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Best Campgrounds near Carter Lake, IA

493 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."

Map showing campgrounds near Carter Lake, IowaExplore the Map

Best Camping Sites Near Carter Lake, Iowa (104)

    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

    19 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 Manawa State Park Campground

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

    $20 - $38 / night

    "Lakeside locations are quite well spaced with a panoramic Lake view. small restroom and shower pair with unisex entry. Quite spartan, but relatively clean."

    "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."

    4. 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!"

    5. Bluffs Run RV Park at Horseshoe Casino

    8 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

90 Photos of 104 Carter Lake Campgrounds

Recent Reviews near Carter Lake, IA

493 Reviews of 104 Carter Lake Campgrounds

  • Susan W.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 13, 2025

    Bluffs Run RV Park at Horseshoe Casino

    Road to Mackinac

    Just an overnight on our way to Michigan. Yeah it's a parking lot! Visited family just in the NE side of the river. Water and electric, not a bad price. Interstate was RIGHT THERE..... but the noise of our AC downed it out! 😎 Showers were low pressure and could have been better maintained.

  • wayne H.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 11, 2025

    Waubonsie State Park Campground

    Over looking the Missouri River

    This is a very nice and clean spot to camp for a bit. They have great hiking and bike trails. If you go make sure you hike over to the sunset viewpoint that looks out to the West.

  • LThe Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 11, 2025

    Lake Manawa State Park Campground

    Nice metro campground

    Large concrete pads with patio and permanently mounted mesh steel picnic table with a fire pit grill on the corner.. Lakeside locations are quite well spaced with a panoramic Lake view. small restroom and shower pair with unisex entry. Quite spartan, but relatively clean. Trees surround the campground, but none provide any campground shade. Entry gate code required, which provides some security. all amenities are available within a limited distance. Some lake activity noises during the day, and depending upon wind, some aircraft traffic, otherwise very quiet.

  • AThe Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 11, 2025

    Fremont Lakes State Recreation Area Tent Campsites

    Great state rec area

    Impressive recreation area. Campsites on and off of the water, all very nice. Lots of walking and bike riding. Very woodsy feeling through the whole park and a nice bicycle trail that leaves the park and winds out to Hormel Park on the Platte River.

  • Trav S.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 10, 2025

    Walnut Creek Lake & Recreation Area

    Sewer Dump Available

    This is a very cool park in Papillion, Nebraska!

    It also has a sewer dump site for $5 (if you're not camping). See the camp host to pay.

  • Allison B.
    Aug. 20, 2025

    Pine Grove RV Park & Campground

    Fantastic campground in ideal location

    We have camped here for the past three summers and will continue to come back for as long as we can.  Word to the wise: ignore any reviews prior to July 2023. That's when the new owners took over and have been making updates and improvements from day 1. We love the friendly staff, the onsite cafe, and the beautiful pool.  The owners take great care of the pool, so our grandkids come out and swim with us whenever they can.  So. many campground pools are a bit scary, but not this one.  

    We also love the front row seat to fabulous sunsets.  Some people complain about the I-80 noise, but it really varies. We never hear it when we are inside our motorhome.  Some evenings it is pretty loud outside and others we can barely hear it. It's worth it either way because we can hop on the interstate so quickly and be in Lincoln or Omaha in a snap.  

    Love this place!

  • Holly M.The Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 13, 2025

    Schildberg Recreation Area

    Didn't care

    We couldn't even get a return phone call for availability. We are seniors been travelling for months and driving almost 300 miles today. Pretty bad when you can't get a 2 minute call. Disappointed in this campgrounds protocol.

  • Stacy D.
    Aug. 3, 2025

    Czechland Lake Recreation Area

    Perfect little campground

    Czechland is a gem with 11 campsites walk-up only for $20 a night with 30/50 amp. Pay with your phone with QR code scan to pay so no need to have cash or check. There is a water fill and lake to kayak and use non-motorized boats.

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

Are there RV facilities at Carter Lake trailer park?

Yes, Carter Lake trailer park offers RV facilities. While specific details for Carter Lake are limited, nearby Glenwood Lake Park provides approximately 20 sites with full hookups for RVs. Similarly, Pine Grove RV Park & Campground offers clean facilities specifically designed for RVs, making it a convenient option when traveling through Iowa and Nebraska. Most RV parks in this region provide standard amenities like electric hookups, water access, and dump stations.

How much does it cost to stay at Carter Lake trailer park?

Camping costs at Carter Lake trailer park are comparable to other facilities in the region. At Lake Manawa State Park Campground, you can expect to pay standard Iowa state park rates, which typically range from $16-$25 per night for electric sites. Arrowhead Park Campground offers similar pricing for its reservable sites with hookups. Many Iowa campgrounds also charge additional fees for entrance permits, which may be daily or annual, depending on your needs.

What activities are available at Carter Lake trailer park?

Carter Lake trailer park offers various outdoor recreational opportunities. Similar to Prairie Rose State Park Campground, you can enjoy fishing, hiking on multiple trails, and lake activities. The area likely features playgrounds for children, picnic areas, and wildlife viewing. At Pierce Creek Rec Area, visitors enjoy a quiet lake with jumping fish, access to hiking, biking, and horse trails, plus day-use areas with grills and picnic tables. The region generally offers scenic natural areas perfect for photography and relaxation.

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