
• Boat rental
• Boat ramps (7)
• Dock slips
• Fishing pier and boat rental dock; ADA accessible
• Fish cleaning station
• Day-use lodge
• Shelters
• Modern restrooms
• Showers
• Electric campsites
• Full hook-up campsites
• Non electric campsites
• Youth group only campsites
• Firewood sales
• Ice sales

Explore the Park

• Lake Macbride State Park map and flyer (19.98 MB) .pdf
• Lake Macbride campground map (566.43 KB) .pdf
• Coralville Lake and Lake Macbride Guide (9.94 MB) .pdf
• Lake Macbride Forest Stewardship Plan (3.83 MB) .pdf

Know Before You Go

Beach Information

For current beach advisories please visit the beach monitoring dashboard or call the monitoring hotline at 515-725-3434.
The dashboard and hotline are updated on Fridays during the monitoring season.

Beach monitoring dashboard