Lake Manawa State Park in Council Bluffs has something for everyone who loves the outdoors. Have a boat? Launch it in the 753 acre oxbow lake for sailing, canoeing, or water skiing. Paddle boats are available to rent. Swim at the lifeguard protected swimming beach. Fish from the dock or from a boat in a quiet backwater. The campground offers modern bathrooms. There are hiking and biking trails that connect to the trail system in Council Bluffs. The picnic area has shelters for bigger groups and the Dream Playground is a wonderful place for kids with abilities and disabilities to really let loose and have fun. Lake Manawa is truly a great spot to enjoy being outside with family and friends. read more

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This is probably the best park we've been to in a while! I love all of the slides and hidden features! Our kids are 2 and 3 and they loved it! read more

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Went for a drive as it was a nice day despite the wind. The sun was out and it made me want to walk around instead of being stuck indoors studying. The drive is lovely around the lake and it was fun looking at the large houses with their boats and fancy patios. Didn't see any deer this time but we have before. People were having lunch in their vehicles, facing the water; fishing; one was in his boat; generally simply enjoying the day. We parked at Boy Scout Point I think. It was Boy Scout something. And walked out on the little pier. Met a goose along the way. It was so peaceful and nice. Sun on our faces, with a pretty view. Except for the strong wind it would have been perfect. Still a fav place of mine to go. read more

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Playground and camping as and a family reunion. Had fun time too. We played Volley ball and football. We were pretty hot outside and had fun with the old school people and new friends we met at Lake Manawa state park. Shannon M Stoneking read more

We decided to take a trip out here for this first time a few weeks ago and had a great time! Parking was reasonable and wasn't too overcrowded, and admission fees per person were very cheap. The beach area was large and provided more than enough space for individuals to spread out comfortably. When it came to swimming, the roped-off section provided a large perimeter and kept enough distance to prevent boats/jet skis from getting too close. read more

Lake Manawa State Park Beach - Beach Front - Lakes Near Me - Council Bluffs, Iowa

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The worst body of water in all of America? It's so polluted people get sick from swimming there. It's brown, nasty water, and nothing but garbage. Super sad as this could be a nice area, AG run off and people ruined it. There is literally no dirtier water that I've seen in my life. It smells terrible too. read more

Looking to unwind and take in the high vibrations nature has to offer stop and visit this park. No better way to take in the beautiful summer weather before it's gone. Park is clean and spacious and a great place for a picnic. read more

The boyfriend and I decided to be "lake people" and spend the afternoon at the beach. I was not sure what to expect going in to this adventure across the river. It's $3 for adults to get in and $2 for kids. There are tubes and rafts for an additional cost. I'm told they also have air pumps at your disposal for your own flotation devices. There is a kitchen and concessions along with all your beach needs to include sunscreen, towels, flip flops, etc. I was very impressed at how well maintained the beach is. The sand was clean and free of litter. It was pretty busy with people of all ages. You can bring your own food and drink in, to include alcohol . I would definitely return for another relaxing day at the beach. read more

Yikes! If you need a place near Omaha, NE, I'd recommend finding somewhere else. Yes, the price for camping is cheap. But that also brings undesirable camping neighbors. The campground isn't very nice either. There was garbage in the fire rings and on the ground. The sites are close together and no privacy at all. The camp hosts site was messy and they looked about as suspicious as some of the patrons. Not sure what they did anyway as the park staff came around many times checking to make sure fees were paid. As a matter of fact, the local police cruised they several times as well. Even the showers don't get a good rating. I never got hot water and there was no pressure. I froze my butt off! We couldn't wait to leave the next day. read more

Sand, sand, sand!! We really love going to this beach, though it is a bit strange to have to pay to go to the beach. It is nothing someone from out of town will be impressed with, but it sure is nice for someone from the Northwest to find a beach in the Midwest! I have never tried camping here, but the people on the beach are great. Usually it's just us and maybe one other person. I visited last year and plan to visit again this year. It's $3 bucks for ages 12 and up and $2 for the kiddos. read more

You get what you pay for. Price was fantastic and that's about it. It was really kind of a pit. We were on a big 2 week, around the country loop with our kids back in July and stopped here to visit friends in Omaha. We only needed a place to camp for a night and just needed electric and water hookups. Turns out the sites only have electric. I've actually never been to a campsite that has electric but doesn't have water, at least until now. Thankfully we noticed there was no water hookup before we parked so we could fill our fresh tank. Positioning was a nightmare due to a tree in the campsite, and then once we got it positioned we realized the electric box was like 50 feet away. So then I had to move the camper actually off the spur to get it close enough to the electric box, which was on the passenger side of the camper (weird). Leveling it took enough blocks on one side to change the tire on a big rig. The campground is simply not set up well for campers/RV's. Lot of tent campers making noise, people being loud and getting drunk, etc. We just holed up in the camper and made a beeline out of there early in the morning. Won't be returning. read more

Worst camping experience of my life. Listened to the drunks scream at each other across the campsite for an hour after midnight. Finally laid down and after listening to traffic drive by all night on the main road next to the campground I nearly fell asleep to hear a noise and notice a drunk kid (under 19) trying to steal my daughters bike. Never ever had this issue camping. I have had the drunks yelling. But at least the park officials calmed it down. They showed up for a few minutes and then left. Right back to yelling. Will never camp here again read more

Avoid this campground at all costs. Very messy and there was garbage everywhere. May only be $10/night but just remember...you get what you pay for. So disappointed with this state park. read more