How much does camping cost at Wilson Island State Recreation Area?

Camping fees at Wilson Island State Recreation Area range from Free. Prices may vary by site type (standard, hookup, premium) and season. Book online to see exact pricing for your dates.

Is Wilson Island State Recreation Area first-come first-served or reservation?

Wilson Island State Recreation Area 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.

What is the best time to visit Wilson Island State Recreation Area?

Wilson Island State Recreation Area is open Null. 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 Wilson Island State Recreation Area?

Yes, Wilson Island State Recreation Area has shower facilities available for campers. Check the amenities section for details on hours and any fees.

Can I have a campfire at Wilson Island State Recreation Area?

Fire policies at Wilson Island State Recreation Area: Null. Always check current fire restrictions before your trip, as conditions change seasonally.

How many campsites does Wilson Island State Recreation Area have?

Wilson Island State Recreation Area has 544 campsites. Sites vary in size, privacy, and amenities. Check availability online to find the best site for your needs.

Are dogs allowed at Wilson Island State Recreation Area?

Pets are not allowed at Wilson Island State Recreation Area. This policy helps protect local wildlife and other campers. Consider nearby pet-friendly campgrounds if traveling with animals.

What amenities are available at Wilson Island State Recreation Area?

Wilson Island State Recreation Area offers: Restrooms, Showers, Dump Station. See our detailed campground page for the full list of facilities and features.

What activities can I do at Wilson Island State Recreation Area?

Popular activities at Wilson Island State Recreation Area include Hiking, Fishing, Biking, Boating, Wildlife Viewing. The surrounding area offers plenty of outdoor recreation opportunities for all skill levels.

Wilson Island State Recreation Area

3.71

26 reviews

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

Peace & Quiet

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

April 2026

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Quick Facts

994 ft

Price

Free

Booking

Reservable

Sites

544 campsites

Season

Reviews indicate sea...

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Check Policy

RV FriendlyShowers

Book on Null Official Website

Get Directions

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

April 2026

Compare availability across multiple campgrounds

Quick Facts

994 ft

Price

Free

Booking

Reservable

Sites

544 campsites

Season

Reviews indicate sea...

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Check Policy

RV FriendlyShowers

Book on Null 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

3.71

Mixed Reviews

Based on 26 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

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.

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.

Best Time to Camp at Wilson Island State Recreation Area

Fall is the best time to visit. Cottonwoods turn golden, temperatures run between 50–68°F, and bugs drop off after summer. This is when wildlife viewing peaks with fall migration and deer movement, and fishing or paddling conditions are good before seasonal shutdowns. Weekdays tend to be quiet; weekends see more traffic, especially during peak fall color. Spring can bring rain, and winter temperatures drop to freezing with brisk winds.

Best

Spring(Mar-May)

4.0 / 5

Spring popular for migratory birds and mushroom hunting; wildlife viewing is highlighted.

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

Wilson Island State Recreation Area sits on 544 acres of Missouri River floodplain near Missouri Valley. The campground has spacious, well-shaded sites beneath cottonwoods. Reviews mention peaceful surroundings and good proximity to DeSoto National Wildlife Refuge, though water quality issues (manganese) and inconsistent maintenance are ongoing concerns.

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

Historical Significance

The Lewis and Clark expedition camped along this stretch of the Missouri River in 1804. Their journals documented the river's power and the wildlife still present today. The recreation area is named for former Iowa Governor George Wilson.

Weather and SeasonsFall is the best time to visit. Cottonwoods turn golden, temperatures run between 50–68°F, and bugs drop off after summer. This is when wildlife viewing peaks with fall migration and deer movement, and fishing or paddling conditions are good before seasonal shutdowns. Weekdays tend to be quiet; weekends see more traffic, especially during peak fall color. Spring can bring rain, and winter temperatures drop to freezing with brisk winds.

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 SceneryThe campground occupies Missouri River floodplain where massive cottonwoods create natural canopies over the campsites. Behind the floodplain, the loess hills rise in rugged formations. These wind-blown glacial silt deposits exist only here in western Iowa and Missouri, and in similar formations in China. The river continues to deposit sediments that feed the cottonwood forests and support abundant wildlife, including white-tailed deer, migrating snow geese, and bald eagles. Wetlands and forest edges create varied habitat across the 544-acre area.

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 layoutSites are spaced out, not clustered close together. The layout includes group sites and playgrounds. Most sites sit under good shade from the cottonwood canopy.

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.

Need help booking Wilson Island State Recreation Area?

Reservation tips, booking windows, and free cancellation alerts.

ReserveAmerica Guide

Booking tips & windows

When to Book

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Cancellation Alerts

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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.

Hiking

Fishing

Biking

Boating

Wildlife viewing

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

Trip Planning Tools

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

Reviews

From Booking Sources

3.7

26 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 26 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 26 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 26 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 26 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 26 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 26 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 26 reviews

Accessibility Features

Accessibility could be improved, particularly given the lack of check-in staff and construction-related detours making access difficult.

Based on 26 reviews

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Last updated April 4, 2026

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