RV Park Near Council Bluffs, Iowa
Twenty-five minutes west across the Missouri River. Two private lakes, full hookups, and a gated lakeside campground that gives Iowa-side travelers a genuine alternative to casino lots and highway rest stops.
THE BEST STOP WEST OF THE MISSOURI RIVER
Cross the river. Skip the casino lot. Pull into a lake.
Council Bluffs has casinos, a mid-size arena, and easy I-80 access — but it doesn’t have a lakeside campground. For that, you cross the Missouri River into Nebraska, take Hwy 75 South for about 22 miles, and arrive at Merritt Beach RV Park: two private lakes, full hookups, and a gated community that feels nothing like a highway stop. Twenty-five minutes from Council Bluffs. Worth every mile.
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25 minutes from Council Bluffs
Take I-80 West over the river into Nebraska, exit Hwy 75 South, and drive about 22 miles to Plattsmouth. The crossing adds maybe 10 minutes — the difference in what you arrive at makes the rest of the conversation.
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Two private lakes
A swimming lake and a separate stocked fishing lake, both on the property and included in every stay. Council Bluffs and Pottawattamie County have no comparable lakeside RV option within 30 miles.
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Full hookups at every pad
Run your rig exactly as you would at home. No generator nights, no dry camping. Both 30 and 50-amp service are available at every site.
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Right on the I-80 and I-29 corridor
Council Bluffs sits at the junction of I-80 and I-29 — a natural waypoint for travelers heading in any direction. Merritt Beach is the best overnight stop within 30 miles of that intersection, on either side of the river.
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Monthly and seasonal stays available
Passing through on I-29? Relocating from Iowa to the Omaha metro? Working on a project near the border? Month-to-month sites are available without a full-season commitment.
LIFE AT MERRITT BEACH
Lakeside Living, 25 Minutes from Council Bluffs
Click any photo for a full-screen view.
EVERY STAY
What You Get at Every Site
Hover any card for details. Every amenity is included, whether you stay one night, one month, or the whole season. No tiers, no hidden fees.
Water Hookup
Water Hookup
On-site connection at your pad for the full stay.
30/50 Amp Electric
30/50 Amp Electric
Run AC and appliances — no generator needed.
Swimming Lake
Swimming Lake
Private on-site lake with beach access all season.
Fishing Lake
Fishing Lake
A separate stocked lake on the property.
Gated Entry
Gated Entry
Secured, managed campground — registered guests only.
Pet Friendly
Pet Friendly
All stay types welcome pets, subject to leash/cleanup rules.
Volleyball & Play
Volleyball & Play
Sand volleyball, playground, and biking paths.
Fire Rings
Fire Rings
Designated fire rings with onsite firewood available.
Holiday Events
Holiday Events
Campground events for monthly and seasonal guests.
Pump-Out Service
Pump-Out Service
Local providers pump your tanks on-pad; small fee.
SEASONAL CAMPING NEAR COUNCIL BLUFFS
Seven Months Across the River
April through October — full-season camping with full hookups and private lakes, just across the Missouri River from Council Bluffs. Hover any month to see what’s happening at camp.
Opening Season
Season opens April 1. Quieter pads, excellent spring fishing on both lakes, and cooler temperatures before the June rush. A great window to arrive from the Iowa side and settle in before peak-season occupancy.
Peak Summer
The swimming lake is fully open, and campground events are in full swing. The busiest season at Merritt Beach — if you're working near Council Bluffs or need an Iowa-Nebraska border base for the summer.
Fall Camping
Cooler evenings, prime fishing, and a quieter campground. Many long-term residents say fall is the best season at Merritt Beach — less traffic, beautiful Nebraska mornings on the lake, and the October 31 close approaching.
Winter Storage
Seasonal lease holders store their RV on the pad through winter. Renewal deadline is August 31 — contact the campground before the end of summer to hold your site for the following season.
COUNCIL BLUFFS, OMAHA & THE MISSOURI RIVER
What's Across the River and Down the Road
Twenty-five minutes gets you back to Council Bluffs. Thirty-five minutes to reach Downtown Omaha. The Platte River is five minutes from the gate. In every direction, there’s something worth the drive.
Mid-America Center
Council Bluffs arena hosting concerts, sporting events, and shows — about 8,000-seat capacity.
Bob Kerrey Pedestrian Bridge
Iconic bridge spanning the Missouri River between Council Bluffs and Omaha — a popular walk and photo stop.
Ameristar Casino Council Bluffs
Riverside casino hotel with restaurants, spa, and entertainment on the Iowa side of the Missouri.
Platte River Recreation
Kayaking, canoeing, and fishing access are minutes from the campground gate.
Henry Doorly Zoo, Omaha
World-class zoo in Omaha — one of the top-ranked in the US and worth the 35-minute drive.
Fontenelle Forest, Bellevue
900+ acres of old-growth forest with hiking trails and Missouri River overlooks.
Eppley Airfield (OMA)
Omaha’s main commercial airport — about 40 minutes via Hwy 75 and I-80.
Harrah's Council Bluffs Casino
Major resort casino off I-80 in Council Bluffs — dining, entertainment, and live events year-round.
PRICING
Three Ways to Stay Near Council Bluffs
Cross the Missouri River once — then stay as long as you need. All rate types include full hookups and both private lakes.
One Night, Full Hookups
Driving I-80 or I-29 and stopping in the Council Bluffs area for the night? Cross the Missouri River and pull into a real lakeside campground instead of a casino parking lot. Full hookups, two lakes, 25 minutes from Council Bluffs.
Overnight Details
Flexible Extended Stay
Working on a project on either side of the river? Relocating from Iowa to the Omaha metro? Monthly sites are available month-to-month — no full-season lease required. Full hookups every night, a lake out your door.
Monthly Details
Full Season, Best Value
Lock in your pad from April through October. Priority site selection, winter storage eligibility, and the best per-night rate on the lake. Ideal for Iowa-side families wanting a lakeside summer base within reach of both Council Bluffs and Omaha.
Seasonal DetailsQUESTIONS
RV Park Near Council Bluffs — FAQs
Common questions from Iowa-side guests and I-80 / I-29 travelers looking for RV camping near Council Bluffs and the Missouri River.
How far is Merritt Beach from Council Bluffs?
Approximately 22 miles west of Council Bluffs via I-80 West across the Missouri River and Hwy 75 South — about a 25-minute drive. It’s the closest full-hookup lakeside campground to Council Bluffs in either direction on the I-80 corridor.
Do I need to cross the Missouri River to get there?
Yes — Merritt Beach is in Plattsmouth, Nebraska. Take I-80 West from Council Bluffs across the river, exit at Hwy 75 South (Exit 432), and drive about 17 miles south to Plattsmouth. Straightforward route, no complicated turns.
Is this a good stop for I-80 or I-29 travelers near Council Bluffs?
Yes. Council Bluffs sits at the I-80 / I-29 junction — a major intersection for travelers heading in every direction. Instead of a highway rest area or casino lot, Merritt Beach offers full hookups and two private lakes, 25 minutes from that intersection.
What's the camping season?
April 1 through October 31. Peak season runs from June through August. Winter storage (November through March) is available for seasonal guests with a signed lease and deposit in place by August 31.
Do I need to call ahead before arriving?
Yes — Merritt Beach is a gated campground. All guests, including overnight visitors, must contact the campground before arriving to confirm availability and receive gate access instructions. Walk-up or drive-up entry is not available.
Are there full hookups available near Council Bluffs?
Yes. Overnight guests receive water and 30 or 50-amp electric hookups at their site. Sewer is not available on-site, but local pump-out providers come to your RV on-pad for a small fee.
Can I get a monthly site while working near the Iowa-Nebraska border?
Yes. Monthly sites are available month-to-month with no full-season lease required. A practical option for contractors and workers on extended projects anywhere near the Council Bluffs / Omaha metro area.
Cross the Missouri River. Twenty-Five Minutes to a Lake.
Council Bluffs has plenty of places to stop. None of them has two private lakes and full hookups. Call ahead, cross the river, and pull into something worth the trip.