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Best Campgrounds near Carter Lake, IA

484 Reviews

Carter Lake, Iowa sits at the crossroads of Iowa and Nebraska, with camping options spanning both states within a short drive. The area features a mix of state parks, county recreation areas, and private campgrounds that accommodate various camping styles. Hitchcock County Nature Center, located in nearby Honey Creek, offers tent sites, RV hookups, and cabins with access to unique Loess Hills trails. Lake Cunningham Campground in Omaha provides lakeside camping with yurts and glamping options from April through October. Arrowhead Park Campground in Neola and Lake Manawa State Park in Council Bluffs round out the public camping options within 30 minutes of Carter Lake.

Seasonal considerations significantly impact camping availability in the region. Most campgrounds operate from April through October, though some like Walnut Creek Lake & Recreation Area remain open year-round. Winter camping is possible but limited, with one camper noting, "It appears not many people camp in Iowa in February. We had the campground to ourselves." The Missouri River floodplain has historically affected campgrounds in the area, with some parks experiencing closures or damage during high water years. Reservations are recommended during summer months when lakeside sites fill quickly, especially on weekends. Cell service varies by provider, with Verizon generally offering the strongest coverage across most campgrounds.

Campers consistently praise the water recreation opportunities throughout the area. Fishing is popular at most locations, with multiple shoreline access points and boat ramps available. "The fishing is pretty darn good on this lake," noted one reviewer about a nearby recreation area. Trail systems connect many campgrounds to scenic overlooks and wildlife viewing areas. The unique Loess Hills formations provide distinctive hiking experiences, with one visitor remarking, "The land formations are one of only two in the world, how about that Iowa." County parks often receive high marks for cleanliness and value, with one camper stating, "If you're traveling down I-80 in West Iowa and want a beautiful, inexpensive county park to stay at, there isn't a better choice."

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Best Camping Sites Near Carter Lake, Iowa (103)

    1. Hitchcock County Nature Center

    30 Reviews
    Honey Creek, IA
    9 miles
    Website
    +1 (712) 328-5833

    $10 - $50 / night

    "I pulled in late at night easy to navigate stayed the next day and did some trails apparently the land formations are 1 of only 2 in the world how about that Iowa."

    "We camp all the time at different locations, and I 100% recommend this campground! The hosts are so polite and helpful and they keep the place immaculate."

    2. Walnut Creek Lake & Recreation Area

    18 Reviews
    Papillion, NE
    13 miles
    Website
    +1 (402) 592-8877

    $20 / night

    "There is a large paved path that goes all the way around the lake, while also connecting to the greater trail system  in the Omaha metro area.  There are singletrack trails available too. "

    "The location is great - 20-30 min from everything Omaha has to offer. The campground is spacious, affordable ($16/night), and has great reception with ATT and Verizon."

    3. Lake Cunningham Campground

    10 Reviews
    Omaha, NE
    8 miles
    Website
    +1 (531) 201-5754

    $15 - $40 / night

    "The lake is right there, with a nice bike path that comes all the way around."

    "Lake Cunningham is a fun destination for getting outside if you only have an afternoon to escape! The lake itself is great for kayaking, paddle boarding, and sailing!"

    4. Lake Manawa State Park Campground

    11 Reviews
    Council Bluffs, IA
    7 miles
    Website
    +1 (712) 366-0220

    $20 - $38 / night

    "Our confirmation email included precise directions from I-29, with an interstate sign confirming the turn for Lake Manawa State Park, and provided the gate code for access."

    "Lake manawa is a nice lake, dream park is a fun playground for kids!"

    5. Bluffs Run RV Park at Horseshoe Casino

    7 Reviews
    Council Bluffs, IA
    4 miles
    Website
    +1 (712) 329-6000

    $40 - $50 / night

    "Very convenient location close to lots of shopping and the convention center."

    6. Arrowhead Park Campground

    20 Reviews
    Honey Creek, IA
    19 miles
    Website
    +1 (712) 485-2295

    "Our family and another family shared a primitive tent site near the back of the park. We were first and foremost impressed with the freedom we had in choosing our site."

    "I like that you can tent camp anywhere in the Camp area down by the lake with all your friends close by. the trails and playground equipment is nice and the fishing is great!"

    7. Cunningham Lake Dam Site 11 Campground

    5 Reviews
    Omaha, NE
    8 miles
    Website

    "Great location, not too close to the lake so not a lot of bugs to bother."

    "Each site is equipped with a fire ring and many of the locations have a picnic table. There are a couple of the spots right along side the lake."

    8. Haworth City Park

    8 Reviews
    Bellevue, NE
    11 miles
    Website
    +1 (402) 293-3122

    "Nice quiet campground away from the hustle and bustle yet close to city for anything forgotten."

    "Well,, it was alright, loud because of the toll bridge next to park, sites were close together, level, fire pits, picnic tables, electric, water and a dump station, stayed 3 days to visit family,, $20"

    9. West Omaha / NE Lincoln KOA Holiday

    29 Reviews
    Gretna, NE
    22 miles
    Website
    +1 (402) 332-3010

    "The campground itself was fine and very convenient in location to vIsIt famIly."

    "The site was situated such that our "good side" was facing the trees, away from the rest of the campground. We have a 43' 5th Wheel plus our truck, and there was plenty of space."

    10. Eugene T. Mahoney State Park Campground

    47 Reviews
    Ashland, NE
    28 miles
    Website
    +1 (402) 944-2523

    $25 - $475 / night

    "The campground was a nice change of scenery from all the farmland and corn we had to endure in Iowa and in the rest of Nebraska."

    "As full-time campers we stay at Mahoney quite often as it is close to the Omaha-metro and there are so many things to do within the park: swimming, golf, zip lines, arts & crafts, trails, nature, horses"

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Recent Camping Photos near Carter Lake, IA

89 Photos of 103 Carter Lake Campgrounds

Recent Reviews near Carter Lake, IA

484 Reviews of 103 Carter Lake Campgrounds

Guide to Carter Lake

Camping near Carter Lake, Iowa, offers a mix of beautiful scenery and fun activities for everyone. Whether you're looking for a peaceful getaway or an adventure-filled weekend, there are plenty of campgrounds to choose from.

What to do:

  • Hiking and Trails: Explore the scenic trails around the area. Campers have enjoyed the "nice walking trails and facilities" at Eugene T. Mahoney State Park Campground, making it a great spot for families.
  • Water Activities: Enjoy paddle boating and swimming at Platte River State Park Campground. One visitor mentioned, "We went paddle boating, swimming, and horseback riding," highlighting the variety of water activities available.
  • Wildlife Watching: Keep an eye out for local wildlife. A camper at Branched Oak Lake State Rec Area noted, "We were right on the shores of the lake," which made for a relaxing experience with nature.

What campers like:

  • Clean Facilities: Many campers appreciate well-maintained restrooms and showers. One reviewer at Camp A Way Campground said, "Everyone that works here is so friendly. They have nice shower and bathrooms along with laundry facilities."
  • Family-Friendly Activities: Campgrounds like West Omaha / NE Lincoln KOA Holiday offer plenty of activities for kids. A visitor mentioned, "Looked like a lot to do for the kids."
  • Spacious Campsites: Campers enjoy having enough space between sites. A review for Louisville State Recreation Area noted, "The drive-up sites have nice mature shade trees and were spaced for privacy."

What you should know:

  • Noise Levels: Some campgrounds can be noisy due to nearby highways or train tracks. A camper at Pawnee State Recreation Area mentioned, "With a large amount of active train tracks... this place is the opposite of peaceful."
  • Mosquitoes: Be prepared for mosquitoes, especially in the summer. A visitor at Hitchcock County Nature Center warned, "The only downside is bring several bottles of bug spray; the mosquitoes are terrible!"
  • Fees: Some campgrounds charge additional fees for amenities. A camper at Pawnee State Recreation Area noted, "It costs nearly as much as a site in a national park with the out-of-state permit."

Tips for camping with families:

  • Choose Family-Friendly Campgrounds: Look for campgrounds with playgrounds and activities for kids. One parent at Platte River State Park Campground said, "The playgrounds are the nicest I have ever seen!"
  • Plan for Meals: Bring easy-to-cook meals or snacks. A camper at Camp A Way Campground mentioned, "Good internet and very helpful staff," which can help with meal planning.
  • Pack Outdoor Games: Bring games for the family to enjoy outside. A visitor at Louisville State Recreation Area appreciated the "well-kept, clean and friendly" environment for family activities.

Tips from RVers:

  • Check Site Sizes: Make sure the campground can accommodate your RV size. A camper at West Omaha / NE Lincoln KOA Holiday noted, "The pull-through sites seem to be all gravel/stone."
  • Look for Full Hookups: Many RVers prefer campgrounds with full hookups. A visitor at Camp A Way Campground mentioned, "Very nice campground. Kiddo's friendly."
  • Be Mindful of Noise: Choose sites away from busy roads. A camper at Pawnee State Recreation Area said, "The location is beautiful but the restrooms were the worst I’ve ever seen."

Camping near Carter Lake, Iowa, has something for everyone, from families to RV enthusiasts. Just remember to plan ahead and enjoy the great outdoors!

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is the most popular campground near Carter Lake, IA?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Carter Lake, IA is Hitchcock County Nature Center with a 4.7-star rating from 30 reviews.

What parks are near Carter Lake, IA?

According to TheDyrt.com, there are 6 parks near Carter Lake, IA that allow camping, notably Bankhead National Forest and Chugach National Forest.

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