Wilson Island State Recreation Area

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About the Park

Named after former Gov. George Wilson, Wilson Island State Recreation Area in western Iowa covers 544 acres of cottonwood stands along the Missouri River. The secluded park provides a quiet retreat with campsites, hiking trails and picnicking areas. 

The open spaces welcome wildlife, and visitors may see deer grazing in the fields, flocks of geese flying overhead, or even Bald eagles perched on the cottonwoods. Early American history shows that Lewis and Clark camped on this area of the river in 1804.

Plan Your Visit

• Camp at one of Wilson Island’s many large, well-shaded campsites. The modern style camp area offers visitors showers, flush toilets, electric campsites and three large youth group camping areas.
• Hike on the approximately five miles of trails throughout Wilson Island. These trails also can be used for snowmobiling, cross-country skiing and mountain biking.
• Hunt in the hundreds of acres of public hunting areas. The entire recreation area, except where there are campgrounds and other developed sites, is open for hunting.
• Fish in the Missouri River for walleye, paddlefish, catfish and more. Right on the river, Wilson Island offers a boat ramp and is the perfect place to cast a line.
• Bird watch in the rolling Loess Hills. The wave-like hills look over the Missouri River and make a great place to see migratory birds, especially in the spring and fall.

Amenities at a Glance

• Trails
• Boat launch ramp
• Camping – electric
• Camping – youth group
• Dock
• Dump station
• Firewood sales
• Modern campground
• Picnic area and shelter
• Playground
• Restrooms
• Showers

Explore the Park

• Wilson Island State Recreation Area map and flyer
• Wilson Island State Recreation Area campground map