Available sites
22 total sites
RV Sites
About Tailwater East Campground
Activities & Attractions
Nearby
Boating
Fishing
Hiking
Hunting
Mountain Biking
Swimming
Water Skiing
Year-round
Fishing
Hiking
Hunting
Mountain Biking
Spring
Boating
Summer
Boating
Swimming
Water Skiing
Fall
Boating
Seasonal information
2026 Season availability
Campground Amenities
Most popular amenities
Pet friendly
River Access
Showers
RV Utilities and Hookups
- Dump station on site
Water and Hygiene
- Potable Water
- Showers
Water Access
- River Access
Pets and Policies
- Pet friendly
Rates, Sites & Availability
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22 Sites Available
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Reviews (358)
What Guests Are Saying
Tailwater East Campground is a well-maintained and scenic site, ideal for families and those attending events in nearby Iowa City. Campers appreciate the clean facilities, flat camping spots, and beautiful views along the river, making it a favorite destination for many. However, there have been some concerns about power outages and the cleanliness of certain areas, such as the dumpster and shower facilities.
What Guests Are Saying
Tailwater East Campground is a well-maintained and scenic site, ideal for families and those attending events in nearby Iowa City. Campers appreciate the clean facilities, flat camping spots, and beautiful views along the river, making it a favorite destination for many. However, there have been some concerns about power outages and the cleanliness of certain areas, such as the dumpster and shower facilities.
Review Summary
John H
VerifiedOctober 16, 2020 • Stayed at: E10, Loop: TAILWATER EAST CAMPGROUND
Tailwater East was the best $20 dollar experience money can buy. Small number of sites so doesn't feel too busy, right on the river, etc.
John H
VerifiedOctober 16, 2020 • Stayed at: E10, Loop: TAILWATER EAST CAMPGROUND
Tailwater East was the best $20 dollar experience money can buy. Small number of sites so doesn't feel too busy, right on the river, etc.
John H
VerifiedOctober 16, 2020 • Stayed at: E10, Loop: TAILWATER EAST CAMPGROUND
Tailwater East was the best $20 dollar experience money can buy. Small number of sites so doesn't feel too busy, right on the river, etc.
Michelle P
October 12, 2020
The light from the West campground shines incessantly. Thankfully the water noise from the spillway helps drown out weekend warrior campers.
Michelle P
October 12, 2020
The light from the West campground shines incessantly. Thankfully the water noise from the spillway helps drown out weekend warrior campers.
Michelle P
October 12, 2020
The light from the West campground shines incessantly. Thankfully the water noise from the spillway helps drown out weekend warrior campers.
Maxi C
September 27, 2020
The tent sites are cool, the ground is level without roots. However the tent sites are all on one field with zero privacy.
When I arrived there was a sign saying you need to check in at the fee booth but no indication of where that is. I had to find another camper who could tell me, and it was miles away (literal miles) in another campground, labeled as something other than fee booth.
The firewood for purchase is unfortunately not dried, so it was very smokey and hard to keep going.
The food at the stand nearby is awesome, dont sleep on the tenderloin sandwich!
Overall, the site was fine, nothing special
Maxi C
September 27, 2020
The tent sites are cool, the ground is level without roots. However the tent sites are all on one field with zero privacy.
When I arrived there was a sign saying you need to check in at the fee booth but no indication of where that is. I had to find another camper who could tell me, and it was miles away (literal miles) in another campground, labeled as something other than fee booth.
The firewood for purchase is unfortunately not dried, so it was very smokey and hard to keep going.
The food at the stand nearby is awesome, dont sleep on the tenderloin sandwich!
Overall, the site was fine, nothing special
Maxi C
September 27, 2020
The tent sites are cool, the ground is level without roots. However the tent sites are all on one field with zero privacy.
When I arrived there was a sign saying you need to check in at the fee booth but no indication of where that is. I had to find another camper who could tell me, and it was miles away (literal miles) in another campground, labeled as something other than fee booth.
The firewood for purchase is unfortunately not dried, so it was very smokey and hard to keep going.
The food at the stand nearby is awesome, dont sleep on the tenderloin sandwich!
Overall, the site was fine, nothing special
Lawrence P
VerifiedSeptember 25, 2020 • Stayed at: E24, Loop: TAILWATER EAST CAMPGROUND
Nice really clean & well maintained campground stayed both ways on cross country trip & paddle boarded on river below lake both times.
Location & Directions for Tailwater East Campground
2829 Prairie Du Chien Rd Ne, Iowa City, IA 52240 United States
Elevation: 227 ft
Getting There
From Interstate 80 (Iowa City, Iowa), take Exit 244 towards Dubuque St./North Liberty. Travel north on Dubuque St. for 3 mi and turn right onto West Overlook Rd. NE. Travel on West Overlook Rd. NE for 1.1 mi. At the second stop sign, turn right on...
From Interstate 80 (Iowa City, Iowa), take Exit 244 towards Dubuque St./North Liberty. Travel north on Dubuque St. for 3 mi and turn right onto West Overlook Rd. NE. Travel on West Overlook Rd. NE for 1.1 mi. At the second stop sign, turn right onto Prairie Du Chien Rd. NE. Travel est on Prairie Du Chien Rd. NE for 0.7 mi, 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 mi and turn right onto N. Dubuque St. Travel south on N. Dubuque St. for 1.9 mi, at the traffic circle, continue straight onto Dubuque St. NE. Continue traveling south on Dubuque St. NE for 1.9 mi. Turn left onto West Overlook Rd. NE and travel east for 1.1 mi. At the second stop sign, turn right onto Prairie Du Chien Rd. NE. Travel east on Prairie Du Chien Rd. NE for 0.7 mi, across the Coralville Lake Dam. The entrance to the Tailwater East Campground will be located on the right side of the road.
Policies & Rules
Arrival & departure
- Visitors must register at the West Overlook Campground Fee Booth before setting up their campsite.
- Check-out time is specified but not detailed in the text.
- Check-in time is specified but not detailed in the text.
Site capacity
- You can have one RV and two tents, or up to three tents per campsite.
- Each campsite can accommodate up to six people.
Safety & rules
- Quiet hours are enforced but the specific times are not stated.
- Attaching items to trees is prohibited.
- The following items are not allowed: loaded firearms, explosives, ammunition, bows, and fireworks.
- Bouncy houses, swimming pools, and Chinese lanterns are not allowed.
Pets
- Pets must be restrained by being penned or on a leash of 6 feet or less.
Vehicles & parking
- Parking is not allowed on grass, roads, shoulders, or empty sites; UTVs and golf carts are also prohibited.
Cancellation policy
- If you do not check in by the next day's check-out time, you will incur a $20 fee and forfeit the first night's fee.
- A $10 cancellation fee applies; if canceled on the day before or day of arrival, the first night's fee is also forfeited.
Fires & fuel
- Buy firewood locally and burn it on-site to protect forests from pests; visit Dontmovefirewood.org for details.
Utilities
- Boats must be removed daily from the lake/river and cannot be moored overnight.
Nearby Campgrounds
Nearby destinations
Last updated: October 7, 2026
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