Hawkeye Wildlife Area

Located in North Liberty along the tailwaters of Coralville Lake Dam, this day-use access point features a concrete boat ramp with dock facilities and gravel parking. The site is situated on the Iowa River downstream of the dam and provides access to a multiple-use waterway managed for flood control, recreation, and wildlife management. To reach the facility from Interstate 80 (Exit 244), head north on Dubuque Street for 3 miles, then turn right onto West Overlook Road NE and continue approximately 1.1 miles to the access area.

Paddlers and boaters should note that water conditions on the tailwaters are influenced by dam operations, which regulate flow for flood control and low-flow augmentation. The site is a day-use facility with no overnight camping directly at the ramp; however, several nearby campgrounds are available, including Tailwater West Campground and Cottonwood Campground, both reservable through Recreation.gov. For current conditions, water levels, or seasonal dock availability, contact the Coralville Lake Project Office at (319) 338-3543 ext. 6300. The area may become inaccessible during high water stages, so it's advisable to check conditions before visiting.

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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