Camper submitted image from Tailwater West Campground - 1

View Photos

Camper submitted image from Tailwater West Campground - 2
Facilities
Camper submitted image from Tailwater West Campground - 3
Roads
Camper submitted image from Tailwater West Campground - 4
Signs & Maps
Camper submitted image from Tailwater West Campground - 5
Nature
Unlock Planning Tools in App

Established Camping

Tailwater West Campground

CAMPER SUMMARY PRESENTED BYFord

Tailwater West Campground, near Iowa City, is a solid spot for those looking to enjoy the great outdoors year-round. Nestled right at the base of a dam, it offers a unique blend of fishing opportunities and scenic views, making it a favorite for campers who appreciate nature.

The campground features clean facilities and well-maintained sites, with options for both RVs and tents. Many visitors have highlighted the friendly atmosphere and the availability of picnic tables and fire rings, perfect for evening gatherings. As one camper noted, “People are friendly, and the facilities are clean,” which adds to the welcoming vibe.

For those eager to explore, the Iowa River runs alongside the campground, providing excellent fishing spots and trails for hiking. Just a short drive or hike away, you’ll find a visitor center and play area, ensuring there’s plenty to keep everyone entertained. Whether you're here for a quick stopover or a longer stay, Tailwater West Campground has a lot to offer for a memorable outdoor experience.

Suggest an Edit

Location

Tailwater West Campground is located in Iowa

Detail location of campground

Directions

From Interstate 80 (Iowa City, Iowa), take Exit 244 towards Dubuque St./North Liberty. Travel north on Dubuque St. for 3 miles and turn right onto West Overlook Rd. NE. Travel on West Overlook Rd. NE for 1.1 miles. At the second stop sign, turn right onto Prairie Du Chien Rd. NE. Travel east on Prairie Du Chien Rd. NE for 0.2 miles. The entrance to the Tailwater West Campground will be located on the right side of the road. From Interstate 380 (North Liberty, IA) take Exit 4 towards North Liberty. Travel east on W. Penn St. for 2 miles and turn right onto N. Dubuque St. Travel south on N. Dubuque St. for 1.9 miles, at the traffic circle, continue straight onto Dubuque St. NE. Continue traveling south on Dubuque St. NE for 1.9 miles. Turn left onto West Overlook Rd. NE and travel east for 1.1 miles. At the second stop sign, turn right onto Prairie Du Chien Rd. NE. Travel east on Prairie Du Chien Rd. NE for 0.2 miles. The entrance to the Tailwater West Campground will be located on the right side of the road.

Address

4103 Prairie Du Chien Rd NE
Iowa city, IA 52240

Coordinates

41.7227444 N
91.5323028 W

Open in Google Maps

Is Tailwater West Campground sold out?

Quickly grab cancellations!

Learn More
Presented byT Mobile

Drive Time

Presented byToyota Trucks

Access

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

Connectivity

Presented byT-Mobile SatelliteT-Mobile is introducing T-Satellite to extend coverage in the outdoorsLearn More
  • signal strength bars
    T-Mobile5G
    Good Coverage
    Verified by 1 user
  • signal strength bars
    Verizon5G
    Good Coverage
  • signal strength bars
    AT&T5G
    Good Coverage

Site Types

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

Features

For Campers

  • Trash
  • Picnic Table
  • Firewood Available
  • Phone Service
  • Reservable
  • Drinking Water
  • Electric Hookups
  • Toilets
  • Pets
  • Fires

For Vehicles

  • Sanitary Dump
  • Sewer Hookups
  • Water Hookups
  • Big Rig Friendly

2025 Detourist Giveaway

Presented byToyota Trucks

Review Campgrounds. Win Prizes.

Enter to Win

Reviews

Add Review

5 Stars

4 Stars

3 Stars

2 Stars

1 Star

25%
50%
25%
0%
0%

4.0

out of 5

4 Reviews

Reviewed Jun. 16, 2024

Fishing excursion

Very nice and clean. It is right at the base of a dam on one side and calm backwater on the other. Also very nice place to find fossils among the back rocks. Don't plan on using Verizon. I had 1 bar could get texts but not enough to have internet.

SiteT7
Month of VisitJune
Reviewed Jan. 25, 2023

Good CG with lots to do

CG is closed for winter. Offers standard rv sites as well as tent ( tables, fire ring), RR/ showers, shelter, fish cleaning station. Iowa River runs alongside offering fishing. Trails, play area and Visitor Center just a 2 minute drive or hike away. Firewood available at check station.

Month of VisitJanuary
  • Review photo of Tailwater West Campground by James M., January 25, 2023
  • Review photo of Tailwater West Campground by James M., January 25, 2023
  • Review photo of Tailwater West Campground by James M., January 25, 2023
  • (16) View All
Reviewed Jun. 11, 2021

Great sights and clean

This is a great campground has full hook up sites and other sites have electric and water. Very short walk to the overflow of the dam. People are friendly facilities are clean.

SiteT14
Month of VisitJune
  • Review photo of Tailwater West Campground by Phillip B., June 11, 2021
  • Review photo of Tailwater West Campground by Phillip B., June 11, 2021
Reviewed Jul. 8, 2020

Small and close together

This would be a good stopover campground if you were on your way somewhere else. It’s clean and well cared for, but the sites are very close together and there’s very little privacy. There are a lot of RVs. It’s right next to the runoff from the dam, so the water is very rough. Lots of people fishing.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is there a map of Tailwater West Campground?

While a specific map isn't mentioned in the available information, visitors can obtain maps at the check station when arriving at the campground. The layout includes both RV and tent camping areas with the campground situated between the dam overflow and calmer backwaters. For the most current and detailed map, contact the campground directly or check with the Coralville Dam Complex Visitor Center, which is just a 2-minute drive from the campground.

How does Tailwater West Campground compare to other campgrounds near Iowa City?

Tailwater West Campground stands out from other Iowa City area campgrounds due to its unique location at the base of Coralville Dam. It's well-maintained and clean but offers less privacy than some alternatives as sites are positioned close together. The campground is particularly suited for fishing enthusiasts and fossil hunters who can explore the backwaters and rock areas. Notably, the campground closes for winter, unlike some year-round options in the region. Cell service (particularly Verizon) is limited, which might be a consideration when comparing to more connected campgrounds closer to Iowa City. It's ideal for shorter stays or as a convenient base for exploring the dam complex.

Where is Tailwater West Campground located?

Tailwater West Campground is located at the base of the Coralville Dam in Iowa, near Iowa City. The campground sits alongside the Iowa River, positioned where the dam's overflow creates a distinctive environment with rushing water on one side and calmer backwaters on the other. This location makes it a popular spot for fishing and outdoor recreation while providing relatively easy access to Iowa City and the surrounding Coralville Dam Complex.

What amenities are available at Tailwater West Campground?

Tailwater West Campground offers a range of amenities including full hookup RV sites as well as sites with electric and water only. The facilities include clean restrooms and showers, a shelter, and a fish cleaning station. For recreational purposes, there's access to the Iowa River for fishing, nearby trails, and a playground area. The campground provides picnic tables and fire rings at sites, and firewood is available for purchase at the check station. A Visitor Center is just a short 2-minute drive or hike away.