There’s nothing quite like camping. Pitching your tent; settling down for ghost stories around the campfire; and enjoying everything the wilderness has to offer. Pair all that with the beauty of the Loess Hills and you’ve got the perfect weekend!
Late summer is prime time for camping in the Council Bluffs area. Luckily, our region offers plenty of opportunities for exploring the outdoors, including hiking, biking, water sports, fishing, horseback riding and so much more. Below we’ve listed some of our favorite campsites within a two-hour drive of the city so enjoy—and don’t forget your s’mores supplies!
Hitchcock Nature Center
The Hitchcock Nature Center in Honey Creek is a wonderland of things to do all year long. Not only do they offer fun hands-on activities for kids, but the park also features a 45-foot-tall observation tower that gives visitors a unique birds-eye view of the rolling hills. They are open every day of the year for outdoor activities like hiking, bird watching and camping—which you can do on one of their many primitive camping sites for a quiet evening in the Loess Hills. Learn more about each of their campsites and other outdoor amenities here.
Located just 14 miles south of Council Bluffs, the I-29 Highway 34 Campground is an RV campground offering a spectacular Loess Hills view along with several other fantastic amenities. They don’t currently allow tent camping, but do offer daily, weekly and monthly rates for recreational vehicles. In addition to the great location and view, visitors can enjoy modern facilities, free wireless internet, drive through parking, full hookups and more.
Outdoor enthusiasts rejoice—the Pierce Creek Recreation Area was made for you! This picturesque camping spot features eight primitive and 12 electrical sites, along with 10 miles of equestrian and hiking trails. There is also a 40-acre lake, a shelter house, a boat ramp, a public hunting area, a gun range and much more! For more information about the area or to check availability on your prospective camping dates, email pagecocons@iowatelecom.net.
Featuring more than 100 acres of water for fishing, swimming and non-gas motor boating, Rapp Park and Recreation Area is the perfect destination for water-loving campers! On land, they have several sites for primitive and RV camping, as well as several miles of hiking trails. Please note: Rapp Park is currently undergoing development, which means there are no bathrooms or other modern amenities available. We recommend checking the county website for updates.
Dammann Campground
Dammann Campground in Shenandoah is the definition of a hidden gem. With no website or other major marketing around town, it’s hard to find out a lot about this campsite, other than the fact that online reviewers can’t stop raving about it! Visitors gush about the quiet landscape, the friendly owners and fishing in the lake. You can call the campground at (402) 250-6150 for more information.
Where do you like to camp near CB?
Let us know in the comments below!