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Best Dog-Friendly Camping near Council Bluffs, IA

490 Reviews

Hitchcock County Nature Center allows pets at its campground located in Honey Creek, approximately 20 miles north of Council Bluffs. The campground accommodates tents, RVs, and cabin campers from April through November, with full hookup sites featuring water, electric, and sewer connections. Lake Manawa State Park Campground provides pet-friendly camping with concrete pads and fire rings just minutes from Council Bluffs, though campers note the complete lack of shade trees makes summer camping uncomfortable for pets. Both campgrounds maintain pet waste stations and require dogs to be leashed at all times when outside vehicles or camping units.

Nearby Bluffs Run RV Park at Horseshoe Casino serves as a convenient overnight option for travelers with pets, offering level parking and basic utilities. The casino lot provides free overnight parking for self-contained units, while hookup sites cost $40-50 depending on weekday or weekend stays. Most Council Bluffs area campgrounds enforce standard pet policies including vaccination requirements, leash rules, and limitations on unattended pets. Haworth City Park in nearby Bellevue occasionally experiences flooding issues but offers pet-friendly tent and RV camping when operational. Dog owners should note that extreme summer heat affects most Council Bluffs campgrounds, with limited shade available at popular camping locations, making spring and fall ideal seasons for camping with pets in the area.

Map showing campgrounds near Council Bluffs, IowaExplore the Map

Best Dog-Friendly Sites Near Council Bluffs, Iowa (79)

    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

    "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."

    "many rv sites like the one i got are right up next to each other. people take the entire site with rugs, dogs, tents, you name it. so zero privacy, zero peace and quiet."

    7. Lake Cunningham Campground

    10 Reviews
    Omaha, NE
    13 miles
    Website
    +1 (531) 201-5754

    $15 - $40 / night

    "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!"

    "The lake is right there, with a nice bike path that comes all the way around."

    8. Louisville State Recreation Area Campground

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

    $15 - $35 / night

    "A nice closed off area for swimming, but not area allows pets to swim. Very polite employees. Showers are kinda expensive and expect to hear the tracks right behind the camping area."

    "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

    "I only stayed the night, but as I was walking my dogs I saw the camp. Everywhere you turn there was something to do. Good fun."

    "The campground itself was fine and very convenient in location to vIsIt famIly."

    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 Dog-Friendly Camping Photos near Council Bluffs, IA

33 Photos of 79 Council Bluffs Campgrounds

Dog-Friendly Camping Reviews near Council Bluffs, IA

490 Reviews of 79 Council Bluffs Campgrounds

  • PThe Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 7, 2021

    Victorian Acres RV Park & Campground

    Comfortable and Convenient

    Park has easy access from Highway. Nice mix pull-through and back-in sites. Pet friendly with large dog park and plenty of green space with mature trees.

  • Tony B.
    Sep. 16, 2020

    Tomes Country Club Acres

    Appears to be closed

    This is a rv park that is located near Lake Manawa in Council Bluffs, Ia. It appears to have the same fate as camping site at the lake. As if you drive by it, it appears to be a ghost town.

  • Christy C.
    Jul. 19, 2016

    Lake Manawa State Park Campground

    Beautiful Lake/ campground now closed

    This was a one night visit in June 2012 and we arrived very late after visiting St. Joseph, Mo Pony express museum that day we decided to keep driving which put us in council bluffs, IA just outside of Omaha at dinner time. We were blessed to get a site here later that had electric which is a plus and It was a very inexpensive site at only $16.00. I do remember there being a beautiful Lake which I wish we could have enjoyed but such is life when you are on a schedule to get to another destination. This park has swimming, boating, hiking, biking, restrooms and picnic area Apparently the campground has been closed since last fall and only shelters and a youth group area are available to rent.

  • Matt S.
    Jul. 16, 2017

    Hitchcock County Nature Center

    Hitchcock is an awesome jewel right outside of Omaha

    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. 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.

  • Kristi D.
    Jul. 5, 2023

    Waubonsie State Park Campground

    Had the campground too ourselves!

    It 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!

  • MThe Dyrt PRO User
    Jul. 20, 2025

    Victorian Acres RV Park & Campground

    Nice campground but neighbors noisy

    Just stopped for one night. Some highway and train noise whenever outside. Neighbor playing music outside late at night (after 10pm) which was annoying. Came after hours and name was left on board with check in info: Sites are nice with trees and vegetation but not very level. Dog park is nice though

    Would recommend for a stopover

  • J
    Jun. 9, 2022

    Platte River State Park Campground

    Pleasant Surprise!

    We were passing through Nebraska and opted to stay the night here. The campground is new and will be even nicer when the trees are big enough to provide shade. We only stayed one night but enjoyed the walk to the small waterfall in the park. There is a large dog park, clean restrooms and nice trails for walking.

  • Frank B.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jul. 23, 2023

    Schildberg Recreation Area

    Hidden gem

    The trees at the campsites aren't mature enough for shade, but the ponds and trails more than make up for that. Full hookups, shower house and huge dog park are also onsite making this a Cass County hidden gem. Camp host is great and and you're close to old downtown.

  • Lynn A.
    Sep. 4, 2020

    Victorian Acres RV Park & Campground

    Trippin’ thru Nebraska

    Coming from MO, Nebraska is usually just a one night stop for us (as we head onto bigger and cooler states). We were happy to find this clean RV park near Nebraska City. Big, but quiet. Friendly staff. Homey. Green space. Great dog park.

Guide to Council Bluffs

Discovering pet-friendly camping options near Council Bluffs, Iowa, opens up a world of adventure for you and your furry companions. With a variety of campgrounds that welcome pets, you can enjoy the great outdoors without leaving your four-legged friends behind.

Tips for camping with dogs near Council Bluffs

Pet owners like the amenities available

  • Haworth City Park features clean facilities and well-maintained grounds, ensuring a comfortable stay for both you and your pet.
  • At Lake Cunningham Campground, you can enjoy full hookups and a beautiful lake, making it an ideal spot for a relaxing getaway with your dog.
  • Bluffs Run RV Park at Horseshoe Casino offers convenient access to amenities while allowing pets, perfect for those looking to combine camping with entertainment.

Dog owners appreciate the activities nearby

  • Lake Manawa State Park Campground provides a swimming beach and trails, allowing for fun-filled days with your dog by your side.
  • Pony Creek Co Park is known for its fishing opportunities and scenic views, making it a great spot for outdoor enthusiasts and their pets.
  • Missouri Valley City Park features a playground and open spaces, perfect for letting your dog run around while you enjoy a picnic.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is the most popular dog-friendly campsite near Council Bluffs, IA?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular dog-friendly campground near Council Bluffs, IA is Hitchcock County Nature Center with a 4.7-star rating from 30 reviews.

What is the best site to find dog-friendly camping near Council Bluffs, IA?

TheDyrt.com has all 79 dog-friendly camping locations near Council Bluffs, IA, with real photos and reviews from campers.

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