Campgrounds near Glenwood, Iowa include a mix of state parks, county parks, and recreation areas offering diverse camping experiences along the Missouri River valley and Loess Hills region. Glenwood Lake Park provides RV camping with electric hookups, while Pony Creek Co Park offers tent, RV, cabin, and glamping options approximately 2 miles south of town. The surrounding area features several established campgrounds within a 30-minute drive, including Lake Manawa State Park Campground in Council Bluffs and Louisville State Recreation Area across the Nebraska border, providing access to both wooded areas and lakefront sites.
Seasonal considerations affect camping availability throughout the region, with most campgrounds operating from April through October or November. "This is a state-funded park, so non-Nebraska plated cars have an additional fee," noted one camper about Louisville State Recreation Area. Flooding can significantly impact camping options, particularly along the Missouri River, as several reviews mentioned closures due to past flood events. Many campgrounds require reservations, especially during summer weekends, though some offer first-come, first-served sites. Travelers should be aware that train noise affects several campgrounds in the area, particularly those near railroad tracks, which can disrupt sleep even with earplugs.
Campers report mixed experiences with amenities and privacy at local campgrounds. The region's campgrounds typically feature electric hookups, with many offering full hookups for RVs, while tent camping options may be more limited at certain locations. A visitor to Pony Creek noted, "The spaces are really small, and not really one view of the lake. This camp area is not much at all." However, others appreciate the natural setting of the Loess Hills, a unique landform that provides distinctive hiking opportunities. Wildlife viewing is commonly mentioned in reviews, with deer, raccoons, and birds frequently spotted. Water recreation forms a central attraction at many campgrounds, with fishing opportunities at lakes and ponds throughout the region, though swimming areas are less common.
$20 - $23 / 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."
$20 / night
"This is a nice campground located on the edge of Papillion, Nebraska. There are several trails nearby, some paved and others grass. The main trailhead is easily accessible from the park road."
"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. "
"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."
"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"
$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."
"This campground is situated along the Platte River and there is plenty of family fun."
"A nice little city park in the Loess Hills of Iowa, it's not a destination but makes for a good overnight stop. The campground is primarily RV camping with about 20 sites with full hook ups."
$340 / night
"Short walk in but a wagon is provided to help unload equipment. Picnic and fire pit near the teepee."
"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."
"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."
$10 - $50 / night
"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."
"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."
$40 - $50 / night
"Very convenient location close to lots of shopping and the convention center."
RangerTried this place twice. Horrible both times. They failed to mention this last time that the campground was going to become a parking lot for a nearby event at 0600.
ScoutStaff is very friendly, going out of their way to help and the site was gorgeous; very close to the water. Thank you!
RangerThis is a nice and well maintained park, though some amenities were still closed for winter in mid-April. It is a popular spot for locals to fish and hang-out, which means there is a lot of noise at all hours. Most of the tent sites are near a large gravel parking lot, so it gets inconvenient. Otherwise, it is a nice place for the price - when everything is available.
RangerThis is a nice campground located on the edge of Papillion, Nebraska. There are several trails nearby, some paved and others grass. The main trailhead is easily accessible from the park road.
The campground is fairly quiet and well maintained, with plenty of space between sites. Most sites are level, making setup easy. There is a bathhouse available, but no showers. A boat ramp is located within the park, and you’ll often see fishing boats out on the water if you head over to the lake.
While the park itself can be fairly busy, the campground is set away from the main traffic areas, so it still feels quiet and relaxed.
There is a camp host on site. Cell service good here.
ScoutThis is by far the worst place to go camping. First off the restrooms have no running water or soap to wash your hands. Only hand sanitizer hung on the wall. No swimming beach for kids. The worker they had was on his high horse for sure gave a lecture and repeated his self. Complained about how we parked said could not back in. I have never had this experience anywhere else. He was so rude would never return. Worst experience we had in long time. Don't go nothing to do for family. Branch oak lake way more fun. And they have showers and running water and soap. Oh they did have a shower house but closed but that is only for campers. Not sure what I'm there. So maybe they have soap but for day visits no running water or soap. They do have pump water. What turned us off the most was the rude kid young adult working very rude like he on a power trip. Very disappointed.
TravelerA quiet county owned campground not too far from I-29. The area has a few tent sites with tables/fire rings along with four gravel RV pads with 50 amp hook ups. There is a single water spigot in the middle of the RV area. Also available are two large cabins that can be rented via the Mills County website. 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. Overall an enjoyable place to relax for a couple days.
TravelerBathroom showers were hot and clean. But if you have a camper van and converted RV of any kind I wouldn’t bother. The cops were kicking anyone off the property if they weren’t in a typical RV or camper (RV/camper year did not matter though luckily).
ScoutWe’ve been seasonals at Cottonwood for a while now. We keep coming back to our spot along the Missouri River. A lot has changed through the years (mostly upgrades). Watching this place grow has felt a bit like watching a hometown reinvent itself. Our site is along the river. We love The Lodge (restaurant). They always have good live music in the summer. The pools and swim-up bar areas are great. The marina stays busy with boaters but never feels overcrowded. It’s the kind of place where you actually get to know people. Sure, every campground has things that come and go, but Cottonwood has always kept its heart. It’s peaceful, friendly, close to Omaha, but still quiet enough to feel like you’re on vacation. If you’re looking for a long-term spot or want a weekend hang out with river views, good food, and a great community vibe, Cottonwood Cove will treat you right. Darcy the manager is fantastic. We’re excited for next season.
ScoutSo we’re driving through Blair (kinda right outside Omaha, right on the Missourri River) and I did not expect the food at The Lodge to be this good... We wandered over because we didn’t feel like cooking and figured it’d be, you know, “campground food,” but wow. I got the wings and my husband got the burger and we both just kind of were like… wait, why is this so good? Also the patio is literally right on the river. Like you can sit there and watch the boats come in while drinking a beer. And the people working there were super nice, the kind that just make you feel like a regular even if it’s your first time. There was live music when we went—great energy & vibes.
Anyway, if you’re staying here or even just passing through anywhere near Omaha, go eat at The Lodge. It’s way better than you’d expect from a campground restaurant and the river view alone is worth it.
Camping spots near Glenwood, Iowa range from lakeside settings to river-access areas across both Iowa and Nebraska state lines. The landscape features unique Loess Hills formations with hiking elevations of 1,000 to 1,300 feet. Summer temperatures average 85-90°F with high humidity, while spring and fall provide milder conditions in the mid-60s to 70s range.
Birdwatching opportunities: At Hitchcock County Nature Center, visitors can climb the hawk watch tower for wildlife viewing. "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," notes one visitor.
Paddle sports on multiple lakes: Rentals available at Louisville State Recreation Area Campground include canoes, kayaks and paddleboards. "There is a small shop which has a market where basic kick knacks and firewood are available. This is also where you can rent boats like canoes, kayaks, and stand up paddleboards for hrs, half and daily rates," a camper explains.
Trail system difficulty levels: Trails at Hitchcock Nature Center accommodate various hiking abilities. One camper reports, "The hiking is fantastic and offers something for every skill level. There are absolutely gorgeous views of the Missouri River valley below. All trails are marked and the a multiple different trailheads, many which start around the visitors center/tower Overlook."
Water recreation variety: Multiple options for water activities exist throughout the area. "There are several lakes to choose from to fish, or nonpower boats. There is a swimming area, beach, and play inflatables for kids in the water," notes a visitor to Louisville State Recreation Area.
Lakeside camping access: Walnut Creek Lake & Recreation Area offers water views from select sites. One camper shares, "Great back-in site w/30 amp electrical pulg in, no water at site. Site is overlooking a small lake. Very quiet, dump statio. All for $20 a night."
Wildlife viewing: Local parks provide opportunities to spot various animals. A Walnut Creek camper notes, "The birdwatching as well as the wildlife is abundant. Honestly if not for the city noise you could forget your in a city."
Ridgetop views: Scenic vistas are available from certain campsites. A Hitchcock Nature Center visitor recommends, "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."
Educational programming: Platte River State Park Campground and Hitchcock Nature Center offer nature education. One visitor to Hitchcock mentions, "When I think of 'nature center' I think of a stuffy little cabin with taxidermy. This site is far far more than that, with hiking trails, educational programs, a museum, event halls, and of course camping."
Train noise disruption: Several campgrounds experience significant train noise. A Louisville State Recreation Area camper warns, "The harsh part of being located here is if you are looking for any kind of spot that accommodates a flat plot, like sites 206 - 236, you are butted up against the train tracks and that train is LOUD!"
Summer heat considerations: Lack of shade affects comfort at some locations. A camper at Lake Manawa State Park Campground reports, "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."
Flood-prone areas: Several campgrounds experience periodic closures. About Haworth City Park, a camper notes, "This park is right off the Missouri river, and everytime there is flooding this places gets shelled. We had some major flooding here 2019, and it appears this park is still closed."
Non-resident fees: State parks may charge additional fees. A Louisville camper points out, "This is a state-funded park, so non-Nebraska plated cars have an additional fee."
Playground availability: Several parks offer play structures for children. A Louisville visitor mentions, "About 150 yards from our site was the popular Dreamland playground, which draws families with young kids to that side of the CG next time, we'd choose a site farther from the playground for more quiet."
Water recreation options: Many parks feature water activities specifically designed for children. One Louisville camper reports, "There is a swimming area, beach, and play inflatables for kids in the water. There are playgrounds for kids."
Educational opportunities: Parks with nature centers offer learning experiences. A visitor to Hitchcock Nature Center states, "As a family 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!"
Easy trail options: Some parks offer accessible paths for younger hikers. "There are tons of things to do here between memorial day and labor day unless you have your own kayak or boat. The kids playground is fantastic. The picnic shelters are great too," notes a Lake Manawa visitor.
Site selection considerations: RV sites vary in quality and features across campgrounds. A Walnut Creek camper advises, "Large RV Pads with Trails all around. I was only going to stay for a week but extended to the 2 week max. The potable water is spread out across the campground but I only had to make a few trips with my 6gal jugs during my 2 week stay."
Hookup availability: Electric and water access differs between parks. A Lake Manawa visitor notes, "I'll just say that yes this campground has no trees to keep you cool, but it's all brand new amenities with concrete pads, 40 amp hookups, sewer hookup, water, gated entry, and good signage."
Access considerations: Entry requirements vary by location. A Lake Manawa camper warns, "Campground signage is none. Also make sure you have a reservation for gate code. You cannot enter without it so the walk up sites won't be of any use unless you get there while someone is in the shak."
Dump station locations: Facilities for waste disposal are situated differently at each park. "Dump station at the entrance is really close to sites 43-45 since the campground is a large loop," explains a Walnut Creek visitor.
Frequently Asked Questions
What amenities are available at Glenwood Lake Campground?
Glenwood Lake Park offers approximately 20 RV sites with full hookups. The campground is primarily designed for RVs, though tent camping is also accommodated in less defined areas. The park is located in Iowa's scenic Loess Hills and features a small lake. While not extensive in amenities, it provides the basics needed for a comfortable stay, making it suitable for an overnight stop rather than a destination campground.
How far is Glenwood, Iowa from Omaha for weekend camping trips?
Glenwood, Iowa is approximately 25 miles from Omaha, making it an ideal location for weekend camping trips. The short drive (roughly 30 minutes) allows campers to quickly escape the city without spending too much travel time. For those seeking alternatives in the region, Wilson Island State Recreation Area Campground and Lake Manawa State Park Campground are also within a similar distance from Omaha, providing multiple options for weekend getaways.
Which is the most popular campground near Glenwood, IA?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Glenwood, IA is Lake Manawa State Park Campground with a 3.2-star rating from 12 reviews.
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