Wilson Island State Recreation Area

Closed — Closed for the season. Opens April 15, 2026 and operates through October 15, 2026. Reservations accepted starting 90 days in advance via Iowa State Parks reservation system.

About

Wilson Island State Recreation Area encompasses 544 acres of dense cottonwood stands along the Missouri River in western Iowa, named after former Governor George Wilson. The area came into being as an island sandbar in 1900 and today provides a peaceful retreat with well-shaded, spacious campsites. The campground features 44 sites total, including 31 with electric hookups, 10 non-electric sites, and 3 large youth group camping areas, all serviced by modern restrooms with showers and a dump station. The park is 100% reservable through the Iowa State Parks reservation system. Recreational opportunities abound at Wilson Island. Six miles of multi-use trails wind through the cottonwood stands and along the backwater chute, suitable for hiking, mountain biking, cross-country skiing, and snowmobiling. The Missouri River offers excellent fishing for walleye, paddlefish, and catfish, with boat ramps providing easy water access. Wildlife viewing is exceptional, with deer grazing in the fields, bald eagles perching in cottonwoods during winter, and large flocks of migratory waterfowl. The area is also open for public hunting outside developed sites. The unique loess hills overlook the Missouri River floodplain, and the location holds historical significance as Lewis and Clark camped on this reach of the river in 1804.

Directions

From Interstate 29, take exit 72. Go west on DeSoto Avenue six miles. Wilson Island is on the left. From Highway 30, take County Road L16 south five miles to DeSoto Avenue. Go west 2 miles. Wilson Island is on left.

Nearby Campgrounds