
28
Total Campsites
Campground
—
Reservable Sites
Mostly first-come
—
Accessible
ADA-compliant sites
—
Organization
Managing agency
Overview
About TAILWATER EAST CAMPGROUND
Overview The Tailwater East Campground is located within the Dam Complex at the Coralville Lake Project. The Coralville Lake Project is a multiple use project providing primary benefits in flood control and low flow augmentation, and secondary benefits in recreation, fish and wildlife management and forest management. Coralville Lake provides many recreational opportunities, including boating, camping, hiking, mountain biking, lake and river fishing, swimming, water skiing, picnicking and hunting. Recreation Visitors enjoy Coralville Lake for camping, boating, fishing, swimming and water activities. Anglers will find large and smallmouth bass, crappie, walleye and catfish. Several trails are within the Dam Complex, including Squire Point, Woodpecker Trail, Tailwater Riverwalk and barrier-free Veterans Trail. The Devonian Fossil Gorge is just below the dam, offering a unique opportunity to explore a 375-million-year old sea floor and discover fossil remains of sea life that once inhabited this tropical marine environment. Twenty discovery points can be found throughout the site along with a cell phone audio tour. The Turkey Creek Disc Golf Course is located in the Dam Complex and offers nine partially wooden and open holes. Facilities Visitors enjoy Coralville Lake for camping, boating, fishing, swimming and water activities. Anglers will find large and smallmouth bass, crappie, walleye and catfish. Several trails are within the Dam Complex, including Squire Point, Woodpecker Trail, Tailwater Riverwalk and barrier-free Veterans Trail. The Devonian Fossil Gorge is just below the dam, offering a unique opportunity to explore a 375-million-year old sea floor and discover fossil remains of sea life that once inhabited this tropical marine environment. Twenty discovery points can be found throughout the site along with a cell phone audio tour. The Turkey Creek Disc Golf Course is located in the Dam Complex and offers nine partially wooden and open holes. Natural Features Coralville Lake is located in the Iowa River Valley, just north of Iowa City. The Tailwater East Campground lies among a heavily wooded forest of mixed hardwood species on the east side of the dam. Wildlife is abundant throughout the project. Whitetail deer, turkeys, pheasants, waterfowl, song birds and other species roam the lands around the lake. Nearby Attractions Iowa City/Coralville offers the Veterans Affairs Medical Center, University of Iowa campus, hospital and clinics, numerous restaurants and shops as well as Coral Ridge Mall. Cedar Rapids has wonderful cultural, historic and ethnic attractions such as The National Czech & Slovak Museum & Library and is the home of the Kernels Professional Baseball Club. West Branch boasts the Herbert Hoover National Historic Site and Presidential Library/Museum. At Amana Colonies visit seven quaint villages with outstanding restaurants, wineries, historic sites and specialty shops. Kalona is known as the "Quilt Capital of Iowa" and is home to an Old Order Amish and Mennonite Community.
- 28 total campsites listed.
- Primarily first-come camping based on current listing data.
- Most common site type: unknown (28).
- Map coordinates are available for trip planning.


Our Take
What makes TAILWATER EAST CAMPGROUND special
Nestled within the dam complex at Coralville Lake, Tailwater East Campground brings together the convenience of a well-managed Corps of Engineers facility with a surprisingly pleasant natural setting just minutes from Iowa City. The 28 sites here occupy a wooded stretch below the Coralville Dam, where the Iowa River flows cool and steady through a corridor of mature hardwoods. The tailwater area below the dam is a well-known fishing spot. The controlled flows create excellent habitat for channel catfish, walleye, and smallmouth bass, and anglers line the banks throughout the season. Whether you prefer casting from shore or wading the shallows, the fishing here consistently rewards patience. Beyond the rod and reel, the campground serves as a convenient base for exploring the broader Coralville Lake recreation area. The lake itself offers boating, swimming, and additional fishing opportunities, while the Coralville Lake Trail system provides miles of hiking and biking through the surrounding woodlands and prairies. The Devonian Fossil Gorge, exposed by historic flooding, is a fascinating geological attraction just a short walk away. The campground is well-maintained with modern amenities, including electric hookups, paved pads, and clean restroom facilities. Its proximity to Iowa City means restaurants, shops, and the University of Iowa campus are never more than a few minutes away. For campers who appreciate a blend of outdoor recreation and easy access to civilization, Tailwater East is one of eastern Iowa's most practical and enjoyable options.
Campsite Inventory
28 sites to choose from
Unknown
0
Reservable
0
Accessible
Amenities & Details
Everything you need to know
Campfire Allowed
Yes
Site capacity
Single
Check-in time
2:00 PM
Check-out time
12:00 PM
Driveway entry
Back-in
Driveway length (ft)
100, 42, 43, 44
Driveway surface
Gravel, Paved
Electricity Hookup
20/30, 20/30/50
Full Hookup
30
GRILLS
Yes
Max guests
6
Max vehicle length (ft)
100, 42, 43, 44
Minimum guests
2
Pets allowed
Yes
Picnic Table
Yes
Proximity to Water
Riverfront
Sewer Hookup
Yes
Shade
Yes
Reservations & Contact
Plan your stay
Phone
MAY 1 - OCTOBER 31 CAMPGROUND FEE BOOTH (319) 338-3685 NOVEMBER 1 - APRIL 30 CORALVILLE LAKE PROJECT OFFICE (319) 338-3543 X.6300
coralville.lake@usace.army.mil
Getting There
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 est on Prairie Du Chien Rd. NE for 0.7 miles, across the Coralville Lake Dam. The entrance to the Tailwater East Campground will be located on the right side of the road. From Interstate 380 (North Liberty, Iowa), 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 0.7 miles, across the Coralville Lake Dam. The entrance to the Tailwater East Campground will be located on the right side of the road.
FAQ
Common questions
Everything you need to know before your trip to TAILWATER EAST CAMPGROUND.
How do reservations work for TAILWATER EAST CAMPGROUND?
Reservation availability for TAILWATER EAST CAMPGROUND can vary by season and campsite type. Check the contact and access section before booking.
What campsite types are available at TAILWATER EAST CAMPGROUND?
TAILWATER EAST CAMPGROUND currently lists Unknown (28).
Where is TAILWATER EAST CAMPGROUND located?
TAILWATER EAST CAMPGROUND is in Iowa near Iowa City. Coordinates: 41.7244, -91.5261.
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