Tailwater West Campground

About

Tailwater West Campground is part of the Dam Complex at the Coralville Lake Project, operated by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers in Johnson County, Iowa. The campground lies in a heavily wooded setting of mixed hardwoods on the west bank of the Iowa River, directly below the dam. Twenty sites offer electric and water hookups with 20/30/50 amp service, while two additional walk-to sites accommodate tent campers seeking a more primitive experience. Amenities include a modern restroom with shower facilities, a fish cleaning station, and potable water. The dump station and additional drinking water are located just outside the adjacent West Overlook Campground. Each site features a picnic table, fire ring, and paved back-in driveway accommodating vehicles up to 62 feet. Recreation opportunities abound in the Dam Complex. Several trails depart from the area, including Squire Point, Woodpecker Trail, Tailwater Riverwalk, and the barrier-free Veterans Trail. The Devonian Fossil Gorge below the dam exposes a 375-million-year-old seafloor with fossil remains. A nine-hole disc golf course at Turkey Creek rounds out the offerings. Anglers target largemouth and smallmouth bass, crappie, walleye, and catfish in the river and lake.

Directions

From Interstate 80 near 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. Continue 1.1 miles, then turn right at the second stop sign onto Prairie Du Chien Rd. NE. The campground entrance is 0.2 miles ahead on the right.