CampsiteGROUP SHELTER ELECTRIC✓ Reservable♿ AccessibleElectric (20)

Site 09 — Tailwater West Day Use Area

Tailwater West Day Use Area · Iowa · Loop Tailwater West Day Use Area

Campsite 09 at Tailwater West Day Use Area in Iowa. GROUP SHELTER ELECTRIC site. Electric (20) available. Maximum 50 people per site. Reservable in advance on Recreation.gov.

← Back to Tailwater West Day Use Area
41.72184, -91.52973
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5-Day Forecast

Weather at Tailwater West Day Use Area

Live forecast for the campground. Use it to pack and plan.

Avg High65°F
Avg Low47°F
Peak Rain Chance1%
Humidity74%
UV (avg)5
Today
☁️
Overcast
61°/49°
🌬 12mph
↑ 7:04 AM ↓ 6:45 PM
Sat
🌤
Mostly Clear
63°/46°
💧 1%🌬 10mph
↑ 7:05 AM ↓ 6:44 PM
Sun
☀️
Clear
69°/49°
🌬 13mph
↑ 7:06 AM ↓ 6:42 PM
Mon
☀️
Clear
65°/47°
🌬 7mph
↑ 7:07 AM ↓ 6:40 PM
Tue
☁️
Overcast
67°/46°
🌬 14mph
↑ 7:08 AM ↓ 6:39 PM

Forecast data © Open-Meteo. Refreshed every 6 hours. Always check the most recent forecast before heading out.

👔 What to Wear

  • 👕
    Long-sleeve shirt
    Synthetic or merino, sun-protective.
  • 🧥
    Light shell or windbreaker
    Even on warm days, wind can chill (avg wind 12 mph).
  • 👖
    Hiking pants or convertible
    Layer for variable conditions.
  • 🥾
    Trail runners or low boots
    Comfortable, broken in.

🎒 What to Pack

  • 💧
    Water
    Bring at least 1L of water; more in heat.
  • 🍫
    High-energy snacks
    A snack for the trail.
  • 🧴
    Sun protection
    Sunscreen, sunglasses, brimmed hat.
  • 🩹
    First-aid kit
    Blister patches, ibuprofen, tape, antiseptic wipes.
  • 🗺
    Offline map
    Download your route in advance via Gaia, Caltopo, or OSM-based apps.

Recommendations adapt to the current forecast + trail stats. Use them as a starting point — local conditions, your experience, and the time of day you start all matter.

Equipment & Vehicle Limits

Important sizing constraints for your RV, trailer, or tent setup.

Max Num of Vehicles
30

Capacity & Rules

Max Num of People
50
Pets Allowed
Yes

Site Features

Picnic Table
Y
Shade
Yes
Campfire Allowed
No

Photos from Tailwater West Day Use Area

Recreation.gov photos of the campground. Specific site appearance may differ — these show the surrounding area and amenities.

Tailwater West Day Use Area
Tailwater West Day Use Area — USACE
Tailwater West Day Use Area photo 3
Tailwater West Day Use Area photo 4
Tailwater West Day Use Area photo 5
Tailwater West Day Use Area photo 6
Tailwater West Day Use Area photo 7
Devonian Fossil Gorge
Devonian Fossil Gorge — USACE

Booking Tips for Site 09

  • Reservation window: Recreation.gov releases bookings up to 6 months ahead — popular sites go in minutes
  • Best time to book: 8am local time on the day the window opens
  • Cancellation: Recreation.gov refund policies apply — check before booking
  • Quiet hours: typically 10pm–6am in federal campgrounds
  • Check-in/out: 6:00 AM / 8:00 PM
  • Pets: allowed (keep on a 6ft leash, never leave unattended)
  • Leave No Trace: pack out all trash, including food scraps

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I reserve campsite 09?

Yes — this site is reservable via Recreation.gov. Reservations open up to 6 months in advance and popular sites go fast.

How many people can stay at site 09?

Maximum occupancy is 50 people and 30 vehicles.

What hookups does site 09 have?

Available hookups: electric (20).

Are pets allowed at site 09?

Yes — pets are allowed. Keep on a 6 ft leash and follow campground rules; some areas require additional restrictions.

Is site 09 ADA accessible?

Yes — this site is marked as ADA accessible. Check Recreation.gov for specific accessibility features.

What are the check-in / check-out times?

Check-in: 6:00 AM. Check-out: 8:00 PM.

Can I have a campfire at site 09?

Campfires are not permitted at this site. A camp stove may be acceptable — check with the campground host.