Lake Manawa State Park RV & Campground Guide
Iowa
Lake Manawa State Park is located in Council Bluffs, Iowa. It encompasses 1,529 acres, which includes the 753-acre natural lake. The lake was formed in 1818 after the Missouri River flooded and quickly became a hot spot for water activities. The name comes from a Native American word meaning “peace and comfort,” which describes this area beautifully. In addition to hiking, boating, and camping, visitors can enjoy annual events such as the Winter Fest Ice Fishing Derby, Black Squirrel Triathlon, and Fourth of July Fireworks over the lake.
Spring 29 - 74 F
Summer 62 - 88 F
Fall 29 - 78 F
Winter 13 - 37 F
RV Resorts & Campsites in Lake Manawa State Park
The Lake Manawa State Park Main Campground features 72 pet-friendly campsites. These sites can accommodate RVs up to 44 feet in length, and 37 of them include electrical hookups. These are basic campsites, but you’ll find amenities here such as modern showers, an on-site dump station, and restrooms.
What to Do at
Lake Manawa State Park
You’ll discover a variety of water activities at Lake Manawa State Park like tubing, boating, swimming, and kayaking. When it’s time to take a break, you can enjoy relaxing on the sandy beach. Several types of boats and water equipment are available to rent.
Fishing
Anglers love Lake Manawa State Park all throughout the year. Common fish species found here include walleye, crappie, bluegill, bass, and catfish. Bait is sold at the concession stand, and you’ll find conveniences in the park such as a fish cleaning station, fishing docks, and boat launches.
Geocaching
Geocaching is a fun scavenger hunt game that park visitors from across the country can enjoy. Lake Manawa State Park features a cache that you can find by following a short but steep path or by taking the longer flat trail from the north parking lot.
Flora and Fauna
A forest of trees surround the lake, including California sycamores. Other plants you’ll come across are the common reed, the great ragweed, and Carolina horsenettle. While visiting Lake Manawa State Park you may encounter deer, coyotes, owls, herons, and wild turkeys. Bird watchers love spotting Canada geese, American robins, ringbilled gulls, common starlings, and mallard ducks while in the park. Bald eagles have also been spotted on the lake during the winter months.
Hiking
Lake Manawa State Park features several miles of paved trails. Many of these connect with Council Bluff’s trail system. This includes the Bob Kerry Pedestrian Bridge Trail and the Wabash Trace Trail.
Boating
Motorboats of all sizes are welcome on the lake. The northern, southern, and western edges of the water all have modern boat ramps. If you don't have your own boat, you can rent canoes, paddleboards, and tubes in the park. The Lake Manawa Sailing Association offers sailing opportunities from Memorial Day through Labor Day.
Swimming
The lake is a popular spot for swimming. There’s a wonderful sandy beach at the edge of the water, and refreshments are available at the concession stand.
Biking
Bikes are welcome on all paved hiking trails in the park. If you're looking for more of an adventure, you’ll find eight miles of unpaved trails on either side of the Missouri River, which are ideal for mountain biking. You can access these trails from the southern side of the park.
How to Get to
Lake Manawa State Park
Take exit 47 off of I-29. Go west on Highway 92. In roughly a half-mile, you’ll turn onto East Manawa Drive. Follow East Manawa Drive to the park’s east entrance. To get to the west entrance, use Exit 3 on I-80. Follow the South Expressway to Highway 92. Take Highway 92 to South 11th Street. Head south until you reach South Shore Drive.
Entering Lake Manawa State Park
You’ll find parking lots at the west, north, and east entrances and by the park office. Park hours are from 4 a.m. to 10:30 p.m. Alcohol is not permitted in the park.
Lake Manawa State Park Entry Fee (Iowa residents) : $0.0
Lake Manawa State Park Entry Fee (non-residents, per vehicle) : $5.0
Frequently Asked Questions About Lake Manawa State Park
The best time of year to visit is from May through September when the campground is open. This is also a good time to enjoy all of the water activities, as the weather is warm and mild.
You will find that deer, coyotes, owls, herons, eagles, and wild turkeys all make their homes within Lake Manawa State Park. Fish species found in the lake include walleye, crappie, bluegills, bass, and catfish.
The Lake Manawa State Park main campground includes 72 campsites. Electrical hookups are available at 37 of these sites, and you’ll have the convenience of restrooms, showers, and a dump station nearby.
All of the Lake Manawa State Park campsites can be reserved from April 15th to October 15th. Once you make your reservation, you’ll receive a four-digit code, which you’ll need to access the campground. Prices range from $11 to $24 for non-electrical sites and $16 to $26 for sites with electrical hookups.
Pets are allowed everywhere in Lake Manawa State Park except for the beach. You may take pets out on your boat if you access the water from other areas. Have your pet on a leash at all times and be sure to clean up after them.