The Dyrt – find campgrounds for tents, RVs, cabins, glamping and more.
Open in App
Check Availability
Camper submitted image from Wilson Island State Recreation Area Campground - 1

View Photos

Camper submitted image from Wilson Island State Recreation Area Campground - 2
Signs & Maps
Camper submitted image from Wilson Island State Recreation Area Campground - 3
Roads
Camper submitted image from Wilson Island State Recreation Area Campground - 4
Nature
Camper submitted image from Wilson Island State Recreation Area Campground - 5
Buildings
Unlock Planning Tools in App

Established Camping

Wilson Island State Recreation Area Campground

7 Reviews

Warning 1 Alert is In Effect

There is 1 alert for this campground. Camp safely!

This campground is 100 percent reservable and accepts reservations April 15 - October 15 until 10:00pm CST the day of arrival.

CAMPER SUMMARY PRESENTED BYFord

Wilson Island State Recreation Area, near Missouri Valley, Iowa, is a spacious campground that offers a unique blend of outdoor fun and natural beauty. Located right next to the Missouri River, it’s a great spot for those who enjoy fishing and biking, with plenty of room to set up your tent or RV.

The campground features clean facilities, including showers and toilets, which visitors appreciate after a day spent outdoors. Many campers have noted the well-spaced tent sites, making it a comfortable choice for families and groups. One reviewer mentioned, “The tent sites are nicely spaced,” highlighting the campground's thoughtful layout.

For nature lovers, Wilson Island is adjacent to the DeSoto National Wildlife Refuge, where you can explore trails and enjoy the diverse wildlife. The area is known for its scenic views of the river, making it a perfect backdrop for your camping adventures. While some areas have faced challenges due to flooding in recent years, the campground remains a popular destination for those looking to connect with nature.

Suggest an Edit

Location

Wilson Island State Recreation Area Campground is located in Iowa

Detail location of campground

Directions

From 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.

Address

32801 Campground Lane
Missouri Valley, IA 51555

Coordinates

41.48911142 N
96.00963455 W

Open in Google Maps

Connectivity

Presented byT-Mobile SatelliteT-Mobile is introducing T-Satellite to extend coverage in the outdoorsLearn More
  • signal strength bars
    T-Mobile5G
    Excellent Coverage
  • signal strength bars
    Verizon5G
    Good Coverage
    Last on 5/21/25
  • signal strength bars
    AT&T5G
    Excellent Coverage

Is Wilson Island State Recreation Area Campground sold out?

Quickly grab cancellations!

Learn More
Presented byFord

Detours Nearby

LOCAL FAVORITES PRESENTED BYToyota Trucks
Arrowhead Park Pottawattamie County Park

Arrowhead Park Pottawattamie County Park

39 min away

Huff - Warner Access Area

Huff - Warner Access Area

44 min away

Drive Time

Presented byToyota Trucks

Connectivity

Presented byT-Mobile SatelliteT-Mobile is introducing T-Satellite to extend coverage in the outdoorsLearn More
  • signal strength bars
    T-Mobile5G
    Excellent Coverage
  • signal strength bars
    Verizon5G
    Good Coverage
    Last on 5/21/25
  • signal strength bars
    AT&T5G
    Excellent Coverage

Access

  • Drive-In
    Park next to your site
  • Walk-In
    Park in a lot, walk to your site.
  • Boat-In
    Sites accessible by watercraft.

Site Types

  • Tent Sites
  • RV Sites
  • Standard (Tent/RV)
  • Group

Features

For Campers

  • Picnic Table
  • Reservable
  • Showers
  • Electric Hookups
  • Toilets
  • Alcohol
  • Pets
  • Fires

For Vehicles

  • Sewer Hookups
  • Water Hookups
  • Pull-Through Sites
  • 30 Amp Hookups
  • 50 Amp Hookups
  • Big Rig Friendly

2025 Detourist Giveaway

Presented byToyota Trucks

Review Campgrounds. Win Prizes.

Enter to Win

Iowa Contest

Enter to Win

Reviews

Add Review

5 Stars

4 Stars

3 Stars

2 Stars

1 Star

15%
29%
58%
0%
0%

3.5

out of 5

7 Reviews

Donna H.The Dyrt PRO User
Reviewed Oct. 11, 2025

Mosquitos and undrinkable water.

Mosquitos are a given in a wetland refuge, but since this was just an overnight stay, I wasn't especially concerned. What DID concern me was:

1. The camp host was present, but not at all helpful. A bad storm was moving in, and so I asked about tornado shelters in the area...he said there were none. Funny as the ranger station was within walking distance, but nobody was attending.

2. It's a state park, and so the water stations are sprinkled throughout the camping areas. I was going to fill my kettle and was stopped by one of the campers who said that the water was bad and that if I needed water, she had extra. The camp host didn't mention the contamination issue, nor were the spigots marked. I did see a weathered "boil notice" on the door to the showers that evening. 

It has the potential to be a nice park, but is unkept and all but neglected by the camp host.

Site#001
Month of VisitSeptember
  • The park is way off the beaten path and so very quiet.
    Play button icon
  • Review photo of Wilson Island State Recreation Area Campground by Donna H., October 11, 2025
  • Review photo of Wilson Island State Recreation Area Campground by Donna H., October 11, 2025
Tony B.
Reviewed Sep. 13, 2020

Great state park, but closed

This is a state park in Iowa right off the Missouri river. And also directly next to or connected to the great nature preserve Desoto Bend. Unfortunately there were massive floods in 2019 in this area that effected the area near the missouri, Platte, and Elkhorn river. Due to these flood this great park is closed along with other parks that are still closed. If you look around and see a few parks that are closed and some that are open but have repairs needed. I hope this park will open in the future. And this and other parks get the repairs that they need. This park is one of Iowa best in my opinion.

Mark T.
Reviewed Jul. 21, 2019

Underwater

When camping there in the past great Campground for riding bikes and River fishing underwater this year due to the floods in Iowa..

Matt S.
Reviewed Oct. 1, 2016

Wilson Island State Park is part of the DeSoto National Wildlife Refuge

It is true that the campground is a big open space with little tree cover, but it is part of the DeSoto National Wildlife Refuge, and there is a ton of trees, trails, and wildlife around the refuge.

It is right next to the Missouri River, and although the park and campground are in Iowa, the DeSoto National Wildlife Preserve is in both Iowa and Nebraska.

You have to pay separate fees to enter the Wildlife Preserve but it is worth it. The entire area is beautiful and has great views of the Missouri River. There is a visitor center and a few other attractions but the trails and the Missouri River are the best feature.

  • Review photo of Wilson Island State Recreation Area Campground by Matt S., October 1, 2016
  • Review photo of Wilson Island State Recreation Area Campground by Matt S., October 1, 2016
  • Review photo of Wilson Island State Recreation Area Campground by Matt S., October 1, 2016
  • (21) View All
Showing results 1-7 of 7 reviews

Frequently Asked Questions

How do visitor reviews rate Wilson Island State Recreation Area?

Wilson Island State Recreation Area generally receives positive ratings from visitors. The campground earns praise for its clean facilities, including well-maintained showers and toilets. Tent campers particularly appreciate the nicely spaced sites that offer more privacy, while RV sites are noted to be positioned closer together. The campground's natural setting and proximity to wildlife viewing opportunities contribute to its favorable reputation among outdoor enthusiasts.

What amenities and facilities are available at Wilson Island State Recreation Area?

Wilson Island State Recreation Area offers clean shower facilities and toilets for campers. The campground provides both tent sites and RV sites, with tent sites offering more spacious layouts and better spacing between neighbors. RV sites are arranged closer together in a more open area with limited tree cover. The campground's location near the Missouri River provides additional natural amenities. Note that the campground has experienced closures due to flooding in the past, so checking current status before visiting is recommended.

Where is Wilson Island State Recreation Area located in Iowa?

Wilson Island State Recreation Area is located in western Iowa, situated right along the Missouri River. The campground sits adjacent to DeSoto National Wildlife Refuge, creating an expansive natural area for visitors to explore. While the campground itself is in Iowa, the nearby DeSoto Refuge spans both Iowa and Nebraska. This riverside location provides scenic views but has made the area susceptible to flooding during high water seasons.

What activities can visitors enjoy at Wilson Island State Recreation Area?

Visitors to Wilson Island State Recreation Area can enjoy a variety of outdoor activities. The campground's proximity to the Missouri River allows for fishing opportunities. Bike riding is popular on the campground's paths and surrounding area. Nature enthusiasts will appreciate access to DeSoto National Wildlife Refuge, which connects to the recreation area and offers abundant wildlife viewing, hiking trails, and exploration among wooded areas. The combination of river access and nature preserve creates diverse recreational options for campers.

Are there any photos available of Wilson Island State Recreation Area?

Photos of Wilson Island State Recreation Area are available through various online platforms and the Iowa Department of Natural Resources website. These images typically showcase the campground's layout with its open RV area and more secluded tent sites, the nearby Missouri River, and the natural surroundings including connections to DeSoto National Wildlife Refuge. For the most current visual representation of the campground, especially given past flooding events, checking the official Iowa State Parks website or calling the park office directly is recommended.

Keep Exploring