Tailwater East Campground

For Iowans seeking a refreshing escape into the great outdoors, Tailwater East Campground offers an exceptional opportunity right in our local backyard of Iowa City. Situated along the picturesque Iowa River, this campground is a highlight of the Coralville Lake Project, providing a serene environment with convenient access to recreational activities and essential amenities. This article is crafted to give you, our local users, a clear, engaging, and informative overview of Tailwater East Campground, helping you plan your next memorable camping adventure.

Tailwater East is more than just a place to set up camp; it's a gateway to enjoying the natural beauty and recreational opportunities that the Iowa River Valley offers. Whether you're an avid angler, a family looking for a weekend getaway, or simply someone seeking a peaceful retreat by the water, understanding the unique features and services of this campground is key to a fulfilling experience. We've compiled all the pertinent factual information to ensure you have everything you need to know about this local gem.

Tailwater East Campground is conveniently located at 4163 Prairie Du Chien Rd NE, Iowa City, IA 52240, USA. Its prime position on the east bank of the Iowa River, just below the impressive Coralville Lake Dam, gives it a unique and highly desirable riverside setting. This location within the larger Coralville Lake Dam Complex makes it incredibly accessible for residents throughout Iowa City and the broader Iowa region, allowing for easy weekend trips or even spontaneous day outings.

The campground's proximity to Iowa City means campers can enjoy the tranquility of nature without sacrificing convenience. Should you need to restock supplies, grab a meal, or explore local attractions, the city's amenities are just a short drive away. This perfect balance ensures that your camping trip can be as secluded or as connected as you desire. Even though online maps might sometimes slightly misdirect, continuing on Prairie Du Chien Road NE will lead you directly to the campground entrance, making your arrival straightforward.

Being part of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers' Coralville Lake Project, Tailwater East benefits from well-maintained facilities and a commitment to preserving the natural environment. The area is known for its heavily wooded forest of mixed hardwood species, offering ample shade and a habitat for abundant wildlife, including white-tailed deer, turkeys, pheasants, and various waterfowl and songbirds. This natural setting enhances the camping experience, allowing for close encounters with Iowa's local fauna.

• 28 Campsites: The campground offers a variety of site types to suit different needs, including full hook-up campsites (with electric, water, and sewer connections), standard electric campsites, and non-electric walk-to tent campsites.
• Modern Restroom and Shower Facility: Visitors consistently praise the cleanliness and quality of the bathrooms and hot showers, providing a comfortable experience.
• Fish Cleaning Station: A dedicated facility available for anglers to conveniently process their catch right on-site.
• Boat Launch: Provides direct access to the Iowa River, ideal for boaters and paddlers looking to explore the waterways.
• Picnic Tables and Fire Rings: Each campsite is equipped with a picnic table and a fire ring, perfect for outdoor meals and traditional campfire enjoyment.
• Large Concrete Slab Campsites: Many RV and trailer sites feature spacious, paved, and fairly level concrete pads, making setup easier.
• Drinking Water: Available throughout the campground to ensure campers have access to fresh water.
• Sanitary Dump Station: Located nearby within the Dam Complex (typically at West Overlook Campground), offering a convenient service for RV users.
• Season of Operation: Tailwater East Campground is generally open from May 1st through October 31st, though the boat ramp remains accessible even when the campground is closed for the season.

• Riverside Location with Excellent Fishing: The campground's position along the Iowa River provides fantastic opportunities for fishing, with species like large and smallmouth bass, crappie, walleye, and catfish being common catches.
• Direct Boat Access: The on-site boat ramp offers unparalleled convenience for launching watercraft and enjoying the river.
• Spacious and Level Sites: Many concrete slab campsites are large and appear relatively level, making them ideal for both RVs and tent setups.
• Proximity to Devonian Fossil Gorge: Just below the dam, this unique geological site allows visitors to walk on a 375-million-year-old sea floor and discover fossilized marine life. Interpretive signs and a cell phone audio tour enhance the educational experience.
• Extensive Trail System: The Dam Complex features several scenic trails, including Squire Point, Woodpecker Trail, Tailwater Riverwalk, and the barrier-free Veterans Trail, catering to hikers and bikers of all skill levels.
• Heavily Wooded Environment: The campground is set within a dense mixed hardwood forest, offering ample shade, natural beauty, and excellent opportunities for wildlife observation.
• Quiet and Peaceful Atmosphere: Despite its amenities and recreational opportunities, visitors often describe the campground as quiet, contributing to a restful and relaxing stay.
• Nearby Attractions: Besides the natural features, the campground is close to Iowa City/Coralville's amenities, including the University of Iowa campus, local restaurants, shops, and cultural attractions. Nearby Cedar Rapids and the Amana Colonies also offer additional historical and cultural experiences.

Address: 4163 Prairie Du Chien Rd NE, Iowa City, IA 52240, USA

Phone (May 1 - October 31, Campground Fee Booth): (319) 338-3685

Phone (November 1 - April 30, Coralville Lake Project Office): (319) 338-3543 x.6300

Mobile Phone: +1 319-338-3543

Email: coralville.lake@usace.army.mil

Reservations can typically be made through Recreation.gov or by calling the national reservation line at 1-877-444-6777.

Tailwater East Campground is an exceptional choice for Iowa residents looking to embrace the outdoors without extensive travel. Its strategic location in Iowa City, combined with its comprehensive amenities, makes it a highly convenient and appealing local destination for camping and outdoor recreation. The reduced travel time means more quality time spent enjoying nature with family and friends.

This campground offers a versatile camping experience, catering to both RV enthusiasts with full hook-up sites and traditional tent campers who appreciate a peaceful, natural setting. The consistent praise for clean restrooms and hot showers significantly enhances comfort, making the camping experience more accessible and enjoyable for everyone, including those new to the outdoors.

Beyond the campsites, the rich natural environment and the abundance of recreational activities are major draws. Whether it's casting a line into the Iowa River, launching a boat for a day on the water, exploring ancient fossils at the Devonian Fossil Gorge, or hiking scenic trails through the wooded forest, Tailwater East provides diverse opportunities for engagement and relaxation. For locals, it's an invaluable resource for reconnecting with nature, enjoying peaceful moments, and creating lasting memories, all within easy reach of home. It truly represents a local gem that provides a full, enriching outdoor experience right here in Iowa.

Tailwater East Campground

4163 Prairie Du Chien Rd NE, Iowa City, IA 52240, USA