Best RV Parks near Carter Lake, IA

Are you planning an RV camping trip to Carter Lake? We've got you covered. Find the best information on RV campgrounds near Carter Lake, including sites, reviews, and tips. These scenic and easy-to-reach Carter Lake campsites are perfect for RV campers.

Best RV Sites Near Carter Lake, IA (90)

Showing results 1-10 of 90 campgrounds

Recent RV Reviews In Carter Lake

427 Reviews of 90 Carter Lake Campgrounds


  • RThe Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Jones Pond
    Nov. 4, 2024

    Jones Pond

    Hidden Gem

    Very quiet and peaceful place I have been there few times and I never see anyone else around. There is no bathroom or drinking water so make sure you are ready for that. October is a very colorful time of the year very peaceful the pond for what I heard isn’t a good place for fishing but just a mile away there is a hunting park highly recommend it

  • O
    Camper-submitted photo from Little Rivers Edge
    Oct. 10, 2024

    Little Rivers Edge

    Amazing stay!

    Had a great night here, the area is beautiful. Had to stop to admire the corn fields in the sunrise on the way out. Owner is lovely and kind. Electrical amenities are prime for anyone with an RV, but as a tent camper, I enjoyed our stay!

  • Pat V.
    Camper-submitted photo from Lake Wanahoo State Recreation Area
    Oct. 4, 2024

    Lake Wanahoo State Recreation Area

    Quiet and relaxed weekend

    It’s been a few years since we stayed at Lake Wanahoo, but we decided to stay there over our anniversary weekend. The place is still great, and this time of year it was very quiet and peaceful.

    I was able to fish at the lake, we used the trails for walking and biking. Being close to town allowed us to have a great anniversary dinner at a steakhouse!

    We are definitely going to be using it more!

  • Lynn J.
    Camper-submitted photo from Syracuse City
    Oct. 3, 2024

    Syracuse City

    Perfect for a traveling camper

    We stayed the first week in October. We were the only campers in the campground. We found 30 and 50 amp power pedestals. We stayed beside a pavilion with a water hydrant. The pavilion has several picnic tables and 20 amp outlets. It's in a treed area with a nice playground. The whole area is very flat. Leveling was a breeze. The entrance was a little bit confusing. There is a pay box at the edge of the parking box. The bathrooms were locked, but being self contained, we wouldn't have used them. I'm sure we will be staying here again.

  • B
    Camper-submitted photo from Hitchcock County Nature Center
    Sep. 19, 2024

    Hitchcock County Nature Center

    Meh, for tent camping

    Stopped overnight in late August. Did not want to drag our gear up/down a hill to the tent campsites in the lower loop. Paid more to stay in the upper RV loop where we listened to a neighbor's generator all night. Pretty buggy. Showers/toilets okay. Note there are at least 2 railroads running nearby in the wee hours of the morning. Also, this is on the flight path for jets leaving (I assume) the Omaha airport. Not a restful night--won't be back.

  • K
    Camper-submitted photo from Platte River State Park
    Sep. 16, 2024

    Platte River State Park

    Just one night

    If you don’t mind lugging your stuff to your tent spot, it’s primitive, no frills camping at its finest! We chose the closest spot to the vault toilets. There are only 4. It’s a bit off the beaten path but we got to enjoy the beautiful horses. Bonus!

  • Jason G.
    Camper-submitted photo from Military Park Camp Ashland Campground
    Sep. 14, 2024

    Military Park Camp Ashland Campground

    Unimpressed

    I planned an event at this military installation because of pricing and being a gated community.  The prices are good and the overall area is clean but the reason for the rating given is below:

    Due to this being a military site with a managed gate, ID or authorization roster is required...I submitted and got my roster approved within the allotted time only to find out that it was not shared with the gate guards so no one was being let in.  The keys for each facility had issues like broken locks or no pin code given for the key system to even get the keys.  The cabins are nice but not very well cleaned and the emergency phone number that is provided is a great feature although no one answered it. 

    If you find yourself looking for a venue for your event, pass on this one.  Too much hassle for the money saved.  I wish the state of Nebraska could figure out how to hire competent people to manage their facilities.

  • Danni A.
    Camper-submitted photo from Waubonsie State Park
    Aug. 11, 2024

    Waubonsie State Park

    Quiet and Peaceful

    This park was a great place to head to and unplug for a weekend. We camped in the area without hookups, so we pretty much had that area to ourselves. The area with hookups was somewhat crowded. The bathrooms and shower were clean. Water is easily accessible. The park is small, and we didn't find much to do other than a few hikes. 

    There are signs in the bathrooms warning of the raccoons. These signs are not exaggerating. We had a raccoon at our campsite trying to steal our food while we were there, like the raccoon was less than 10 feet from humans during mid-day.

  • Wanda E.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Victorian Acres RV Park & Campground
    Jul. 29, 2024

    Victorian Acres RV Park & Campground

    Great Place to Stay

    We arrived later in the day finding our spot was easy. The camp ground staff were very nice and friendly. The grounds were beautifully groomed. They amenities such as showers and bathrooms were clean and decorated cute. It was quiet and relaxing. We were able to get a good nights rest before hitting the road again. We would highly recommend.

  • C
    Camper-submitted photo from Lake Manawa State Park [Permanently CLOSED]
    Jul. 26, 2024

    Lake Manawa State Park [Permanently CLOSED]

    Not great for tents

    This campsite seems nice, but with blaring Omaha heat and no trees, the heat here is absolutely brutal. It was mid July and still 96 degrees at 7:00pm, so I ended up leaving knowing it would be too hot for a comfortable night sleep. Beautiful view of the lake and short walk to the swimming beach.

  • AThe Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Lancaster Event Center
    Jul. 22, 2024

    Lancaster Event Center

    Nice quick stop-close to 80

    Pulled in late off of 80 looking for somewhere to sleep for a few hours. Quick, easy, mostly quiet as long as you don’t mind trains. Didn’t use electric but it was there. Happy to see 10-20 other campers, but not at all crowded.

  • Randall K.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Bluffs Run RV Park at Horseshoe Casino
    Jul. 19, 2024

    Bluffs Run RV Park at Horseshoe Casino

    Simple, easy and free

    Great spot! Easy on/off. Was $45 for overnight with amenities.

    We opted for the free stay which was great. Nice, flat parking lot with other rv’s and tractor trailers off to the side.

    Slept great. Used the casino bathrooms and really liked it for a free overnight. Casino is fun too!

    Would def stay here again. Felt very safe and well lit. Noise was minimal and only came from the tractor trailers. If I had parked at the other end I wouldn’t have even heard it.

    Got take out from Modern Love to bring back. Molo is amazing - all vegan and most GF too. Never pass through Omaha without a visit there. Great way to end the night.

  • W
    Camper-submitted photo from Memphis Lake  State Rec Area
    Jul. 17, 2024

    Memphis Lake State Rec Area

    Nice simple campground

    Don’t forget the day use fee it’s $14 a day for out of state and seven dollars in state A decent number of mosquitoes on my visit in July in the evening

  • SThe Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Hitchcock County Nature Center
    Jul. 5, 2024

    Hitchcock County Nature Center

    Amazing!!

    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. Even the pit toilets were spotless and didn’t smell. The hosts went around several times a day collecting trash and even mopping the pit bathrooms. Camping here also gives you access to the playground and nature trails into some beautiful countryside. The only downside is bring several bottles of bugspray, the mosquitos are terrible!

  • Madison H.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Arrowhead Park Pottawattamie County Park
    Jul. 5, 2024

    Arrowhead Park Pottawattamie County Park

    10 out of 10

    This was the perfect place for us — just passing through on our way out to Wyoming. This camp ground is awesome all around — especially for tent campers. Absolutely beautiful views of the lake and so many open camp sites even on the 4th of July. I wish we could have spent more time here.

  • C
    Camper-submitted photo from Eugene T. Mahoney State Park
    Jun. 20, 2024

    Eugene T. Mahoney State Park

    Great stay passing through

    Populated but spacious. Friendly staff. Lots of greenery and trees. Only stayed one night but the list of activities seemed great. Safe, relaxing place. Bathrooms and showers could use some work but I was happy for a warm shower after traveling so long. Highway and trains can be heard from a distance but I found it soothing.

  • AUDREY S.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Weeping Water
    Jun. 18, 2024

    Weeping Water

    Stopped for RV dump only

    Did not stop to Camp!!, only dumped my tanks and filled up water. Wish I would’ve stayed. Looks like a very well done out-of-the-way and quaint park. $20 for dumping, or camping and dumping, seven dollars for tent campers.

  • a
    Camper-submitted photo from Arrowhead Park Pottawattamie County Park
    Jun. 15, 2024

    Arrowhead Park Pottawattamie County Park

    Perfect getaway

    Perfect place to get away for the weekend. Grounds are clean bathrooms are clean. Shout out to Dave the park ranger for being very generous. We drove from Davenport to stay here for Father’s Day weekend and we will definitely be back. You also can tent camp right next to the water as well. Love it!

  • Michael M.
    Camper-submitted photo from Two Rivers State Recreation Area
    Jun. 9, 2024

    Two Rivers State Recreation Area

    Quick getaway to nature

    A short drive from Omaha, two rivers offers generally clean TV and tent camping sites across multiple campgrounds. I camped right by the river. Also a short walk to the outhouse and playground. Fun and quick trip if you’re in the Omaha area. My boys (4&7) loved it.

  • DThe Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Lake Cunningham Campground
    May. 7, 2024

    Lake Cunningham Campground

    Nice for Glamping

    Nice site for a tent camper passing through, beginner adventurers, glampers, or a family staycation.  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.  I was there in September and it was not crowded at all.  Tent sites are primitive.  New roads leading into the park.

  • C
    Camper-submitted photo from Czechland Lake Recreation Area
    May. 5, 2024

    Czechland Lake Recreation Area

    Great first come first serve campground

    This is a nice small campground that is well taken care of. We stayed at site number 8 which may be one of the more unlevel spots. The passenger side of our 5th wheel was about 7" lower than driver side and rear of fifth wheel was about 3" lower than front before we levelled out. 

    Pros:

    -Well maintained walking trails that are perfect for dogs

    -Most sites have 30 and 50 amp hookups

    -Fire rings and picnic tables at most sites

    -$18 a night for electric hookups

    -Quiet

    Cons:

    -Some sites are very unlevel  

    -No water or dump station

  • Paula C.
    Camper-submitted photo from Bluffs Run RV Park at Horseshoe Casino
    May. 5, 2024

    Bluffs Run RV Park at Horseshoe Casino

    Great Free Stop

    We called the casino & they told us we could park in the lot for free. If you want electricity & ahowers, you can pay. We just needed a place to sleep as there are not a lot of campgrounds here. Highway was a bit noisy and a distant train was heard twice through the night. No one bothered us which was all we needed! Got a shower at a nearby truck stop. Big open lot with lots of space. Also had a dumpter I made use of (small bag of car trash).

  • Steve G.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Riverview Marina  State Rec Area
    Apr. 24, 2024

    Riverview Marina State Rec Area

    Small Riverside Campground

    Getting there: A winding drive through Nebraska City to the River’s Edge. 

    Check in and staff: None 

    Amenities: Few Bathrooms: clean, well kept 

    Sites: Mostly open, very little shade. Campground is right on the banks of the Missouri River.

  • Cire C.
    Camper-submitted photo from Pottawattamie County Fairgrounds
    Mar. 2, 2024

    Pottawattamie County Fairgrounds

    Overnight or Long Term

    We have been coming to this campground every year. They have recently open during the winter which is great because not many campground are open during this time. Steve is such a great guy who is always looking out for you.



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 RV campsite near Carter Lake, IA?

    According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular RV campground near Carter Lake, IA is Hitchcock County Nature Center with a 4.7-star rating from 29 reviews.

  • What is the best site to find RV camping near Carter Lake, IA?

    TheDyrt.com has all 90 RV camping locations near Carter Lake, IA, with real photos and reviews from campers.