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Iowa
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Iowa State Parks

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Iowa
Southwest Region
Wilson Island State Park
Wilson Island State Park Sci-fi nerds © Donna Sweeney
Just another fun weekend at Wilson Island State Park
Wilson Island State Park Being Silly Wilson Island © Donna Sweeney
This is one of our favorite spots at Wilson Island, and my husband and I are Sci-fi nerds. So we thought wed have a little fun with our site number.
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WILSON ISLAND STATE PARK
WILSON ISLAND STATE PARK
32801 Campground Lane
Missouri Valley, Iowa   51555

Phone: 712-642-2069
Reservations: 877-427-2757
Email: park email button icon
The park water is safe for drinking, however, be advised it has a high iron content. Campers may fill water tanks at the park office near the park entrance through the 2006 camping season.

Wilson Island, named after former Governor George Wilson, came into existence as an island sandbar around 1900. Today, Wilson Island State Recreation Area encompasses 544 acres of dense cottonwood stands. Seclusion is one of the area's greatest assets and spacious shady campsites, hiking trails and picnic spots provide a welcome retreat.

Wildlife is abundant in the park and a visitor may see deer grazing in the park's fields or be awakened by a huge flock of snow geese flying low overhead in the fall. 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, visitors will see the unique wave-like loess hills which overlook the great Missouri River flood plain. These rugged hills are found along the Missouri River Valley in Iowa and Missouri.

Early history tells us that Lewis and Clark camped on this reach of the Missouri River in 1804 on their historic trip to and from the Pacific Coast.
Cabins
A non-modern cabin is available year-round. The cabin has electricity, heat and A/C, a microwave oven, a bunk bed, a futon, a table and benches. No water, or sanitary facilities are furnished. The cabin is located near the campground shower and toilet building.
Camping
Camping is very popular at Wilson Island with 135 well-shaded, spacious campsites. A modern camp area offers showers, flush toilets, 63 electric camp sites, and two large youth group camping areas. Starting February 13, 2006 advance campsite reservations can be booked through the park reservation system. Half of the campsites are still available for self-registration on a first-come, first-serve basis. Firewood may be purchased at the park office. A playground is located near the campground.



Picnicking
A picnic area with shelters is located along the shoreline of the Missouri river. Shelters may be reserved for a fee by contacting the park manager.
Trails
Approximately five miles of trails are used for hiking, snowmobiling, cross-country skiing and mountain biking.
Birding
The park offers birdwatchers a variety of species including warblers, sparrows and waterfowl. Birding trails are also available.
Area Attractions
Immediately north of Wilson Island is the DeSoto National Wildlife Refuge. The refuge is open to the public one-half hour before sunrise to one-half hour after sunset year round.

The DeSoto Visitor Center, open year-round 9:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., displays artifacts of the sunken steamboat Bertrand and audio-visual programs depicting Missouri River and wildlife conservation history. For further information on the refuge, contact DeSoto National Wildlife Refuge, 1434 316th Lane, Missouri Valley, Iowa 51555, telephone (712)642-4121.

Visitor Comments, Memories and Reviews
May 27 Good Experience by Mama Camper
park review stars; one to five We stayed over Memorial Day Weekend. I was impressed by the DNR presence. The grouds were clean and kept up and all the facilities as well. Would recommend to others!
April 2 our fav, camping park
park review stars; one to five we love that there is lots of room in each camp site! even when its busy its not over crouded. if I had to change one thing it would be that the showers get up dated.
January 12 Great Campground by Tim
park review stars; one to five Stayed 4 days. Park gets busy on weekends with large groups of campers. Drive slowly as many small unsupervised children out running off some energy which is the whole point right! Ran into quite a few folks not leashing their pets which led to some pet and owner confrontations, park rangers made numerous trips through the park to clean out the cash box but turned a blind eye to the loose pets.
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