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Best Campgrounds near Council Bluffs, IA

478 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 (99)

    1. Hitchcock County Nature Center

    29 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

    11 Reviews
    Council Bluffs, IA
    3 miles
    Website
    +1 (712) 366-0220

    $20 - $38 / night

    "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."

    "Lake manawa is a nice lake, dream park is a fun playground for kids!"

    3. Walnut Creek Lake & Recreation Area

    18 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

    7 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. 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!"

    7. Arrowhead Park Campground

    19 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!"

    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

88 Photos of 99 Council Bluffs Campgrounds

Recent Reviews near Council Bluffs, IA

478 Reviews of 99 Council Bluffs Campgrounds

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

Which is the most popular campground near Council Bluffs, IA?

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

What parks are near Council Bluffs, IA?

According to TheDyrt.com, there are 6 parks near Council Bluffs, IA that allow camping, notably Bankhead National Forest and Chugach National Forest.

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