Data Disclaimer: Water level data is provided by USGS and NOAA for informational purposes only. Verify conditions on-site before any water activities. Learn more
Access Site IA

West Overlook

Iowa River

Source: iowa_department_of_natural_resources Updated 1 year ago

City: Coralville, IA
County: Johnson County
Type: Boat Ramp
Location: 41.72956445, -91.53504470
Air Temp: --
Location
Nearby Gauge Conditions
About This Access Site
West Overlook offers convenient boat ramp access to Coralville Lake and the Iowa River near Iowa City. Located within the Coralville Lake Dam Complex, this Army Corps of Engineers facility provides a well-maintained launch point with modern amenities including restroom and shower facilities. The site is easily accessible from I-80 Exit 244 (Dubuville Street)—head north 3 miles, then turn right on West Overlook Road NE for about 1.1 miles to the access area.

The surrounding area is developed for recreation with multiple day-use and overnight options. Beyond the boat ramp, West Overlook offers a sandy beach, picnic areas, playgrounds, and nearby trails. If you're planning to camp, the West Overlook Campground features both electric and primitive sites spread across wooded and open areas with lake views. Nearby alternatives include Linder Point, Sandy Beach, and Tailwater East campgrounds.

For planning your visit, contact West Overlook Campground at 319-338-3685 (May 1–October 31) or the Coralville Lake Project Office at 319-338-3543 ext. 6300 (November 1–April 30). Note that the facility is not ADA accessible. The area also supports fishing and offers a visitor center, making it a versatile hub for paddlers and boaters exploring Coralville Lake.
Federal Facility Information
1 - Free Access Reservations Available

Overview
The West Overlook Campground is located within the Dam Complex at the Coralville Lake Project. The Coralville Lake Project is a multiple use project providing primary benefits in flood control and low flow augmentation, and secondary benefits in recreation, fish and wildlife management and forest management. Coralville Lake provides many recreational opportunities, including boating,...

Overview
The West Overlook Campground is located within the Dam Complex at the Coralville Lake Project. The Coralville Lake Project is a multiple use project providing primary benefits in flood control and low flow augmentation, and secondary benefits in 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 camping, 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. The Turkey Creek Disc Golf Course is located in the Dam Complex and offers nine partially wooden and open holes.Facilities
The West Overlook Campground is located on the west side of the Coralville Lake Dam. The campground offers 89 standard electric campsites. Amenities include modern restroom and shower facilities, boat ramp, playgrounds, and horseshoes. The West Overlook Day Use Area offers a beach, picnic sites, picnic shelter, volleyball court, and playground. The dump station and drinking water is located just outside of the West Overlook Campground.Natural Features
Coralville Lake is located in the Iowa River Valley, just north of Iowa City. The West Overlook Campground lies among a heavily wooded forest of mixed hardwood species on the west side of the dam. Wildlife is abundant throughout the project. Whitetail deer, turkeys, pheasants, waterfowl, song birds and other species roam the lands around the lake.
Nearby Attractions
Iowa City/Coralville offers the Veterans Affairs Medical Center, University of Iowa campus, hospital and clinics, numerous restaurants and shops as well as Coral Ridge Mall. Cedar Rapids has wonderful cultural, historic and ethnic attractions such as The National Czech and Slovak Museum and Library and is the home of the Kernels Professional Baseball Club. West Branch boasts the Herbert Hoover National Historic Site and Presidential Library/Museum. At Amana Colonies visit seven quaint villages with outstanding restaurants, wineries, historic sites and specialty shops. Kalona is known as the "Quilt Capital of Iowa" and is home to an Old Order Amish and Mennonite Community.

Read More Read Less
Nearby Campgrounds (7 within 10 miles)
LINDER POINT CAMPGROUND
On-site Reservable
SANDY BEACH CAMP
On-site Reservable
TAILWATER EAST CAMPGROUND
On-site Reservable
West Overlook Campground
On-site Reservable
SUGAR BOTTOM CAMPGROUND
On-site Reservable
TAILWATER WEST CAMPGROUND
On-site Reservable
COTTONWOOD CAMPGROUND (IA)
On-site Reservable
Nearby Recreation Areas
Coralville Lake Located within
Herbert Hoover National Historic Site Located within
Amenities
restrooms