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Coralville Lake - COE/Tailwater West
Overview
Coralville Lake - COE/Tailwater West offers a serene escape just minutes away from the bustling atmosphere of Iowa City. Managed by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, this campground sits gracefully along the banks of the Iowa River, providing a tranquil atmosphere for travelers looking to reconnect with the natural world. It is particularly favored for its scenic views below the Coralville Dam and its quiet, relaxed pace that stands in contrast to modern, busy RV resorts.
Location & Surroundings
The park is nestled in the rolling, verdant landscape of eastern Iowa, positioned perfectly along the river downstream from the dam. Visitors are surrounded by lush hardwood forests and the constant, soothing sounds of the flowing Iowa River. A truly unique feature of the immediate surroundings is the Devonian Fossil Gorge, which offers a fascinating glimpse into prehistoric times with fossils dating back hundreds of millions of years, located within easy walking distance of the campsites.
Amenities & Park Features
Tailwater West provides a comfortable camping experience focused on the essentials for an authentic outdoor stay. The well-maintained sites include 30 and 50-amp electrical hookups, catering to a variety of RV sizes from small campers to larger rigs. While individual sites do not have sewer or water hookups, the park offers accessible water hydrants and a convenient dump station nearby. Each site is equipped with a heavy-duty picnic table and fire ring, allowing guests to fully enjoy the wooded, riverside setting.
Nearby Attractions & Things to Do
The area is a premier destination for outdoor recreation, especially for those who enjoy fishing and bird watching along the river banks. The vast Coralville Lake reservoir is just over the dam, offering ample space for boating, kayaking, and swimming during the warmer months. For a change of scenery, the University of Iowa and the historic district of Iowa City provide world-class museums, local boutiques, and diverse dining options only a few miles from the campground gates.
Who This Park Is Best For
This destination is an ideal choice for nature enthusiasts and families who appreciate a quiet, rustic environment over a commercial resort style. It is perfect for those who want to explore the geological wonders of the fossil gorge or enjoy a weekend of productive fishing. Travelers who value spacious, wooded campsites and the simplicity of federal park lands will find Tailwater West to be a refreshing and affordable home base for their Iowa adventures.
Amenities
- Recreational Facilities
- Policies
- Other Amenities & Services
- Recreation Nearby (within 10 miles)
- Facility
- On-Site Rentals
- Sites
User Reviews
S S
This was such a gem of an RV park. It’s location on the water was very fun and access to the fishing was so easy and nice. The hiking area was small, but had educational information along the trail. The grounds were fairly well maintained. Verizon cell service did not work very well at all. Due to all the fishing, there are quite a few strangers in the campground area however, we did not have any issues.
Dean Charles
A wonderful place to stay, but it does reserve months ahead of time. Great fishing within an easy walk. The fossil gorge is also a short walk. Grocery stores are only 15 minute drive. Decent restrooms very close too. Plenty of walking trails, also.
Rob McInerney
Great camp ground. Nice and quiet. Recommend
Carrie Milroy (MzNyx)
Amazing place, we had fun!
trish
We love this place! The campgrounds are clean and spacious with trees everywhere around the dam and the Iowa river. There's lots of wildlife and places to walk or fish. The price mid-May 2025 was only $30 for full rv hookups! Amazing! When we arrived, the camphost tending the check-in kiosk, Kathi Kester, was such big help getting us into a different campsite, one a bit more level than the one we picked on the website recreation.gov. We definitely would stay here again!