How much does camping cost at Tailwater East Campground?

Camping fees at Tailwater East Campground range from $14-$26/night. Prices may vary by site type (standard, hookup, premium) and season. Book online to see exact pricing for your dates.

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

Tailwater East 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 East Campground before I book?

Yes! Tailwater East Campground has 6 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 East Campground?

Tailwater East 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 East Campground?

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

How many campsites does Tailwater East Campground have?

Tailwater East Campground has 28 campsites. Sites vary in size, privacy, and amenities. Check availability online to find the best site for your needs.

Are dogs allowed at Tailwater East Campground?

Yes, pets are allowed at Tailwater East 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 East Campground?

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

What activities can I do at Tailwater East Campground?

Popular activities at Tailwater East Campground include Hiking, Fishing, Biking, Boating, Wildlife Viewing. The surrounding area offers plenty of outdoor recreation opportunities for all skill levels.

Tailwater East Campground

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

Fire policies at Tailwater East 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.

4.33

213 reviews

2850 Prairie Du Chien Rd NE, Iowa City, IA 52240

Featured in:Swimming Camping Iowa Best Campgrounds Iowa Boating Camping Iowa

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

Quick Facts

751 ft

Price

$14 - $26/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

28 campsites

Season

Open from May 1 to O...

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

ElectricShowers

Book on U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Official Website

Get Directions

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

Quick Facts

751 ft

Price

$14 - $26/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

28 campsites

Season

Open from May 1 to O...

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

ElectricShowers

Book on U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Official Website

Get Directions

Tailwater East Campground

$14.00 - $26.00 / night

Campsite Fees

CONCRETE SITE: 50 AMP: $26.00; Concrete Site: 30 Amp: $24.00; Gravel Site: 30 Amp: $22.00; STANDARD ELECTRIC- 30 AMP FULL HOOK-UP: $24.00; WALK TO:...

Hike and Bike Site Fee$14.00

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Recreation Dot Gov

Provider

MAY 1 - OCTOBER 31 CAMPGROUND FEE BOOTH (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, Iowa City, IA 52240

Tailwater East Campground

2850 Prairie Du Chien Rd NE, Iowa City, IA 52240

Nearby places

Iowa City (approx. 3 miles), North Liberty (approx. 5.9 miles), Coralville (approx. 3.5 miles), Cedar Rapids (approx. 35 miles), West Branch (approx. 10 miles), Amana Colonies (approx. 20 miles).

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 0.7 miles, across the Coralville Lake Dam. The entrance to the Tailwater East Campground will be located on the right side of the road. Alternatively, for Interstate 380 (North Liberty, Iowa), 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 0.7 miles, across the Coralville Lake Dam. The entrance to the Tailwater East Campground will be located on the right side of the road.

Weather at Tailwater East 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, and Chinese lanterns.
All of the following items are prohibited: loaded firearms, explosives, ammunition, bow or other projectile-firing devices, 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…

Best Time to Camp at Tailwater East Campground

Best season: fall. Fall delivers the strongest combination of comfortable weather and spectacular hardwood color — expect crisp days and cool nights (daytime highs generally 50–65°F in September–early October, dropping into the 40s by late October; nights often in the 30s–40s). Water levels typically calm, making boating and late-season fishing (bass, crappie, catfish) especially productive, while the oak/maple/hickory canopy turns brilliant shades of red and gold. Crowds thin after Labor Day and weekday sites are Peak months: October, September, May, June Avoid: December, January, February

Best

Fall(Sep-Nov)

4.0 / 5

Described as best time: cooler, quieter, excellent fishing and colorful hardwood foliage.

Planning Tips

Peak Season: May 01 to October 17. Book 2-3 months ahead.
Operating Season: Open from May 1 to October 18 annually for reservations. The campground operates partially during other months for walk-ins.

About Tailwater East Campground

Tailwater East Campground sits on Coralville Lake near Iowa City, operated by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. This small lakeside campground offers electric hookups, showers, and concrete RV pads alongside tent and primitive options. Anglers target bass, crappie, and catfish from the Iowa River shoreline, while fall visitors enjoy hardwood color and productive water access.

Tailwater East Campground offers diverse camping options, including full-hookup RV sites, standard electric campsites, and non-electric walk-to tent sites. Group camping specifics are not mentioned, and there are no cabin or glamping accommodations.

Weather and SeasonsBest season: fall. Fall delivers the strongest combination of comfortable weather and spectacular hardwood color — expect crisp days and cool nights (daytime highs generally 50–65°F in September–early October, dropping into the 40s by late October; nights often in the 30s–40s). Water levels typically calm, making boating and late-season fishing (bass, crappie, catfish) especially productive, while the oak/maple/hickory canopy turns brilliant shades of red and gold. Crowds thin after Labor Day and weekday sites are Peak months: October, September, May, June Avoid: December, January, February

Elevation751 ft above sea level

Natural Features and SceneryDense hardwood forest. Oak, maple, hickory. Creates a green canopy over the campground at 751 feet elevation. The Iowa River flows along the eastern edge, and the surrounding valley shows layers of geological history carved by ancient forces and river meandering. Wildlife is abundant: bald eagles, cranes, herons, white-tailed deer, and raccoons all appear regularly. The forest bottomlands are lush but reclaimed, giving the area a wild feel despite its engineered origins as flood control infrastructure.

Lodging & AccommodationsNo dedicated lodge or cabin accommodations are mentioned, but the campground offers a range of camping site types including full hook-ups and tent sites.

Programs & ActivitiesThe Devonian Fossil Gorge provides an educational experience just below the dam, featuring a unique 375-million-year-old sea floor and an audio tour.

Best Campsites

Curated by campers, for campers

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Reserving a campsite

Stay Limit

14 nights maximum stay within a rolling 30-day period.

Guests Allowed Per Site

Up to 6 occupants per campsite.

Groups

No details are provided about group camping sites.

Tents

Tents are allowed

RV vehicles

RV vehicles are allowed

Primitive

Primitive camping is allowed

Reservable

Reservations are allowed

Reservation PlatformsReservations can be made through Recreation.gov via website, mobile app, or contact center.

AccessibilityThe campground includes barrier-free trails like the Veterans Trail within the Dam Complex, but no specific information on campsite accessibility or features for campers with disabilities is provided.

Site SizeThe campsites vary in size, including full-hookup RV sites and non-electric walk-to tent sites. Multiple reviews mention the concrete pads as a positive feature, although some users noted that the pads were not always level.

PrivacyPrivacy appears limited, with several users commenting on how close the sites are to each other. One user remarked that the tent sites are all located in a field with 'zero privacy,' while RV spots are also described as tight.

Total Campsites28 campsites

Recommended SitesCampsites near the river offer the best views but may lack privacy due to close spacing. Tent sites are level but clustered together. "Avoid sites with dips if towing large vehicles," advises one user.

Best CampsitesSites E10, E12, and E25 get consistent mentions for river proximity and views. Most sites have concrete pads, though some reviewers noted leveling issues.

Need help booking Tailwater East Campground?

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Recreation.gov Guide

Booking tips & windows

When to Book

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Amenities available

The Tailwater East Campground offers a variety of amenities for campers. It features a modern restroom and shower facility, potable water availability, a fish cleaning station, and a boat ramp for accessing the Iowa River. Campsites include options for full hook-ups, standard electric, and non-electric walk-to tent camping. Each site is equipped with picnic tables and fire rings, and the campground has a dump station for RVs. Firewood is available for purchase on-site, although some reviews note issues with the quality of firewood.

Showers

Potable water

Electricity hookups

Flush toilets

Dump station

Fire rings

I manage this campground

RV details

Activities you can enjoy

Tailwater East Campground provides a wide array of recreational activities, including fishing, hiking, boating, kayaking, and wildlife viewing. The proximity to the Iowa River makes it a great spot for water-based activities, while nearby trails and the Devonian Fossil Gorge offer additional exploration opportunities.

Hiking

Fishing

Biking

Boating

Wildlife viewing

Winter Activities

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 collection and recycling are available on-site, but one review mentioned that the dumpster was 'extremely stinky,' suggesting potential maintenance issues.

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

4.3

213 reviews

Recommended

Tailwater East Campground is recommended, placing it in the top 40% of campgrounds based on reviews

User reviews highlight the campground's cleanliness, scenic location near the Iowa River, and excellent fishing opportunities. However, privacy and the close proximity of campsites are recurring concerns.

Review Summaries

Based on 213 reviews

Best sites at a glance

Pulled from per-site mentions in 213 reviews.

Site E10Loved
Site E10 receives frequent praise for its view and proximity to the river.
Site E18Loved
Site E18 is appreciated for its quietness.
site E14Issues noted
Some users note that site E14 is difficult to level.

What Campers Love

Positive reviews frequently mention clean facilities, the campground's scenic location, and great fishing. Several users also appreciated the concrete pads for RVs and the proximity to the Iowa River.

Based on 213 reviews

Common Concerns

Common complaints include the close proximity of campsites, occasional maintenance issues such as stinky dumpsters and out-of-order bathrooms, and the lack of privacy, especially in the tent area.

Based on 213 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Users recommend bringing dry firewood and securing your campsite to avoid raccoon issues. Many suggest checking in early if possible, as the check-in booth is located at another campground. Another...

Based on 213 reviews

Seasonal Insights

During peak summer months, the campground is noted to be busier, with some noise concerns. Fall sees quieter conditions and cooler weather, making it ideal for fishing and hiking.

Based on 213 reviews

Camper Quotes

1. 'Hot clean showers and bathrooms. There's a utility sink and fish cleaning station.' 2. 'The tent sites are all on one field with zero privacy.' 3. 'Tailwater East was the best $20 dollar...

Based on 213 reviews

Accessibility Features

No specific reviews from users with disabilities were found, but one user noted that the restrooms were clean and accessible.

Based on 213 reviews

Pet-Friendly Features

Pets are allowed, but issues with untethered dogs were noted in one review, causing problems for other campers.

Based on 213 reviews

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Go if

You want affordable lakeside camping near Iowa City with electric hookups and productive fishing.

Skip if

You need privacy between sites or modern facilities beyond basic amenities.

Nearby Campgrounds

Frequently Visited

4.6

(310)

Tailwater West Campground

2850 Prairie Du Chien Rd NE

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.