OutReserve

Tailwater East Campground

Tailwater East
Tailwater East
Tailwater East
Tailwater East Campground
Tailwater East Campground

Featured amenities

Pet Friendly
Pet Friendly
River Access
River Access
Showers
Showers

About Tailwater East Campground

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.

Number of accommodations: 22

Campground Amenities

  • Pet Friendly
    Pet Friendly
  • Potable Water
    Potable Water
  • River Access
    River Access
  • Showers
    Showers
  • Dump Station
    Dump Station

Seasonal information

2026 (Current year)

2026 Season availability

Current season
Upcoming seasons
Past seasons
Closed periods
Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
Currently closed - Opens on May 1

Sites & Availability

22 Sites Available

Site
Price
🚐 E06, Loop: TAILWATER EAST CAMPGROUND
Electric Only
$24.00
/ per night
🚐 E07, Loop: TAILWATER EAST CAMPGROUND
Electric Only
$24.00
/ per night
🚐 E08, Loop: TAILWATER EAST CAMPGROUND
Electric Only
$24.00
/ per night
🚐 E09, Loop: TAILWATER EAST CAMPGROUND
Electric Only
$24.00
/ per night
🚐 E10, Loop: TAILWATER EAST CAMPGROUND
Electric Only
$24.00
/ per night
🚐 E12, Loop: TAILWATER EAST CAMPGROUND
Electric Only
$24.00
/ per night
🚐 E13, Loop: TAILWATER EAST CAMPGROUND
Electric Only
$24.00
/ per night
🚐 E14, Loop: TAILWATER EAST CAMPGROUND
Electric Only
$24.00
/ per night
🚐 E15, Loop: TAILWATER EAST CAMPGROUND
Electric Only
$24.00
/ per night
🚐 E16, Loop: TAILWATER EAST CAMPGROUND
Electric Only
$24.00
/ per night
🚐 E17, Loop: TAILWATER EAST CAMPGROUND
Electric Only
$24.00
/ per night
🚐 E18, Loop: TAILWATER EAST CAMPGROUND
Electric Only
$24.00
/ per night
🚐 E19, Loop: TAILWATER EAST CAMPGROUND
Electric Only
$24.00
/ per night
🚐 E20, Loop: TAILWATER EAST CAMPGROUND
Electric Only
$24.00
/ per night
🚐 E21, Loop: TAILWATER EAST CAMPGROUND
Electric Only
$24.00
/ per night
🚐 E22, Loop: TAILWATER EAST CAMPGROUND
Electric Only
$24.00
/ per night
🚐 E23, Loop: TAILWATER EAST CAMPGROUND
Electric Only
$24.00
/ per night
🚐 E24, Loop: TAILWATER EAST CAMPGROUND
Electric Only
$24.00
/ per night
🚐 E25, Loop: TAILWATER EAST CAMPGROUND
Electric Only
$24.00
/ per night
🚐 E26, Loop: TAILWATER EAST CAMPGROUND
Electric Only
$24.00
/ per night
🚐 E27, Loop: TAILWATER EAST CAMPGROUND
Electric Only
$24.00
/ per night
🚐 E28, Loop: TAILWATER EAST CAMPGROUND
Electric Only
$24.00
/ per night

Reviews (109)

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

4.3
109 reviews
5
57.8%
63
4
26.6%
29
3
8.3%
9
2
4.6%
5
1
2.8%
3

Celena B

Verified

October 21, 2022 Stayed at: E24, Loop: TAILWATER EAST CAMPGROUND

3

I liked the location because it was close to trails. However, there were no trails directly connected to the camping area. There were some up by the road which is .3 miles away.
The site was level and close to the restrooms.
The restrooms were clean. I didn't take a shower because it was not heated got spoiled at Pulpit Rock Campground).

What was disappointing was that I left my Fire tablet plugged in and forgot to pick it up. My fault. However, I've tried and tried to contact someone at the Recreation.gov and at Coralville Lake to see if it was turned in at lost and found. No one answers. No one returns my call. Customer Service is lacking.

Doyle K

Verified

October 6, 2022 Stayed at: E13, Loop: TAILWATER EAST CAMPGROUND

5

Great! Why? Clean, spacious signs that were easy to back into. Reasonable space between campsites, clean showers with plenty of hot water beautiful views over the dam and the river. Opportunities for beach fun, kayaking, and boating in the warmer weather would stay here again.

AC H

Verified

September 10, 2022 Stayed at: E20, Loop: TAILWATER EAST CAMPGROUND

5

We love tailwater east it's a small circle.. so that if you want to meet other campers you can. Or just stay to your self. You can fish watch eagles rent a boats. Or just relax in nature.

Kathy B

Verified

September 9, 2022 Stayed at: E13, Loop: TAILWATER EAST CAMPGROUND

5

Quite site, Clean rest rooms.

David R

Verified

August 29, 2022 Stayed at: E18, Loop: TAILWATER EAST CAMPGROUND

5

Tailwater East is always quiet and clean. We always enjoy the view on the river, the fishing and walking the gorge.

Marie B

Verified

August 28, 2022 Stayed at: E14, Loop: TAILWATER EAST CAMPGROUND

4

Very nice campground. Beautiful area.

Gerald M

Verified

August 27, 2022 Stayed at: E12, Loop: TAILWATER EAST CAMPGROUND

4

Very nice park on a bluff overlooking the Iowa River below the dam. RV slips don't have a lot of room between campsites. Services include showers and 30amp electricity. No water or sewer at the campsite.

Don R

Verified

August 18, 2022 Stayed at: E10, Loop: TAILWATER EAST CAMPGROUND

4

Clean, quiet, and relaxing. #10 is a great spot

Jonathan R

Verified

August 17, 2022 Stayed at: E10, Loop: TAILWATER EAST CAMPGROUND

5

I thought our site had water too - I must've read it wrong. It was electric only. A great spot right on the banks of the river with a nice view. Bathrooms were very clean. Stayed Sunday - Tuesday and there were only a handful of other campers. Quiet, friendly. Will stay here again!

Lawrence P

Verified

August 12, 2022 Stayed at: E07, Loop: TAILWATER EAST CAMPGROUND

5

Reserved on a weekday in August campground was only part full had a very nice site by the boat ramp with unobstructed view.

Location Tailwater East Campground

Address:
2829 Prairie Du Chien Rd Ne
Iowa City, IA, 52240
United States

Latitude & Longitude: 41.7244 / -91.5261

Elevation: 227 feet

Policies & Rules

Category About
General

Three camping units are permitted per campsite: One RV and two tent, or three tents.

General

Up to six occupants are permitted per campsite.

General

Quiet hours are from 10:00 p.m. - 6:00 a.m.

General

Visitors shall register for their campsite at the West Overlook Campground Fee Booth prior to setting up on the campsite.

General

Check-Out Time: 12:00 P.M.

General

Check-In Time: 2:00 P.M.

General

Do not attach anything to trees.

General

Pets must be penned, on a leash under 6 feet in length, or otherwise physically restrained.

General

No parking on grass, roads, shoulders or empty campsites.
No UTVs or golf carts within the campground.

General

All of the following items are prohibited: loaded firearms, explosives, ammunition, bow or other projectile-firing devices, and fireworks.

General

All of the following items are prohibited: bouncy houses, swimming pools, and Chinese lanterns.

General

No-Shows: If a customer does not arrive and register for their campsite by check-out time the day after original arrival date, the customer will be assessed a $20.00 service fee and forfeit the first night use fee.

General

Cancellation: If a customer cancels a reservation they will be charged a $10.00 service fee. If a customer cancels a reservation the day before or on the day of arrival they will be charged a $10.00 service fee and will also forfeit the first night's use fee (not to exceed the total paid for the original reservation).

General

Don't Move Firewood: Protect your forests from tree-killing pests by buying your firewood locally and burning it on-site. Visit Dontmovefirewood.org for further information.

General

All boats shall be removed from the lake/river each day. Boats are not permitted to be moored on the shoreline overnight.

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