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Established Camping

Wilson Island State Recreation Area

Warning 2 Alerts are In Effect

There are 2 alerts for this campground. Camp safely!

The water and shower/restrooms are expected to be available starting on May 1, 2025. (Posted April 10, 2025)

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

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.

Description

DNR - Parks

Wilson Island State Recreation Area

Welcome to Wilson Island State Recreation Area, named after former Governor George Wilson, which came into being as an island sandbar in 1900. Today, Wilson Island State Recreation Area encompasses 544 acres of dense cottonwood stands. Peacefulness is one of the area's greatest assets as well as spacious campsites, hiking trails and picnic spots.
Wildlife is abundant in the recreation area and visitors may see deer grazing in the fields or be awakened by a huge flock of snow geese flying low overhead. Bald eagles are often perched in the tall cottonwoods during the winter and mushroom hunters will find no better place in the spring. On the way to Wilson Island, notice the unique wave-like loess hills that overlook the great Missouri River floodplain.
These rugged loess hills are only found in Iowa, Missouri and China. Early history tells us that Lewis and Clark camped on this reach of the Missouri River in 1804 on their historic voyage of discovery.

An Iowa or Nebraska fishing license is required for fishing the Missouri River. An Iowa license is required to fish the backwater chute.

As a recreation area, Wilson Island is open for public hunting in season. Care should be exercised by both hunters and non-hunters during hunting seasons.

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Location

Wilson Island State Recreation Area 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

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Access

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

Stay Connected

  • WiFi
    Good
  • Verizon
    Unknown
  • AT&T
    Good
  • T-Mobile
    Available

Site Types

  • Tent Sites
  • RV Sites
  • 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

Drive Time


Reviews

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3.5

out of 5

6 Reviews

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.

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..

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 by Matt S., October 1, 2016
  • Review photo of Wilson Island State Recreation Area by Matt S., October 1, 2016
  • Review photo of Wilson Island State Recreation Area by Matt S., October 1, 2016
  • (21) View All

Frequently Asked Questions

  • How much does it cost to camp at Wilson Island State Recreation Area?

    Camping at Wilson Island State Recreation Area can cost between $12.00 and $20.00 depending on the site.

  • Does Wilson Island State Recreation Area have RV hookups?

    According to TheDyrt.com, Wilson Island State Recreation Area has 30 amp and 50 amp electric hookups, water hookups and sewer hookups.

  • What is the max vehicle length at Wilson Island State Recreation Area?

    Wilson Island State Recreation Area allows vehicles up to 60 feet.

  • Are fires allowed at Wilson Island State Recreation Area?

    Yes, according to campers on TheDyrt.com, fires are allowed at Wilson Island State Recreation Area, although make sure to check current fire restrictions in the area.

  • Does Wilson Island State Recreation Area have wifi?

    No, according to campers on TheDyrt.com, Wilson Island State Recreation Area does not have wifi.

  • Is there cell phone reception at Wilson Island State Recreation Area?

    According to campers on TheDyrt.com, Verizon signal is unknown, AT&T is good, and T-Mobile is available.