Lake Manawa State Park
00 review1100 S Shore Dr, Council Bluffs, Iowa, 51501, United States
Lake Manawa State Park
$26.00 - $38.00 / night
Campsite Fees
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
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 a point of concern in user reviews.
About this campground
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.
Historical SignificanceStep into a living piece of American history where the echoes of westward expansion still resonate. The nearby Western Trails Historic Center and Union Pacific Railroad Museum tell the stories of pioneers who once passed through these lands. The lake's name itself carries the wisdom of Native American heritage—'Manawa' translates to 'peace and comfort,' a promise the park continues to fulfill for modern visitors seeking respite from urban life.
Weather and SeasonsExperience 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.
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 SceneryDiscover a photographer's paradise where expansive grassy meadows meet the shimmering waters of an ancient oxbow lake. This natural sanctuary attracts diverse birdlife throughout the seasons, while anglers find solitude along quiet shorelines. Evening visitors are treated to spectacular sunsets that paint the sky in brilliant hues, reflecting off the calm waters—a daily finale that transforms the lake into a canvas of natural artistry.
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.
Campsite details
AccessibilityThe park features a paved nature trail suitable for mobility-impaired visitors. Accessibility within the campground for other amenities is not detailed.
Sites SizeThe sites are described as large and spacious, with concrete pads and grassy lawns.
Sites PrivacyThe sites provide moderate privacy with plenty of space between them and open views due to the lack of trees.
Total Campsites40 campsites
Recommended CampsitesFor 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 is recommended for its lake view and spacious layout.
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 are not allowed
Reservable
Reservations are allowed
Site layoutThe campground includes 40 sites with a mix of pull-through and back-in options, all on level concrete pads. Each site is spacious and well-marked.
Open and Closed SeasonThe campground is open during Memorial Day through Labor Day, with seasonal amenities such as the beach and concessions available during this period.
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.
Amenities available
Showers
Potable water
Fire rings
Picnic tables
Dump station
Cell phone service
Firewood available
Electricity hookups
Water hookups
Sewer hookups
Camp Store
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
The 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.Fishing
Fishing is popular at Lake Manawa, with catches including crappies, bluegills, catfish, bass, and walleye. Anglers of all ages frequent the lake.Swimming
The 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.Biking
The 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.Boating
Lake 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 viewing
The park is a great spot for bird watching and observing other wildlife, thanks to its diverse habitats.Beach activities
Visitors can enjoy sunbathing and swimming at the lifeguarded beach, which also offers refreshments and rentals for recreational activities.Winter Activities
The park hosts the Winter-Fest Ice Fishing Derby in January, a popular winter activity for visitors.Water Sports
Water sports such as kayaking, paddleboarding, and canoeing are popular, with rentals available during the summer season.Campground rules
- Pets are allowed
- Campfires are allowed using the provided fire pits, although maintenance issues have been noted ('firepit full of ashes and trash').
- Quiet hours are not detailed.
Hazards
General hazardsThe 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 forecast
72
°F
Aug 25
Monday
Clear sky
Precipitation: 0%
Moderate wind, may affect light items
Humidity: 33%
Comfortable humidity levels
Wind: 5.5 mph
Moderate wind, may affect light items
Clear sky
7-Day Forecast
Access to 7-day forecasts tailored to each campground—covering temperature, precipitation, wind, and sky conditions.
Daily & Hourly Insights
View hourly forecasts with expected weather patterns throughout the day.
Temperature Trends
Visualize how temperatures shift over the month to help pick the most comfortable days for your trip.
Precipitation Trends
Plan around rain or snow with monthly visualizations of expected precipitation patterns.
Weather Summaries
Assess conditions with visuals for easier decision-making on when and where to camp.
Weather data powered by Open-Meteo
Emergency Services
The nearest hospital and emergency services are located within 10 miles of the campground in Council Bluffs.
Good to know
Peak season datesPeak season runs from Memorial Day to Labor Day, with amenities such as the beach, rentals, and concessions available.
Trash and recyclingTrash dumpsters are available within the campground for waste disposal. Recycling facilities are not mentioned.
Proximity to 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.
Common complaintsLack of shade due to absent trees; tent camping charged the same as RV sites; unthreaded sewer connections; occasional reports of drug activity in the park.
HostCamp hosts Jim and Lisa are praised for their welcoming and helpful attitude ('Jim stopped by and got us firewood').
Campground Map
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.
Camper Reviews
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0 reviews
Lake Manawa State Park has limited reviews, placing it in the bottom % 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
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...
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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.
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.
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.
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...
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Site-Specific Reviews
Site 33: Well-placed with nice views of the lake. Back-in sites are angled well, making them easy to access.
Accessibility Features
A paved trail is available for mobility-impaired visitors, connecting the campground to other park areas.
Pet-Friendly Features
Pets are welcome, and there is plenty of grassy space for walking dogs, though there are no enclosed dog parks.
Last updated August 10, 2025