Cottonwood Campground
The campground was closed for the entire 2025 recreation season and remains closed as of late May 2026. Normal operating season is May 1 through October 31. Reservations are handled through Recreation.gov when open.
Flood Warning issued September 22 at 9:22PM CDT until September 24 at 2:15AM CDT by NWS Quad Cities IA IL
...The Flood Warning continues for the following rivers in Iowa... Illinois... Wapsipinicon River near De Witt 4S affecting Clinton and Scott Counties. Rock River at Moline affecting Rock Island and Henry IL Counties. ...The Flood Warning is extended for the following rivers in Iowa... Cedar River near Conesville affecting Louisa and Muscatine Counties. Iowa River at Oakville affecting Louisa County. Iowa River at Wapello affecting Louisa County. Iowa River near Lone Tree affecting Johnson, Louisa and Washington Counties. English River at Kalona affecting Johnson and Washington Counties. * WHAT...Moderate flooding is occurring and moderate flooding is forecast. * WHERE...English River at Kalona. * WHEN...Until late Wednesday night. * IMPACTS...At 16.0 feet, Water begins approaching several county roads. Agricultural land near the river is flooding. * ADDITIONAL DETAILS... - At 9:00 PM CDT Tuesday the stage was 16.7 feet. - Forecast...The river is expected to fall below flood stage tomorrow evening and continue falling to 6.9 feet Tuesday, September 29. - Flood stage is 14.0 feet.
Flood Warning issued September 22 at 9:22PM CDT until September 24 at 5:24PM CDT by NWS Quad Cities IA IL
...The Flood Warning continues for the following rivers in Iowa... Illinois... Wapsipinicon River near De Witt 4S affecting Clinton and Scott Counties. Rock River at Moline affecting Rock Island and Henry IL Counties. ...The Flood Warning is extended for the following rivers in Iowa... Cedar River near Conesville affecting Louisa and Muscatine Counties. Iowa River at Oakville affecting Louisa County. Iowa River at Wapello affecting Louisa County. Iowa River near Lone Tree affecting Johnson, Louisa and Washington Counties. English River at Kalona affecting Johnson and Washington Counties. * WHAT...Minor flooding is occurring. * WHERE...Iowa River near Lone Tree. * WHEN...Until Thursday afternoon. * IMPACTS...At 16.0 feet, Flood waters affect parts of Lola Lane and Y Avenue. River Junction Access Park is closed. * ADDITIONAL DETAILS... - At 9:00 PM CDT Tuesday the stage was 16.6 feet. - Forecast...The river is expected to rise to a crest of 16.8 feet tomorrow morning. It will then fall below flood stage late Thursday morning. - Flood stage is 16.0 feet.
About
Cottonwood Campground offers a primitive tent camping experience within the Dam Complex at Coralville Lake, just north of Iowa City. The 11 walk-to sites accommodate up to 6 people and 3 tents each, set among a heavily wooded forest of mixed hardwood species. This is tent-only camping with no vehicle access to sites and no electric hookups. Modern amenities are available at the main parking lot, including a restroom and shower facility. Drinking water and a dump station are located outside the nearby West Overlook Campground. Trash and recycling receptacles are provided on-site. Coralville Lake provides excellent recreational opportunities including boating, fishing for largemouth and smallmouth bass, crappie, walleye, and catfish, swimming, and water skiing. The nearby Devonian Fossil Gorge offers a unique chance to explore a 375-million-year-old sea floor. Several trails are accessible from the Dam Complex, including the barrier-free Veterans Trail.
Directions
From I-80 in Iowa City, take Exit 244 toward Dubuque St./North Liberty. Travel north on Dubuque St. for 3 miles and turn right onto West Overlook Rd. NE. Travel 1.1 miles to the second stop sign, turn right onto Prairie Du Chien Rd. NE. The campground entrance is 0.1 miles on the right.
Nearby Campgrounds
Amenities
| Water | Yes |
| Fires Allowed | — |
| Toilets | Yes |
| Dump Station | Yes |
| Wifi | — |
| Pets Allowed | Yes |
| Showers | Yes |
| Electric Hookups | — |
| Water Hookups | — |
| Sewer Hookups | — |
| Camp Store | — |
| Price | $14 |
Vehicle
| Max RV Length | — |
| Max Trailer Length | — |
| Big Rig Friendly | No |
| Pull Through Sites | No |
Contact
| coralville.lake@usace.army.mil | |
| Phone | +1 (319) 338-3543 |
Cell Service
| AT&T | Yes |
| Verizon | Yes |
| T-Mobile | None |
Availability
Photos
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