How much does camping cost at Lake Manawa State Park?

Camping fees at Lake Manawa State Park range from $26-$38/night. Prices may vary by site type (standard, hookup, premium) and season. Book online to see exact pricing for your dates.

Is Lake Manawa State Park first-come first-served or reservation?

Lake Manawa State Park accepts online reservations. We recommend booking in advance, especially during peak season (typically summer weekends). Use campsite alerts to get notified when spots become available.

What is the best time to visit Lake Manawa State Park?

Lake Manawa State Park is open Peak season runs from Memorial Day to Labor Day, with amenities such as the beach, rentals, and concessions available.. The best time to visit depends on your preferences—summer offers the warmest weather and most activities, while spring and fall provide fewer crowds and milder temperatures. Check current conditions before your trip.

Are there showers at Lake Manawa State Park?

Yes, Lake Manawa State Park has shower facilities available for campers. Check the amenities section for details on hours and any fees.

Is there cell service at Lake Manawa State Park?

Cell phone service at Lake Manawa State Park is generally available. Cell service is available. Coverage may vary by carrier and exact location within the campground.

How many campsites does Lake Manawa State Park have?

Lake Manawa State Park has 40 campsites. Sites vary in size, privacy, and amenities. Check availability online to find the best site for your needs.

Are dogs allowed at Lake Manawa State Park?

Yes, pets are allowed at Lake Manawa State Park. Dogs must typically be kept on a leash (usually 6 feet or shorter) and under control at all times. Be sure to clean up after your pet and check for any breed or size restrictions.

What amenities are available at Lake Manawa State Park?

Lake Manawa State Park offers: Showers, Potable Water, Dump Station, Electrical Hookups, Water Hookups, Sewer Hookups, Pets Allowed, Camp Store. See our detailed campground page for the full list of facilities and features.

What activities can I do at Lake Manawa State Park?

Popular activities at Lake Manawa State Park include Hiking, Fishing, Swimming, Biking, Boating, Wildlife Viewing, Beach Activities. The surrounding area offers plenty of outdoor recreation opportunities for all skill levels.

Lake Manawa State Park

Q: Can I have a campfire at Lake Manawa State Park?

Fire policies at Lake Manawa State Park: Campfires are allowed using the provided fire pits, although maintenance issues have been noted ('firepit full of ashes and trash').. Always check current fire restrictions before your trip, as conditions change seasonally.

4.45

56 reviews

1100 S Shore Dr, Council Bluffs, Iowa, 51501, United States

Summer Destination

Featured in:RV Camping Iowa Beach Camping Iowa Swimming Camping Iowa +6 more

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

Quick Facts

958 ft

Price

$26 - $38/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

40 campsites

Season

The campground is op...

Cell

Has Service

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

Full HookupsShowers

Book on Lake Manawa State Park Official Website

Get Directions

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

Quick Facts

958 ft

Price

$26 - $38/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

40 campsites

Season

The campground is op...

Cell

Has Service

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

Full HookupsShowers

Book on Lake Manawa State Park Official Website

Get Directions

Lake Manawa State Park

$26.00 - $38.00 / night

Campsite Fees

Fees vary from $26 per night for a standard site to $38 for a full-hookup site. Tent camping is charged at the same rate as RV sites, which has been...

Standard Site Fee$26.00

Hookup Site Fee$38.00

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Campground Map

1100 S Shore Dr, Council Bluffs, Iowa, 51501, United States

Lake Manawa State Park

1100 S Shore Dr, Council Bluffs, Iowa, 51501, United States

Nearby places

Council Bluffs (2.5 miles south of I-80 Exit 3)

Omaha (close driving distance)

Nearby supplies

Within 10 miles, there are grocery stores, fuel stations, and dining options in Council Bluffs and Omaha. The campground is centrally located with easy access to supplies.

Driving directionsTake exit 47 off of I-29. Go west on Hwy 92 about 1/2 mile to East Manawa Drive. Follow East Manawa drive and you will end up at the East Entrance. Take Exit 3 from I-80. Take the South Expressway south 1 mile to Hwy 92. Go west on Hwy 92 to S. 11th St. Go south on S. 11th St to South Shore Dr. This is what we would consider the West Entrance.

The campground is easily accessible from both Interstate 29 (Exit 47) and Interstate 80 (Exit 3). Roads leading to the campground are paved, making the campground well-suited for RVs and vehicles. There appear to be no seasonal closures or challenging terrain in the area.

Weather at Lake Manawa State Park

Best Time to Camp at Lake Manawa State Park

Summer is the best time to visit, when the beach, boat launches, and concessions operate and water-based recreation peaks. June through August brings typical Midwest heat. Daytime highs run mid-70s to mid-90s °F with humid conditions perfect for swimming and paddleboarding. Weekends and holidays (Memorial Day, Fourth of July) draw the biggest crowds. The lack of shade means RV air conditioning or early morning/evening activities make the most sense during peak heat.

Best

Summer(Jun-Aug)

4.0 / 5

Best season: beach, boat launches and rentals operate; hot with little shade.

Planning Tips

Peak Season: Peak season runs from Memorial Day to Labor Day, with amenities such as the beach, rentals, and concessions available.. Book 2-3 months ahead.
Operating Season: The campground is open during Memorial Day through Labor Day, with seasonal amenities such as the beach and concessions available during this period.

About Lake Manawa State Park

Lake Manawa State Park sits minutes from Council Bluffs on a 753-acre oxbow lake created by an 1881 Missouri River flood. The campground offers 40 sites with concrete pads and full hookups, ranging from $26-$38 per night. Facilities stay clean and well-maintained, though the open terrain provides almost no shade.

Lake Manawa State Park campground primarily accommodates RVs, with full hookup sites and spacious concrete pads. While tent camping is allowed, there are no designated tent-only areas.

Historical Significance

The 1881 Missouri River flood that created this oxbow lake left behind a geological snapshot of the river's power. The name 'Manawa' translates to 'peace and comfort' in Native American language. Nearby Western Trails Historic Center and Union Pacific Railroad Museum document the area's role in westward expansion.

Weather and SeasonsSummer is the best time to visit, when the beach, boat launches, and concessions operate and water-based recreation peaks. June through August brings typical Midwest heat. Daytime highs run mid-70s to mid-90s °F with humid conditions perfect for swimming and paddleboarding. Weekends and holidays (Memorial Day, Fourth of July) draw the biggest crowds. The lack of shade means RV air conditioning or early morning/evening activities make the most sense during peak heat.

ElevationSituated in the gently rolling terrain near the Omaha/Council Bluffs corridor, Lake Manawa offers accessible outdoor experiences without challenging climbs. The relatively flat landscape makes it ideal for families, cyclists of all skill levels, and anyone seeking scenic beauty without strenuous elevation changes.

Natural Features and SceneryThe park occupies flat terrain carved by the Missouri River's ancient meandering path, creating an oxbow lake ringed by grassy meadows. At 958 feet elevation, the landscape offers open views across the water but lacks mature trees. The exposed setting attracts diverse birdlife and delivers expansive sunsets over the lake. Sites provide unobstructed sightlines but zero relief from the prairie sun.

Geological RegionWitness the raw power of nature's architecture at Lake Manawa, where the mighty Missouri River dramatically reshaped the landscape over a century ago. The 1881 flood that created this 753-acre oxbow lake left behind a geological wonder—a testament to the river's ancient meandering path. Today's flat terrain, carved by centuries of river flow, provides ideal conditions for the park's extensive trail system and creates the perfect natural amphitheater for outdoor recreation.

Scenic ViewsMany campsites offer views of Lake Manawa and its surroundings. Quotes from reviews highlight views like 'lake from both the back and passenger sides of our fifth wheel' and 'sunset over the lake.'

Lodging & AccommodationsLodging options are limited to camping facilities; there are no hotel-style accommodations on-site.

Programs & ActivitiesNo specific cultural or educational programs are mentioned in the available materials.

Best Campsites

Curated by campers, for campers

Reveal picks

Reserving a campsite

Check-in

Check-in requires a gate code provided in the reservation email.

Stay Limit

Stay limits are not explicitly stated.

Guests Allowed Per Site

Guest limits are not defined.

Tents

Tents are allowed

RV vehicles

RV vehicles are allowed

Primitive

Primitive camping is not allowed

Reservable

Reservations are allowed

Site layoutThe 40 sites mix pull-through and back-in options on level concrete pads with grassy lawns. Spacing between sites provides moderate privacy despite the open terrain. Each site includes a picnic table and fire ring. Note that sewer connections aren't threaded, and you'll need a water pressure regulator for hookups.

Reservation PlatformsReservations can typically be made online, and users receive gate codes via email to access the campground.

Walk-in AvailabilityWalk-up availability is unclear, but the campground requires reservation and gate-code access.

Cancellation PolicyCancellation policies are not directly provided. However, users must pay careful attention to reservation emails for gate codes, implying that cancellations might affect access.

AccessibilityThe park features a paved nature trail suitable for mobility-impaired visitors. Accessibility within the campground for other amenities is not detailed.

Site SizeThe sites are described as large and spacious, with concrete pads and grassy lawns.

PrivacyThe sites provide moderate privacy with plenty of space between them and open views due to the lack of trees.

Total Campsites40 campsites

Recommended SitesFor privacy and lake views, opt for back-in sites closer to the water. Bring a water-pressure regulator and plan for no shade due to the absence of trees.

Best CampsitesSite 33 offers a lake view and spacious layout. Reviews mention concrete pads and full hookups across all sites, so choice comes down to proximity to the water versus the playground and facilities.

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Amenities available

Lake Manawa State Park offers a wide range of amenities catering to both day visitors and overnight campers. Facilities within the campground include full 50-amp hookups, concrete pads, fire pits, and picnic tables that are bolted down for security. The campground also features a bathhouse with a single unisex bathroom and shower. The park also has ample facilities for day use, including picnic shelters, a large children’s playground, and a swimming beach with concessions and rentals.

Showers

Potable water

Electricity hookups

Water hookups

Sewer hookups

Dump station

I manage this campground

RV details

Activities you can enjoy

Lake Manawa State Park offers a variety of recreational activities, both on land and on water. Visitors can enjoy hiking, biking, boating, fishing, and swimming. The park features a large playground for children and hosts events such as the Winter-Fest Ice Fishing Derby and the Black Squirrel Triathlon.

Hiking

Fishing

Swimming

Biking

Boating

Wildlife viewing

Planning your trip?Check out our camping packing checklist

Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsThe lack of shade and high summer temperatures are recurrent issues mentioned by tent campers. Drug activity in parts of the park has been noted in reviews as a safety concern.

Fire PolicyCampfires are allowed using the provided fire pits, although maintenance issues have been noted ('firepit full of ashes and trash').

Quiet HoursQuiet hours are not detailed.

Emergency ServicesThe nearest hospital and emergency services are located within 10 miles of the campground in Council Bluffs.

Trash & RecyclingTrash dumpsters are available within the campground for waste disposal. Recycling facilities are not mentioned.

Water FeaturesThe campground is beside Lake Manawa, providing opportunities for boating, fishing, and swimming. A large playground and pavilion are also close to the campground.

Camp HostCamp hosts Jim and Lisa are praised for their welcoming and helpful attitude ('Jim stopped by and got us firewood').

Cell CoverageCell service is available, with a user reporting a speed of 47 Mbps down and 12 Mbps up on a Verizon Jetpack. There were no major issues with streaming video, although occasional buffering was mentioned.

Trip Planning Tools

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Questions & answers

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Reviews

From Booking Sources

4.5

56 reviews

Recommended

Lake Manawa State Park is recommended, placing it in the top 40% of campgrounds based on reviews

User reviews highlight the clean and well-maintained facilities, spacious sites, and a range of recreational activities. However, the lack of shade and the presence of some undesirable park visitors (e.g., drug addicts) are noted as drawbacks.

Review Summaries

Based on 56 reviews

What Campers Love

"Beautiful campground with large, level concrete pads and full hookups." "Extremely clean and well-maintained." "Spacious sites with good views of the lake." "Great playground for kids and easy...

Based on 56 reviews

Common Concerns

Lack of shade due to no trees in the campground. Push-button showers with short water duration. Presence of some undesirable individuals within the park.

Based on 56 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

Site 33: Well-placed with nice views of the lake. Back-in sites are angled well, making them easy to access.

Based on 56 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Bring a water pressure regulator for hookups. Reserve in advance and check emails for gate codes. Consider visiting with an RV to stay cool as the campground lacks shade.

Based on 56 reviews

Seasonal Insights

Summer reviews note the heat and lack of shade as significant concerns. Fall reviews are more positive, focusing on the spacious sites and recreational activities.

Based on 56 reviews

Camper Quotes

"This campground is now a 10+ today. We rode our bikes from our campsite all the way right into downtown Omaha." "Tenters beware! This campground has no trees and it has afternoon sun, making it HOT...

Based on 56 reviews

Accessibility Features

A paved trail is available for mobility-impaired visitors, connecting the campground to other park areas.

Based on 56 reviews

Pet-Friendly Features

Pets are welcome, and there is plenty of grassy space for walking dogs, though there are no enclosed dog parks.

Based on 56 reviews

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Go if

RV campers who want a level, full-hookup pad with lake views from their rig, site 33 is a strong pick, and easy access to Omaha via the bike trail connection. Hosts Jim and Lisa are genuinely helpful. Bring a water pressure regulator.

Skip if

Tent campers should know there's no tree cover anywhere on the loop, summer heat is brutal without AC, and the site fee runs the same $26-$38 whether you're in a fifth wheel or a two-person tent. Drug activity in the day-use areas has also shown up in multiple reviews.

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