Tailwater West Campground
4.64126 reviews2850 Prairie Du Chien Rd NE
Tailwater West Campground
$14.00 - $30.00 / night
Campsite Fees
Standard Site Fee$28.00
Hookup Site Fee$30.00
Premium Site Fee$0.00
Hike and Bike Site Fee$14.00
Group Site Fee$0.00
Food Storage Locker Fee$0.00
Fees range from $14 for walk-to tent sites to $30 for premium standard electric sites during peak season. Prices do not reflect discounts, taxes, or additional reservation fees.
About this campground
Nestled below the impressive Coralville Lake Dam, Tailwater West Campground offers an intimate escape with 22 thoughtfully designed campsites. From fully-equipped RV spots to secluded walk-to tent sites, this modern facility serves as your gateway to exceptional fishing waters, scenic hiking trails, and the fascinating Devonian Fossil Gorge. Whether you're casting a line in the tailwaters or exploring 375-million-year-old sea floors, every stay promises discovery.
Tailwater West Campground accommodates a range of camping styles with 22 campsites featuring full hookups, standard electric, and walk-to tent sites.
Historical SignificanceYour camping adventure places you at the crossroads of natural wonder and human heritage. Just a short drive away, the Herbert Hoover Presidential Library tells the story of Iowa's only president, while the historic Amana Colonies preserve centuries of communal living traditions. The National Czech and Slovak Museum celebrates the rich tapestry of immigrant stories that shaped this region. Most remarkably, the nearby Devonian Fossil Gorge reveals an ancient seafloor frozen in time, where you can literally walk across the bottom of a prehistoric ocean.
Weather and SeasonsFrom May through October, gentle breezes and warm sunshine create perfect camping conditions, with occasional refreshing rain showers that bring out the earthy scents of the forest. Summer days invite leisurely exploration, while crisp autumn mornings wrap the campground in a blanket of mist rising from the river. The campground rests peacefully through winter's snow and cold, awaiting spring's return.
Natural Features and SceneryA cathedral of mixed hardwoods creates a living canopy above the campground, where oak, maple, and hickory trees filter sunlight into dancing patterns on the forest floor. The Iowa River flows nearby, its gentle current a constant companion to your camping experience. Early risers might spot white-tailed deer browsing at the forest edge, while wild turkeys parade through the underbrush. Waterfowl call from the river, and the remarkable Devonian Fossil Gorge unveils Earth's ancient secrets—coral formations, brachiopods, and crinoids preserved in limestone, telling stories from when Iowa lay beneath tropical seas.
Geological RegionThe campground rests in the heart of the Iowa River Valley, where millennia of flowing water has carved a verdant corridor through the landscape. This thriving ecosystem of mixed hardwood forest shelters an abundance of wildlife, from the smallest songbirds to majestic deer. The crown jewel remains the Devonian Fossil Gorge, where seasonal floods have exposed an extraordinary geological time capsule—a window into an era when this landlocked region teemed with marine life beneath warm, shallow seas.
Campsite details
AccessibilityADA-accessible fishing piers available. The campground and facilities are described as user-friendly, but specific accessibility details for all areas are not provided.
Sites SizeSites have level concrete pads suitable for large RVs and trailers. Several reviews highlight the spaciousness and ease of access for larger vehicles.
Sites 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 CampsitesChoose shaded sites for comfort in warm weather. Sites with full hookups are recommended for RV campers.
Best CampsitesSite T07 is often mentioned as a desirable location with full hookups and level pads. Site T14 offers shade from large cottonwoods.
Reserving a campsite
Check-in
2:00 PM
Check-out
12:00 PM
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 are not allowed
Reservable
Reservations are allowed
Site layoutSmall double loop layout with paved sites. Sites are level and spacious.
Open and Closed SeasonOpen May 1 through October 18 annually for reservations.
Reservation PlatformsReservations can be made online at Recreation.gov or via their app. Phone reservations can be made through the contact center.
Walk-in AvailabilityLimited walk-up availability. The campground tends to fill up on weekends, as noted by some user reviews.
Cancellation PolicyA $10 cancellation fee applies. Late cancellations (after midnight, one calendar day before arrival) also forfeit the first night's use fee. No-shows are charged a $20 service fee and forfeit the first night's fee.
Amenities available
Showers
Potable water
Fire rings
Picnic tables
Dump station
Cell phone service
Firewood available
Flush toilets
Electricity hookups
Water hookups
Sewer hookups
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
Multiple trails, such as Veterans Trail and Tailwater Riverwalk, are accessible from the campground. These trails are well-maintained and cater to a variety of skill levels.Fishing
Fishing is a major draw with species like bass, crappie, walleye, and catfish. The ADA-accessible fishing piers are appreciated, though one user mentioned occasional fishing challenges, stating, 'Fishing has been really bad all year for us.'Biking
Biking trails are available within the Coralville Lake Project. Specific details on trail difficulty or terrain are not provided.Boating
Boating is a recommended activity. Visitors enjoy access to Coralville Lake and the Iowa River.Wildlife viewing
Abundant wildlife including whitetail deer, turkeys, and songbirds. Winter visitors can watch bald eagles near the dam. One review noted, 'In January and February, this area is a great place to see bald eagles.'Winter Activities
Winter visitors can engage in eagle-watching near the dam.Water Sports
Boating and fishing dominate water-based recreation here, but there are no specified provisions for non-motorized water sports.Campground rules
- Pets are allowed
- Campfires are allowed within designated fire rings. Do not bring firewood from outside the area to prevent pest infestations.
- Quiet hours are from 10:00 PM to 6:00 AM.
Hazards
General hazardsUsers have mentioned poor sewer hookups at some sites. Proximity to the dam may affect cell phone reception. Wildlife like deer and groundhogs are common.
Weather forecast
70
°F
Aug 25
Monday
Clear sky
Precipitation: 0%
Strong wind, exercise caution
Humidity: 44%
Comfortable humidity levels
Wind: 8.9 mph
Strong wind, exercise caution
Clear sky
7-Day Forecast
Access to 7-day forecasts tailored to each campground—covering temperature, precipitation, wind, and sky conditions.
Daily & Hourly Insights
View hourly forecasts with expected weather patterns throughout the day.
Temperature Trends
Visualize how temperatures shift over the month to help pick the most comfortable days for your trip.
Precipitation Trends
Plan around rain or snow with monthly visualizations of expected precipitation patterns.
Weather Summaries
Assess conditions with visuals for easier decision-making on when and where to camp.
Weather data powered by Open-Meteo
Emergency Services
Veterans Affairs Medical Center and University of Iowa Hospital and Clinics are located in Iowa City, approximately 15 minutes away. The Coralville Lake Project Office also serves as a ranger station.
Good to know
Peak season datesMay 1 - October 18
Trash and recyclingTrash facilities are available, but a user noted, 'the dumpster had something rotting in there,' which could indicate occasional maintenance issues.
Proximity to water featuresProximity to Iowa River below Coralville Dam. Fishing piers are ADA accessible.
Common complaintsComplaints include poor sewer hookups, difficult check-in process, clogged fish cleaning stations, and occasional noise from neighboring campers.
HostHosts are described as friendly and helpful, often assisting campers with check-in and site tags.
Campground Map
2850 Prairie Du Chien Rd NE
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.
The campground is easily accessible from Interstate 80 and Interstate 380. Roads leading to the campground are paved and well-maintained. Seasonal closures or challenging terrain are not indicated.Nearby places
Iowa City (approximately 5 miles, 15 minutes), Coralville (approximately 4 miles, 10 minutes), Cedar Rapids (approximately 25 miles, 30 minutes)
Nearby supplies
Groceries, camping supplies, fuel, and other essentials can be found in Iowa City and Coralville, approximately 10-15 minutes from the campground.
Camper Reviews
4.6
126 reviews
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 126 reviews
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 126 reviewsShow more
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 126 reviewsPro 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 126 reviewsShow more
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 126 reviewsCamper 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 126 reviewsShow more
Site-Specific Reviews
Specific site reviews include T07, which is noted for full hookups and a level pad. T19 is described as spacious and scenic, and T10 received praise for its proximity to the Iowa River.
Based on 126 reviewsAccessibility 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 126 reviewsPet-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 126 reviewsLast updated August 10, 2025