Wilson Island State Recreation Area

3.74

19 reviews

32801 Campground Lane, Missouri Valley, Iowa, 51555, United States

Peace & Quiet

Quick Facts

994 ft

Price

Free

Booking

Reservable

Sites

544 campsites

Season

Reviews indicate sea...

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Check Policy

RV FriendlyShowers

Opens Null site

Official Website

Get Directions

Quick Facts

994 ft

Price

Free

Booking

Reservable

Sites

544 campsites

Season

Reviews indicate sea...

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Check Policy

RV FriendlyShowers

Opens Null site

Official Website

Get Directions

Wilson Island State Recreation Area

$0.00 - $5.00 / night

Campsite Fees

Free camping as per user reviews. Food storage lockers fee mentioned as $5.

Standard Site Fee$0.00

Hookup Site Fee$0.00

Premium Site Fee$0.00

Hike and Bike Site Fee$0.00

Group Site Fee$0.00

Food Storage Locker Fee$5.00

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What Campers Say

3.74

Mixed Reviews

Based on 19 reviews

195 Google reviews

Most mentioned

peacefulspacioushikingsites

"User reviews present a mixed picture of Wilson Island State Recreation Area. Positive reviews highlight the spacious campsites, peaceful environment, and enjoyable hiking trails. Concerns include water quality issues due to manganese, inconsistent maintenance, and accessibility challenges caused by nearby road construction. Some users specifically praised the fishing and clean bathrooms."

Read all reviews

Campground Map

32801 Campground Lane, Missouri Valley, Iowa, 51555, United States

Wilson Island State Recreation Area

32801 Campground Lane, Missouri Valley, Iowa, 51555, United States

Driving directionsFrom Interstate 29, take exit 72. Go west on DeSoto Avenue six miles. Wilson Island is on the left. From Hwy 30, take County Road L16 south five miles to DeSoto Avenue. Go west 2 miles. Wilson Island is on left.

Wilson Island is accessible by paved roads but construction on I-29 and surrounding areas may cause navigation challenges. Review by Margaret Singletary mentions "you need to go down a couple of long dusty roads to get there" due to construction.

Nearby places

Missouri Valley is located 11 miles northeast

Omaha-Council Bluffs metropolitan area is 25 miles south.

Nearby supplies

Within 10 miles: fuel, bait, tackle, drinks, ice. Greater than 10 miles: ATM, church, and grocery store.

Best Time to Camp at Wilson Island State Recreation Area

Wilson Island reveals its charm across the seasons, with prime camping conditions greeting visitors when temperatures hover between a comfortable 55-68°F. During these golden weeks, clear skies dominate about 70% of the time, while gentle precipitation remains minimal at just 5-10%. Nature paints its most spectacular show as cottonwoods burst into autumn gold and migrating waterfowl fill the skies. While winter occasionally flexes its muscles with freezing temperatures and brisk winds, and spring rains can make their presence known, the majority of the camping season offers idyllic conditions for outdoor adventures. Savvy campers know to pack layers and embrace the dynamic Missouri River valley weather that keeps each visit unique.

Summer(Jun-Aug)

3.5 / 5

Summer is popular for fishing and boating; some visitor complaints about water quality/maintenance.

Fall(Sep-Nov)

4.0 / 5

Comfortable temps and scenic views in 'golden weeks' make fall appealing.

Best

Spring(Mar-May)

4.0 / 5

Spring popular for migratory birds and mushroom hunting; strong wildlife activity.

Winter(Dec-Feb)

3.0 / 5

Winter offers bald eagle viewing and snowmobiling but reviews note seasonal closures and cold conditions.

Planning Tips

Peak Season: Null. Book 2-3 months ahead.
Operating Season: Reviews indicate seasonal closure, like 'last weekend before they shut down for the season' (user review by Rosanne Thompson).
Current Alerts: Road construction near I-29 and surrounding areas. Seasonal closures noted in user reviews.

About Wilson Island State Recreation Area

Where the mighty Missouri River carved its path through Iowa's landscape, Wilson Island State Recreation Area emerges as a 544-acre sanctuary of natural wonder. What began as a humble sandbar at the dawn of the 20th century has transformed into a premier outdoor destination, named in honor of former Governor George Wilson. Here, spacious campsites nestle beneath towering cottonwood canopies, while winding trails beckon adventurers through pristine floodplain forests. In the crisp autumn air, thousands of snow geese paint the sky in living clouds, and lucky visitors might spot the majestic silhouette of a bald eagle surveying its domain. This peaceful retreat offers the perfect blend of accessible wilderness and modern camping amenities, where families can picnic by day and fall asleep to nature's symphony by night.

Wilson Island State Recreation Area supports a variety of camping styles, including tent camping, group camping, and RV camping.

Historical SignificanceLong before Wilson Island became a beloved recreation area, these waters witnessed one of America's greatest adventures. In 1804, the Lewis and Clark expedition camped along this very stretch of the Missouri River, documenting their voyage of discovery that would shape a nation. The explorers' journals speak of the river's power and the abundant wildlife that still calls this region home today. This sacred waterway has served as a lifeline for countless generations, from indigenous peoples to pioneer settlers, each leaving their mark on the landscape while the river continued its eternal flow.

Weather and SeasonsWilson Island reveals its charm across the seasons, with prime camping conditions greeting visitors when temperatures hover between a comfortable 55-68°F. During these golden weeks, clear skies dominate about 70% of the time, while gentle precipitation remains minimal at just 5-10%. Nature paints its most spectacular show as cottonwoods burst into autumn gold and migrating waterfowl fill the skies. While winter occasionally flexes its muscles with freezing temperatures and brisk winds, and spring rains can make their presence known, the majority of the camping season offers idyllic conditions for outdoor adventures. Savvy campers know to pack layers and embrace the dynamic Missouri River valley weather that keeps each visit unique.

ElevationThe campground rests at the Missouri River's natural elevation, where the convergence of water and land creates a dynamic ecosystem that shifts subtly with the seasons.

Natural Features and SceneryStep into a living gallery where massive cottonwoods create natural cathedrals, their leaves whispering ancient river stories in the breeze. The Missouri River floodplain spreads before you, a fertile tapestry of wetlands and forests that burst with life. Rising dramatically from this river valley, the legendary loess hills showcase nature's artistry - these wind-sculpted formations exist in only three places on Earth: here in Iowa, neighboring Missouri, and halfway around the globe in China. Wildlife thrives in this diverse habitat, where white-tailed deer browse at forest edges, massive flocks of snow geese create spectacular aerial displays during migration, and bald eagles perch regally in riverside snags, their keen eyes scanning the waters below.

Geological RegionWilson Island occupies a fascinating geological crossroads where the Missouri River floodplain meets one of Earth's rarest landforms. The surrounding loess hills, composed of wind-blown glacial silt deposited over millennia, create a rugged backdrop found nowhere else in North America outside of western Iowa and Missouri. These ancient hills, sharing their geological DNA only with similar formations in China, tell a story written by ice age winds. The dynamic floodplain below continues to evolve with each season, as the Missouri River deposits rich sediments that nourish the cottonwood forests and create the perfect habitat for the area's abundant wildlife.

Best Campsites

Curated by campers, for campers

Reveal picks

Reserving a campsite

Check-in

Varies

Check-out

Varies

Stay Limit

Varies

Guests Allowed Per Site

Varies

Groups

The campground has three large youth group campsites that can be reserved in advance.

Tents

Tents are allowed

RV vehicles

RV vehicles are allowed

Primitive

Primitive camping is not allowed

Reservable

Reservations are allowed

Site layoutSpacious layout with sites not close to one another, per user reviews. Mention of group sites and playgrounds.

Reservation PlatformsNull

Walk-in AvailabilityNull

Cancellation PolicyNull

AccessibilityThe campground includes handicap-accessible facilities.

Site SizeSites are described as spacious and well-shaded, making them suitable for both tent camping and group camping.

PrivacySites offer a fair level of privacy, with reviewers stating that the campsites are not clustered close together.

Total Campsites544 campsites

Recommended SitesSite-specific mentions include electric-only site 14 and recommendations to fill water at the dump station due to hard-to-access faucets.

Amenities available

Showers

Flush toilets

Dump station

Food storage lockers

Vault toilets

Group Sites

Activities you can enjoy

Wilson Island State Recreation Area offers a diverse range of activities. Visitors can enjoy hiking, fishing, boating, hunting, wildlife viewing, and river activities. The nearby Missouri River is a major attraction for anglers and boaters. The surrounding trails are multi-use, supporting hiking, biking, cross-country skiing, and snowmobiling. Hunting is permitted in certain areas during the season, while the DeSoto National Wildlife Refuge nearby provides additional opportunities for wildlife enthusiasts.

HikingThe recreation area offers six miles of multi-use trails suitable for hiking, biking, and even snowmobiling. Some trails provide access to the Missouri River and backwater chute, while others run through dense cottonwood stands. User reviews have highlighted the trails as enjoyable, with one stating, 'The hiking trails are quite enjoyable.'

FishingFishing is a popular activity in the campground, particularly on the Missouri River. Anglers have reported catching species like blue catfish, including one user who landed a 42 and 56 lb blue catfish. However, an Iowa or Nebraska fishing license is required.

BikingBiking is allowed on the trails, which are categorized as multi-use.

BoatingThe Missouri River and the backwater chute offer opportunities for boating. Boat ramps are available for easy access to these water bodies.

Wildlife viewingWildlife viewing is abundant in the area. Visitors may spot deer, snow geese, and bald eagles depending on the season. The nearby DeSoto National Wildlife Refuge also enhances opportunities for observing migratory waterfowl and other species.

Winter Activities

Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsYellow water stains and manganese in the water (multiple user reviews). Construction on nearby roads. Hunting seasons require caution for non-hunters.

Active AlertsRoad construction near I-29 and surrounding areas. Seasonal closures noted in user reviews.

Food Storage RequiredFood storage lockers are available for a fee of $5, noted in authoritative sources.

Fire PolicyNull

Quiet HoursQuiet hours are Null

Emergency ServicesGreater than 10 miles distance includes a hospital and medical clinic.

Trash & RecyclingTrash dumpsters are available on-site for waste disposal.

Water FeaturesNear the Missouri River with accessible boat ramps and a shallow section for snag-free fishing.

Camp HostHosts are available but reviews indicate inconsistent maintenance and support.

Weather at Wilson Island State Recreation Area

Reviews

3.7

19 reviews

Mixed Reviews

Wilson Island State Recreation Area has mixed reviews, placing it in the bottom 85% of campgrounds based on reviews

User reviews present a mixed picture of Wilson Island State Recreation Area. Positive reviews highlight the spacious campsites, peaceful environment, and enjoyable hiking trails. Concerns include water quality issues due to manganese, inconsistent maintenance, and accessibility challenges caused by nearby road construction. Some users specifically praised the fishing and clean bathrooms.

Review Summaries

Based on 19 reviews

What Campers Love

Spacious campsites, peaceful setting, enjoyable hiking trails, and good fishing opportunities. Proximity to the DeSoto National Wildlife Refuge and accommodating camp hosts were also noted positively.

Based on 19 reviews

Common Concerns

Water quality issues (yellow water and manganese content causing stains), limited maintenance (e.g., unmowed grass), lack of check-in staff, and infrastructure problems such as construction-related...

Based on 19 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Bring your own drinking water due to manganese concerns. Fill up at the dump station as campsites do not have water hookups. Plan for potential detours caused by road construction. Visit the DeSoto...

Based on 19 reviews

Seasonal Insights

Winter reviews highlight the presence of bald eagles and ample opportunities for snow-based activities. Spring is popular for mushroom hunting and observing migratory birds. Summer reviews focus on...

Based on 19 reviews

Camper Quotes

1. 'Spacious camp sites with tent camping.' 2. 'The hiking trails are quite enjoyable.' 3. 'Bathrooms and showers were clean and in good condition.' 4. 'Water was yellow and I was afraid to wash my...

Based on 19 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

Site-specific reviews mention issues such as uneven ground at certain campsites (e.g., electric-only Site 14) and highlight the advantages of spacious and shaded locations.

Based on 19 reviews