🌤 Weather at Wilson Island State Recreation Area by season
| Spring | Summer | Fall | Winter |
|---|---|---|---|
| 27–70 °F | 61–84 °F | 28–75 °F | 13–35 °F |
Each range runs from the coldest monthly average low to the warmest monthly average high in that season (1991-2020 climate normals), measured at Fort Calhoun 4W, 5 mi away, elevation 1,310 ft. Conditions at the park can differ from the station, especially where elevation differs — check a forecast before you go.
Wilson Island State Recreation Area is a public state park in Iowa near Missouri Valley in Harrison County County. Spanning 544 acres and established in 1900, this park offers a peaceful retreat into nature for visitors of all ages.
Quick Facts
| State | Iowa |
| Nearest City | Missouri Valley |
| County | Harrison County |
| Park Size | 544 acres |
| Established | 1900 |
| Google Rating | ⭐ 4.3/5 (250 reviews) |
Location & Getting There
Wilson Island State Recreation Area is located near Missouri Valley, Iowa. The park’s coordinates are 41.4833, -96.0067.
Things to Do
Iowa state parks offer a surprising diversity of landscapes beyond the classic rolling farm fields, featuring deep river valleys, natural lakes, loess hills, and ancient limestone bluffs. Activities revolve around the water, with excellent fishing for crappie, bluegill, and bass, boating on natural and man-made lakes, and pleasant beach swimming. Land activities include camping in shaded hardwood forests, hiking expanding trail networks, exploring unique geological formations like the Maquoketa Caves, and cycling on extensive paved rail-trails that frequently connect park units across the state.
Best Time to Visit
Summer (June–August) is peak season, ideal for lake activities and family camping, though July and August can bring high heat and humidity. Fall (September–October) is arguably the best time to visit, offering cooler, comfortable temperatures, beautiful hardwood foliage, and excellent conditions for hiking and fishing without the summer crowds. Spring (April–May) provides great mushroom hunting (morels) and spring wildflower blooms. Winter is quiet, but several parks offer cross-country skiing and ice fishing when conditions allow.
Visitor Tips
Iowa stands out by offering free admission to all state parks for day use — no vehicle permits or entrance fees are required. Camping fees apply, and reservations can be made through the Iowa State Parks reservation system. Half of all campsites are reservable, while the other half remain first-come, first-served. When visiting cave parks like Maquoketa Caves, check for any temporary closures related to bat protection (White-Nose Syndrome) and wear clothes you don’t mind getting muddy.
Explore More Iowa State Parks
Wilson Island State Recreation Area is one of many outstanding state parks in Iowa. Discover more parks in our Best State Parks in Iowa guide, or use our Park Finder to search by activity, location, or features.
Wildlife & Nature
Wilson Island SRA — 566 acres on an island in the Missouri River. The area’s river, cottonwood forest, and wetlands support bald eagles, great blue herons, and beavers. The Missouri River corridor follows the route of Lewis and Clark’s expedition (1804).
Nearby Attractions
Council Bluffs — 20 miles north. Missouri River — surrounding. Lewis and Clark Trail — along the river.
Nearby state parks: If you have extra time, Lake Manawa State Park is within about an hour’s drive, and Preparation Canyon State Park is within about an hour’s drive.
⛺ Camping at Wilson Island State Recreation Area: Campgrounds & Cabins
| Campsites | 44 sites — 31 Standard Electric sites, 50 amp. 10 Standard Non-Electric sites, $16/night peak (May 1-Oct 15). 3 Youth Group Only sites, $20/night peak. Back-in sites accommodate 51-70 feet. Showers and flush toilets on site. |
|---|---|
| Reservations | 100% of sites reservable, reservation required. Book online at iowastateparks.reserveamerica.com or by phone at (712) 642-2069, until 10:00 pm CST the day of arrival. |
| Special sites | 3 large youth-group camping areas. Boat ramp on the Missouri River. |
| Season notes | Campground is 100% reservable from April 15 through October 15. |
Camping questions about Wilson Island State Recreation Area
Can you camp at Wilson Island State Recreation Area?
Yes. Wilson Island State Recreation Area has 44 campsites. 31 Standard Electric sites, 50 amp. 10 Standard Non-Electric sites, $16/night peak (May 1-Oct 15). 3 Youth Group Only sites, $20/night peak. Back-in sites accommodate 51-70 feet. Showers and flush toilets on site.
How do you reserve a campsite at Wilson Island State Recreation Area?
100% of sites reservable, reservation required. Book online at iowastateparks.reserveamerica.com or by phone at (712) 642-2069, until 10:00 pm CST the day of arrival.
Source: iowadnr.gov (verified July 2026). Details change seasonally — confirm when booking.
🐾 Dogs & Pets at Wilson Island State Recreation Area
- Pets allowed? statewide rule
- Pets are allowed in Iowa state parks and recreation areas, including trails and campgrounds, but must be kept on a leash of six feet or less or confined.
- Leash rule statewide rule
- Leash or chain not to exceed 6 feet, led or carried by the owner, or confined
- Beaches & swim areas statewide rule
- Animals are prohibited within designated beach areas statewide
- Cabins & lodging statewide rule
- Only dogs or assistive animals are allowed in designated dog-friendly cabins/yurts (limit two dogs); all other cabins are pet-free; dogs must be kenneled if left unattended inside
- Statewide exceptions statewide rule
- Hunting dogs in designated hunting areas during season are exempt from the leash rule; pets may not be left unattended in campgrounds
Are dogs allowed at Wilson Island State Recreation Area?
Pets are allowed in Iowa state parks and recreation areas, including trails and campgrounds, but must be kept on a leash of six feet or less or confined. Individual parks can post stricter rules — check signage on arrival.
Rules verified July 2026 via iowadnr.gov. More: Iowa state parks guide · Dog rules in all 50 states compared
Park Location
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