Dam Complex

For us Iowans, the call of the outdoors is often answered by the serene lakes and rolling landscapes that define our state. When it comes to camping, we seek places that offer both convenience and a genuine connection to nature. The Dam Complex Campgrounds, located near Iowa City, consistently emerges as a favorite, providing a fantastic array of camping experiences alongside abundant recreational opportunities. While one past review mentioned concerns about an imbalance between RV and tent site investment, it's clear from widespread feedback that this complex of campgrounds is deeply appreciated for its natural setting, diverse options, and excellent access to Coralville Lake. Whether you're a seasoned RVer or a tent-camping purist, the Dam Complex offers something for everyone looking to immerse themselves in Iowa's beautiful outdoors. Let's explore what makes this a go-to destination for our local community.

The Dam Complex Campgrounds are strategically located at 2850 Prairie Du Chien Rd NE, Iowa City, IA 52240, USA. This prime location places it just north of Iowa City, nestled against the picturesque Coralville Lake. For Iowa locals, this means exceptional accessibility; it's a short and straightforward drive from major population centers like Iowa City and Cedar Rapids.

The campgrounds are managed by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, ensuring a standard of maintenance and a focus on recreational benefits. Access is made easy via I-80, taking Exit 244 and heading north on Dubuque Street to West Overlook Road, where you'll find the Dam Complex Entrance Station. This convenient approach allows campers to quickly transition from highway travel to lakeside tranquility. The proximity to Iowa City means campers have easy access to urban amenities, including the University of Iowa, hospitals, a variety of restaurants, and shopping, offering the best of both worlds – a peaceful natural escape combined with the convenience of nearby city services. This excellent accessibility makes the Dam Complex Campgrounds an ideal weekend getaway or a longer vacation spot for residents across Iowa.

The Dam Complex Campgrounds, encompassing five distinct areas—Cottonwood, Linder Point, Tailwater East, Tailwater West, and West Overlook—offer a comprehensive range of services and amenities designed to cater to various camping preferences, from primitive to full-service.

• Diverse Campsite Types:
  • Full Hookup Sites: Available at Linder Point and Tailwater West, these sites provide 50 amp electric, water, and sewer connections.
  • Electric Sites (30/50 amp): Located at Linder Point, Tailwater East, and West Overlook, offering electric hookups for RVs.
  • Primitive Tent Sites: Available at Cottonwood, Tailwater East, and Tailwater West, these are ideal for traditional tent camping. Cottonwood specifically offers 15 non-electric walk-to tent campsites.
  • Concrete and Rock Pads: Sites offer both concrete and rock pads, accommodating various RV setups.
• Modern Restrooms and Showers: All campgrounds within the Dam Complex offer modern restroom and shower facilities with hot and cold water, providing essential comfort for all campers.
• Sanitary Dump Station: A convenient dump station with potable water is available, located just outside the West Overlook Campground, essential for RVers.
• Potable Water: Drinking water is available at various points within the campgrounds.
• Picnic Tables and Fire Rings: Every campsite, regardless of type, comes equipped with a picnic table and a fire ring, perfect for outdoor meals and campfires.
• Reservations: Campsites can be reserved up to six months in advance via www.recreation.gov or by calling 1-877-444-6777. While reservations are highly recommended, especially during peak season, some sites may be available on a first-come, first-served basis (particularly those prone to flooding).
• Fees: Campsite fees vary based on amenities, ranging from $14 for primitive tent sites to $26 for full hookup sites. America the Beautiful passes (Senior, Access, Military) are accepted.
• Trash and Recycling: Receptacles are available for trash and recycling within the campgrounds.

The Dam Complex Campgrounds stand out for their robust features and the wealth of recreational opportunities they offer, making them a consistently popular choice for outdoor enthusiasts in Iowa.

• Direct Access to Coralville Lake: The primary highlight is unparalleled access to Coralville Lake, offering a wide range of water activities:
  • Boating: Multiple boat launch ramps are available within the complex, including at West Overlook Campground.
  • Swimming: A dedicated swimming beach (such as at West Overlook Day Use Area) provides a safe place to cool off.
  • Fishing: Excellent opportunities for lake and river fishing, with common catches including large and smallmouth bass, crappie, walleye, and catfish. Some areas also have fish cleaning stations.
• Extensive Trail System: The Dam Complex is a hub for hikers, bikers, and equestrians, featuring several trails:
  • Squire Point Trail and Woodpecker Trail: Heavily wooded trails ideal for immersive nature walks.
  • Tailwater Riverwalk and Barrier-Free Veterans Trail: Accessible trails offering scenic views.
  • Overall, there are 20 miles of trails around Coralville Lake.
• Devonian Fossil Gorge: Located just below the dam, this unique geological site offers a rare chance to explore a 375-million-year-old sea floor, complete with fossil remains. A cell phone audio tour enhances the experience.
• Disc Golf Course: The Turkey Creek Disc Golf Course, an 18-hole course with both wooded and open holes, is located within the Dam Complex, providing a fun activity for all skill levels.
• Picnic Areas and Shelters: Numerous picnic sites and reservable shelters are available for day use, perfect for family gatherings or group outings.
• Playgrounds: Several campgrounds, including West Overlook, feature playgrounds, making it family-friendly.
• Wildlife Viewing: The heavily wooded forest and lake environment support abundant wildlife, including deer, turkeys, pheasants, waterfowl, and various songbirds, offering excellent opportunities for nature observation.
• Well-Maintained and Scenic: Reviews frequently praise the campgrounds for being "well maintained," "lovely," and having "beautiful scenery" with sites spread out among pines, forests, and open areas.

For questions, reservations, or more information about the Dam Complex Campgrounds near Iowa City, you can reach out using the following contact details:

Address: 2850 Prairie Du Chien Rd NE, Iowa City, IA 52240, USA

Phone: (319) 338-3543

Mobile Phone: +1 319-338-3543

For specific campsite reservations, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers recommends using the National Recreation Reservation Service (NRRS) website at www.recreation.gov or calling their toll-free number at 1-877-444-6777. You can also find maps of the campgrounds on their website.

For Iowa locals, the Dam Complex Campgrounds truly represent an exceptional and highly accessible destination for outdoor recreation. Its location just minutes from Iowa City strikes the perfect balance between convenient urban access and immersive natural beauty, allowing you to enjoy a peaceful camping experience without venturing too far from home. Whether you own an RV or prefer the classic tent camping experience, the diverse range of sites, from full hookups to primitive walk-in options, ensures there’s a perfect spot for every preference. The abundance of activities, from boating and fishing on Coralville Lake to exploring the unique Devonian Fossil Gorge and hiking miles of scenic trails, means there’s never a dull moment. Families will appreciate the playgrounds and swimming beach, while anglers will love the fishing opportunities. The consistently positive reviews highlighting the well-maintained facilities and scenic setting underscore the quality experience provided by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. For any Iowan seeking an affordable, engaging, and genuinely relaxing escape into nature with all the recreational benefits of Coralville Lake at their fingertips, the Dam Complex Campgrounds are an undeniable top choice, promising memorable moments right here in our own backyard.

Dam Complex

2850 Prairie Du Chien Rd NE, Iowa City, IA 52240, USA