Camping with a bunch of fun ladies from all around the Midwest has opened up some fabulous opportunities to discover new camping spots. One of those spots is West Overlook Campground, a Corps Of Engineers campground on Coralville Lake near Iowa City, Iowa.
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I credit my lady camping squad for introducing me to camping at U.S. Army Corps of Engineers campgrounds. I love that they are always on water. I enjoy my water activities! Most are clean and offer amenities that county parks do, plus, they are inexpensive. You can save even more if you are 62 or older(plus military, disabled persons, students, and more) with an America The Beautiful National Parks Pass. Win-win!
Where is West Overlook Campground Located?
West Overlook Campground is near Iowa City, specifically on Coralville Lake, which is part of the larger Iowa River Corridor. The campground is just west side of the Coralville Lake Dam off of West Overlook Road.
By car, the journey from West Overlook Campground to the heart of Iowa City typically takes about 10 to 20 minutes. The distance is roughly 5 to 10 miles, depending on the route you take. This short drive makes it easy for campers to access city amenities and enjoy the urban aspects of Iowa City while still being able to retreat to the tranquility of the campground. Iowa City is a vibrant college town that has a great downtown area with tons specialty shops and numerous restaurants. Don’t miss an opportunity to spend a day exploring it!
Cedar Rapids is about a half hour from West Overlook Campground.
West Overlook Campground Overview and Amenities
The campground has 89 standard electric campsites. Sites 1-38 are in a more wooded area offering more shade. The rest of the sites vary from partial shade to none, but are closer to the water or right on. Most sites have a decent amount of distance between them. All sites have a picnic table and a fire ring.
There are two shower houses with modern restrooms in the campground. The West Overlook Day Use Area, which is connected to the campground, has a spacious beach area, playground, volleyball net, picnic shelter, and restrooms. There is also a large parking lot. It’s a simple walk from the campground. There is a dump station onsite which you can find before the entrance road and a campground fee booth.
Recreational Opportunities At West Overlook Campground
With Coralville Lake’s easy access to the campground with a boat ramp, there are a ton of recreation choices. River fishing, kayaking, canoeing, water skiing, and swimming at the beach area.
There are 20 miles of trails around Coralville Lake making this a trail lover’s paradise. Woodpecker Trail and Squire Point trails are in heavily wooded forest and the closest to West Overlook Campground. The fully accessible Veterans Trail is on the east side of the dam. Be sure and bring your phone along your walk on Veterans Trail. At various points, you can scan a QR code and hear a story about a local veteran.
Near the Coralville Dam is the Devonian Fossil Gorge. As I crossed over the dam, my first time to the campground, I wondered what the heck all these people were doing looking at all the rocks below. It turns out it’s a pretty popular spot among visitors. Here you can see the fossil remains of sea life that inhabited the old sea floor 375 million years ago when it was a tropical marine environment. There’s an cell phone audio tour highlighting 20 points along the former tropical sea bed. It’s a very cool experience that you can’t explore every day.
If you enjoy playing disk golf, you’re in luck, because there is also the Turkey Creek Disc Golf Course in the dam complex.
Making Reservations For West Overlook Campground.
Making reservations was easy! I love that you can book right online. Campers can book reservations six months out through Recreation.gov website. There is a photo of the sites. Rates for the 2024 season range from $22 to $28. Don’t forget, If you sign up for that America The Beautiful pass you save 50%. What a bargain!
Here Are Some Things You’ll Want To See Near The Campground.
The University of Iowa: The university campus and the area around it is a great place to explore. On campus you’ll find the Stanley Museum of Art, exhibitions, writers workshops, dance, theater, and more. The arts are alive and the center of campus life.
Standing in the heart of the University of Iowa campus, the Old Capitol Museum is housed in the original Iowa State Capitol Building. It is a beloved and one of the most recognizable buildings in Iowa. The Museum of Natural History is is the second oldest university museum west of the Mississippi River. It houses extensive collections of birds, and mammals, along with geological and paleontological exhibits
Kinnick Stadium: For sports fans, a visit to the historic Kinnick Stadium, home of the University of Iowa Hawkeyes football team, is a must. During football season, the stadium becomes a lively hub of activity.
Downtown Iowa City: Known for its lively atmosphere, downtown Iowa City offers a variety of shops, outstanding restaurants, and bars. The pedestrian-friendly downtown is also home to numerous cultural events and festivals throughout the year.
Amana Colonies: Located a short drive from Iowa City, the Amana Colonies offer a glimpse into the unique cultural and historical heritage of the area. These seven quaint villages are known for their distinctive craftsmanship, traditional restaurants, and historic buildings. I spent a couple hours exploring part of the Colonies last summer and will return this summer.
Hickory Hill Park: A local favorite for nature lovers, Hickory Hill Park offers wooded trails, a natural prairie, and tranquil picnic spots. It’s a great place for bird watching, nature photography, and simply enjoying the outdoors.
Iowa Avenue Literary Walk: Literature enthusiasts will enjoy this unique walk, which celebrates writers who have connections to Iowa. The walk features bronze relief panels with authors’ words and biographical information.
West Overlook Campground is a budget friendly, peaceful, and perfectly located campground in Iowa. For myself, it made a great home base to explore the surrounding area for a first time camping trip in Iowa.
Questions? Comments? Share then with me!