Lake Manawa Campground

For Iowans seeking an accessible and amenity-rich outdoor escape, Lake Manawa Campground, nestled within the beloved Lake Manawa State Park in Council Bluffs, presents an exceptional choice. This campground isn't just a place to set up camp; it's a gateway to a vibrant natural playground, offering a perfect blend of lakeside recreation and convenient urban access. Whether you're an RV enthusiast looking for full hookups, a family eager to explore a top-tier playground, or simply someone yearning for a peaceful retreat with plenty of activities, Lake Manawa Campground is designed to cater to a diverse range of campers. It provides a comfortable and well-maintained base from which to explore the expansive state park, the beautiful Lake Manawa itself, and the wider Council Bluffs and Omaha metropolitan area. Prepare to experience Iowa's natural beauty with the convenience of modern amenities at your fingertips.

Lake Manawa Campground is ideally located within Lake Manawa State Park, with its office situated at 1100 S Shore Dr, Council Bluffs, IA 51501, USA. This prime location places it right on the shores of Lake Manawa, a popular destination in southwestern Council Bluffs. For Iowa locals, particularly those in the western part of the state, accessing the campground is remarkably straightforward. It's conveniently located just off major interstates, with confirmation emails often including "precise directions from I-29, with an interstate sign confirming the turn for Lake Manawa State Park." This easy interstate access makes it a breeze to reach from anywhere in Iowa, whether you're coming from Des Moines, Sioux City, or even across the Missouri River from Omaha, Nebraska. The park's internal road system is also noted for being easy to navigate, with an "oval-shaped drive" mentioned in a related RV park context, suggesting a user-friendly layout. Once inside, campers are immediately immersed in the state park environment, with direct access to the lake, extensive trails, and the popular Dreamland Playground. Its proximity to the amenities of Council Bluffs means that groceries, dining, and other city conveniences are just a short drive away, offering the best of both outdoor adventure and urban accessibility.

Lake Manawa Campground provides a comprehensive array of services and amenities designed to ensure a comfortable and enjoyable camping experience for all visitors, whether for a night or an extended stay.

• Full Hookup Campsites: The campground features numerous sites, including full hookups, which provide electricity (30 and 50 amp available), water, and sewer connections directly at the campsite. This convenience is highly valued by RV campers.

• Modern Shower Houses and Restrooms: Visitors consistently praise the "spacious and clean" restroom and shower facilities, ensuring a comfortable and hygienic experience for all campers.

• Gated Entrance with Keypad Access: The campground features a gated entrance requiring a code for access, enhancing security and providing peace of mind for guests.

• Dump Station: An on-site dump station is available for RVs, making waste disposal convenient before departure.

• Online Reservation System: All campsites are 100% reservable, and reservations are required, which can be made conveniently online or through a call center. This ensures campers can secure their spot in advance.

• Pet-Friendly: The campground is generally pet-friendly, allowing furry family members to join the camping adventure. Pets must be kept on a leash.

• Picnic Areas and Fire Pits: While not explicitly mentioned for every site, state park campgrounds typically provide picnic tables and designated fire pits for outdoor cooking and enjoyment.

• Firewood Sales: Firewood is available for purchase at the concession stand, making it easy to enjoy campfires.

• Concessions and Rentals (Seasonal): During peak season (Memorial Day to Labor Day), a concession stand near the beach offers food, snacks, and rentals for tubes, kayaks, canoes, and paddleboards.

Lake Manawa Campground, as part of Lake Manawa State Park, offers an impressive array of features and highlights that cater to a wide range of outdoor enthusiasts and families.

• Lake Manawa Access and Water Activities: The campground's direct proximity to Lake Manawa is its crowning jewel. The lake, a 753-acre natural body of water, is perfect for boating (any size motor allowed), fishing (crappies, bluegills, catfish, bass, walleye), swimming at the sandy beach, and various paddle sports with rentals available.

• Dreamland Playground: Located just about 150 yards from some campsites, Dreamland Playground is Iowa's largest ADA-accessible playground, offering 18,000 square feet of fun for all ages and abilities. This is a major draw for families with young children.

• Extensive Trail System: The park boasts seven miles of paved trails ideal for walking, running, and biking, which connect to the broader Council Bluffs trail system, including the Wabash Trace Trail and the Bob Kerrey Pedestrian Bridge. There are also eight miles of unpaved trails for mountain biking.

• Spacious and Level Sites: Campers appreciate the "well-spaced, spacious sites" that are often "level," making setup easy for RVs. Many sites offer "no trees nearby great for satellite access."

• Excellent Connectivity: Despite being a state park campground, cellular connectivity is noted as "decent with 2 bars on Verizon and 3 on T-Mobile," a significant plus for those needing to stay connected.

• Accessibility Features: Beyond the Dreamland Playground, the park features accessible trails and accessible sites in the newly constructed campground, along with accessible restrooms and showers, emphasizing inclusivity.

• Proximity to Council Bluffs/Omaha Attractions: The campground offers a peaceful natural setting while being just a short drive from major attractions in the Omaha/Council Bluffs area, including museums, casinos, shopping centers, and events like the NCAA College World Series.

• Year-Round Fishing: Lake Manawa is known for good fishing throughout the year, with various species available, along with amenities like a fish cleaning station and fishing docks.

As a state park campground, Lake Manawa Campground operates under the pricing and reservation system of the Iowa Department of Natural Resources (DNR). While traditional "promotions or special offers" like private campgrounds might offer are less common, state parks often have set rates that offer excellent value for the amenities and natural beauty provided.

• Affordable Rates: Peak season rates are generally $26/night for full hookup sites and $20/night for youth group sites. These rates are competitive for state park camping, offering great value for a full hookup experience in a popular location.

• Reservation Fees: Note that there are additional reservation fees: $4 for online reservations and $6 for call center reservations. This is a standard practice for state park booking systems.

• Non-Resident Permits: Starting August 15, 2019, a vehicle entrance permit is required for out-of-state vehicles at Lake Manawa State Park. This is an important consideration for non-Iowa residents.

• Youth Group Site: A dedicated youth group site is available, often at a reduced rate, specifically for chaperoned organized youth groups, providing a cost-effective option for educational or recreational trips.

For reservations, inquiries about specific site availability, or to learn more about Lake Manawa Campground and Lake Manawa State Park, you can use the following contact details:

• Address: Lake Manawa State Park, Office, 1100 S Shore Dr, Council Bluffs, IA 51501, USA

• Phone: (712) 366-0220

• Mobile Phone: +1 712-366-0220

• Reservation Call Center: (877) 427-2757 (Open Mondays-Fridays 7 AM-7 PM, Saturdays 8 AM-4 PM, closed Sundays)

• Email: Lake_Manawa@dnr.iowa.gov

• Online Reservations: Reservations can be made through the Iowa State Parks reservation system website.

For Iowa locals, Lake Manawa Campground is an exceptional choice for a wide variety of outdoor and recreational pursuits. Its location within Lake Manawa State Park means you're not just booking a campsite; you're gaining access to a comprehensive recreational hub. Families with young children will particularly appreciate the proximity to Dreamland Playground, ensuring hours of accessible fun. Outdoor enthusiasts will find endless opportunities for boating, fishing, swimming, hiking, and biking on the extensive trail system. The convenience of full hookup sites and clean, modern facilities makes camping comfortable and hassle-free, whether you're a seasoned RVer or new to the outdoor lifestyle. Furthermore, its easy access from major interstates and close proximity to the amenities of Council Bluffs and Omaha means you can enjoy the tranquility of nature without being far from urban conveniences. Lake Manawa Campground offers a fantastic balance of natural beauty, recreational activities, and modern comforts, making it an ideal destination for your next Iowa outdoor adventure, suitable for quick weekend trips or longer, more immersive stays.