Coralville Dam Boat Access

Coralville Dam's Tailwater West Day Use Area offers convenient access to the Iowa River tailwaters and Coralville Lake, a 5,400-acre reservoir east of Iowa City. This day-use facility is well-maintained and reportedly less crowded than other ramps around the lake, making it a good choice for kayakers and canoeists looking to avoid heavy traffic. The access point is located along the dam's tailwaters, providing options for both calm lake paddling on the reservoir and river paddling in the tailrace area.

The site is accessible via Exit 244 from Interstate 80 near Iowa City. From Dubuque Street, take West Overlook Road NE for approximately 1.1 miles; the facility is located at the second stop sign. While the site itself is a day-use area, three nearby campgrounds (Tailwater West, Sugar Bottom, and Linder Point) offer over 500 total campsites if you're planning an overnight trip. For specific information about amenities, accessibility, current conditions, or fees, contact the Coralville Lake Project Office at (319) 338-3543 X.6300. The broader Coralville Lake recreation area also features fishing piers, picnic facilities, and trails, making it suitable for a full day of water-based recreation.

Overview
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...

Overview
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.Recreation
Visitors enjoy Coralville Lake for boating, fishing, swimming and water activities. Anglers will find large and smallmouth bass, crappie, walleye and catfish. Several trails are within the Dam Complex, including Squire Point, Woodpecker Trail, Tailwater Riverwalk and barrier-free Veterans Trail.
The Devonian Fossil Gorge is just below the dam, offering a unique opportunity to explore a 375-million-year old sea floor and discover fossil remains of sea life that once inhabited this tropical marine environment. Twenty discovery points can be found throughout the site along with a cell phone audio tour.
Turkey Creek Disc Golf Course is located in the Dam Complex and offers nine partially wooden and open holes.Facilities
The day-use location offers a large group picnic area with drinking water and electric. Amenities include flush toilets, playground, accessible fishing pier and accessible hiking trail.Natural Features
Coralville Lake is located in the Iowa River Valley, just north of Iowa City. Tailwater West Day Use lies among a heavily wooded forest of mixed hardwood species on the west side of the dam. Wildlife is abundant throughout the project. White-tailed deer, turkeys, pheasants, waterfowl, song birds and other species roam the lands around the lake.

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