Tailwater East Campground

About

Tailwater East Campground is located within the Dam Complex at the Coralville Lake Project, operated by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. The campground occupies a scenic, heavily wooded site on the east bank of the Iowa River, immediately downstream of the dam. With 28 campsites ranging from full hookup to standard electric to non-electric walk-to tent sites, it accommodates a variety of camping styles. Sites feature fire pits, picnic tables, and paved driveways up to 50 feet long. The campground provides a modern restroom and shower facility with flush toilets and hot water, a fish cleaning station, and a boat ramp for direct Iowa River access. The tailwaters below the dam offer excellent fishing for largemouth and smallmouth bass, crappie, walleye, and catfish. Several trails originate nearby, including Squire Point, Woodpecker Trail, Tailwater Riverwalk, and the barrier-free Veterans Trail. Just below the dam lies the Devonian Fossil Gorge, where visitors can explore a 375-million-year-old exposed sea floor with fossil remains of ancient marine life. The Turkey Creek Disc Golf Course offers a 9-hole layout in the Dam Complex. Iowa City and Coralville are minutes away, providing restaurants, shops, and the University of Iowa campus.

Directions

From Interstate 80 (Iowa City), 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 1.1 miles and at the second stop sign, turn right onto Prairie Du Chien Rd. NE. Travel east 0.7 miles across the Coralville Lake Dam. The campground entrance is on the right.