$14
Tailwater West
Total sites: 22
Available Tonight: 1
Available this Weekend: 1
Booking Window: 6 months
Available Tonight: 1
Available this Weekend: 1
Booking Window: 6 months
679 ft
85°F
65°F
65°F
weak
Tailwater West Campground, IA - Latest Reviews, Photos & Campground Map
Tailwater West Campground in Johnson County is located just 14 min north of Iowa City, IA with an elevation of 679 feet. There are a total of 22 campsites including 2 tent-only sites. The campground is normally open from the beginning of May to mid October. 20 sites can accommodate RVs and trailers between 40 and 69 feet. All sites are currently reservable. Reservations can be booked up to 6 months in advance. 20 sites have electric and water hookups. Fees range from $14.00 to $26.00. Some amenities include shower, flush toilets. Activities include biking, boating, fishing, hiking trails, floating sports.
Campground Capacity (Next 30 Days)
Campsite Reviews (102)
4.7 out of 5
| 5 star | 76% | |
| 4 star | 17% | |
| 3 star | 2% | |
| 2 star | 2% | |
| 1 star | 0% |
@LavellWCBB38CC · Camped on Aug 21, 2025 at Campsite #T13
Every single thing was amazing. The staff and folks were also great
@dannyc6A6B713C · Camped on Aug 17, 2025 at Campsite #T14
Nice campground right on the tailwaters of the dam. Easy access to shoreline fishing plus there's a pond. The boat ramp is at the other campground across the river. The campsites on the outer rim in front of the dam have extra-large backyards. Our site T14 was level, but we did see some campers in the pull throughs that were jacked up off with wheels off the ground. Note you must check in at the fee booth in the West Overlook Campground.
@LauraE5D8CCEC4 · Camped on Aug 12, 2025 at Campsite #T16
Overall, I really enjoyed my time at the campground. I had full hookup with my RV and the site was nice, the campground was very clean. The only issue I had is that I did not know where the check in booth waa located, so I went ahead and set up prior to checking in. I learned that it was in a different location from where I was. I called and the lady I spoke to was very kind and checked me in. Volunteers came by the next day & gave me my park pass. The problem is that in my area, the pay booth is only open for a few hours a day, so I was not able to check out. Also, if you hook up to the water, make sure you don't forget to put on the regulator. The water at my spot was like a fire hose! After a minor mishap, I opted to just use my holding tank for running water. Everything else was excellent and we had a great time! Can't wait to go back!
@ThomasZ0BC7346 · Camped on Jul 30, 2025 at Campsite #T3
Our stay was quiet and comfortable, the only issue stemmed from a rude camper who displayed poor camper etiquette by not leaving their site by the posted noon checkout. We arrived after 3pm to find this person not only still in our paid for spot but wasnt even packed up to leave. We contacted the Tailwater office for which they told us we could get into a non full hookup spot for the night until they left??? So we requested to have a park ranger meet us at the site for which we reserved and paid for to rectify the issue. Cant say enough GREAT THINGS about the park rangers assistance, she advised the person in the RV that they had to move immediately for which they did not. They said we cannot move because someone is in the spot that they are moving to. The ranger took action to another level and said they MUST MOVE OUT OF THE SPOT NOW. The selfish camper took their time packing up their items all the while stating they were not wrong because someone was in their spot at another campsite. So in the end we love this campground,the rangers are top notch,BUT this is something that needs to be addressed there is proper camping etiquette,if there was a medical emergency or mechanical problem we would totally understand. These type of people should be BLACK LISTED from staying at ANY army corps campgrounds for at least a year so they can think about their actions. Again we had really good time the park rangers did a excellent job,but please hold these TYPES accountable for their behavior and ignorance.
@DennisC7595884 · Camped on Jul 13, 2025 at Campsite #T14
Campground is small with many spacious camp sites. Water and electric at every site some with full hookup. Concrete RV pads. Very quiet campground with plenty of shade. Fishing available just foot steps away from your campsite. Boat launch on the other side of the dam with a sandy beach separate from the boat launch.
@MelJudyH0A4F36 · Camped on Jun 23, 2025 at Campsite #T18
The campground was very well maintained. Bathhouse and shower were checked twice a day and cleaned when needed.Will definitely stay again.
@JonathanW14164 · Camped on Jun 16, 2025 at Campsite #T5
Clean and level site. Spacious between sites. Easy access to fishing area. Bathrooms are clean.
@LawrenceW87932 · Camped on Jun 9, 2025 at Campsite #T18
Phone and tv reception is very poor with gov building close and above a repeater tower could easily be installed as prices increase some of the services have seemed to decrease.
@Christoph90008 · Camped on Jun 9, 2025 at Campsite #T20
Vert nice bathrooms and showers. Good atmosphere. Biking and kayaking available near by. Nice sites. Cool fossil gorge.
@ConnieS8161405 · Camped on Jun 8, 2025 at Campsite #T8
We love this campground. It is quiet. Enjoy watching the fishermen and women. So many family activities with the fossil gorge. Wildlife and birds. And I have got to say the bathrooms are the best we see in any rv park and we travel all summer.
@DAVIDJ6790409 · Camped on Jun 7, 2025 at Campsite #T3
Cleanest facilities that I have ever been to.
@TariS5129576 · Camped on Jun 2, 2025 at Campsite #T13
We had a beautiful spot. Lovely view the water noise was so relaxing. The site was perfect.
@JEFFH5417641 · Camped on May 29, 2025 at Campsite #T13
Beautiful campground. Very adorable. Well maintained.
@MaryH1910665 · Camped on May 16, 2025 at Campsite #T7
Very nice
@PeggyS1723789 · Camped on May 4, 2025 at Campsite #T13
This is a small, quiet campground close enough to the Tailwater to hear the rush of water on the background. We even booked a second night to enjoy the lovely setting a bit longer. There is a trail along the forested river bank with an enormous tree topped with an eagles nest. Flocks of pelicans fished the tailwater along with day use fishermen. Friendly camp hosts too. We would love to come back
@NormaGA34FFCBD · Camped on May 1, 2025 at Campsite #T5
What a lovely experience and location watching the pelican migration all week. We enjoyed the convenience of full hook ups and were surrounded by water on both sides. Each day offered walking opportunities - the fossil gorge and walking paths nearby. Delightful way to start our camping season as we prepared our camper near our home.
@RobertB6182770 · Camped on Oct 14, 2024 at Campsite #T19
Very nice and peaceful campground.
@CathyB3119916 · Camped on Oct 6, 2024 at Campsite #T19
Love camping and fishing
@ThomasS5574085 · Camped on Oct 2, 2024 at Campsite #T7
Great, clean, CoE campground. All sites are paved, but only some are full hook-up. Will go again.
@RobertZ9176404 · Camped on Sep 30, 2024 at Campsite #T13
Beautiful park, spacious sites. Cast a fishing line from shore. Fire pits, picnic tables, shower house and full hookups. Cant ask for more.
@MaryBeth395E02 · Camped on Sep 26, 2024 at Campsite #T5
Tailwater west was a wonderful surprise! The location close to Coralville Lake was very scenic. Loved how quiet it was during our stay and all the options in the area surrounding, kept us busy. We will be back!
@JamesT8733204 · Camped on Sep 22, 2024 at Campsite #T6
Very nice campground, cement pads were a bonus.
@LindaP7575010 · Camped on Sep 12, 2024 at Campsite #T15
The Tailwater campgrounds were bigger than we are used to, we were a stones throw from the water, my husband loved fishing. My son really liked the fossil gorge. We were close to town and I enjoyed shopping and the showers were very nice, hot! We had a great time!
@CecilPCFF01391 · Camped on Aug 21, 2024 at Campsite #T7
My only complaint is check in time is at two but nobody is at the booth until 3
@CamerronL266BA · Camped on Aug 5, 2024 at Campsite #T6
The location is easy to find. The area is a quaint section of sites. Fully paved and level spots. The pond attached to the area is peaceful and nice to fish off the dock. Showers and bathrooms are clean.
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