Lake Manawa State Park

1100 S Shore Dr, Council Bluffs IA 51501
Council Bluffs, IA 51501

Campground Closed

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The campground is closed each year from October 16 - April 14.

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".

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. 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.

Camp site features

Across 42 camp sites:

Electric hookups: 41 of 42 sites
Water hookups: 41 of 42 sites
Sewer hookups: 41 of 42 sites
Fire pit: 1 of 42 sites
Pets allowed: all 42 sites
ADA accessible: 3 of 42 sites
Group sites: 1 of 42 sites
Longest RV: 80 ft
Largest party: 50 people
Power up to 50 amps

Fees

Non-Peak Primitive Site $10.00 Non-Peak Standard Full Hookup $22.00 Non-Peak Standard with Electric Hookup $19.00 Non-Peak Standard with Water and Electric Hookups $21.00 Peak Primitive Site $10-$12 Peak Standard Full Hookup $22.00-$24.00 Peak Standard with Electric Hookup $19.00-$21.00 Peak Standard with Water and Electric Hookups $21.00-$23.00

Rules

Concessions Open Memorial Day weekend thru Labor Day weekend, 7 days a week, 11 AM - 7 PM daily. Firewood for sale; Sand volleyball; A good variety of food and snacks, and floaties for sale. Rentals include tubes, kayaks, canoes and paddle boards. Information also available on the Lake Manawa Beach Facebook page. Lake Manawa Sailing Association 712-256-3832 (facility); 402-660-2720 (President of the Association) Open Friday before Memorial Day through Labor Day, 7 days a week, noon to 8:00 pm Monday thru Friday and 9:00 am to 9:00 pm on Saturdays and Sundays. Dry storage for approximately 110 sailboats and other non-motorized boats. Wet-slips for 10 boats. Locker and sail storage. A ramp for launching sailboats and docks for tying-up. Beach and picnic shelter, recreational facilities for members and the public. Additional information is available at website: sailmanawa.com The life guarded beach requires an admission fee. Shelter 3 can only be rented through the park concessionaire by calling (712) 366-4802 during the summer recreation season (Memorial Day to Labor Day). In the off-season please call the park office for the concessionaire's contact information.

Directions

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.

Stay Limit

Check in from 4 PM, check out by 3 PM.

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