Glamping near Pacific Junction, Iowa combines comfort and outdoor access in the unique Loess Hills region. The area's distinctive windblown silt formations date back to glacial periods, creating steep bluffs rising 200 feet above the Missouri River floodplain. Camping options in the area range from primitive tent sites to modern glamping yurts with most sites positioned between 960-1,100 feet in elevation.
What to do
Hiking through Loess formations: Hitchcock County Nature Center offers extensive trail systems through the rare Loess Hills landscape. "The hiking trails are not for bikes, and they have several different levels or skills levels. The look out was pretty cool as well," notes one visitor, emphasizing the trail variety that accommodates different hiking abilities.
Horseback adventures: For equestrian enthusiasts, Platte River State Park provides guided riding experiences. "Horse rides available. They have a splash park and gun range," explains a camper who visited the park, highlighting the diversity of activities beyond just riding.
Water recreation: While glamping at Lake Cunningham Campground, visitors can enjoy non-motorized boating on the lake. "The lake itself is great for kayaking, paddle boarding, and sailing! People do swim near the beach area but it is technically not allowed," shares a camper, noting both the official rules and common practices.
Archery practice: Hitchcock Nature Center maintains dedicated archery facilities for visitors. "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!" explains one regular visitor who appreciates this specific activity offering.
What campers like
Scenic overlooks: Waubonsie State Park Campground provides multiple viewpoints of the Missouri River Valley. "If you go make sure you hike over to the sunset viewpoint that looks out to the West," recommends a camper who appreciated the view enough to suggest it as a must-see destination.
Wildlife watching: The biodiversity around Pony Creek attracts nature enthusiasts. "I still love the area's wildlife, and the lake. Or maybe it's just the nostalgia for me," mentions a long-time visitor who continues returning despite finding the camping area itself limited.
Hawk observation: Bird watchers specifically enjoy Hitchcock's tower observation platform. "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," suggests one visitor who found this activity particularly rewarding.
Night sky viewing: The elevated positioning of Hitchcock County Nature Center campsites offers excellent stargazing opportunities. "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," shares a camper describing the evening atmosphere.
What you should know
Seasonal flood risks: Some campgrounds in the region experience regular flooding issues. Regarding Haworth City Park, one camper noted, "This park is right off the Missouri river, and every time there is flooding this place gets shelled. We had some major flooding here 2019, and it appears this park is still closed."
Limited primitive options: Most glamping options prioritize comfort over true wilderness. "The spaces are really small, and not really one view of the lake. There is a new visitor center right by the entrance of the camping area," explains a visitor to Pony Creek Co Park, highlighting facility improvements but spatial limitations.
Raccoon encounters: Wildlife interactions require proper food storage. At Waubonsie State Park, a camper warns, "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."
Self-service systems: Some parks operate with minimal staffing. "I loved the simple self service process. We picked an open spot, paid, and parked. The facilities were impressively clean and well maintained," reports a visitor to Hitchcock Nature Center describing the check-in experience.
Tips for camping with families
Educational programs: Platte River State Park Campground offers structured learning opportunities. "This park offers a lot of nature activities. You can hike the many hiking trails to the mini waterfall, or Platte river. They have paddle boat and Kayak rentals," explains a visitor who appreciated the diversity of options.
Kid-friendly waterfall hikes: Children particularly enjoy the accessible waterfall trail at Platte River. "The small waterfall was a nice surprise as well!" shares a hiker who hadn't expected this feature, which provides a natural attraction that keeps children engaged.
Playground access: Several campgrounds include developed play areas. "There is a play ground for the kids that's wonderful!!!!!" enthuses a parent about the facilities at West Omaha / NE Lincoln KOA Holiday, emphasizing the value of dedicated children's recreation space.
Swimming options: Many glamping locations include water recreation facilities. "This site is great for any size family. The range of different camping options and amenities is incredible," notes a visitor about the KOA, referencing the pool and other family-friendly facilities that appeal to different age groups.
Tips from RVers
Entrance challenges: Some campgrounds have difficult access points. A visitor to the West Omaha KOA Holiday observed, "The entrance/exit is difficult and it looks like it's not their fault as they have been trying to get permits to fix it but the NE transportation is not being cooperative so I recommend patience on this section."
Site spacing considerations: RV sites vary considerably in size and proximity. "The sites are very small however, and to do anything besides swim and play on the playground you need to drive," notes a camper at West Omaha KOA, providing context for larger rig owners planning their stay.
Utility placement issues: Setup challenges exist at some locations. "The electrical box, water and sewer are placed too far to the rear of the site for a big rig to make a wide enough turn to miss a tree that really was planted in the wrong place," warns an RVer at Pine Grove RV Park, highlighting a specific design problem affecting larger vehicles.
