2 campgrounds with availability this weekend
Two Rivers State Recreation Area and Lake Cunningham Campground provide the premier glamping options near Carter Lake, Iowa, with top-rated glamping campsites featuring climate-controlled accommodations, real beds with linens, and private outdoor spaces. Visitors can enjoy the luxury of staying in yurts at Two Rivers SRA, which include electricity, comfortable beds, and private outdoor spaces for relaxation. The glamping sites at Lake Cunningham offer similar upscale amenities while maintaining a connection to nature. One guest shared, "Nice site for glampers or a family staycation. The entire park is well maintained, has a large lake stocked with fish, and new roads leading into the park." These accommodations typically include amenities rarely found in traditional camping, such as real beds with linens, climate control systems, and access to modern bathrooms with hot showers.
Hiking trails winding through the Loess Hills provide a scenic backdrop for glamping adventures at Hitchcock Nature Center, where luxury outdoor stays are complemented by educational opportunities at the interactive nature center. The area's glamping tents and yurt rentals serve as ideal baselines for exploring the Missouri River valley, with several sites offering panoramic views of the Omaha skyline. Seasonal activities enhance the experience, with fishing, kayaking, and paddleboarding available at Lake Cunningham. According to a camper, "The lake and grounds are beautiful. Love the new East lots with full access and concrete pads. Tons of room between spots." Most glamping facilities remain open from April through October, though West Omaha KOA Holiday offers year-round luxury accommodations for those seeking winter glamping experiences.
"Bathroom was clean, lit, and stocked - even had hand sanitizer! RV loops had flush toilets and showers, but we didn’t stay long enough to make the trek worth it."
"Best campground shower I've ever had in my life, both in water pressure, heat and cleanliness of facilities. Be aware that it's first come first served."
from $10 - $50 / night
"The entire park is well maintained, has a large lake stocked with fish, tent sites are close together, but tolerable. Occupancy depends on the time of year. "
"On a beautiful lake with many recreational possibilities - kayaking, sailing non power boating - some for rent. 10 miles of paved bike trails and ALL paved campsites level and clean!"
from $15 - $40 / night
"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"
"Currently flooded, but should be ready for 2019"
"Very friendly and helpful staff. The bathrooms & laundry room are clean,a little outdated. The pull through sites seem to be all gravel/stone."
"Not only was it paved, but also had a huge patio with a table and Adirondack chairs, and a fire pit with additional seating."
"Tents, cabins and RV camping. Toilets, showers, fire rings. There is a small lake with paddle boats and kayaks for rent. They have a pool and dining hall for rent."
"New appliances, new furniture, fixtures, new bunk beds, etc. The cabin was very clean and organized upon arrival. They supply most everything thing you need i.e. dishes, cookware, etc."
Available this weekend
from $340 / night
"A few vault toilets are scattered around the park, but there are no shower facilities. Nearby is a small lake along with a nature center. Park is within a valley with lots of shade trees."
"It is right next to a busy railroad, but we cranked up our fans and barely noticed the trains and their horns."
"Besides the traffic noise because it's close to the hwy, the train passed at night like 4 or 5 times, so have that in mind if you light sleep."
"There are several camping areas, divided into “sub sections”, my favorite place is the cottonwood division (not water hookups but electricity ones work just fine!"
"There's also a cute concession store with a great breakfast. Last time I was here, there was a drunk buffoon loudly carrying on late into the night."
Campground full this weekend
Get a text when availablefrom $25 / night
"Just a few mins off I-80 but no noise or signs of heavytraffic. Cute, quaint little town. All pull through spots and all sites are level."
"Electric, water and sewer available. Bathroom and shower were clean. But old style, so small and well worn."
"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. "
"Convenient location right off the highway, but with that you do get the noise. Has a playground and pool as will as a convenience store. Bathrooms and showers were clean."
from $27 - $55 / night
ScoutWe stayed here March - June this year. The staff was always friendly and helpful, and there have been many upgrades done to the park. Would be happy to stay there again if we’re back in the area.
GuideWe were coming into town for the College World Series and intended to stay at Arrowhead. I called ahead and talked to a kind gentleman who let me know that Arrowhead would likely be full, but the fairgrounds would surely have space. With 24-hour self check-in, it was a perfect solution. Twenty-five minutes from Omaha and full, pull-through hook ups made this a solid stop over.
RangerCamp spots are close together and not private. But it's a beautiful spot with lots of hiking trails. Bathrooms are spotless and the host is super nice.
Scout•Turned of my water off in the winter time while it was in the negatives outside which froze my water and busted my water heater.
•quiet time is after 9 but we’re trying to make guests leave before 6
•their water line busted and they refused to reimburse multiple people for the 5 days we all went without water
•You can’t sit your trash out AT ALL, not even in the bed of your truck cause the dozens of stray cats will rip it apart and scatter it everywhere. They will also tear up your camper underneath looking for warmth
•owner saw me taking the trash out one day and offered to take it then turned around and told me I was to lazy to take it
•had 2 friends and their 3 kids come join us for a cookout and the owners pulled up in their golf cart, freaking out about how loud our “party” was and that the our new neighbors complained. Went to go apologize the next day and the neighbors said they didn’t even hear us.
•kept trying to up charge me on rent and electricity, one month my electric was $53 and the next month it was over $300 (the same month I wasn’t even there for 2 weeks)
•multiple blue collar workers left because the owners were treating them the same way
•they have a nice pool. If you want to invite anybody make sure you got extra money cause they’ll charge you whatever they feel like charging you that day. Went from $3 a person to $5 a person in just 2 days
•claim they’re Christians but refuse to you help in any way and will try to get as much money from you as they can
•••••••CHECK YOUR METER••••••••• when I left they tried saying my electric bill was higher than my deposit of $300 but when I told them I took a picture of the meter and how their price didn’t match the amount of kilowatts I had used (15 cents per kw) they sent me my deposit back
All this coming from someone who stayed here for 6 months and finally had enough
GuideDid some backcountry camping at the Badger Ridge location, overall the stay was great! The park has multiple hike-in backcountry locations, tent camping spots near the road, RV pads with water and electric, as well as a few small cabins. The scenery is amazing! The shower house was also clean and well maintained.
TravelerThis is actually the Windsor Cove Campground within Haworth Park in Belleview, Nebraska. It is an older campground but near the river, walking trails, and close to all the amenities of Nearby Omaha (aprox. 25 minutes to downtown). I visited in Mid May and the park was about 25 percent full. The camp host is great and I would definitely visit again.
RangerThe areas for tent camping are poorly situated and not worth paying for imho. They have a pit toilet and a water spigot nearby, but that doesn’t make it worth the noise and amount of random local traffic circling my through the campground.
ScoutIf you love back packing and hiking this is definitely for you! I feel as if I was a little misinformed about this camping spot. You have to hike kind of a long way to get to your campsite, there are no bathrooms near the campsite and its definitely not family friendly. I definitely should have done more research about this location. The view was beautiful though!
TravelerWe were skeptical about this place but for the most part it was ok. Beautiful sites along the lake. No one there when we got there and no maps to know where to go. Took a while but found the site we had reserved online. Were disappointed by the road noise- there is a major road going down other side of lake and nothing to block the noise. Also no star gazing here as the area across the lake has lots of very bright lights. We went to the toilets and found the vault toilets with just sanitizer and someone else said, but we had also read there was a shower house. Walked around trying to find it (a map would have helped!). Could not find it but luckily there was a person outside there camper that we asked (the place was practically deserted) and they pointed it out to us. Luckily it was only a slightly longer walk than the vaulted toilets. Showers have to be paid for and timed. No hot water in sink, not much place to put towel or toiletries. 4 family rooms. Noticed they were never cleaned while we were there- dirty and bugs.
Glamping around Carter Lake, Iowa provides opportunities to experience the Missouri River valley region with comfortable, climate-controlled accommodations. The area sits at the edge of the Loess Hills, a unique landform of windblown silt deposits found in only two places worldwide - here and in China. Winters can be quite harsh with temperatures often dropping below freezing, while summer days typically reach 80-90°F with moderate humidity.
Hiking in the Loess Hills: Hitchcock Nature Center features diverse trail options for all ability levels. "The hiking is fantastic and offers something for every skill level. There are absolutely gorgeous views of the Missouri River valley below," notes Pat V. The center includes a boardwalk trail suitable for visitors with mobility challenges.
Archery practice: Outdoor target sports are available at Hitchcock Nature Center. "As a family we go to Hitchcock a few times a year for the hiking and the archery range they have on-site. Both are excellent and a nice escape from the city," shares Pat V.
Water activities: Lake Wanahoo State Recreation Area provides water recreation options through warmer months. "Great fishing and kayaking lake! Bike path goes all the way around the lake," reports A H. The recreation area offers boat rentals for visitors without their own equipment.
Secluded campsites: Platte River State Park Campground offers various accommodation options including traditional and walk-in sites. "I love Platte River State Park; there are accommodations for every type of camper - cabins, RV, primitive - hell they even have teepees!" states Jared J.
Nature education programs: Educational opportunities enhance the camping experience at several locations. "They have Nature education events, archery range, a handicapped accessible boardwalk trail, hiking trails, camping, etc. There are miles of trail available with backcountry camping available for $10 per night," explains Pat V. about Hitchcock Nature Center.
Riverfront views: Some sites provide scenic vistas of the Missouri River valley. "My preference is getting one of the campsites on the western edge of the park on top of the ridge. At night you can see the Omaha skyline lit up and the breeze running through there is wonderful," recommends Matt S.
Seasonal availability: Most glamping facilities operate seasonally. "The campgrounds are a little way away from the road and more secluded so they're very quiet. You do have to pack your stuff down a bit of a steep hill," advises Karen W. at Hitchcock Nature Center.
Reservation requirements: Lake Cunningham Campground requires advance planning for prime locations. "I prefer the ones along the water but you have to book early to get one. A special permit is required to camp there," explains A H.
Weather preparedness: The region experiences significant seasonal variation. "There is very little shade available at this campground as it is a man-made area so bring the sunscreen," warns Carly P. about Lake Wanahoo, highlighting a common concern at newer facilities.
Educational opportunities: West Omaha / NE Lincoln KOA Holiday provides dedicated children's activities. "This site is great for any size family. The range of different camping options and amenities is incredible," Sandra O. shares.
Playground access: Multiple campgrounds feature dedicated play areas. "We went to our local KOA for the first time in a few years and we had a blast. Tons of activities (most were free, some with a small cost) and just what we needed," states Pat V.
Swimming options: Water recreation varies by location. "This camp area is not much at all. The spaces are really small, and not really one view of the lake," notes Tony B. about Pony Creek Co Park, suggesting families consider alternative locations for water activities.
Space considerations: Pottawattamie County Fairgrounds offers affordable full-hookup sites. "The sites are easy to access, and it was not full despite being a Friday in July. It is a good price for full hook up, restrooms and showers," Paul M. reports.
Hookup availability: Utility connections vary significantly between locations. "The sites have concrete pads with power, but no water or sewer. There is a fill station on the way in. You can pay $1 for a hot shower in the comfort station, which is very clean," explains Alana R. about Lake Cunningham.
Road access: Some glamping sites require navigation planning. "This is a nice, quiet spot. Lots of trees. The sites are easy to access, and it was not full despite being a Friday in July," reports Paul M. about Pottawattamie County Fairgrounds.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular glamping campsite near Carter Lake, IA?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular glamping campground near Carter Lake, IA is Hitchcock County Nature Center with a 4.6-star rating from 33 reviews.
What is the best site to find glamping camping near Carter Lake, IA?
TheDyrt.com has all 17 glamping camping locations near Carter Lake, IA, with real photos and reviews from campers.
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