Best Campgrounds near Mineola, IA

Southwestern Iowa's Mineola area provides access to a range of camping experiences within the rolling Loess Hills region. Arrowhead Park Campground in Neola offers lakeside sites with electrical hookups and cabin options, while Lake Manawa State Park Campground in Council Bluffs provides both tent and RV camping with full amenities. The distinctive landscape features include the Missouri River corridor and the unique Loess Hills formations, with Hitchcock Nature Center offering trails through one of only two such landform systems in the world. Most campgrounds in the area are managed by county conservation boards or the Iowa Department of Natural Resources, with several sites offering water recreation opportunities.

Seasonal considerations significantly impact camping availability, with most facilities operating from April through October or early November. Winter camping options are limited, with one camper noting, "It appears not many people camp in Iowa in February. We had the campground to ourselves." The region experiences strong winds year-round, particularly in open areas. A visitor to Prairie Rose State Park reported "wind was intense and constant, probably about 20-25 mph all day and night." Flooding has historically affected campgrounds near the Missouri River, with some parks having undergone repairs following major events in 2019. Reservations are recommended during summer weekends, while spring and fall offer more availability.

Many campgrounds in the area feature fishing access and water recreation as primary attractions. Arrowhead Park receives praise for its affordability and maintenance, with one visitor noting "canoes and paddle boats are available for rent (prices are out of the 1960's...less than $5.00 per hour)." County parks like Botna Bend offer wildlife viewing opportunities including deer, turkeys, and even bison and elk in fenced areas. Site privacy varies considerably between campgrounds, with some visitors reporting closely spaced sites. Cell service is generally reliable for calls and texts throughout the region, with Verizon offering the strongest coverage. Train noise affects some campgrounds, particularly those near Council Bluffs, requiring earplugs for light sleepers.

Best Camping Sites Near Mineola, Iowa (93)

    1. Lake Manawa State Park Campground

    11 Reviews
    Council Bluffs, IA
    9 miles
    Website
    +1 (712) 366-0220

    $20 - $38 / night

    "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."

    "Lake manawa is a nice lake, dream park is a fun playground for kids!"

    2. Hitchcock County Nature Center

    30 Reviews
    Honey Creek, IA
    21 miles
    Website
    +1 (712) 328-5833

    $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."

    3. Haworth City Park

    8 Reviews
    Bellevue, NE
    10 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"

    4. Walnut Creek Lake & Recreation Area

    18 Reviews
    Papillion, NE
    20 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."

    5. Arrowhead Park Campground

    20 Reviews
    Honey Creek, IA
    21 miles
    Website
    +1 (712) 485-2295

    "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."

    "I like that you can tent camp anywhere in the Camp area down by the lake with all your friends close by. the trails and playground equipment is nice and the fishing is great!"

    6. Bluffs Run RV Park at Horseshoe Casino

    7 Reviews
    Council Bluffs, IA
    12 miles
    Website
    +1 (712) 329-6000

    $40 - $50 / night

    "Very convenient location close to lots of shopping and the convention center."

    7. Pony Creek Co Park

    4 Reviews
    Glenwood, IA
    7 miles
    Website
    +1 (712) 527-9685

    8. Offutt AFB FamCamp

    3 Reviews
    Bellevue, NE
    10 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."

    9. Glenwood Lake Park

    2 Reviews
    Glenwood, IA
    7 miles
    Website
    +1 (712) 520-7275

    "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."

    10. Louisville State Recreation Area Campground

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

    $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."

    "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."

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Showing results 1-10 of 93 campgrounds

Recent Reviews near Mineola, IA

475 Reviews of 93 Mineola Campgrounds



Guide to Mineola

Camping near Mineola, Iowa, offers a mix of beautiful nature and fun activities for everyone. Whether you're looking to pitch a tent or park your RV, there are several campgrounds nearby that cater to different needs.

What to do:

  • Hiking and Trails: Explore the scenic trails at Waubonsie State Park Campground. One visitor mentioned, "The park is small, and we didn't find much to do other than a few hikes," highlighting the great hiking opportunities available.
  • Fishing and Water Activities: At Two Rivers State Recreation Area, you can enjoy fishing in the ponds and river. A camper shared, "Multiple ponds/lakes to fish at plus the river," making it a great spot for anglers.
  • Playgrounds for Kids: Families will appreciate the playgrounds at Platte River State Park Campground. One parent noted, "The playgrounds are the nicest I have ever seen!" which is perfect for keeping the little ones entertained.

What campers like:

  • Clean Facilities: Campers often mention the cleanliness of the restrooms and showers. A visitor at Hitchcock County Nature Center said, "Even the pit toilets were spotless and didn’t smell," which is a big plus for many.
  • Friendly Staff: Many campers appreciate the helpfulness of the campground staff. One reviewer at Victorian Acres RV Park & Campground stated, "The camp ground staff were very nice and friendly," making for a welcoming atmosphere.
  • Spacious Sites: Campers enjoy having room to spread out. A guest at Walnut Creek Lake & Recreation Area mentioned, "The campgrounds are beautiful and spacious," which is great for families or groups.

What you should know:

  • Noise Levels: Some campgrounds are near busy roads or train tracks. A camper at Louisville State Recreation Area warned, "With a large amount of active train tracks... this place is the opposite of peaceful."
  • Limited Amenities: Not all campgrounds have full amenities. A visitor at Arrowhead Park Campground noted, "There are vault toilets, no showers," so be prepared for basic facilities.
  • Mosquitoes: Be ready for bugs, especially in warmer months. One camper at Louisville State Recreation Area said, "This is one of my top 3 for mosquitoes," so bring plenty of bug spray.

Tips for camping with families:

  • Choose Campgrounds with Play Areas: Look for spots like Platte River State Park Campground that have playgrounds. A parent mentioned, "My son and I camped for one night... we went paddle boating, swimming, and horseback riding."
  • Plan for Activities: Make sure to check what activities are available. A camper at Eugene T. Mahoney State Park Campground said, "The list of activities seemed great," which can keep kids engaged.
  • Pack Snacks and Drinks: Having food on hand can save you trips to the store. One reviewer at Victorian Acres RV Park & Campground appreciated the "well-stocked camp store," but it's always good to have your own supplies.

Tips from RVers:

  • Check Site Sizes: Make sure your RV fits the site. A camper at West Omaha / NE Lincoln KOA Holiday noted, "The pull-through sites seem to be all gravel/stone," which can be a concern for larger rigs.
  • Look for Full Hookups: If you need full hookups, check campgrounds like Walnut Creek Lake & Recreation Area that offer electric and water. One visitor said, "Electric hookups. Water spigot about the park."
  • Be Mindful of Noise: Some RV parks are near highways. A guest at Victorian Acres RV Park & Campground mentioned, "It backs up to the highway," so consider your comfort with noise when booking.

Camping near Mineola, Iowa, has something for everyone, whether you're a family looking for fun or an RVer seeking a peaceful spot.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is the most popular campground near Mineola, IA?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Mineola, IA is Lake Manawa State Park Campground with a 3.1-star rating from 11 reviews.