Wilson Island State Recreation Area sits on the Missouri River, providing drive-in, walk-in, and boat-in access to campers exploring this Iowa state park. The campground operates April through December, offering sites with full hookups that accommodate RVs up to 60 feet alongside tent camping areas.
The open terrain gives campers direct access to Missouri River fishing and connects to the adjacent DeSoto National Wildlife Refuge. Multiple reviewers highlight the water access as a primary draw, though the campground's exposed layout means limited shade coverage. "It is right next to the Missouri River, and although the park and campground are in Iowa, the DeSoto National Wildlife Preserve is in both Iowa and Nebraska," notes one visitor who appreciated the refuge's trails and river views.
Recent flooding has impacted operations, with several reviews mentioning closures in 2018 and 2019 due to Missouri River flooding. When open, the facility provides restrooms, showers, and electric, water, and sewer hookups. Tent sites receive better spacing than RV areas according to camper feedback. The campground allows pets and campfires, with picnic tables at each site.
Wildlife viewing opportunities abound given the refuge location, though mosquitoes are common in the wetland environment. Campers can explore Honey Creek Campground for additional options in the area. Reservations are available through the Iowa DNR system.
Description
Welcome to Wilson Island State Recreation Area, named after former Governor George Wilson, which came into being as an island sandbar in 1900. Today, Wilson Island State Recreation Area encompasses 544 acres of dense cottonwood stands. Peacefulness is one of the area's greatest assets as well as spacious campsites, hiking trails and picnic spots.
Wildlife is abundant in the recreation area and visitors may see deer grazing in the fields or be awakened by a huge flock of snow geese flying low overhead. Bald eagles are often perched in the tall cottonwoods during the winter and mushroom hunters will find no better place in the spring. On the way to Wilson Island, notice the unique wave-like loess hills that overlook the great Missouri River floodplain.
These rugged loess hills are only found in Iowa, Missouri and China. Early history tells us that Lewis and Clark camped on this reach of the Missouri River in 1804 on their historic voyage of discovery.
An Iowa or Nebraska fishing license is required for fishing the Missouri River. An Iowa license is required to fish the backwater chute.
As a recreation area, Wilson Island is open for public hunting in season. Care should be exercised by both hunters and non-hunters during hunting seasons.
Warning 1 Alert is In Effect
There is 1 alert for this campground. Camp safely!
Warning 1 Alert is In Effect
There is 1 alert for this campground. Camp safely!
This campground is 100 percent reservable and accepts reservations April 15 - October 15 until 10:00pm CST the day of arrival.
RV Road Trip Guides
Location
Public CampgroundWilson Island State Recreation Area Campground is located in Iowa
Directions
From Interstate 29, take exit 72. Go west on DeSoto Avenue six miles. Wilson Island is on the left. From Hwy 30, take County Road L16 south five miles to DeSoto Avenue. Go west 2 miles. Wilson Island is on left.
Address
32801 Campground Lane
Missouri Valley, IA 51555
Coordinates
41.48911142 N
96.00963455 W
Connectivity
T-Mobile5GExcellent Coverage
Verizon5GGood CoverageVerified by 10 usersLast on 4/9/26- AT&T5GExcellent CoverageVerified by 3 usersLast on 4/9/26
Connectivity
- T-Mobile5GExcellent Coverage
- Verizon5GGood CoverageVerified by 10 usersLast on 4/9/26
- AT&T5GExcellent CoverageVerified by 3 usersLast on 4/9/26
Access
- Drive-InPark next to your site
- Walk-InPark in a lot, walk to your site.
- Boat-InSites accessible by watercraft.
Site Types
- Tent Sites
- RV Sites
- Standard (Tent/RV)
- Group
Features
For Campers
- Picnic Table
- Reservable
- Showers
- Electric Hookups
- Toilets
- Alcohol
- Pets
- Fires
For Vehicles
- Sewer Hookups
- Water Hookups
- Pull-Through Sites
- 30 Amp Hookups
- 50 Amp Hookups
- Big Rig Friendly
Drive Time
- 17 min from Omaha, NE
- 1 hr 2 min from Lincoln, NE
- 1 hr 17 min from Sioux City, IA
- 2 hrs 3 min from Des Moines, IA
