15 campgrounds · Check availability for any dates.
West Omaha/NE Lincoln KOA Holiday houses luxury cabin accommodations for glampers seeking comfort within the Council Bluffs vicinity. These upscale cabins combine rustic charm with modern conveniences, providing electricity, comfortable beds, and climate control for year-round comfort. Platte River State Park expands the glamping options with fully-furnished yurts nestled along scenic riverfront property, offering a distinctive outdoor experience with upscale amenities. "We camped 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," shared one satisfied visitor about their glamping experience. Lake Cunningham Campground and Two Rivers State Recreation Area round out the selection with additional glamping accommodations, most featuring electricity, comfortable bedding, and convenient access to onsite showers and restroom facilities.
Hitchcock Nature Center offers extensive hiking trails alongside its glamping accommodations, allowing guests to explore the unique Loess Hills formation while returning to comfortable accommodations each evening. The center maintains interpretive displays about local ecology and wildlife, enhancing the educational value of the glamping experience. According to a camper, "There is a visitors center right by the entrance of the camping area" where guests can learn about the region's distinctive landscape. Glamping sites near Council Bluffs provide an elevated camping experience with comfortable beds and modern amenities while still allowing visitors to connect with nature. Many properties remain open seasonally from April through October, though the West Omaha KOA Holiday offers year-round glamping accommodations for those seeking luxury outdoor stays during winter months. Most locations require advance reservations for glamping units, with sites typically starting around $50 per night for basic accommodations and increasing for premium options.
"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."
"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."
from $10 - $50 / night
Check Availability"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"
"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
Check Availability"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."
"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."
"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."
from $35 - $340 / night
Check Availability"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."
"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."
"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."
from $30 / night
Check Availability"Large lake , walking trail . Seems that some site are “ reserved “ by placing the picnic table on the concrete pad. We were able to find 1 open space."
from $7 - $15 / night
Check Availability
LegendTents, 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. Tons od trails and many of them a taylored to mountain biking. There are 2 types of cabins, basic that has a bed amd refrigerator. Then there are luxury glamping cabins.
GuideVery friendly and helpful staff. 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. Looked like a lot to do for the kids. The camp store is well stocked with RV supplies and parts. After driving all day, then doing laundry it was nice to get a pizza and relax.
GuideWe stayed here overnight on our way out west, so we didn't have big expectations. We are fairly new to pulling a 5th wheel, so we wanted an easy pull-through site plus we wanted it to be paved. Well there are 2 premium sites - 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. 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. That is the best setup we've had so far. We didn't have time to use any of the amenities, and are not traveling with kids, so I can't speak for how good it was in that regard.
LegendIf 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. All of the campsites are considered "back country" but don't worry, I think the furthest campsite is about three miles.
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.
Hitchcock is smack dab in the loess hills which is one of only two places in the world with the hill formations. The other place is in China.
The trail system isn't huge because of the size of the park, but it has a lot of up and down and is a great place to practice backpacking or test new gear before you leave the plains and head to the rocky mountains for a new adventure.
When your done with your hiking, climb up to the top of the towering platform and bring your binoculars to checkout the visiting hawks and occasional eagle. Don't pass up Hitchcock Nature Center.
LegendIt appears not many people camp in Iowa in February. We had the campground to ourselves. We missed the crazy cold and snow by a day but it was 20 degree with the wind when I hiked the prairie. Lovely little state park, clean and the trail system was pretty neat. Wasn't perfectly flat and had some overlooks. Very much enjoyed!
RangerWe stayed in the recently renovated Owen #4. The renovations really updated it and they need to update the pictures they have on the web, with what it looks like now. 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. The one thing it does need is a corkscrew! We forgot ours and went without the wine we brought for dinner. With that bombshell though, it was beyond worth the getaway. The winter hiking was fantastic and it was quiet except for the wildlife, but that is why we went out there!
RangerWe needed an overnight stop on our way to Kansas and this KOA was perfect. We pulled in just after dark and there was a note on the door stating staff was limited due to Covid. We pulled into a very large pull through on the west side of the campground (site 16). The KOA was pretty full but everyone was respectful and we didn’t hear much noise. We had full hookups & the site we were in was spacious with a picnic table and fire ring with grate. It had rained quite a bit before we arrived so we didn’t sit outside, due to mud close by our site, but we had a nice view. The next morning, we paid at the office before we left & the Manager only charged us half price (we intended to pay the full price) because he felt bad for not being able to be on site when we arrived (the schedule on the KOA app said staffed until 7pm & we were there just after 6pm).
RangerWell,, 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 a night
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
Council Bluffs sits within the unique Loess Hills formation, a geological feature found only here and in China. The region experiences hot summers with temperatures often exceeding 90°F and cold winters with occasional snowfall. Cabins and yurts provide year-round camping options when seasonal tent sites close between November and April.
Hiking trails with elevation changes: At Hitchcock County Nature Center, trails range from easy boardwalks to challenging hill climbs. "The hiking is fantastic and offers something for every skill level. There are absolutely gorgeous views of the Missouri River valley below," says Pat V., who appreciates how "all trails are marked and there are multiple different trailheads."
Archery practice: Several parks offer archery ranges for skill development. "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," notes Pat V., who finds it convenient for families seeking outdoor activities.
Hawk watching: Fall migration brings numerous hawks and eagles through the area. "Great hiking in Loess Hills, great Nature Center especially with programming of 'Hawk Watch,'" says James M., who recommends visiting during migration season for the best viewing opportunities.
Educational programs: Platte River State Park Campground offers organized nature activities. "This park offers a lot of nature activities. You can hike the many hiking trails to the mini waterfall, or Platte river," explains Tony B., highlighting the educational value of guided programs.
Secluded backcountry sites: Hitchcock County Nature Center offers hike-in camping with scenic views. "The views from the two south east campsites are amazing, looking over the Missouri River valley and the Omaha skyline in the distance," says Aaron A., who appreciates the natural gravel tent pads.
Self-service check-in: Several campgrounds offer convenient arrival options. "Stopped late after a long 12 hour drive. I loved the simple self service process. We picked an open spot, paid, and parked," notes Abby W., who found the system ideal for tired travelers.
Year-round accessibility: Some facilities remain open during winter. "Yay: well tended and updated campground. You can camp all year (but I think they turn the water off?)," mentions Lynn G., who recommends checking seasonal water availability.
Quiet atmosphere: Pottawattamie County Fairgrounds provides peaceful camping near the interstate. "Just 2 miles south of I80 but a world apart. This is a great stop if traveling I80," explains Doug W., who found the campground "very quiet, right in small town America."
Seasonal closures: Many sites close between November and April. "This place would probably work for a over night stay, but not a destination," suggests Tony B. about Pony Creek Park, noting its limited year-round appeal.
Flooding concerns: Some campgrounds experience periodic flooding. "This lake is one of the very few in Omaha that offers camping. And definitely of all types rv, and tent. But let me give you a disclaimer... the park is closed due to them draining it because of zebra mussels," warns Tony B. about Lake Cunningham, highlighting the importance of checking current conditions.
Reservation requirements: Many locations fill quickly during peak season. "This place is well worth the $15 they charge. It's all on an honor system so make sure to bring some cash," advises Kelly R. about Missouri Valley City Park.
Yurt options near Council Bluffs: West Omaha / NE Lincoln KOA Holiday offers year-round glamping accommodations. "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," says Pat V.
Playgrounds and activities: West Omaha / NE Lincoln KOA Holiday offers family-friendly facilities. "Neighbors are close not much of your own space but there is a play ground for the kids that's wonderful!!!!!" exclaims Megan E., who found the activities well worth the close quarters.
Educational options: Look for parks with interpretive centers. "With the nature Center there is plenty for the kids to do. There's even a 1 mile hike on a boardwalk that's very easy. There's all levels of hikes," explains Karen W., who specifically recommends Hitchcock's nature programs.
Seasonal programming: Check event calendars for special activities. "Make sure to look at their events calendar, they have exceptional programs for all ages (and especially kids)," recommends Lynn G., who discovered many family-oriented programs.
Site spacing considerations: Lake Cunningham Campground offers newly developed RV areas. "Tons of room between spots. Mini store on the property to buy ice, firewood, and food from," notes Connor S., who appreciates the thoughtful layout.
Concrete pads: Several campgrounds feature level, solid parking areas. "The sites have concrete pads with power, but no water or sewer. There is a fill station on the way in," explains Alana R., who found this setup convenient for shorter stays.
Easy access from interstate: Pottawattamie County Fairgrounds provides convenient overnight options. "All pull through spots and all sites are level. Not all spots have picnic tables or fire rings but there were very few campers so we had our pick of spots," says Kimberly B., who found the accessibility ideal for travelers.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular glamping campsite near Council Bluffs, IA?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular glamping campground near Council Bluffs, IA is Hitchcock County Nature Center with a 4.6-star rating from 33 reviews.
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TheDyrt.com has all 15 glamping camping locations near Council Bluffs, IA, with real photos and reviews from campers.
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