Best Tent Camping near Council Bluffs, IA

Tent campers visiting Council Bluffs, Iowa can access several established campgrounds within a short drive. Preparation Canyon State Park offers backpacking-only tent sites with picnic tables and fire rings, requiring a hike in to reach the campsites. Two Rivers State Recreation Area provides riverside tent camping approximately 30 miles west of Council Bluffs, with basic amenities and access to water recreation.

Tent sites at Preparation Canyon feature primitive conditions with no running water or modern facilities. Campers need to pack in all supplies and be prepared for backcountry camping. The park has 8-10 walk-in campsites scattered throughout the area, each with a fire ring and picnic table. The sites require self-registration and payment at the trailhead parking lot. At Two Rivers SRA, tent sites are generally flat and located near the river, with some providing electrical hookups. Toilet facilities vary between locations, with vault toilets at more remote sites and shower buildings at larger campgrounds.

The Loess Hills region surrounding Preparation Canyon offers unique terrain for tent campers seeking solitude. A visitor commented, "Sites are dispersed around the area so camping is always private." The tent sites provide access to nearly 8 miles of trails within the park's 340 acres, plus additional hiking in the adjacent Loess Hills State Forest. Fremont Lakes State Recreation Area provides another tent camping option with access to multiple small lakes, though tent campers should be aware of potential noise. As described in feedback on The Dyrt, "There is a very busy set of train tracks that run about every 20 minutes all day and all night." Most tent sites in the region are seasonal, with spring through fall offering the best camping conditions, though specific closure dates vary by location.

Best Tent Sites Near Council Bluffs, Iowa (10)

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Tent Camping Reviews near Council Bluffs, IA

468 Reviews of 10 Council Bluffs Campgrounds


  • J
    Aug. 28, 2020

    Arrowhead Park Campground

    Peaceful Serenity

    I arrived just in time to see the beautiful sunset over the small lake near the primitive campground closest to the Park Office. It only cost $10 for tent camping and $3 for a vehicle pass. Campground and vault toilets were pretty clean. There is a fire ring and picnic table at each tent campsite and there are plenty to choose from near the water. You can bring your own kayak or canoe and even fish here. We had a nice encounter from the campground employee who explained how to put the stake out to claim our campsite. Right away, I saw abundant wildlife, including turkey, deer, black squirrels, woodpeckers, geese, ducks and bats. Come prepared for the mosquitoes but overall I would highly recommend this place!

  • Tarrah C.
    Apr. 5, 2023

    Waubonsie State Park Campground

    Nice Trails

    This is a great weekend spot not much to do around the park. The campsites are nice but close with not much space in between. There are 2 campgrounds, the one north of the highway is a horse campground but required. There are nice trails in this area. The campground on the south is more of a tent site. There are vault toliets, no showers. A lot of great trails o this side. All campsites include a picnic table and fire ring.

  • D
    Sep. 16, 2020

    Memphis Lake State Rec Area

    Camping Right on the Lake

    It is a nice spot a bit off of the main roads. Many of the tent sites allow you to camp right next to the lake. It's generally pretty quiet and people respect the 10 pm quiet hours rule. Each site has a picnic table and fire ring.

  • 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.

  • Sarah H.
    Aug. 7, 2016

    Arrowhead Park Campground

    Easy Family Camping Near Omaha

    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. Tent camping here is non-reservable, but once you enter the park, you may choose from any spots containing a fire pit outside of RV loops. Tent sites range from lake-front, to playground side, to more private sites on the outer rim of the park. We chose a large, private site at the back of the park. This site was well maintained and had enough space to easily accommodate two families of four. We even had a picnic shelter all to ourselves. Our site was lined by woods and farmland and had a good view of a small pond. The night was full of exciting animal noises from both the nearby farm and pond. Vault toilets were a short walk away with clean shower facilities just a few loops away. The kids enjoyed riding bikes up and down gravel roads, looking for frogs, and playing on the playground. Canoe and paddle boat rental is extremely reasonable. Hiking trails near the park entrance are rugged. The staff was incredibly kind and easy-going, yet attentive. Just a short drive from neighboring towns, this is a good starter campground for families with younger kids. We hope to return in winter to check out the camping cabins.

  • SkywaystoHighways.com Y.The Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 5, 2021

    Hitchcock County Nature Center

    Nice and peaceful

    Great spot for an overnight! Restroom is clean w/ pit toilet and tp. Wifi is only accessible in the upper area of the grounds. Site number 13 is the most cozy as there’s no one next to your rig. Firewood is at the right of the entrance. Potable water available!

  • Jerry B.
    Sep. 3, 2019

    Memphis Lake State Rec Area

    One of my favorites

    Tent camping sites. No electrical hookups but you can still camp in campers if you want. Beautiful Campground with lots of trees and shade. Very nice Lake with fishing available. There appears to be an option for canoe rentals available. Boat ramp and dock. Multiple bathroom locations within the campground. Picnic tables near the water. I’ve kayaked the lake! So much fun.

  • Allison J.
    Jul. 8, 2016

    Hitchcock County Nature Center

    Loess hills getawayg

    The park has cabins, rv sites, tent camping and backcountry hike in camping. The nature center is a nice place to cool down the the summer and learn about the loess hills. The backcountry campsite have pads with pea gravel for tents and fire rings. Nice and quiet.

  • Alison D.
    Oct. 9, 2020

    Preparation Canyon State Park Campground

    Surprise find in Iowa!

    I stayed here on a long road trip across the country. Had no idea such a scenic place could be found in Iowa! I chose the closest walk-in spot, less than a mile in. It was great! Near a little creek if you need water, and really nicely secluded. Picnic table and fire ring included. Also, there’s a trail up a hill right near by that had great views of the area and a lovely sunset! I would definitely recommend. Just a head’s up: I saw some pics of people car camping here on this site. Not sure how that would work since it’s supposed to be walk-in only and pretty clearly roped off from access with a car.


Guide to Council Bluffs

Tent camping near Council Bluffs, Iowa offers access to the unique Loess Hills landforms, composed of wind-deposited silt that creates distinctive ridged terrain found in only one other place worldwide. Most campgrounds in the area are situated at elevations between 1,000-1,400 feet, with summer temperatures typically ranging from 65-85°F and occasional thunderstorms common from May through August. Winter camping remains available at select sites, though facilities are limited from November through March.

What to do

Hiking trails beyond Preparation Canyon: Several campgrounds connect to trail networks across the Loess Hills region. At Loess Hills Hideaway near Moorhead, campers can access multiple trail systems. "Owner is very nice and the bathrooms if you need them are clean and well maintained," notes camper Tyler S.

Water recreation on multiple lakes: Fremont Lakes State Recreation Area offers water activities across numerous small bodies of water. A reviewer notes, "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."

River tubing: Two Rivers SRA provides opportunities for tubing during summer months. As Emily M. explains, "The river is decently safe and a good place to tube. There were not any other campers but I could see it getting pretty busy on the weekends. Definitely for relaxing on the river but not much else."

What campers like

Secluded sites: Preparation Canyon State Park offers genuine backcountry solitude. Alison D. shared: "I chose the closest walk-in spot, less than a mile in. It was great! Near a little creek if you need water, and really nicely secluded. Picnic table and fire ring included. Also, there's a trail up a hill right near by that had great views of the area and a lovely sunset!"

Family-friendly environment: Riverside Campground at Two Rivers SRA accommodates families well. "A short drive from Omaha, two rivers offers generally clean TV and tent camping sites across multiple campgrounds. I camped right by the river. Also a short walk to the outhouse and playground. Fun and quick trip if you're in the Omaha area. My boys (4&7) loved it," reports Michael M.

Unique geology: The surrounding Loess Hills formation provides distinctive landscapes. Christopher S. reports: "The flora, fauna, and geology of this park are amazing and unique to North America. If you have not visited this area, put it high on your to-do list."

What you should know

Train noise at some locations: Be prepared for potential noise disruptions at Fremont Lakes State Recreation Area. Alyssa E. warns: "There is a very busy set of train tracks that run about every 20 minutes all day and all night. Didn't get any sleep, even with earplugs. Plus, it's right next to a busy highway so you get to hear the locals revving their over-sized trucks into the early hours."

Limited facilities at primitive sites: Pelican Point State Recreation Area offers minimal amenities. John A. notes: "This campground is conveniently located at a boat ramp. It has 2 primitive campsites and a vault toilet. The campsites had signs that said $15. The path to the campsites was in rough shape, but the grass on the campsites appeared recently mowed."

Shade availability varies: Plan for sun exposure at certain campgrounds. At Fremont Lakes, "The lake was awesome, not much shade on most tent sites. Make sure you ask when they dredged the lakes that you want to stay on," according to Molly M.

Tips for camping with families

Bring water toys: Riverside Campground offers opportunities for water play. Robin E. shares: "When the river is low, you can go play on the beach. We've even walked through the water to go play on the 'islands'."

Check campsite location: At Two Rivers SRA, consider your needs when selecting a site. "We use this for family weekends and friend gatherings. But, we have also used other campgrounds at Two River SRA for Cub Scout campouts. It's just safer being away from the water," recommends Robin E.

Look for nature education opportunities: Preparation Canyon State Park provides learning experiences. Tony M. explains: "Beginner to intermediate level trails that are good for the whole family. 340 acres with nearly 8 miles of trails to explore. Water options available."

Tips from RVers

Reserve food service access: At Two Rivers SRA, plan meals around local options. "There is a convenience store ran by a very nice family and they make a great breakfast for a low cost. We like to get up early and walk across the park to breakfast and then walk back to our campsite," advises Robin E.

Limited primitive options: Many RV facilities near Council Bluffs lack amenities. At Saunders County Fairgrounds, Lucian F. reports: "Located near downtown Wahoo. $20 per night for full hookup. Appear to be approximately 40 sites."

Bring sufficient supplies: Preparation Canyon requires self-sufficiency. Christopher S. advises: "The immediate surrounding towns provide very little in the way of amenities, so plan ahead."

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is the most popular tent campsite near Council Bluffs, IA?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular tent campground near Council Bluffs, IA is Riverside Campground — Two Rivers SRA with a 3.8-star rating from 5 reviews.

What is the best site to find tent camping near Council Bluffs, IA?

TheDyrt.com has all 10 tent camping locations near Council Bluffs, IA, with real photos and reviews from campers.