West Overlook Campground

For those of us in Iowa seeking a refreshing escape that combines the tranquility of lakeside camping with abundant recreational opportunities, West Overlook Campground on Coralville Lake is a truly exceptional destination. Situated just north of Iowa City, this popular campground offers a fantastic setting for families, couples, and solo adventurers to immerse themselves in the natural beauty of the Iowa River Valley. Operated by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, West Overlook is known for its well-maintained facilities, spacious sites, and direct access to a wide array of activities on and around Coralville Lake.

West Overlook Campground provides a quintessential Iowa outdoor experience, offering a welcoming atmosphere for both seasoned campers and those new to the joys of nature. Visitors consistently praise its "beautiful, clean and well kept" environment, highlighting the ample "natural shade" from the surrounding mixed hardwood forest. Whether you're looking to relax by the water, cast a line, explore scenic trails, or simply enjoy quality time with loved ones in a peaceful setting, West Overlook delivers. Its proximity to Iowa City also means that the conveniences of urban life – from dining to shopping – are just a short drive away, striking a perfect balance between serene wilderness and convenient accessibility, making it an ideal choice for any Iowan seeking a memorable outdoor adventure.

West Overlook Campground is strategically located on the west side of the Coralville Lake Dam, with its official address listed as W Overlook Rd NE, Lincoln, IA 52240, USA. While the provided address might point to "Lincoln, IA," it is important for Iowa locals to note that the campground is part of the Coralville Lake Project, managed by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, and is geographically near Iowa City in Johnson County. The physical address for the main office is 4053 West Overlook Rd NE, Iowa City, IA 52240.

Its location makes it highly accessible for residents across Iowa. From Interstate 80 (Iowa City, IA), you can take Exit 244 towards Dubuque St./North Liberty, then travel north on Dubuque St. for 3 miles and turn right onto West Overlook Rd. NE. Travel on West Overlook Rd. NE for 1.1 miles, and at the stop sign, take a slight left turn. The entrance to West Overlook Campground will be straight ahead. The campground’s position on Coralville Lake provides direct access to water recreation, and its proximity to Iowa City (about a 15-20 minute drive) means that campers have easy access to a wide range of services, including grocery stores, restaurants, and medical facilities, should they need them. This blend of natural seclusion and urban convenience makes it a highly desirable camping destination.

West Overlook Campground is well-equipped with modern amenities, ensuring a comfortable and enjoyable stay for all types of campers.

• Campsites with Electric Hookups: The campground offers 89 standard electric campsites, catering to both RVs and tent campers. Each site includes a "picnic table and a fire ring." Site W67, for instance, has "Electric Hookup: 20/30/50" and a "Water Hookup." Most sites generally provide electric and water.
• Modern Restrooms and Showers: Two "shower houses with modern restrooms" are available within the campground. These facilities are regularly praised by visitors for being "clean and well kept," with "new modern bath houses with showers," enhancing the comfort of your stay.
• RV Dump Station: A convenient "dump station and drinking water is located just outside of the West Overlook Campground," making it easy for RV and trailer campers to manage waste and replenish water.
• Potable Water: Drinking water is readily available within the campground, either at individual sites with water hookups or at central hydrants.
• Boat Ramp: A modern "boat launch area" provides direct access to Coralville Lake, making it easy for visitors to launch their boats for fishing or recreational boating.
• Playgrounds: The campground features "playgrounds for children," including two playgrounds within the West Overlook Day Use Area, providing dedicated spaces for kids to play.
• Picnic Areas and Shelters: The adjacent "West Overlook Day Use Area" offers "picnic sites" and a "picnic shelter," ideal for day trips or group gatherings.
• Sand Beach Area: A "spacious beach area" is available for swimming and sunbathing, offering a great way to cool off during warmer months.
• Volleyball Net: A "volleyball net" is set up in the day-use area for recreational play.
• Pet-Friendly: Pets are allowed at West Overlook Campground. Many sites are explicitly marked as "Pets OK," though standard leash rules and pet waste disposal guidelines apply.
• Horseshoe Pits: Amenities include horseshoe pits for a classic campground activity.

West Overlook Campground, with its setting on Coralville Lake, offers a multitude of features and highlights that promise an engaging outdoor experience for Iowa locals.

• Prime Lakeside Location: The campground is "right on the shores of Coralville Lake," offering "stunning views and a peaceful atmosphere." Many sites provide "options for a variety of kinds of campsites in separate loops," with some "close to the lake or in various heights overlooking the lake."
• Abundant Water Recreation: Coralville Lake is a hub for recreational activities. Visitors can enjoy "boating, fishing, swimming, and water skiing." Anglers will find "large and smallmouth bass, crappie, walleye and catfish." The "large sandy beach" is a major draw for swimming.
• Extensive Trail System: The area boasts "several trails are within the Dam Complex," including the "Squire Point and Woodpecker trail systems" (approximately five miles winding through mixed hardwoods) and the "barrier-free Veterans Trail," accommodating wheelchair users. These trails are perfect for "hiking, jogging, and skiing."
• Devonian Fossil Gorge: Just below the dam, the "Devonian Fossil Gorge" offers a "unique opportunity to explore a 375-million-year old sea floor and discover fossil remains of sea life." Twenty discovery points and a cell phone audio tour enhance this geological wonder.
• Wildlife Viewing: The heavily wooded forest and lake environment mean "wildlife is abundant throughout the project." Visitors can spot "Whitetail deer, turkeys, pheasants, waterfowl, songbirds and other species."
• Proximity to Iowa City/Coralville Attractions: The campground serves as an "easy stopover right off Interstate 80" and an "inexpensive basecamp for folks visiting Iowa City or the University of Iowa." Nearby attractions include numerous restaurants and shops, Coral Ridge Mall, and cultural sites in Cedar Rapids like The National Czech and Slovak Museum and Library.
• Turkey Creek Disc Golf Course: Located in the Dam Complex, this "nine partially wooden and open holes" course provides an additional recreational activity for disc golf enthusiasts.
• Spacious and Shaded Sites: Reviewers highlight "spacious sites that are well-paved and easy to access" and appreciate the "ample natural shade" provided by the mixed hardwood forest.

West Overlook Campground is managed by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. For inquiries, reservations, or current conditions, please use the following contact details:

• Physical Address (Campground): 4053 West Overlook Rd NE, Iowa City, IA 52240 (Note: The provided Lincoln, IA address is a general area reference for the broader Coralville Lake Project, but this one is specific to the campground)
• Phone (May 1 - October 31 for Campground Inquiries): (319) 338-3685
• Phone (November 1 - April 30 for Coralville Lake Project Office): (319) 338-3543 ext. 6300
• Online Reservations: Campsite reservations can be made through Recreation.gov.

It is highly recommended to check Recreation.gov for specific site availability and to make reservations, especially during peak season, as the campground is popular. Calling the relevant phone number for the season can also provide immediate updates on conditions or specific questions about the facilities.

For Iowa residents, West Overlook Campground on Coralville Lake offers an unparalleled blend of convenience, natural beauty, and recreational diversity, making it an ideal local getaway. Its strategic location near Iowa City means it's an easily accessible destination for many, reducing travel time and maximizing the hours spent enjoying the outdoors. This accessibility allows for spontaneous weekend trips or serves as a fantastic basecamp for exploring the vibrant local areas of Iowa City and Coralville.

This campground is perfectly suited for locals because it caters to a wide spectrum of outdoor interests. Whether you're a family seeking a comfortable, pet-friendly campsite with "modern restrooms and showers" and a fun "spacious beach area" for swimming, an angler hoping to catch bass or catfish in Coralville Lake, or a hiker eager to explore miles of trails and even a "375-million-year old sea floor" at the Devonian Fossil Gorge, West Overlook delivers. The plentiful "electric hookups" and "spacious sites" make it accommodating for both RV and tent campers, ensuring a comfortable experience for everyone.

Moreover, being managed by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers ensures that the facilities are well-maintained and the natural resources are preserved. For Iowans looking for a relaxing lakeside retreat that offers abundant opportunities for boating, fishing, hiking, and family fun, all within a short drive from home, West Overlook Campground stands out as a premier choice to create cherished memories.

West Overlook Campground

W Overlook Rd NE, Lincoln, IA 52240, USA