Best Camping near Council Bluffs, IA
Camping near Council Bluffs, Iowa
Camping near Council Bluffs, Iowa, offers a diverse range of experiences for outdoor enthusiasts. Whether you're looking for a peaceful retreat in nature or a family-friendly campground with plenty of amenities, the area has something to offer. From established campgrounds with full hookups to more rustic sites perfect for tent camping, you'll find a variety of options to suit your needs.
In this guide, we'll explore some of the top campgrounds near Council Bluffs, highlighting what campers like, what you should know, and tips for making the most of your camping trip. We'll also share insights from fellow campers to give you a better idea of what to expect.
What to do
The campgrounds around Council Bluffs offer a variety of activities to keep you entertained. Whether you enjoy hiking, fishing, or simply relaxing by the campfire, there's something for everyone.
For those who love hiking, Hitchcock County Nature Center is a great choice. Amber M. mentioned, "Tent sites are spacious and most are separated by lots of trees so there's plenty of shade, privacy, and wildlife. Firewood is available and hiking trails are nearby." Louisville State Recreation Area also offers a peaceful setting with wooded sites and open lawns, perfect for a relaxing stroll or a more vigorous hike.
Fishing enthusiasts will enjoy Lake Cunningham Campground, which features a large lake stocked with fish. Dana T. shared, "The entire park is well maintained, has a large lake stocked with fish, tent sites are close together, but tolerable."
What campers like
Campers appreciate the clean facilities, friendly staff, and the variety of amenities available at the campgrounds near Council Bluffs. Many campgrounds offer electric hookups, clean bathrooms, and well-maintained sites.
At West Omaha / NE Lincoln KOA Holiday, Steve B. noted, "The bathrooms & laundry room are clean, a little outdated. The pull-through sites seem to be all gravel/stone. Our back-in site had a patio, fire pit, and nice patio furniture." Similarly, Hitchcock County Nature Center received high praise from Char S., who said, "Nice clean bathhouse and restrooms. Lots of hiking trails and even hiking sticks."
Campers also enjoy the peaceful atmosphere and the opportunity to connect with nature. Lee L. mentioned about Louisville State Recreation Area, "The place is huge and sprawling, with wooded sites and open lawn. Friendly and peaceful and definitely one we'll go back to."
What you should know
While there are many positives to camping near Council Bluffs, there are a few things you should be aware of to ensure a smooth trip. Some campgrounds have issues with noise, mosquitoes, and limited privacy.
At Louisville State Recreation Area, Lee L. warned, "This is one of my top 3 for mosquitoes. Those things are relentless and not at all scared by deet. The only thing that surpassed them is the poison ivy that grows everywhere." Additionally, Mary M. pointed out, "The train tracks were less than 100 feet from our site with train traffic all night long."
Tent campers at West Omaha / NE Lincoln KOA Holiday should be cautious, as Cjak118 noted, "The tent sites seem to have been an afterthought of the planning they have little to no shade/shade, no privacy and a very busy roadway quite close to them with nothing to separate them."
Tips for camping with families
Camping with families can be a rewarding experience, and the campgrounds near Council Bluffs offer plenty of family-friendly amenities and activities. Look for campgrounds with playgrounds, clean facilities, and spacious sites to ensure a comfortable stay.
Arrowhead Park Campground is a great option for families. Carole mentioned, "There were plenty of pit toilets around and they were very clean. The grounds offer plenty of mowed trails to walk about which we enjoyed a lot with our dogs over the weekend." Similarly, Lake Cunningham Campground offers a variety of activities for kids, including fishing and paddleboard rentals. Connor S. shared, "Fishing, paddleboard rentals, and a park are a few things to do. Awesome place!"
For a more secluded experience, consider Hitchcock County Nature Center. Amber M. noted, "Tent sites are spacious and most are separated by lots of trees so there's plenty of shade, privacy, and wildlife."
Tips from RVers
RVers will find plenty of options for camping near Council Bluffs, with many campgrounds offering full hookups, spacious sites, and easy access to amenities. Here are some tips from fellow RVers to help you make the most of your stay.
At Lake Cunningham Campground, James H. shared, "A relative's driveway would've been free, but here we got a level pull-thru spot and the encouragement and advice of a kind camp host as we got our tanks washed through and drained. Slips are nicely spaced apart from each other."
Walnut Creek Lake & Recreation Area is another great option for RVers. Jake C. mentioned, "The campground hosts were great and informed on the area. The potable water is spread out across the campground but I only had to make a few trips with my 6-gal jugs during my 2-week stay."
For those looking for a more luxurious experience, West Omaha / NE Lincoln KOA Holiday offers premium sites with amenities like patios, fire pits, and nice patio furniture. Bea shared, "We stayed in site# 89. It was HEAVEN! Not only was it paved, but also had a huge patio with a table and Adirondack chairs, and a fire pit with additional seating."
Camping near Council Bluffs, Iowa, offers a variety of experiences for all types of campers. Whether you're looking for a peaceful retreat, a family-friendly campground, or a convenient spot for your RV, you'll find plenty of options to choose from. With clean facilities, friendly staff, and a range of activities, you're sure to have a memorable camping trip.
