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List your RVCampgrounds and RV parks near Council Bluffs, IA
42 campgrounds and RV Parks near Council Bluffs, IA. Compare campsite amenities, photos, and site types to find the perfect stop for your rig on your route.
42 campgrounds
2648 campsites
13 RVs available for delivery
From $15/night
Own an RV? Earn up to $24,738/year.
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Best campgrounds near Council Bluffs, IA
Bluffs Run RV Park at Horseshoe Casino
Council Bluffs, IA (2 miles away)
$$$$$
(42 sites)
I-29 Hwy 34 Campground
Iowa (15 miles away)
$$$$$
(40 sites)
Wilson Island State Recreation Area
Missouri Valley, IA (17 miles away)
$$$$$
(42 sites)
+6
RiverWest Park
Nebraska (22 miles away)
$$$$$
(20 sites)
West Omaha / NE Lincoln KOA Holiday
Gretna, NE (24 miles away)
$$$$$
(66 sites)
+9
Fawn Meadows - Two Rivers State Recreation Area
Waterloo, NE (26 miles away)
$$$$$
(12 sites)
+4
Goldenrod - Two Rivers State Recreation Area
Waterloo, NE (26 miles away)
$$$$$
(56 sites)
+4
Riverside - Two Rivers State Recreation Area
Waterloo, NE (26 miles away)
$$$$$
(50 sites)
+6
Oak Grove - Two Rivers State Recreation Area
Waterloo, NE (26 miles away)
$$$$$
(16 sites)
+4
Cottonwood - Two Rivers State Recreation Area
Waterloo, NE (26 miles away)
$$$$$
(49 sites)
+5
Platte River State Park
Louisville, NE (26 miles away)
$$$$$
(48 sites)
+6
Shelby Country Inn and RV Park
Shelby, IA (27 miles away)
$$$$$
(125 sites)
+2
Most common amenities
Tables Toilets Showers Grills Playground Dump station Pet friendly Laundry Fishing Firewood
Council Bluffs RV camping overview
Council Bluffs sits on the east bank of the Missouri River across from Omaha, Nebraska, at the intersection of Interstates 29 and 80. That location makes it a practical base for RV travelers, with easy freeway access, a full range of services in the metro area, and quick reach to river bluffs, wildlife refuges, and Iowa state land within a short drive.
Campground options range from urban and casino-adjacent parks to state-run sites along the river. Bluffs Run RV Park at Horseshoe Casino and RiverWest Park offer paved, full-hookup sites close to town, while I-29 Hwy 34 Campground works as a straightforward highway stopover. Wilson Island State Recreation Area encompasses 544 acres of dense cottonwood stands along the Missouri River in western Iowa and provides a quieter, tree-shaded alternative.
Families crossing from Nebraska often stage at West Omaha / NE Lincoln KOA Holiday before heading east. Together these parks cover most trip styles, from one-night interstate stops to multi-day stays focused on fishing, cycling, and wildlife viewing along the Missouri corridor.
Things to do near Council Bluffs
The Missouri River corridor is the main draw. From Wilson Island State Recreation Area, six miles of multi-use trails wind through the cottonwood stands and along the backwater chute, suitable for hiking, mountain biking, cross-country skiing, and snowmobiling, and the river offers fishing for walleye and catfish from bank spots and boat ramps. Immediately north of Wilson Island is the DeSoto National Wildlife Refuge. The 7,800 acre area includes a seven-mile-long oxbow lake, which provides a great fishery and stopover for migratory waterfowl. The refuge is also well known for the Bertrand Steamboat exhibit housed in the visitor center.
In town, RV travelers can reach the Union Pacific Railroad Museum, the Lewis and Clark Monument, and the Bob Kerrey Pedestrian Bridge linking Iowa and Nebraska on foot. Bluffs Run RV Park at Horseshoe Casino puts guests next to gaming, dining, and events. Day trips into Omaha add the Henry Doorly Zoo, the Old Market district, and Lauritzen Gardens.
Camping spots and RV parks near Council Bluffs, IA
When to visit Council Bluffs
- spring
March - May
63° / 41°F 85 mmWet and stormy; river levels can rise fast
- summer
June - August
84° / 64°F 110 mmHot and humid; peak bookings, reserve early
- fall
September - November
63° / 41°F 60 mmCooler and drier; cottonwood color along the river
- winter
December - February
34° / 16°F 20 mmCold and snowy; state park campground closed
The camping season centers on late spring through early fall. Wilson Island State Recreation Area operates from mid-April through mid-October and is 100% reservable through the Iowa State Parks reservation system. Private parks such as Bluffs Run RV Park at Horseshoe Casino and RiverWest Park generally operate year round, though winter services can be limited.
Summers are warm, humid, and prone to thunderstorms, with July usually the hottest month. Late spring and early summer bring the wettest weather, and river levels can rise quickly; the Wilson Island area sits in the Missouri floodplain and has been affected by high water in past seasons, so checking current park status before arrival is wise. September and October offer cooler nights, drier air, and strong cottonwood color along the river.
Winter camping is possible at hard-surface urban parks but comes with cold, snow, and short daylight. Big holiday weekends, especially Memorial Day, Independence Day, and Labor Day, book out fastest at state and riverfront sites.
How to book campgrounds near Council Bluffs
Iowa state park sites, including Wilson Island State Recreation Area, are handled through the ReserveAmerica reservation site as part of the Iowa State Parks system, and the campground is 100% reservable. Reservations can be made for today and can be made up to 3 months in advance, so summer weekends should be locked in as soon as the window opens.
Private and municipal parks use their own systems. Bluffs Run RV Park at Horseshoe Casino, I-29 Hwy 34 Campground, RiverWest Park, and West Omaha / NE Lincoln KOA Holiday take reservations directly by phone or through their websites, and the KOA can also be booked through the KOA app. For flexible arrivals, calling the park to confirm rig length, hookup type, and any age or pet policies before booking avoids surprises on check-in.
What to expect on arrival
Expect a mix of paved metro parks and rustic river sites. Urban options like Bluffs Run RV Park at Horseshoe Casino and RiverWest Park generally offer full hookups, level pads, and easy big-rig access, with amenities close by. I-29 Hwy 34 Campground is oriented toward quick overnight stops for travelers moving along the interstate.
Wilson Island features 44 sites total, including 31 with electric hookups, 10 non-electric sites, and 3 large youth group camping areas, all serviced by modern restrooms with showers and a dump station, but sites are shaded and can be soft after heavy rain. Cell coverage is solid across the metro and weaker in the river bottoms.
Bring bug spray for river-bottom mosquitoes in summer, an Iowa or Nebraska fishing license is required for fishing the Missouri River, and pack layers for cool river-valley nights even in July and August.
Own an RV? Earn up to $24,738/year.
List your motorhome or travel trailer for free on RVezy.
Frequently asked questions about campgrounds near Council Bluffs, IA
How much does it cost to rent an RV in Council Bluffs, IA?
Good news: an RV rental in Council Bluffs is one of the more affordable ways to explore the Midwest. On RVezy, travel trailers typically start around $90 to $140 per night, campervans run $125 to $185, and larger Class A or Class C motorhomes range from $175 to $295 per night. You'll generally find cheap RV rental Council Bluffs options on travel trailers if a host delivers, since you skip the rental tow vehicle. To save more, travel midweek, book shoulder season (April or late September), and message hosts about multi-night discounts. Pro tip: Lake Manawa State Park campsites are only about $26 per night, so your total trip cost stays surprisingly low.
iowadnr.gov/places-go/state-parks/all-parks/lake-manawa-state-parkWhat license do I need to rent an RV in Council Bluffs, Iowa?
A regular Class C driver's license is all you need to rent an RV in Council Bluffs, no Commercial Driver's License (CDL) or special endorsement required. Iowa lets you drive any motorhome under 26,000 pounds with a standard license, which covers every motorhome rental Council Bluffs hosts list on RVezy, including Class A coaches. You'll need to be 25 or older, and RVezy verifies your ID right inside the platform during booking. Visiting from abroad? Bring your home country license plus an International Driving Permit (IDP) from your local auto association. Once that's done, you're cleared to drive across Iowa, Nebraska, and beyond.
iowadot.gov/drivers-licenses-ids/get-or-renew-drivers-licenses-ids-permits/drivers-license-types-restrictions-endorsementsIs my RV rental in Council Bluffs protected if something goes wrong?
Yes, every booking on RVezy automatically includes a protection package plus 24/7 roadside assistance, so you're covered from the moment you pull out of the driveway. The protection package covers most damages to the vehicle, giving you real peace of mind. During checkout, you'll choose between different protection tiers based on the level of coverage you want, the host doesn't choose, you do. That means whether you're heading to Lake Manawa or rolling west toward the Rockies, you can focus on the trip. Pro tip: review the protection details on the booking page before confirming so you pick the tier that matches your comfort level.
help.rvezy.com/hc/en-us/articles/34008759079835-RVezy-renter-protection-plans-in-detailWhat if I need to cancel my Council Bluffs RV trip?
Booking is low risk: RVezy sets the cancellation policy (not individual hosts), and there's a grace period after booking where you can cancel for a full refund. After that, the refund amount depends on how far out you are from your trip start. You'll see the full policy during checkout before you pay, and if a host cancels on you, RVezy refunds or rebooks you. Pro tip: book a flexible week rather than locking in a single weekend, especially in May or June when Council Bluffs sees its most active severe-weather season, so you can pivot if the forecast looks rough.
help.rvezy.com/hc/en-us/articles/360037736674-Understanding-the-cancellation-policy-for-guestsCan I bring my dog on a pet-friendly RV rental in Council Bluffs?
Absolutely, plenty of pet-friendly RV rental Council Bluffs options are available on RVezy. Just toggle the Pet-Friendly filter when searching and you'll see motorhomes and travel trailers whose owners welcome four-legged guests (some may charge a small pet cleaning fee, shown upfront on the listing). Council Bluffs is a great pet town: Lake Manawa State Park allows leashed dogs everywhere except the swimming beach, and the paved trails connecting to the Wabash Trace and Bob Kerry Pedestrian Bridge are tail-wag heaven. Pro tip: pack a collapsible water bowl, summer pavement near the Missouri River gets hot fast in July and August.
iowadnr.gov/places-go/state-parks/all-parks/lake-manawa-state-parkCan the RV be delivered to my campsite in Council Bluffs?
Yes, RV delivery in Council Bluffs is one of the most popular options on RVezy, especially for first-timers. Many hosts will tow or drive the RV directly to Lake Manawa State Park, Wilson Island State Recreation Area, or even your driveway, level it, hook up water and power, and walk you through every system before they leave. Just use the Delivery filter or message the host to confirm distance and fees. This is a game changer if you're flying into Eppley Airfield (OMA), which sits just 10 minutes across the Missouri River, you can rideshare straight to a fully set up campsite. Pro tip: ask about pickup and dropoff included in delivery to skip driving altogether.
rvezy.com/rv-search?SearchAddress=Council%20Bluffs%2C%20IowaHow far can I drive on a Council Bluffs RV trip?
You've got serious range from Council Bluffs, it sits at the crossroads of Interstate 80 and Interstate 29, putting half the country within a comfortable drive. From here, Omaha is 10 minutes, Des Moines is about 2 hours and 15 minutes (135 miles), Kansas City is 3 hours (185 miles), the Badlands of South Dakota are about 7 hours (450 miles), and the Black Hills clock in around 8.5 hours (550 miles). Most RVezy hosts include a daily mileage allowance with a per-mile fee beyond that, and some offer RV rental with unlimited mileage for longer road trips. Pro tip: message the host with your itinerary before booking, many will bundle extra miles into a custom quote.
iowadot.gov/mapsWhere are the best campgrounds near Council Bluffs?
You're spoiled for choice. The top pick is Lake Manawa State Park Campground (1100 S Shore Drive), with 40 full-hookup concrete pads right on a 753-acre lake, just minutes from downtown. Wilson Island State Recreation Area, about 25 miles north along the Missouri River, offers shaded electric sites among cottonwoods. Hitchcock Nature Center in the Loess Hills gives you bluff-top views and dark skies. Just across the river, Two Rivers State Recreation Area in Nebraska has lakefront sites and rentable cabooses. For a quick overnight, Bluffs Run RV Park behind the Horseshoe Casino has 42 full-hookup sites open May through October. All are easy stops for RV camping Council Bluffs visitors love.
iowadnr.gov/places-go/state-parks/all-parks/lake-manawa-state-parkWhen is the best time of year for an RV trip from Council Bluffs?
The sweet spot is late May through September, with June and early September being the absolute best. Summer highs run 82 to 88°F with warm nights around 65°F, perfect for grilling lakeside at Lake Manawa. July can hit the low 90s with humidity, so AC and shade matter. May and June are lush and green but bring the year's heaviest rain and occasional severe storms. September delivers warm days, cool nights, and fewer mosquitoes. October brings spectacular Loess Hills fall color. Winters drop to single digits, so most state park campgrounds close mid-October through mid-April. Pro tip: aim for the second week of September, peak weather, lighter crowds, and harvest season in full swing.
weather.gov/oax/I'm first time renting an RV, how does pickup work in Council Bluffs?
You'll be in great hands. Every RVezy host gives you a thorough in-person orientation at pickup, usually 30 to 60 minutes, covering the generator, slide-outs, water and waste systems, propane, awning, and driving tips for whatever rig you've chosen. You can also message your host any time before the trip with questions, and RVezy's support team is available to help. Many Council Bluffs hosts even text a personal walkthrough video the night before. If you'd rather skip driving entirely, choose delivery and they'll set everything up at your campsite. Pro tip: take your own video during the walkthrough so you can replay how to switch the water heater from electric to propane later.
help.rvezy.com/hc/en-us/categories/360002007854-For-rentersWhat happens if I have a breakdown during my Council Bluffs RV trip?
You're never stranded. Every RVezy booking includes 24/7 roadside assistance as part of the protection package, covering flat tires, dead batteries, lockouts, towing, and mechanical breakdowns. One quick call gets help dispatched to your location, whether you're on Interstate 80 heading west, parked at Lake Manawa, or boondocking in the Loess Hills. You can also message your host directly through the app; most Council Bluffs owners know local mechanics and can troubleshoot small issues like a tripped generator breaker in minutes. Pro tip: save the roadside number in your phone before you leave the driveway, and snap a photo of the RV's VIN sticker, which speeds up dispatch.
rvezy.com/insurance-and-protectionCan I take my Council Bluffs RV rental across state lines or into Canada?
Yes, crossing state lines is fully covered, and Council Bluffs is one of the best launchpads in the country for an interstate RV road trip. Interstate 80 east takes you to Des Moines, Chicago, or all the way to the Atlantic; Interstate 29 north reaches the Dakotas; Interstate 80 west heads to Colorado and beyond. Travel into Canada is sometimes allowed but requires host approval and confirmation that insurance extends across the border, message the host first. Travel to Mexico is not permitted on RVezy rentals because coverage doesn't apply there. Pro tip: popular loops from Council Bluffs include the Black Hills, Yellowstone, and the Great River Road down the Mississippi.
help.rvezy.com/hc/en-us/articles/360039340074-Insurance-coverage-validityWhat should I budget for fuel on a Council Bluffs RV road trip?
Iowa and Nebraska have some of the cheaper gas in the country, which helps a lot. Expect a Class C motorhome to get 8 to 10 miles per gallon (mpg), a campervan rental Council Bluffs (Class B) to get 16 to 20 mpg, and a travel trailer behind a half-ton truck to deliver 10 to 13 mpg. With gas typically around $3.00 to $3.40 per gallon in the Council Bluffs / Omaha metro, a 500-mile weekend in a Class C costs roughly $170 to $215 in fuel. Pro tip: most rigs run on regular unleaded, and the Sapp Bros and Bucky's stations along I-80 Exit 1B in Council Bluffs are RV-friendly with wide pull-throughs and diesel lanes.
eia.gov/petroleum/gasdiesel/How far ahead should I book a campground near Council Bluffs?
For Lake Manawa State Park, book as early as possible: Iowa State Parks reservations open up to 3 months ahead of arrival through the Iowa State Parks reservation system, and summer weekends sell out quickly. Wilson Island and Prairie Rose State Park follow the same window. Private parks like Bluffs Run RV Park behind Horseshoe Casino can often be booked 1 to 2 weeks out, even in summer. In winter, many Iowa state park campsites switch to limited or walk-in availability due to weather. Pro tip: set a calendar reminder for exactly 90 days before your target Friday morning Central time, that's when the best lakeside sites at Lake Manawa get scooped up.
iowastateparks.reserveamerica.com/What are the driving conditions like around Council Bluffs?
Council Bluffs is one of the easier metros in America to drive an RV through, the terrain is flat to gently rolling, and Interstates 29 and 80 have wide lanes and generous shoulders. The main thing to watch is sudden Midwest weather: spring and early summer can bring strong crosswinds, severe thunderstorms, and rarely tornadoes, so check the National Weather Service Omaha office forecast before driving days. Winter brings ice and blowing snow, which is why most rentals stay parked December through February. Avoid downtown Omaha during weekday rush hour (7 to 9 a.m., 4 to 6 p.m.). Pro tip: the Bob Kerrey Pedestrian Bridge area has low-clearance signage, stick to the interstates with tall rigs.
weather.gov/oax/What amenities do campgrounds near Council Bluffs offer?
You'll find excellent facilities. Lake Manawa State Park Campground has 40 concrete pads with full hookups (water, sewer, 30/50-amp electric), a modern shower house, and a paved trail to the beach and Dream Playground. Wilson Island offers electric sites with a centralized dump station and potable water fill. Hitchcock Nature Center has electric sites plus a visitor center. Most private parks like Bluffs Run include 50-amp service, Wi-Fi, and laundry. If you need to dump or fill water between trips, the free dump station at N.P. Dodge Park in Omaha (just across the river) is open seasonally. Pro tip: confirm site length on reservation, Lake Manawa accepts rigs up to 58 feet, which is generous.
iowadnr.gov/places-go/state-parks/all-parks/lake-manawa-state-parkWhat's included inside a typical Council Bluffs RV rental?
More than most renters expect. Even a basic travel trailer comes with a queen or king bed, full kitchen (fridge, stove, microwave, sink), bathroom with shower and toilet, dinette that converts to extra sleeping space, roof AC, furnace, and an awning. Class C motorhomes add an over-cab bunk, generator, and seatbelted seating for 4 to 6 passengers. Many Council Bluffs hosts include sheets, towels, pots, dishes, and a starter kit of toilet paper and dish soap. Wi-Fi, outdoor speakers, and outdoor TVs are common add-ons. Pro tip: check the listing's amenity list for a generator if you're heading to Wilson Island or Hitchcock Nature Center where some sites are electric-only or non-electric.
iowadnr.gov/places-go/state-parks/all-parks/wilson-island-state-recreation-areaWhat add-ons and options are common when you rent an RV in Council Bluffs?
Hosts make it easy to customize your RV rental in Council Bluffs experience. Common add-ons include linens and towels, kitchen kits, camp chairs and tables, portable grills, generators for boondocking, bike racks, and pet packages, with prices listed upfront on each listing. Each host sets their own mileage policy (often 100 to 150 free miles per day, with a per-mile fee beyond that) and generator hours; both are displayed on the listing. Pickup and dropoff windows are also shown on the listing. Pro tip: bundling delivery, setup, and a dump-and-refill service often costs less than the time and stress of doing it yourself, especially if you're staying within 30 miles of Council Bluffs.
rvezy.com/rv-search?SearchAddress=Council%20Bluffs%2C%20IowaHow does payment and the security deposit work on RVezy?
Payment is simple and secure: you pay through RVezy at booking with a credit or debit card, never directly to the host, which protects both sides. Most hosts also place a temporary security deposit hold on your card a few days before pickup, the amount is shown on the listing and varies by RV. As long as you return the rig in the same condition (no damage, tanks dumped if required, fuel topped off), that hold is released after dropoff. To avoid surprise charges, do a thorough walkaround video with the host at pickup and again at dropoff. Pro tip: photograph the fuel gauge and odometer at both ends, it's the single best way to head off mileage or fuel disputes.
help.rvezy.com/hc/en-us/articles/360038106214-How-the-security-deposit-worksCan I rent an RV in Council Bluffs during winter?
Yes, winter rentals are available, and they're an underrated adventure if you're prepared. A handful of Council Bluffs hosts on RVezy keep four-season rigs with heated holding tanks, enclosed underbellies, and propane furnaces available November through March. You'll want to plug into shore power wherever possible since temperatures regularly drop into the single digits (and below zero in January), which can freeze fresh water lines fast. Wilson Island and Hitchcock Nature Center keep some sites open year-round for hardy campers, and ice fishing on Lake Manawa is a local tradition. Pro tip: ask the host about a heated water hose, skirting, and a backup propane tank, those three items make the difference between a magical snowy trip and a frozen one.
iowadnr.gov/places-go/state-parks/all-parks/lake-manawa-state-parkNearby cities with campgrounds
Kansas City, MODes Moines, IAOmaha, NELincoln, NEKearney, MOHarlan, IAJohnston, IALeavenworth, KSVan Meter, IAFort Riley, KSPleasant Hill, IASmithville, MOAvoca, IABlue Springs, MONewton, IAFirth, NEGladstone, MOColfax, IAIndependence, MOWest Des Moines, IASt. George, KSState Center, IATopeka, KSTecumseh, KS