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Best Campgrounds near Council Bluffs, IA

489 Reviews

Campers near Council Bluffs have several good spots to choose from within a short drive. Lake Manawa State Park sits just three miles from downtown, with campsites that put you close to the water for fishing trips. If you drive a bit further, Mahoney State Park Campground has hiking trails and a water park that works well for kids. Camp A Way Campground is more basic, with trees providing shade and chances to see wildlife around your site. Many people like Platte River State Park Campground for its views and well-kept bathrooms and facilities. These places all have their own feel depending on what kind of camping trip you want. The weather matters here - summers get hot and sticky, while spring and fall are usually more comfortable for camping. Not many people camp during winter because it gets cold, though some places stay open all year. You'll probably see deer and lots of birds while camping, so keep food stored properly. Weather can change quickly in this area, so bring gear for different conditions. The Council Bluffs area has good options whether you want to camp by water or in the woods.

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Best Camping Sites Near Council Bluffs, Iowa (100)

    1. Hitchcock County Nature Center

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

    $10 - $50 / night

    "If you are in the Omaha metro you should head across the river and checkout Hitchcock Nature Center just North of Council Bluffs. This is one of my favorite places to camp."

    "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."

    2. Lake Manawa State Park Campground

    12 Reviews
    Council Bluffs, IA
    3 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."

    3. Walnut Creek Lake & Recreation Area

    19 Reviews
    Papillion, NE
    14 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."

    4. Bluffs Run RV Park at Horseshoe Casino

    8 Reviews
    Council Bluffs, IA
    2 miles
    Website
    +1 (712) 329-6000

    $40 - $50 / night

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

    5. Haworth City Park

    8 Reviews
    Bellevue, NE
    7 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"

    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. Lake Cunningham Campground

    10 Reviews
    Omaha, NE
    13 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!"

    8. Louisville State Recreation Area Campground

    29 Reviews
    Louisville, NE
    23 miles
    Website
    +1 (402) 234-6855

    $15 - $35 / night

    "A HUGE campground with around 250 total sites, with options ranging from walk-in camping tent-only sites to RV areas. There is a 3 decent-size lakes spread evenly across the grounds."

    "A HUGE campground with around 250 total sites, with options ranging from walk-in camping tent-only sites to RV areas. There is a 3 decent-size lakes spread evenly across the grounds."

    9. West Omaha / NE Lincoln KOA Holiday

    29 Reviews
    Gretna, NE
    24 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. Offutt AFB FamCamp

    3 Reviews
    Bellevue, NE
    8 miles
    +1 (402) 294-2108

    "Wide open, no shade trees, next to Missouri River and 4 stars for rv camping. Very easy to find with directions posted on this site. Otherwise ... no rv or camper ... turn around."

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Recent Camping Photos near Council Bluffs, IA

89 Photos of 100 Council Bluffs Campgrounds

Recent Reviews near Council Bluffs, IA

489 Reviews of 100 Council Bluffs 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.

  • Abby W.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jul. 20, 2025

    Hitchcock County Nature Center

    Simple Overnight Stay

    Stopped late after a long 12 hour drive. I loved the simple self service process. We picked an open spot, paid, and parked. The facilities were impressively clean and well maintained.

Guide to Council Bluffs

Camping near Council Bluffs, Iowa, offers a variety of experiences for outdoor lovers. From spacious campgrounds to fun activities, there’s something for everyone.

What to do:

  • Hiking and Trails: Many campgrounds have great trails. For example, at Eugene T. Mahoney State Park Campground, visitors enjoy “nice walking trails and facilities” that cater to families.
  • Water Activities: If you love water, check out Branched Oak Lake State Rec Area. Campers have mentioned, “We were right on the shores of the lake,” making it perfect for swimming and fishing.
  • Playgrounds: Kids will love the playgrounds at Platte River State Park Campground. One reviewer said, “The playgrounds are the nicest I have ever seen!”

What campers like:

  • Clean Facilities: Campers appreciate clean restrooms and showers. At Camp A Way Campground, one visitor noted, “They have nice shower and bathrooms along with laundry facilities.”
  • Friendly Staff: Many campgrounds have helpful staff. A reviewer at West Omaha / NE Lincoln KOA Holiday said, “Super friendly staff. Pizza and wings at the office, delivered to your site.”
  • Spacious Sites: Campers enjoy having space. At Louisville State Recreation Area, one camper mentioned, “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. A visitor at Pawnee State Recreation Area shared, “The location is beautiful but the restrooms were the worst I’ve ever seen.”
  • Fees: Be prepared for extra fees. At Platte River State Park Campground, a camper noted, “There is also a $12 park fee that you have to pay in addition to your camping costs.”
  • Mosquitoes: Bugs can be a problem. One camper at Hitchcock County Nature Center warned, “The mosquitos are terrible!”

Tips for camping with families:

  • Activities for Kids: Look for campgrounds with playgrounds and activities. At Camp A Way Campground, a reviewer said, “Tons of fun activities for the kids!”
  • Safety First: Always keep an eye on kids, especially near water. A parent at Lake Anita State Park Campground mentioned, “Clean latrines and park all around. A lot of timid wildlife.”
  • Plan for Meals: Bring easy meals or check if the campground has food options. At West Omaha / NE Lincoln KOA Holiday, campers enjoyed pizza delivered to their site.

Tips from RVers:

  • Check Hookups: Make sure your site has the right hookups. A reviewer at Branched Oak Lake State Rec Area noted, “The sites in general are spaced so you are not right on top of your neighbor.”
  • Level Sites: Look for level sites for easier parking. At Eugene T. Mahoney State Park Campground, a camper mentioned, “Our site offered electrical hookups and was also level.”
  • Bring Cash: Some campgrounds may require cash for certain amenities. A visitor at Hitchcock County Nature Center reminded others, “Friendly reminder to bring CASH.”

Camping near Council Bluffs, Iowa, can be a great adventure with the right planning and knowledge!

Frequently Asked Questions

What amenities are available at Council Bluff Lake Campground?

While there isn't a specific "Council Bluff Lake Campground" in the area, Glenwood Lake Park offers lakeside camping near Council Bluffs with approximately 20 full hookup sites for RVs and designated tent camping areas. The park provides electrical hookups, water access, and basic restroom facilities. Another nearby option is Prairie Rose State Park Campground, which features clean facilities, a large lake, multiple hiking trails, and a playground - making it family-friendly. Most campgrounds in the Council Bluffs region typically offer picnic tables, fire rings, and access to recreational activities like fishing, hiking, and wildlife viewing.

Where are the best campgrounds in Council Bluffs, Iowa?

The Council Bluffs area offers several excellent camping options. Lake Manawa State Park Campground is a popular choice with electric hookups and convenient access to outdoor recreation. Just north of Council Bluffs, Hitchcock County Nature Center provides a more secluded experience with backcountry camping sites within three miles of the trailhead - perfect for those seeking a nature immersion in the Loess Hills. For RV travelers, options include Bluffs Run RV Park at the casino and Tomes Country Club Acres near Lake Manawa. The surrounding region also offers additional campgrounds within a short drive.

Is there free camping available near Council Bluffs?

Free camping options are limited near Council Bluffs, but budget-friendly alternatives exist in the surrounding area. Preparation Canyon State Park Campground offers primitive camping with minimal fees in the unique Loess Hills landscape. This park is known for its exceptional hiking trails and unique geology. Wilson Island State Recreation Area Campground provides reasonably priced camping adjacent to DeSoto National Wildlife Refuge. While not free, these options provide affordable access to natural areas. For truly free camping, you'll need to venture further from Council Bluffs into Nebraska national forests or public lands.

Are there camping options with swimming facilities near Council Bluffs?

Yes, several campgrounds near Council Bluffs offer swimming opportunities. Waubonsie State Park Campground provides access to hiking trails and seasonal swimming facilities. Pierce Creek Rec Area features a quiet lake suitable for swimming with day-use areas including grills and picnic tables on the south side. Additionally, Lake Manawa State Park has a designated swimming beach during summer months. Most swimming facilities in the area are open from Memorial Day through Labor Day, weather permitting. Be sure to check current conditions before your visit, as water levels and facility operations may vary seasonally.

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