Tailwater East Campground

Star4.39
137 reviews
2850 Prairie Du Chien Rd NE, Iowa City, IA 52240

Quick Facts

Price

$14 - $26/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

28 campsites

Season

Open from May 1 to O...

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Allowed

RV FriendlyElectricShowers

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Tailwater East Campground
$14.00 - $26.00 / night
Campsite Fees
Standard Site Fee$24.00
Hookup Site Fee$0.00
Premium Site Fee$0.00
Hike and Bike Site Fee$14.00
Group Site Fee$0.00
Food Storage Locker Fee$0.00
Total Campsite Fees$38.00

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Provider
(319) 338-3543 x.6300

What Campers Say

4.39

Recommended

Based on 137 reviews

69 Google 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."

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Fees & Passes at Tailwater East Campground

$14 - $26/night

Campsite fees

Standard Site

Basic tent/RV spot

$24/night

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

Prices verified December 8, 2025

Prices may vary by season and site type. Always confirm current rates on the official reservation website.


Best Time to Camp at Tailwater East Campground

Best
Spring (Mar-May)

Wildflowers bloom, mild temperatures, fewer crowds. Great for hiking and photography.

Summer (Jun-Aug)

Peak season with warm weather, perfect for water activities. Book early.

Fall (Sep-Nov)

Beautiful fall colors, cooler temps, quieter campgrounds. Ideal for peaceful trips.

Winter (Dec-Feb)

Snow activities available. Some facilities may close. Check conditions.

Planning Tips
  • Peak Season: Peak season pricing applies from May 1 through October 18.. 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

Nestled along the serene east bank of the Iowa River, Tailwater East Campground beckons outdoor enthusiasts to discover a hidden gem within the Coralville Lake Dam Complex. This tranquil retreat offers 28 thoughtfully designed campsites that welcome both RV adventurers and tent campers alike. Modern comforts blend seamlessly with nature here—refreshing hot showers await after a day of exploration, while the convenient fish cleaning station and boat ramp make it easy to enjoy the bounty of the river. Whether you're seeking a peaceful weekend escape or an extended stay in nature's embrace, this riverside sanctuary provides the perfect basecamp for your Iowa outdoor adventure.
Geological RegionCarved by ancient forces and shaped by the meandering Iowa River, this campground occupies a fascinating geological crossroads in the Iowa River Valley. The surrounding landscape tells a story written in stone and soil, where dense forests of native hardwoods have reclaimed the rich river bottomlands. Originally engineered for flood control and water management, this area has evolved into a recreational paradise where human ingenuity and natural beauty coexist. The mixed hardwood forest creates a lush, green buffer between campers and the outside world, while the river valley's unique topography offers both protected camping areas and easy access to water-based adventures.
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Campsite details

Total Campsites28 campsites

Best Campsites

Curated by campers, for campers
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Reserving a campsite

Check-in
2:00 PM
Check-out
12:00 PM
Stay Limit
14 nights maximum stay within a rolling 30-day period.
Guests Allowed Per Site
Up to 6 occupants per campsite.
Tents
Tents are allowed
RV vehicles
RV vehicles are allowed
Primitive
Primitive are allowed
Reservable
Reservations are allowed

Open and Closed SeasonOpen from May 1 to October 18 annually for reservations. The campground operates partially during other months for walk-ins.
Walk-in AvailabilityLimited walk-up availability during off-season periods when reservations are not active. First-come-first-served users are advised to arrive early to secure sites.

Amenities available

Showers
Potable water
Fire rings
Picnic tables
Dump station
Firewood available
Flush toilets
Electricity hookups

Activities you can enjoy

Winter Activities
No specific winter activities are mentioned, but the campground is described as seasonal, operating from May to October.
Water Sports
Kayaking and other non-motorized water sports are popular due to the campground's location on the Iowa River.
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Campground rules

  • Pets are allowed
  • Campfires are permitted within designated rings. Firewood must be purchased locally.

Hazards


Weather at Tailwater East Campground

22
°F
Dec 9
Tuesday
Foggy
Precipitation: 0%
Humidity: 88%
Wind: 2.3 mph
Foggy

Weather History
Weather data powered by Open-Meteo

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Good to know

Peak season datesPeak season pricing applies from May 1 through October 18.

Campground Map

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

Reviews from booking and map sources

4.4
137 reviews
Recommended
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

No review summaries available for this campground yet.

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Last updated December 8, 2025
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