Established Camping
Wilson Island State Recreation Area
Warning 2 Alerts are In Effect
There are 2 alerts for this campground. Camp safely!
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.
Location
Wilson Island State Recreation Area is located in Iowa
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
Access
- Drive-InPark next to your site
- Walk-InPark in a lot, walk to your site.
- Boat-InSites accessible by watercraft.
Stay Connected
- WiFiGood
- VerizonPoor
- AT&TUnknown
- T-MobileAvailable
Site Types
- Tent Sites
- RV Sites
- Standard (Tent/RV)
- Group
Features
For Campers
- ADA Access
- Trash
- Picnic Table
- Reservable
- Showers
- Electric Hookups
- Toilets
- Alcohol
- Pets
- Fires
For Vehicles
- Sanitary Dump
- Sewer Hookups
- Water Hookups
- Pull-Through Sites
- 30 Amp Hookups
- 50 Amp Hookups
- Big Rig Friendly
Drive Time
- 17 min from Omaha
- 1 hr 2 min from Lincoln
- 1 hr 17 min from Sioux City
- 2 hrs 3 min from Des Moines
