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.
What to do
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.
What campers like
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."
What you should know
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."
Tips for camping with families
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.
Tips from RVers
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.
