Tailwater West Campground

For those in Iowa seeking an exceptional outdoor experience, Tailwater West Campground offers a compelling destination right on the doorstep of Iowa City. Nestled within the expansive Coralville Lake Project, this campground provides a perfect blend of natural beauty, recreational opportunities, and convenient access to urban amenities. This detailed guide is designed to provide residents of Iowa with a comprehensive understanding of Tailwater West Campground, helping you envision your next memorable camping adventure.

Tailwater West isn't just a place to pitch a tent or park an RV; it's a gateway to a diverse range of activities, from tranquil fishing mornings to invigorating hikes along scenic trails. Our aim is to present all the factual information you need to plan your visit, ensuring a smooth and enjoyable escape into the natural splendor that Iowa has to offer. Whether you're a seasoned outdoors enthusiast or new to the camping scene, Tailwater West Campground promises an experience that caters to a variety of interests and preferences.

Tailwater West Campground is strategically located at 4103 Prairie Du Chien Rd NE, Iowa City, IA 52240, USA. Its position on the west bank of the Iowa River, directly below the Coralville Lake Dam, gives it a unique and picturesque setting. This prime location within the Dam Complex of the Coralville Lake Project ensures easy access for local campers from Iowa City and the wider Iowa region.

The campground's proximity to Iowa City means that while you'll be surrounded by nature, you're never far from essential services, grocery stores, restaurants, and other conveniences. This balance between natural immersion and urban accessibility is a significant advantage for many campers, allowing for both peaceful relaxation and the ability to restock supplies or explore local attractions with ease. Travelers have noted that while GPS may sometimes lead slightly astray, continuing a short distance will bring you directly to the park entrance, which is a minor detail considering the overall convenience.

Being part of the Coralville Lake Project, the campground benefits from the lake's primary role in flood control and low flow augmentation, which also enhances its secondary benefits in recreation and environmental management. This means well-maintained facilities and a rich natural environment that supports abundant wildlife, contributing to a truly enriching outdoor experience.

• Diverse Campsites: Tailwater West offers a variety of campsites, including full hook-up sites, standard electric sites, and non-electric walk-to tent campsites, catering to different camping preferences and equipment.
• Modern Restroom and Shower Facilities: Campers consistently praise the cleanliness and quality of the restrooms and showers, ensuring a comfortable stay.
• Fish Cleaning Station: A convenient facility for anglers to prepare their catch after a successful day of fishing.
• Picnic Tables and Fire Rings: Each campsite is equipped with these essentials, perfect for outdoor cooking and enjoying campfires.
• Sanitary Dump Station: Located just outside the West Overlook Campground, providing a necessary service for RV campers.
• Drinking Water: Available for campers, ensuring access to fresh water throughout their stay.
• Playground Area: Part of the adjacent Tailwater Day Use Area, offering entertainment for younger visitors.
• ADA Accessible Fishing Piers: Providing inclusive access for all visitors who wish to enjoy fishing.
• Reservations Available: Campsites can typically be reserved online or by phone, allowing for planned visits.

• Waterfront Access and Views: Many sites offer stunning views of the water, providing a serene backdrop for your camping experience. The sound of rushing water from the dam is often noted as relaxing.
• Abundant Recreational Activities: Visitors can enjoy a wide array of activities including boating, fishing (large and smallmouth bass, crappie, walleye, catfish), swimming, hiking, and mountain biking.
• Devonian Fossil Gorge: A unique natural attraction located just below the dam, offering an extraordinary opportunity to explore a 375-million-year-old sea floor and discover fossil remains. Twenty discovery points and a cell phone audio tour enhance the experience.
• Extensive Trail System: Several trails are within the Dam Complex, including Squire Point, Woodpecker Trail, Tailwater Riverwalk, and the barrier-free Veterans Trail, catering to various levels of hikers and bikers.
• Heavily Wooded Forest: The campground is surrounded by a dense forest of mixed hardwood species, providing shade, natural beauty, and excellent opportunities for wildlife viewing (deer, turkeys, pheasants, waterfowl, songbirds).
• Clean and Well-Maintained Facilities: Frequent positive reviews highlight the cleanliness of the sites, restrooms, and showers, contributing to a pleasant camping experience.
• Paved and Level Sites: Many sites feature concrete pads that are level and angled, making setup easier for RVs and trailers.
• Quiet and Peaceful Atmosphere: Despite its proximity to Iowa City, the campground is often described as quiet, allowing for restful stays.
• Turkey Creek Disc Golf Course: Located in the Dam Complex, offering another recreational outlet for visitors.

Address: 4103 Prairie Du Chien Rd NE, Iowa City, IA 52240, USA

Campground Entrance Station (May 1 - October 31): (319) 338-3685

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

Email: coralville.lake@usace.army.mil

Reservations can typically be made via recreation.gov or by calling the toll-free reservation line: 1-877-444-6777.

For residents across Iowa, Tailwater West Campground stands out as an exceptional local choice for outdoor recreation. Its strategic location in Iowa City significantly cuts down on travel time, allowing for more time to enjoy nature and less time on the road. This makes it perfect for quick weekend getaways or even spontaneous day trips, providing a much-needed escape from daily routines without the hassle of long-distance travel.

The campground’s diverse offerings ensure that there’s something for everyone. Whether you’re an avid angler, a keen hiker, or simply looking for a peaceful spot to relax with family, Tailwater West delivers. The various types of campsites, from full hook-up RV sites to walk-in tent sites, accommodate a wide range of camping styles and preferences. The consistently praised clean facilities, including modern restrooms and showers, enhance the comfort of your stay, making the outdoor experience more enjoyable for all.

Beyond the immediate campground, the surrounding Coralville Lake Project and its associated attractions, such as the unique Devonian Fossil Gorge and extensive trail networks, provide ample opportunities for exploration and learning. This rich natural environment, coupled with the convenience of being near Iowa City’s amenities, truly sets Tailwater West apart as a premier local camping destination. It allows Iowa residents to connect with the state's natural beauty, engage in a variety of outdoor activities, and create lasting memories, all within easy reach of home.

Tailwater West Campground

4103 Prairie Du Chien Rd NE, Iowa City, IA 52240, USA