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Best Campgrounds near Pacific Junction, IA

529 Reviews

The Missouri River valley near Pacific Junction, Iowa contains a mix of established campgrounds and recreational areas offering varied camping experiences. Pony Creek Park sits close to Pacific Junction with limited tent and RV sites in a smaller setting. Several regional options include Glenwood Lake Park (10 miles southwest), which offers RV-only camping from April through November, and Lake Manawa State Park Campground approximately 15 miles north in Council Bluffs with both tent and RV sites available from April to December. The broader region features a range of developed campgrounds with electric hookups, some offering sewer connections and water access.

Most campgrounds near Pacific Junction operate seasonally, with many closing during winter months. Lake Manawa State Park features concrete pads with patios, while Pony Creek Park offers more basic amenities. Water levels and flooding have historically affected campgrounds in this region, particularly those along the Missouri River. Facilities at Haworth City Park and other riverside locations have experienced periodic closures due to flooding. "This park is right off the Missouri river, and everytime there is flooding this places gets shelled," noted one review of Haworth City Park, highlighting the environmental challenges in this floodplain area.

Campers report mixed experiences with the limited camping options directly near Pacific Junction. Pony Creek Park receives modest reviews, with one visitor noting: "Been coming to this lake for years. It's a beautiful setting, right in the middle Loess Hills in sw Iowa. The fishing has always been good here. But this camp area is not much at all. The spaces are really small, and not really one view of the lake." Several reviews mention the natural beauty of the Loess Hills region as a highlight, though the camping infrastructure remains basic. The established campgrounds like Glenwood Lake Park provide reliable utility hookups for RVs but minimal seclusion. Lake Manawa offers waterfront camping with better spacing between sites and panoramic lake views according to recent visitor feedback.

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Best Camping Sites Near Pacific Junction, Iowa (102)

    1. Walnut Creek Lake & Recreation Area

    19 Reviews
    Papillion, NE
    16 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."

    2. Louisville State Recreation Area Campground

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

    $10 - $30 / 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."

    3. Lake Manawa State Park Campground

    12 Reviews
    Council Bluffs, IA
    13 miles
    Website
    +1 (712) 366-0220

    $20 / 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."

    4. Platte River State Park Campground

    31 Reviews
    South Bend, NE
    22 miles
    Website
    +1 (402) 234-2217

    $330 / night

    "Short walk in but a wagon is provided to help unload equipment. Picnic and fire pit near the teepee."

    "I’m never a fan of sitting at my picnic table to eat 8 foot away from someone dumping their sewer tanks. That’s the only con I see here. Luckily we had one of the end sites."

    5. Haworth City Park

    8 Reviews
    Bellevue, NE
    9 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"

    6. Pony Creek Co Park

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

    7. Eugene T. Mahoney State Park Campground

    47 Reviews
    Ashland, NE
    27 miles
    Website
    +1 (402) 944-2523

    $20 - $333 / night

    "The campground was a nice change of scenery from all the farmland and corn we had to endure in Iowa and in the rest of Nebraska."

    "As full-time campers we stay at Mahoney quite often as it is close to the Omaha-metro and there are so many things to do within the park: swimming, golf, zip lines, arts & crafts, trails, nature, horses"

    8. West Omaha / NE Lincoln KOA Holiday

    29 Reviews
    Gretna, NE
    25 miles
    Website
    +1 (402) 332-3010

    "The campground itself was fine and very convenient in location to vIsIt famIly."

    "The site was situated such that our "good side" was facing the trees, away from the rest of the campground. We have a 43' 5th Wheel plus our truck, and there was plenty of space."

    9. Offutt AFB FamCamp

    3 Reviews
    Bellevue, NE
    9 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."

    10. Glenwood Lake Park

    2 Reviews
    Glenwood, IA
    4 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."

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Recent Camping Photos near Pacific Junction, IA

92 Photos of 102 Pacific Junction Campgrounds

Recent Reviews near Pacific Junction, IA

529 Reviews of 102 Pacific Junction Campgrounds

  • Sheri L.
    Oct. 28, 2025

    Victorian Acres RV Park & Campground

    Very friendly people

    I was traveling as a solo female and even with arriving after dark felt safe and fine. The showers house was super warm (visiting in October) and clean. The staff was very nice and called me earlier in the day with check in info I needed since getting in late.

  • Donna H.The Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 11, 2025

    Wilson Island State Recreation Area Campground

    Mosquitos and undrinkable water.

    Mosquitos are a given in a wetland refuge, but since this was just an overnight stay, I wasn't especially concerned. What DID concern me was:

    1. The camp host was present, but not at all helpful. A bad storm was moving in, and so I asked about tornado shelters in the area...he said there were none. Funny as the ranger station was within walking distance, but nobody was attending.

    2. It's a state park, and so the water stations are sprinkled throughout the camping areas. I was going to fill my kettle and was stopped by one of the campers who said that the water was bad and that if I needed water, she had extra. The camp host didn't mention the contamination issue, nor were the spigots marked. I did see a weathered "boil notice" on the door to the showers that evening. 

    It has the potential to be a nice park, but is unkept and all but neglected by the camp host.

  • Susan W.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 13, 2025

    Bluffs Run RV Park at Horseshoe Casino

    Road to Mackinac

    Just an overnight on our way to Michigan. Yeah it's a parking lot! Visited family just in the NE side of the river. Water and electric, not a bad price. Interstate was RIGHT THERE..... but the noise of our AC downed it out! 😎 Showers were low pressure and could have been better maintained.

  • wayne H.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 11, 2025

    Waubonsie State Park Campground

    Over looking the Missouri River

    This is a very nice and clean spot to camp for a bit. They have great hiking and bike trails. If you go make sure you hike over to the sunset viewpoint that looks out to the West.

  • 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.

  • AThe Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 11, 2025

    Fremont Lakes State Recreation Area Tent Campsites

    Great state rec area

    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.

  • Trav S.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 10, 2025

    Walnut Creek Lake & Recreation Area

    Sewer Dump Available

    This is a very cool park in Papillion, Nebraska!

    It also has a sewer dump site for $5 (if you're not camping). See the camp host to pay.

  • J
    Aug. 23, 2025

    Charity Lake

    Did NOT Feel Safe

    Gravel road is narrow w/ very sharp left turn to enter. Steep grade up to parking area required 4W drive. I do NOT recommend for over 24’ pull-behind camper. Once arrived, it’s a quiet & beautiful location. Very secluded & has no lighting. We were the only campers there, however, there was a single truck present. They were fishing, & the driver & passengers sharply eyed us up & down , then grimaced, which made us feel VERY uncomfortable, so we left immediately & made sure that they didn’t follow us. Our “Spidey Senses” were going off, so bugging out asap was the best option. Ended up camping behind a fuel station in the next town b/c we were so tired, but slept w/ one eye opened b/c it shook us so much. Reminded us of the movie “Deliverance” in a non-funny way. Would not recommend staying overnight if you’re there alone, it’s way too sketchy. Plus the skeeters ate us up & the toilet was putrid.

Guide to Pacific Junction

Camping near Pacific Junction, Iowa, offers a variety of experiences for outdoor lovers. From spacious campgrounds to fun activities, there’s something for everyone in this beautiful area.

What to do:

  • Hiking and Trails: Explore the scenic trails at Eugene T. Mahoney State Park Campground. One visitor mentioned, "Nice walking trails and facilities. Lots to do for the entire family."
  • Water Activities: Enjoy paddle boating and swimming at Platte River State Park Campground. A camper shared, "We went paddle boating, swimming, and horseback riding."
  • Wildlife Watching: Keep an eye out for deer and other wildlife at Eugene T. Mahoney State Park Campground. A reviewer noted, "We saw a couple of white-tailed deer wandering through in the early morning hours."

What campers like:

  • Clean Facilities: Campers appreciate the cleanliness of the restrooms and showers. One visitor at Hitchcock County Nature Center said, "Even the pit toilets were spotless and didn’t smell."
  • Friendly Staff: Many campers rave about the helpfulness of the staff. A guest at Victorian Acres RV Park & Campground mentioned, "The camp ground staff were very nice and friendly."
  • Spacious Sites: Campers enjoy the roomy sites at Walnut Creek Lake & Recreation Area. One reviewer said, "The campgrounds are beautiful and spacious."

What you should know:

  • Noise Levels: Some campgrounds are near busy roads or train tracks. A camper at Louisville State Recreation Area noted, "With a large amount of active train tracks... this place is the opposite of peaceful."
  • Mosquitoes: Be prepared for mosquitoes, especially in the summer. A visitor at Memphis Lake State Rec Area warned, "There were lots of mosquitoes on my visit in July."
  • Day Use Fees: Some parks charge a day use fee. A camper at Memphis Lake State Rec Area mentioned, "Don’t forget the day use fee; it’s $14 a day for out of state."

Tips for camping with families:

Tips from RVers:

  • Level Sites: Look for campgrounds with level sites for easier setup. A visitor at West Omaha / NE Lincoln KOA Holiday mentioned, "Our site offered electrical hookups and was also level."
  • Amenities: Check for amenities like laundry and food delivery. A camper at West Omaha / NE Lincoln KOA Holiday said, "The bathrooms were nice and clean, and the shop had lots of food and goods."
  • Space for Big Rigs: Ensure the campground can accommodate larger RVs. A reviewer at Victorian Acres RV Park & Campground noted, "The sites have cement pads with electric service only."

Camping near Pacific Junction, Iowa, has something for everyone, whether you're looking for family fun or a peaceful getaway.

Frequently Asked Questions

What camping is available near Pacific Junction, IA?

According to TheDyrt.com, Pacific Junction, IA offers a wide range of camping options, with 102 campgrounds and RV parks near Pacific Junction, IA and 1 free dispersed camping spot.

Which is the most popular campground near Pacific Junction, IA?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Pacific Junction, IA is Walnut Creek Lake & Recreation Area with a 4.4-star rating from 19 reviews.

Where can I find free dispersed camping near Pacific Junction, IA?

According to TheDyrt.com, there is 1 free dispersed camping spot near Pacific Junction, IA.

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