Top Tent Camping near Council Bluffs, IA

If you're looking for a place to pitch your tent near Council Bluffs, look no further. The Dyrt can help you find the best tent campsites for your next trip. Each tent site offers quick access to one or more of Council Bluffs, Iowa's most popular destinations.

Best Tent Sites Near Council Bluffs, IA (9)


Recent Tent Reviews In Council Bluffs

403 Reviews of 9 Council Bluffs Campgrounds


  • RThe Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Jones Pond
    Nov. 4, 2024

    Jones Pond

    Hidden Gem

    Very quiet and peaceful place I have been there few times and I never see anyone else around. There is no bathroom or drinking water so make sure you are ready for that. October is a very colorful time of the year very peaceful the pond for what I heard isn’t a good place for fishing but just a mile away there is a hunting park highly recommend it

  • O
    Camper-submitted photo from Little Rivers Edge
    Oct. 10, 2024

    Little Rivers Edge

    Amazing stay!

    Had a great night here, the area is beautiful. Had to stop to admire the corn fields in the sunrise on the way out. Owner is lovely and kind. Electrical amenities are prime for anyone with an RV, but as a tent camper, I enjoyed our stay!

  • Pat V.
    Camper-submitted photo from Lake Wanahoo State Recreation Area
    Oct. 4, 2024

    Lake Wanahoo State Recreation Area

    Quiet and relaxed weekend

    It’s been a few years since we stayed at Lake Wanahoo, but we decided to stay there over our anniversary weekend. The place is still great, and this time of year it was very quiet and peaceful.

    I was able to fish at the lake, we used the trails for walking and biking. Being close to town allowed us to have a great anniversary dinner at a steakhouse!

    We are definitely going to be using it more!

  • Lynn J.
    Camper-submitted photo from Syracuse City
    Oct. 3, 2024

    Syracuse City

    Perfect for a traveling camper

    We stayed the first week in October. We were the only campers in the campground. We found 30 and 50 amp power pedestals. We stayed beside a pavilion with a water hydrant. The pavilion has several picnic tables and 20 amp outlets. It's in a treed area with a nice playground. The whole area is very flat. Leveling was a breeze. The entrance was a little bit confusing. There is a pay box at the edge of the parking box. The bathrooms were locked, but being self contained, we wouldn't have used them. I'm sure we will be staying here again.

  • B
    Camper-submitted photo from Hitchcock County Nature Center
    Sep. 19, 2024

    Hitchcock County Nature Center

    Meh, for tent camping

    Stopped overnight in late August. Did not want to drag our gear up/down a hill to the tent campsites in the lower loop. Paid more to stay in the upper RV loop where we listened to a neighbor's generator all night. Pretty buggy. Showers/toilets okay. Note there are at least 2 railroads running nearby in the wee hours of the morning. Also, this is on the flight path for jets leaving (I assume) the Omaha airport. Not a restful night--won't be back.

  • K
    Camper-submitted photo from Platte River State Park
    Sep. 16, 2024

    Platte River State Park

    Just one night

    If you don’t mind lugging your stuff to your tent spot, it’s primitive, no frills camping at its finest! We chose the closest spot to the vault toilets. There are only 4. It’s a bit off the beaten path but we got to enjoy the beautiful horses. Bonus!

  • Jason G.
    Camper-submitted photo from Military Park Camp Ashland Campground
    Sep. 14, 2024

    Military Park Camp Ashland Campground

    Unimpressed

    I planned an event at this military installation because of pricing and being a gated community.  The prices are good and the overall area is clean but the reason for the rating given is below:

    Due to this being a military site with a managed gate, ID or authorization roster is required...I submitted and got my roster approved within the allotted time only to find out that it was not shared with the gate guards so no one was being let in.  The keys for each facility had issues like broken locks or no pin code given for the key system to even get the keys.  The cabins are nice but not very well cleaned and the emergency phone number that is provided is a great feature although no one answered it. 

    If you find yourself looking for a venue for your event, pass on this one.  Too much hassle for the money saved.  I wish the state of Nebraska could figure out how to hire competent people to manage their facilities.

  • Danni A.
    Camper-submitted photo from Waubonsie State Park
    Aug. 11, 2024

    Waubonsie State Park

    Quiet and Peaceful

    This park was a great place to head to and unplug for a weekend. We camped in the area without hookups, so we pretty much had that area to ourselves. The area with hookups was somewhat crowded. The bathrooms and shower were clean. Water is easily accessible. The park is small, and we didn't find much to do other than a few hikes. 

    There are signs in the bathrooms warning of the raccoons. These signs are not exaggerating. We had a raccoon at our campsite trying to steal our food while we were there, like the raccoon was less than 10 feet from humans during mid-day.

  • Wanda E.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Victorian Acres RV Park & Campground
    Jul. 29, 2024

    Victorian Acres RV Park & Campground

    Great Place to Stay

    We arrived later in the day finding our spot was easy. The camp ground staff were very nice and friendly. The grounds were beautifully groomed. They amenities such as showers and bathrooms were clean and decorated cute. It was quiet and relaxing. We were able to get a good nights rest before hitting the road again. We would highly recommend.

  • C
    Camper-submitted photo from Lake Manawa State Park [Permanently CLOSED]
    Jul. 26, 2024

    Lake Manawa State Park [Permanently CLOSED]

    Not great for tents

    This campsite seems nice, but with blaring Omaha heat and no trees, the heat here is absolutely brutal. It was mid July and still 96 degrees at 7:00pm, so I ended up leaving knowing it would be too hot for a comfortable night sleep. Beautiful view of the lake and short walk to the swimming beach.

  • AThe Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Lancaster Event Center
    Jul. 22, 2024

    Lancaster Event Center

    Nice quick stop-close to 80

    Pulled in late off of 80 looking for somewhere to sleep for a few hours. Quick, easy, mostly quiet as long as you don’t mind trains. Didn’t use electric but it was there. Happy to see 10-20 other campers, but not at all crowded.

  • Randall K.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Bluffs Run RV Park at Horseshoe Casino
    Jul. 19, 2024

    Bluffs Run RV Park at Horseshoe Casino

    Simple, easy and free

    Great spot! Easy on/off. Was $45 for overnight with amenities.

    We opted for the free stay which was great. Nice, flat parking lot with other rv’s and tractor trailers off to the side.

    Slept great. Used the casino bathrooms and really liked it for a free overnight. Casino is fun too!

    Would def stay here again. Felt very safe and well lit. Noise was minimal and only came from the tractor trailers. If I had parked at the other end I wouldn’t have even heard it.

    Got take out from Modern Love to bring back. Molo is amazing - all vegan and most GF too. Never pass through Omaha without a visit there. Great way to end the night.

  • W
    Camper-submitted photo from Memphis Lake  State Rec Area
    Jul. 17, 2024

    Memphis Lake State Rec Area

    Nice simple campground

    Don’t forget the day use fee it’s $14 a day for out of state and seven dollars in state A decent number of mosquitoes on my visit in July in the evening

  • SThe Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Hitchcock County Nature Center
    Jul. 5, 2024

    Hitchcock County Nature Center

    Amazing!!

    We camp 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. Even the pit toilets were spotless and didn’t smell. The hosts went around several times a day collecting trash and even mopping the pit bathrooms. Camping here also gives you access to the playground and nature trails into some beautiful countryside. The only downside is bring several bottles of bugspray, the mosquitos are terrible!

  • Madison H.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Arrowhead Park Pottawattamie County Park
    Jul. 5, 2024

    Arrowhead Park Pottawattamie County Park

    10 out of 10

    This was the perfect place for us — just passing through on our way out to Wyoming. This camp ground is awesome all around — especially for tent campers. Absolutely beautiful views of the lake and so many open camp sites even on the 4th of July. I wish we could have spent more time here.

  • C
    Camper-submitted photo from Eugene T. Mahoney State Park
    Jun. 20, 2024

    Eugene T. Mahoney State Park

    Great stay passing through

    Populated but spacious. Friendly staff. Lots of greenery and trees. Only stayed one night but the list of activities seemed great. Safe, relaxing place. Bathrooms and showers could use some work but I was happy for a warm shower after traveling so long. Highway and trains can be heard from a distance but I found it soothing.

  • AUDREY S.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Weeping Water
    Jun. 18, 2024

    Weeping Water

    Stopped for RV dump only

    Did not stop to Camp!!, only dumped my tanks and filled up water. Wish I would’ve stayed. Looks like a very well done out-of-the-way and quaint park. $20 for dumping, or camping and dumping, seven dollars for tent campers.

  • a
    Camper-submitted photo from Arrowhead Park Pottawattamie County Park
    Jun. 15, 2024

    Arrowhead Park Pottawattamie County Park

    Perfect getaway

    Perfect place to get away for the weekend. Grounds are clean bathrooms are clean. Shout out to Dave the park ranger for being very generous. We drove from Davenport to stay here for Father’s Day weekend and we will definitely be back. You also can tent camp right next to the water as well. Love it!

  • Michael M.
    Camper-submitted photo from Two Rivers State Recreation Area
    Jun. 9, 2024

    Two Rivers State Recreation Area

    Quick getaway to nature

    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.

  • Paula C.
    Camper-submitted photo from Bluffs Run RV Park at Horseshoe Casino
    May. 5, 2024

    Bluffs Run RV Park at Horseshoe Casino

    Great Free Stop

    We called the casino & they told us we could park in the lot for free. If you want electricity & ahowers, you can pay. We just needed a place to sleep as there are not a lot of campgrounds here. Highway was a bit noisy and a distant train was heard twice through the night. No one bothered us which was all we needed! Got a shower at a nearby truck stop. Big open lot with lots of space. Also had a dumpter I made use of (small bag of car trash).

  • Steve G.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Riverview Marina  State Rec Area
    Apr. 24, 2024

    Riverview Marina State Rec Area

    Small Riverside Campground

    Getting there: A winding drive through Nebraska City to the River’s Edge. 

    Check in and staff: None 

    Amenities: Few Bathrooms: clean, well kept 

    Sites: Mostly open, very little shade. Campground is right on the banks of the Missouri River.

  • Cire C.
    Camper-submitted photo from Pottawattamie County Fairgrounds
    Mar. 2, 2024

    Pottawattamie County Fairgrounds

    Overnight or Long Term

    We have been coming to this campground every year. They have recently open during the winter which is great because not many campground are open during this time. Steve is such a great guy who is always looking out for you.

  • Jennifer N.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Victorian Acres RV Park & Campground
    Nov. 26, 2023

    Victorian Acres RV Park & Campground

    Fine for a 1 night stay!

    Victorian Acres was fine for one night. Not a lot to say about it. It backs up to the highway, but after a long day of driving we slept through the noise. There weren’t any fire pits because “it was too cold”. That’s exactly why we wanted one. The bathhouse was ok. The women’s bathroom was fine, even large for the size of the campground. Unfortunately, both toilets in the men’s bathroom were backed up and broken, huge bummer! 💩 There was a small dog park , we didn’t get to use it since we got in late and left early so I cannot comment on the condition. We were on site 55, easy to access and leave from. It was sort of level, but we still felt like we were tipping sideways a bit in the van. There were 30amp electric and water hookups.

  • L
    Camper-submitted photo from Platte River State Park
    Oct. 8, 2023

    Platte River State Park

    Worthless weekend at Platte River State Park

    Camping in the teepee was hands down our worst camping experience ever. The teepee was hot, dirty and falling apart. We stayed in the“big chief” teepee and it was on a horrible slope with tons of ruts on nothing but bare uneven dirt. There was no privacy as the other two teepees beyond this one were set up so other campers were constantly walking by your camp. Even the door placement to the teepees were bad. There was a more well placed teepee they save for first come first serve camping, not reserved camping. That makes no sense. The worst teepee should be reserved for unreserved campers. There are also bike trails directly around the teepees so in daylight, meaning early and late, you will hear groups of bikers riding around a technical course and lots of whooping and cheering as well as hard landings. To make things worse, they didn’t tell us about an ROTC event they were hosting in the park where groups of ROTC young people were constantly walking by our camp from early morning to afternoon, looking for markers for a kind of seek out practice for them. This was highly disturbing. Zero calm and privacy. The teepee was shabby and the indoor outdoor carpet was dirty and old, and you got the feeling you were sleeping and living over everyone else’s ick. Also, right over the teepee there were loads of huge dead oak branches. With the high winds, we were pretty scared a branch might fall on us. It’s just a matter of time before someone gets hurt, or worse. There were many loud people in cabins with dogs, even dogs barking and crazy dogs running loose the whole time we were there. There was also a lot of trash and littered personal items scattered around in the woods and on the campground area. In the end, it is a very poorly planned campground for comfort, beauty, safety and privacy. We would have been better off to stay home. Like many things now, Platte River State Park feels overrun with activity and under preserved. The exact opposite of why one wants to get away from the city and camp in nature. Waste of time and money.

  • Ryan S.
    Camper-submitted photo from Botna Bend County Park
    Sep. 21, 2023

    Botna Bend County Park

    Another great Iowa county park

    Iowa has many great county parks, and this one is no exception. There are three campgrounds in the park. The South campground, Middle campground, and North campground.

    The South campground is closed for renovations. I read they are adding full hookups to this campground. The Verizon signal at this campground is usable for calls& text, but internet speeds are slow. Streaming will probably work but a video call will probably not. 

    The middle campground has nice level spots, and a nice shower house with warm water. There are 4 individual bathrooms, each with a shower. This campground had about the same Verizon signal as the South campground- good enough for calls and texting.

    The North campground has grass sites with more space between them than at the other two campgrounds. This North campground does not have a shower house, but it has a two room bathroom with running water. The Verizon signal at this campground is a strong 5G signal with great speeds. I also tested T-mobile and AT&T at this campground, and they were plenty usable but no where near as fast as Verizon.

    There is a meat shop and a sports bar restaurant within walking distance from the park. The walk within the park is a long walk. From the North campground to the registration box at the entrance is about 1 mile.

    While at the park I saw deer, raccoons, turkeys, and a 4 inch caterpillar crossing the road. There are also bison and elk in a fenced in area.



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 tent campsite near Council Bluffs, IA?

    According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular tent campground near Council Bluffs, IA is Preparation Canyon State Park with a 4.5-star rating from 6 reviews.

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

    TheDyrt.com has all 9 tent camping locations near Council Bluffs, IA, with real photos and reviews from campers.