How much does camping cost at Tailwater West Campground?

Camping fees at Tailwater West Campground range from $14-$30/night. Prices may vary by site type (standard, hookup, premium) and season. Book online to see exact pricing for your dates.

Is Tailwater West Campground first-come first-served or reservation?

Tailwater West Campground accepts online reservations. We recommend booking in advance, especially during peak season (typically summer weekends). Use campsite alerts to get notified when spots become available.

Can I see photos of campsites at Tailwater West Campground before I book?

Yes! Tailwater West Campground has 9 campsite photos on Outdoorithm, contributed by campers who've stayed there. Browse real photos of individual sites to see what to expect before you reserve. You can also add your own photos after your trip to help the next family plan theirs.

What is the best time to visit Tailwater West Campground?

Tailwater West Campground is open May 01 to October 17. The best time to visit depends on your preferences—summer offers the warmest weather and most activities, while spring and fall provide fewer crowds and milder temperatures. Check current conditions before your trip.

Are there showers at Tailwater West Campground?

Yes, Tailwater West Campground has shower facilities available for campers. Check the amenities section for details on hours and any fees.

Is there cell service at Tailwater West Campground?

Cell phone service at Tailwater West Campground is generally available. Cell service is available. Coverage may vary by carrier and exact location within the campground.

How many campsites does Tailwater West Campground have?

Tailwater West Campground has 22 campsites. Sites vary in size, privacy, and amenities. Check availability online to find the best site for your needs.

Are dogs allowed at Tailwater West Campground?

Yes, pets are allowed at Tailwater West Campground. Dogs must typically be kept on a leash (usually 6 feet or shorter) and under control at all times. Be sure to clean up after your pet and check for any breed or size restrictions.

What amenities are available at Tailwater West Campground?

Tailwater West Campground offers: Restrooms, Showers, Potable Water, Dump Station, Electrical Hookups, Water Hookups, Sewer Hookups, Pets Allowed. See our detailed campground page for the full list of facilities and features.

Tailwater West Campground

Q: Can I have a campfire at Tailwater West Campground?

Fire policies at Tailwater West Campground: Don't Move Firewood: Protect your forests from tree-killing pests by buying your firewood locally and burning it on-site. Visit Dontmovefirewood.org for further information.. Always check current fire restrictions before your trip, as conditions change seasonally.

4.61

310 reviews

2850 Prairie Du Chien Rd NE

Pet Friendly

Featured in:Pet-Friendly Campgrounds Iowa#1 Best Campgrounds Iowa#1 Summer Camping Iowa#1 +11 more

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

Quick Facts

682 ft

Price

$14 - $30/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

22 campsites

Season

Open May 1 through O...

Cell

Has Service

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

Top 1% in state

Full HookupsShowers

Book on US Army Corps of Engineers Official Website

Get Directions

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

Quick Facts

682 ft

Price

$14 - $30/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

22 campsites

Season

Open May 1 through O...

Cell

Has Service

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

Top 1% in state

Full HookupsShowers

Book on US Army Corps of Engineers Official Website

Get Directions

Tailwater West Campground

$14.00 - $30.00 / night

Campsite Fees

CONCRETE SITE: 50 AMP & WATER: $28.00; CONCRETE SITE: 50 Amp, Water, & Sewer: $30.00; WALK TO: Non-Electric: $14.00. Plus Recreation.gov reservation...

Hike and Bike Site Fee$14.00

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Recreation Dot Gov

Provider

MAY 1 - OCTOBER 31 CAMPGROUND ENTRANCE STATION: (319) 338-3685 NOVEMBER 1 - APRIL 30 CORALVILLE LAKE PROJECT OFFICE (319) 338-3543 X.6300coralville.lake@usace.army.mil

I manage this campground

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Campground Map

2850 Prairie Du Chien Rd NE

Tailwater West Campground

2850 Prairie Du Chien Rd NE

Nearby places

Iowa City (approximately 5 miles, 15 minutes), Coralville (approximately 4 miles, 10 minutes), Cedar Rapids (approximately 25 miles, 30 minutes)

Driving directionsFrom Interstate 80 (Iowa City, Iowa), take Exit 244 towards Dubuque St./North Liberty. 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. At the second stop sign, turn right onto Prairie Du Chien Rd. NE. Travel east on Prairie Du Chien Rd. NE for 0.2 miles. The entrance to the Tailwater West Campground will be located on the right side of the road. From Interstate 380 (North Liberty, IA) take Exit 4 towards North Liberty. Travel east on W. Penn St. for 2 miles and turn right onto N. Dubuque St. Travel south on N. Dubuque St. for 1.9 miles, at the traffic circle, continue straight onto Dubuque St. NE. Continue traveling south on Dubuque St. NE for 1.9 miles. Turn left onto West Overlook Rd. NE and travel east for 1.1 miles. At the second stop sign, turn right onto Prairie Du Chien Rd. NE. Travel east on Prairie Du Chien Rd. NE for 0.2 miles. The entrance to the Tailwater West Campground will be located on the right side of the road.

Weather at Tailwater West Campground

Current alerts(13)

All boats shall be removed from the lake/river each day. Boats are not permitted to be moored on the shoreline overnight.
All of the following items are prohibited: bouncy houses, swimming pools, chinese lanterns, loaded firearms, explosive devices, ammunition, bow or other projectile-firing device, and fireworks.
Cancellation: If a customer cancels a reservation they will be charged a $10.00 service fee. If a customer cancels a reservation the day before or on the day of arrival they will be charged a $10.00 service fee and will also forfeit the first night's use fee (not to exceed the…
Check-In Time: 2:00 P.M.

Best Time to Camp at Tailwater West Campground

Best season: fall. Fall offers the best combination of comfortable weather and vivid river-valley color — daytime highs typically range from the mid-50s to mid-70s°F (cooler by mid-October with chilly mornings in the 30s–50s°F), which makes hiking, biking, and exploring the Devonian Fossil Gorge especially pleasant. Foliage peaks from late September through mid-October, wildlife is active, and insect pressure drops, so early fall is ideal for day hikes and tailwater fishing. Expect moderate crowds on weekend days; Peak months: October, September, May, June Avoid: November, December, January, February

Best

Fall(Sep-Nov)

4.5 / 5

Called the best season: ideal weather and peak foliage make fall a top time to visit.

Planning Tips

Peak Season: May 01 to October 17. Book 2-3 months ahead.
Operating Season: Open May 1 through October 18 annually for reservations.

About Tailwater West Campground

Tailwater West Campground sits on Coralville Lake near Iowa City, operated by the US Army Corps of Engineers. This small, budget-friendly campground offers full hookups on level concrete pads and serves as a convenient base for exploring the nearby Devonian Fossil Gorge. Clean facilities, friendly staff, and access to lake fishing and boating make it a practical choice for RV and tent campers seeking a straightforward lakeside stay.

Tailwater West Campground accommodates a range of camping styles with 22 campsites featuring full hookups, standard electric, and walk-to tent sites.

Weather and SeasonsBest season: fall. Fall offers the best combination of comfortable weather and vivid river-valley color — daytime highs typically range from the mid-50s to mid-70s°F (cooler by mid-October with chilly mornings in the 30s–50s°F), which makes hiking, biking, and exploring the Devonian Fossil Gorge especially pleasant. Foliage peaks from late September through mid-October, wildlife is active, and insect pressure drops, so early fall is ideal for day hikes and tailwater fishing. Expect moderate crowds on weekend days; Peak months: October, September, May, June Avoid: November, December, January, February

Elevation682 ft above sea level

Natural Features and SceneryMixed hardwood forest of oak, maple, and hickory shelters the campground at 682 feet elevation in the Iowa River Valley. The Iowa River flows nearby, attracting white-tailed deer, wild turkeys, and waterfowl. The standout feature is the Devonian Fossil Gorge, where seasonal floods expose a 375-million-year-old seafloor with visible coral formations, brachiopods, and crinoids preserved in limestone. This fossil bed dates to when Iowa sat beneath warm, shallow seas.

Best Campsites

Curated by campers, for campers

Reveal picks

Reserving a campsite

Stay Limit

You may stay up to 14 nights total at this campground within rolling 30 days.

Guests Allowed Per Site

Up to six occupants are permitted per site.

Tents

Tents are allowed

RV vehicles

RV vehicles are allowed

Primitive

Primitive camping is not allowed

Reservable

Reservations are allowed

Reservation PlatformsReservations can be made online at Recreation.gov or via their app. Phone reservations can be made through the contact center.

AccessibilityADA-accessible fishing piers available. The campground and facilities are described as user-friendly, but specific accessibility details for all areas are not provided.

Site SizeSites have level concrete pads suitable for large RVs and trailers. Several reviews highlight the spaciousness and ease of access for larger vehicles.

PrivacyThe sites are well-maintained but vary in privacy. Some have ample shade from large trees, while others lack shade. One reviewer noted, 'our campsite had no shade, but others were better shaded.

Total Campsites22 campsites

Recommended SitesChoose shaded sites for comfort in warm weather. Sites with full hookups are recommended for RV campers.

Best CampsitesSite T07 gets mentioned for full hookups and level pads. Site T14 offers shade from large cottonwoods. Shade varies significantly across the campground. Some sites have no shade at all, so check site details when booking.

Need help booking Tailwater West Campground?

Reservation tips, booking windows, and free cancellation alerts.

Recreation.gov Guide

Booking tips & windows

When to Book

Find your booking window

Cancellation Alerts

Free alerts for this campground

Amenities available

Tailwater West Campground offers a range of amenities, including a modern restroom with shower facilities, a fish cleaning station, ADA-accessible fishing piers, a playground, and picnic tables. 'The campground is well-maintained, with many sites featuring full hookups, concrete pads, and ample parking space.' There is a shower facility described as 'very clean' and flush toilets. Potable water and a dump station are available at the nearby West Overlook Campground.

Showers

Potable water

Electricity hookups

Water hookups

Sewer hookups

Flush toilets

I manage this campground

RV details

Activities you can enjoy

Tailwater West Campground offers diverse recreational activities, including fishing, hiking, boating, and wildlife viewing. Specific trails like the Veterans Trail and Tailwater Riverwalk are popular among visitors. The fishing opportunities are particularly highlighted, with species like bass and catfish available.

Hiking

Fishing

Biking

Boating

Winter Activities

Water Sports

Planning your trip?Check out our camping packing checklist

Policies & Safety

Fire PolicyDon't Move Firewood: Protect your forests from tree-killing pests by buying your firewood locally and burning it on-site. Visit Dontmovefirewood.org for further information.

Quiet HoursQuiet hours are 10:00 p.m to 6:00 a.m

Trash & RecyclingTrash facilities are available, but a user noted, 'the dumpster had something rotting in there,' which could indicate occasional maintenance issues.

Cell CoverageCell phone reception is inconsistent. One reviewer mentioned, 'poor cell phone service from Verizon Wireless near the dam,' and others noted 'having to drive up the hill to check on things at home.'

Trip Planning Tools

Set an AlertGet notified when sites open up Check WeatherHistorical weather data Gear for This TripMatched gear recommendations Packing ListCustomizable checklist

Questions & answers

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Tips from campers

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Reviews

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From Booking Sources

4.6

310 reviews

Top-Rated

Tailwater West Campground is top-rated, placing it in the top 15% of campgrounds based on reviews

User reviews consistently highlight Tailwater West Campground as clean, quiet, and well-maintained, with particular praise for its spacious sites and proximity to recreational activities like fishing and hiking. However, some users noted issues with cell phone reception and occasional maintenance concerns regarding the fish cleaning station and dumpsters.

Review Summaries

Based on 310 reviews

Best sites at a glance

Pulled from per-site mentions in 310 reviews.

T19Loved
T19 is described as spacious and scenic, and T10 received praise for its proximity to the Iowa River.
T07Mentioned
Specific site reviews include T07, which is noted for full hookups and a level pad.

What Campers Love

Many users praised the campground's cleanliness, 'large level concrete pads,' and 'friendly and helpful staff.' The availability of full hookups and proximity to attractions like the Fossil Gorge...

Based on 310 reviews

Common Concerns

Common concerns include poor cell phone reception, maintenance issues at the fish cleaning station, and challenges checking in due to unclear directions or limited onsite staff access.

Based on 310 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Users recommend arriving during staffed hours to avoid check-in confusion and highlight the importance of securing reservations in advance due to high demand on weekends. They also suggest bringing...

Based on 310 reviews

Seasonal Insights

Winter visitors appreciated eagle-watching opportunities, while summer reviews emphasized fishing and hiking. Spring and fall reviews noted the cool weather and scenic beauty.

Based on 310 reviews

Camper Quotes

'Tailwater West is absolutely one of the best campgrounds in the Coralville Reservoir area.' - Nathan C. 'Very clean site with lots of room.' - Steve M. 'The campground is well-maintained, with large...

Based on 310 reviews

Accessibility Features

Reviews highlight ADA-accessible fishing piers, but some users mention that the campground could benefit from more pull-through spots and better accessibility in some areas.

Based on 310 reviews

Pet-Friendly Features

Pets are allowed, but no specific pet-related amenities are mentioned. One user noted, 'Our dog loves trying to scare the groundhogs that hang out just at the edge of the trees.'

Based on 310 reviews

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Go if

You want full-service lakeside camping near Iowa City with easy access to hiking, biking, and the Devonian Fossil Gorge.

Skip if

You need reliable sewer connections or prefer a streamlined check-in process without strict no-show policies.

Nearby Campgrounds

Less Visited

3.9

(40)

Cottonwood Campground (Ia)

2850 Prairie Du Chien Rd NE

Cottonwood Campground sits on the shores of Coralville Lake near Iowa City, operated by the US Army Corps of Engineers. This small, wooded campground offers tent and primitive camping with flush toilets, hot showers, and a dump station. Visitors come for lakeside access, shaded sites under tall trees, and a quiet setting during the week.