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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Two private lakes, a swimming beach, fire rings, and a gated community of long-term campers — here’s what everyday life at Merritt Beach looks like.
Every amenity is included, whether you stay one night, one month, or the whole season. No tiers, no hidden fees.
On-site connection at your pad for the full stay.
Run AC and appliances — no generator needed.
Private on-site lake with beach access all season.
A separate stocked lake on the property.
Secured, managed campground — registered guests only.
All stay types welcome pets, subject to leash/cleanup rules.
Sand volleyball, playground, and biking paths.
Designated fire rings with onsite firewood available.
Campground events for monthly and seasonal guests.
April through October — full-season camping with full hookups and private lakes, just across the Missouri River from Council Bluffs.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Council Bluffs arena hosting concerts, sporting events, and shows — about 8,000-seat capacity.
Iconic bridge spanning the Missouri River between Council Bluffs and Omaha — a popular walk and photo stop.
Riverside casino hotel with restaurants, spa, and entertainment on the Iowa side of the Missouri.
Kayaking, canoeing, and fishing access are minutes from the campground gate.
World-class zoo in Omaha — one of the top-ranked in the US and worth the 35-minute drive.
900+ acres of old-growth forest with hiking trails and Missouri River overlooks.
Omaha’s main commercial airport — about 40 minutes via Hwy 75 and I-80.
Major resort casino off I-80 in Council Bluffs — dining, entertainment, and live events year-round.
Cross the Missouri River once — then stay as long as you need. All rate types include full hookups and both private lakes.
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.
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.
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.
Common questions from Iowa-side guests and I-80 / I-29 travelers looking for RV camping near Council Bluffs and the Missouri River.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Prefer to call? 402-979-1196 · we answer phones until 11pm every night.
