Lake Manawa State Park
4.5856 reviews1100 S Shore Dr, Council Bluffs, Iowa, 51501, United States
Romantic GetawaySummer Destination
Quick Facts
958 ftPrice
$26 - $38/night
Booking
Reservable
Sites
40 campsites
Season
The campground is op...
Cell
Has Service
Pets
Very Pet Friendly
RV FriendlyElectricShowers
Get DirectionsQuick Facts
958 ftPrice
$26 - $38/night
Booking
Reservable
Sites
40 campsites
Season
The campground is op...
Cell
Has Service
Pets
Very Pet Friendly
RV FriendlyElectricShowers
Get DirectionsLake 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...
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Standard Site Fee$26.00
Hookup Site Fee$38.00
Premium Site Fee$0.00
Hike and Bike Site Fee$0.00
Group Site Fee$0.00
Food Storage Locker Fee$0.00
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What Campers Say
4.58
Top-Rated
Based on 56 reviews
31 Google reviews
Most mentioned
viewscleanspaciouslake
"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."
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
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.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.
Best Time to Camp at Lake Manawa State Park
Experience the full spectrum of Midwest seasons at Lake Manawa, where each month brings its own outdoor delights. The sweet spot for camping stretches from May through August, when warm temperatures invite you to dive into water sports and lakeside relaxation. Summer visitors should note that the prairie sun can be intense during peak season—early risers and sunset seekers often find the most comfortable conditions for their adventures.
Best
Summer(Jun-Aug)
4.0 / 5
Peak season Memorial Day–Labor Day; beach, rentals and lifeguards available but heat and little shade noted.
Fall(Sep-Nov)
Not recommended
Campground is seasonal and closed after Labor Day for camping (day-use may persist).
Spring(Mar-May)
Not recommended
Campground opens Memorial Day; spring camping not available.
Winter(Dec-Feb)
Not recommended
Campground closed outside Memorial Day–Labor Day; winter camping not supported.
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
Nestled just minutes from the bustling Omaha/Council Bluffs metro area, Lake Manawa State Park offers an unexpected wilderness escape centered around a stunning 753-acre natural lake. Born from the dramatic Missouri River flood of 1881, this aquatic playground has evolved into a premier destination for boating enthusiasts, anglers, and cycling adventurers. The campground's 40 thoughtfully designed sites feature level concrete pads that make setup a breeze, each complete with its own picnic table, fire pit, and full hookups—creating the perfect basecamp for your outdoor adventures.
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.
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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.
Amenities available
Showers
Potable water
Electricity hookups
Dump station
Fire rings
Picnic tables
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.
HikingThe park features seven miles of paved trails suitable for leisurely walks, hikes, or bike rides. Additionally, there are eight miles of unpaved trails for mountain biking south of the Missouri River access.
FishingFishing is popular at Lake Manawa, with catches including crappies, bluegills, catfish, bass, and walleye. Anglers of all ages frequent the lake.
SwimmingThe park has a modern beach facility with a lifeguarded swimming area. Admission fees apply, and the beach is open from Memorial Day to Labor Day.
BikingThe paved trails within the park connect to larger trail systems in Council Bluffs, including the Wabash Trace Trail and the Bob Kerry Pedestrian Bridge. Mountain biking is also available on unpaved trails.
BoatingLake Manawa is a premier boating destination, allowing motorized boats of any size. Canoes, paddleboards, and kayaks are available for rent. There are ramps and docks for boat launching and tying up.
Wildlife viewingThe park is a great spot for bird watching and observing other wildlife, thanks to its diverse habitats.
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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.
Weather at Lake Manawa State Park
Reviews
4.6
56 reviews
Lake Manawa State Park is top-rated, placing it in the top 15% 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 reviewsShow more
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 reviewsPro 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 reviewsSeasonal 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 reviewsCamper 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 reviewsShow more
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 reviewsAccessibility Features
A paved trail is available for mobility-impaired visitors, connecting the campground to other park areas.
Based on 56 reviewsPet-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 reviews0
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Last updated January 5, 2026
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