Lake Manawa Campground

The Great Outdoors

Fontenelle Forest is located on the Omaha side of the Missouri River, and it is a perfect escape from busy city life. It is one of the largest privately-owned forests in the region, covering almost 2,000 acres of forest, prairie, and wetlands. There are about 19 miles of hiking trails, including the Historic Trail, The Great Marsh, and the Hidden Lake trail. This park offers amazing programs and daily experiences like Raptor Woodland Refuge, Habitat Hollow, Acron Acres, and so much more. It's a great place to explore nature, learn, and have fun when RV camping in the area.Gifford Point Wildlife Management Area is right next to Fontenelle Forest, across the river from Lake Manawa State Park. Over 1,300 acres of land is designated for deer hunting, and this is a very popular location in the area, with beautiful views of the river and nature. Here you can also visit a privately owned farm dedicated to ecology and education. Gifford Point is a great place to visit with kids. Here they can learn about farm animals, ecology, and nature.Hitchcock Nature Center is a beautiful natural park, approximately half an hour's drive north of Lake Manawa Campground. It is a nice place for hiking, biking, fishing, and nature observing. You can also enjoy birdwatching, which is a favorite pastime here. There is a platform for hawk watching too. Visit the nature center for educational programs about nature, or go on a hike following beautiful, well-maintained hiking trails in the park.

Exploring the City

While you're camping at Lake Manawa State Park, you can visit some exciting city attractions in nearby Council Bluffs. Western Historic Trails Center highlights the first travelers to arrive in Iowa, who came from all over the country to embark on the Lewis and Clark, Oregon, California, and Mormon trails. Learn about the first settlers and histories of the trails along the Missouri River. Here you can see various exhibits, photographs, films, and artifacts. The museum is educational and family-friendly, with interactive exhibits. This is just one of many interesting museums and attractions you can see when motorhome camping at Lake Manawa Campground.Rails West Railroad Museum is located in a historic railroad depot that was built in 1899 for the Chicago, Rock Island and Pacific Railroad. Council Bluffs was an important railway station in the 19th century with 15 rail lines. The museum's extensive collection of memorabilia includes uniforms, silverware, a recreated telegraph office, and newspapers. There are also many rail cars on display in the outdoor museum, such as a club car, a boxcar, engines, cabooses, and a railway post office car.In the city center, you can also visit a water park, where you can have a full day of fun with your family. Enjoy a huge pool, a splash area, and water slides on a hot summer day. There is also a zero-depth area, play area, diving board, sand area, and more. The park has a sand volleyball court, shaded seating, and green space. Several concession stands offer snacks and drinks, so you don’t have to worry about food on a busy swimming day. The water park also offers swimming lessons and pool parties.