About Tailwater West Day Use Area
Tailwater West Day Use Area is a day-use facility located along the tailwaters of the Coralville Lake Dam. Coralville Lake is a multiple use project providing benefits in flood control and low flow augmentation, as well as 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.
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 open - May 1 to Sep 30
Location Tailwater West Day Use Area
Address:
4103 Prairie Du Chien Rd Ne
Iowa City, IA, 52240
United States
Highway access
The Tailwater West Day Use Area is accessible from Interstate 80 and Interstate 380, with exits leading to Dubuque St. and North Liberty. It is located approximately 3 miles north of I-80 Exit 244 and 2 miles from I-380 Exit 4.
Latitude & Longitude: 41.7227 / -91.5324
Elevation: 206 feet
Policies & Rules
Arrival & departure
- Clean and vacate shelters by sunset.
Cancellation policy
- Reservation fees are non-refundable. For campsites, cabins, lookouts, yurts, group sites, and similar stays, we charge a reservation service fee of $8.
- Standard cancellations usually have a $10 cancellation fee. Customers can generally cancel before the check-in date online.
- Late cancellation rules differ by stay type.
- Individual campsites: cancelling after 12:00am local time the day before arrival usually means a $10 cancellation fee plus forfeiting the first night's fee.
- Cabins, lookouts, and yurts: cancelling less than 14 days before arrival usually means a $10 cancellation fee plus forfeiting the first night's fee.
- One-night reservations: a late cancellation usually forfeits the full amount paid, up to the total original reservation cost.
- Modifications are allowed before the cut-off window, but fees depend on the change. Changing to dates completely outside the original reservation dates may trigger a $10 change fee. Extending or shortening a stay that still includes original dates usually has no change fee, though refunds may depend on timing and facility rules. Switching to the same type of campsite for the same dates usually has no change fee, but price differences are charged or refunded.
- Early departures may or may not be refunded. At certain facilities, partial refunds may be possible if staff can mark the site available for other visitors. No refund is given for a night if the early departure is requested after that day's check-out time.
- Security deposits are separate. Security deposits may be refunded to the original payment method if the facility is left in acceptable condition, as determined by the property.
Site capacity
- Unreserved shelters are free on a first-come, first-served basis.
- Larger groups need a Special Event permit for the shelters.
Amenities
- Playground and restrooms are publicly accessible.
Vehicles & parking
- Parking on grass, roads, or shoulders is prohibited.
- UTVs and golf carts are not permitted.
Pets
- Pets must be leashed or restrained.
Site types & loops
- A Special Event permit is needed for large setups near shelters.
Cancellation policy
- Obtain a Special Event permit at least two weeks in advance.
Safety & rules
- Loaded firearms, explosives, and fireworks are prohibited.
- Attaching items to trees is prohibited.
Nearby Campgrounds
Nearby destinations
Last updated: June 3, 2026
Managed by US Army Corps of Engineers