Campground Operations: This campground is 100 percent reservable and accepts reservations April 15th - October 15th until 9pm CST the day of arrival. In order to enter the campground you will enter a 4 digit access code and must press #. The access code can be found on the confirmation letter that is sent once a reservation is made.
Nonresident Vehicle Entrance Permit: Starting August 15, 2019, a vehicle entrance permit is required on out of state vehicles at Lake Manawa state park. For more information about the nonresident user fee, visit, Nonresident Permits.
Campground Closed: The campground is closed each year from October 16 - April 14.
Book a Campsite at Lake Manawa State Park, IA
Overview
Description
Lake Manawa State Park is one of the most popular outdoor recreation facilities in the Omaha/Council Bluffs metropolitan area. The park's 1,529 acres encompass a beautiful 753 acre natural lake. Lake Manawa was formed during a flood in 1881 when a portion of the river channel was cut off by the meandering of the great Missouri River. Over the years, the resulting "oxbow" lake became a major outdoor recreation center for millions of visitors. "Manawa" is a Native American term meaning "peace and comfort".
Recreation:
Trails
Lake Manawa provides ample opportunity for a hike, leisurely walk or bike ride on a total of seven miles of paved trails. These trails connect to the trail system that runs throughout Council Bluffs including the Wabash Trace Trail and the Bob Kerry Pedestrian Bridge. A nature trail with a paved surface offers opportunity to walkers and the mobility-impaired. There are also eight miles of unpaved trails perfectly suited for mountain biking located on either side of the Missouri River access on the south side of the park.
Lake Activities
Lake Manawa is the premier boating spot in the Omaha/Council Bluffs area. Boat motors of any size may be operated on the lake. Modern boat ramps are located on the north, south and west sides of the lake. Paddleboats and canoes are available for rent at the beach area from the concession operator. A Missouri River boat ramp also provides boaters access to the river.
Lake Manawa is also a favorite spot for anglers of all ages. Good catches of crappies, bluegills and catfish may be had throughout the year. Excellent populations of good size bass and walleye can be expected.
Lake Manawa is a great place for swimmers and sunbathers, young and old. A modern beach facility provides opportunities for swimming, as well as refreshments.
Facilities:
Picnicking/Shelters
Lake Manawa provides many locations for family picnics. Five open picnic shelters (one of which includes a kitchenette) are located around the lake and may be reserved online. Another open shelter, Shelter 3, is located near the beach and concessions. Shelter 3 can be rented from the concessionaire by calling (712) 366-4802 during the summer recreation season.
Nearby Attractions:
Lake Manawa hosts Winter-Fest Ice Fishing Derby (January), Fourth of July Fireworks over the lake and Black Squirrel Triathlon (August).
The park is also a short driving distance of any major attraction or event in the Omaha/Council Bluffs area, including the NCAA College World Series (June), Western Trails Historic Center, Durham Museum, Union Pacific Railroad Museum, Strategic Air and Space Command Museum and the Henry-Doorly Zoo.
Nearby Towns
Council Bluffs and Omaha. Lake Manawa State Park is located two and one-half miles south of Interstate 80 (Exit 3) at Council Bluffs, Iowa. It is located two and one-half miles west of Interstate 29 (Exit 47).
Booking Window
Shelters
Sun Apr 27 2025 - Mon Apr 20 2026Reservations must be made 7 Day(s) ahead of arrival and can be made up to 12 Month(s) in advance.
Standard Full Hook-Up
Sun Apr 20 2025 - Sun Jul 20 2025Reservations can be made for today and can be made up to 3 Month(s) in advance.
Youth Group Only
Sun Apr 20 2025 - Sun Jul 20 2025Reservations can be made for today and can be made up to 3 Month(s) in advance.
Season Dates
Lake Manawa Shelters (#4 - #7):
Reservable: May 1 - September 30
Lake Manawa Shelters #3 (Only rented through park concessionaire):
Walk In: May 1 - September 30
Lake Manawa Youth Group:
Walk In: January 1 - March 31
Off Peak: April 1 - April 30
Peak: May 1 - October 31
Walk In: November 1 - December 31
Lake Manawa Campground:
Closed: January 1 - April 14
Off Peak: April 15 - April 30
Peak: May 1 - October 15
Closed: October 16 - December 31
Season Schedule
Park Season
Start
End
Off Peak
Tue Apr 15 2025
Wed Apr 30 2025
Peak
Thu May 01 2025
Wed Oct 15 2025
Off Peak
Wed Apr 15 2026
Thu Apr 30 2026
Services and Amenities
Within Park
- Bait
- Bird Watching
- Boat Launch Ramp
- Boat Rental
- Canoe Rental
- Canoeing
- Concession
- Docks, Fishing
- Dump Station
- Firewood Sales
- Fish Cleaning Station
- Fishing
- Hiking
- Horseshoe Pits
- Jet-Skiing
- Jogging/Running
- Kayak Rentals
- Kayaking
- Keypad Gate Access
- Lake
- Modern Bathroom
- Modern Restroom
- Mountain Biking
- Paddle Boat Rentals
- Paddle Boating
- Park Office
- Parking
- Picnic Area
- Playground
- Registration Building
- Restrooms
- Sail Boating
- Showers
- Swimming - Beach
- Telephone
- Trash Dumpster
- Walking
- Water Hydrants
- Wildlife Viewing
Less Than 1 Mile
- River
Within 10 Miles
- ATM/Cash Machine
- Antiquing
- Art & Museum
- Church
- Dining
- Fuel, Vehicles
- Grocery Store
- Historic Sites
- Hospital
- Interpretive Center
- Maintenance, Boat
- Maintenance, RV/Camper
- Maintenance, Vehicle
- Medical Clinic
- Motel
- Nature Center
- Shopping
Greater Than 10 Miles
- Archery
- Hunting
- Putt-Putt Course
- Tennis
Fees and Cancellation Policies
Facility Rates*
Park Season
Site Type
Nightly/Daily Rates
Off Peak Season
Apr 15 2025 -
Apr 30 2025
Apr 15 2025 -
Apr 30 2025
Youth Group Only
$20.00
Standard Full Hook-Up
$18.00-$23.00
Shelters
$25.00-$125.00
Peak Season
May 01 2025 -
Oct 15 2025
May 01 2025 -
Oct 15 2025
Youth Group Only
$20.00
Standard Full Hook-Up
$38.00
Shelters
$25.00-$125.00
Off Peak Season
Apr 15 2026 -
Apr 30 2026
Apr 15 2026 -
Apr 30 2026
Youth Group Only
$20.00
Standard Full Hook-Up
$18.00-$23.00
Shelters
$25.00-$125.00
*Displayed rates do not reflect discounts, attribute fees (electrical hookups / water hookups), taxes or incremental charges
**Weekly rates may not be available for all sites
Getting There
GPS Info. (Latitude, Longitude):
41.2075, -95.85722
41°12'27"N, 95°51'26"W
Take 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.
41.2075, -95.85722
41°12'27"N, 95°51'26"W
Take 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.
Nearby Parks
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