- Pine Cliff Resort
- Campgrounds & RV Parks
- Iowa
- Pottawattamie County
- Campgrounds & RV Parks in Neola
- West Lake Campground 1
Hours
Monday, 6:30 AM - 10:00 PMTuesday, 6:30 AM - 10:00 PM
Wednesday, 6:30 AM - 10:00 PM
Thursday, 6:30 AM - 10:00 PM
Friday, 6:30 AM - 10:00 PM
Saturday, 6:30 AM - 10:00 PM
Sunday, 6:30 AM - 10:00 PM
West Lake Campground 1 Introduce
For Nebraskans looking to cross into Iowa for a tranquil and rustic camping experience, West Lake Campground 1 in Neola offers a serene escape. Situated within a beautiful county park, this campground provides a straightforward outdoor adventure, allowing you to reconnect with nature and enjoy the peaceful Iowa landscape. Whether you're seeking a quiet spot to set up your RV or a tent, West Lake Campground 1 aims to provide a calming environment away from the hustle and bustle.
We understand that local campers often value simplicity, natural beauty, and essential amenities when choosing their next destination. West Lake Campground 1, as described by visitors, offers a blend of these qualities. While it prioritizes a more rustic feel with primarily electric-only sites, it still provides key conveniences that make for a comfortable stay, all set against a backdrop of lovely natural surroundings. It's a place where the sounds of singing birds can be your morning alarm, inviting you to embrace the quiet charm of rural Iowa.
The allure of camping here lies in its ability to offer a genuine sense of peace. It's about enjoying the simplicity of the outdoors, the warmth of a campfire, and the opportunity to relax in a less commercialized setting. As Nebraskans, having such accessible and unpretentious options nearby means less travel and more quality time spent outdoors, fostering memorable experiences right here in the heartland.
This article will delve into what makes West Lake Campground 1 a noteworthy spot for Iowans (and our Nebraskan neighbors!), detailing its location, the services it offers, and the distinctive features that set it apart. While some aspects may cater to a specific type of camper, its overall atmosphere and amenities create a unique appeal for those seeking a tranquil retreat.
West Lake Campground 1 is located in Neola, IA 51559, USA. While the exact street address might refer to a specific entrance within a larger park, its general placement in Neola, a small community in Pottawattamie County, Iowa, ensures a peaceful, rural setting. This location is particularly convenient for Nebraskans, especially those in the Omaha-Council Bluffs metropolitan area, as it's just a short drive across the Missouri River.
Being part of a "beautiful County Park campground," as described by visitors, implies good access roads and clear signage within the park system. While many sites are noted as pull-through, the campground's popularity means that at times, campers might need to back into available spots, suggesting a layout that adapts to different vehicle sizes.
The surrounding area contributes to the campground's appeal, offering a quiet environment conducive to relaxation. Despite being in a rural setting, it remains accessible, allowing for a straightforward journey to begin your outdoor escape. While specific navigation details can vary, the key is its prime location within a county park, offering a convenient retreat for local residents seeking natural beauty close to home.
It's worth noting for clarity that there are multiple "West Lake" campgrounds in Iowa (e.g., West Lake Park in Davenport). This particular "West Lake Campground 1" is associated with the Neola area and appears to be part of the Pottawattamie County Parks system (as suggested by the phone number matching Arrowhead Park, also in Pottawattamie County). Always verify with the managing authority for the most precise directions and details.
- Electric hookups: Primarily offers electric-only sites for RV and tent campers, providing essential power.
- Basic restroom facilities: Includes a pit toilet/outhouse for convenient access to facilities.
- Plumbed restroom and showers: One restroom location within the camping area offers plumbing and showers for a more comfortable experience.
- Water faucet: At least one communal water faucet is available for campers to access potable water.
- RV, Tent, and Cabin camping: Accommodates various camping styles, including RVs, tents, and cabins (cabins available within the broader park area).
- Good Wi-Fi: Offers excellent Wi-Fi service, allowing campers to stream video and stay connected, particularly useful where cell service might be spotty.
- Canoe and paddle boat rentals: Available for enjoyment on the lake, providing recreational opportunities on the water.
- Dock for boats: Features a dock for boats, allowing trolling motors.
- Sand volleyball court: Provides a recreational area for group activities.
- Basketball hoop: At least one basketball hoop is available for sports enthusiasts.
- Trails: Offers good trails for hiking and exploring the natural surroundings.
- Beautiful County Park Setting: Described as a "Beautiful County Park campground," indicating a well-maintained and aesthetically pleasing environment.
- Quiet and Peaceful Atmosphere: Renowned for its quiet ambiance, making it ideal for campers seeking a relaxing and serene escape. The sounds of "lovely singing birds" highlight this tranquility.
- Electric-Only Sites with Options: Primarily offers electric-only sites, appealing to RVers who prioritize power. The presence of some pull-through sites adds convenience, though backing into sites might be necessary during busy periods.
- Functional Wi-Fi: A significant highlight is the "excellent Wi-Fi" which allows for video streaming, a valuable amenity especially where cell phone service is unreliable.
- Access to Plumbed Restrooms and Showers: Despite having basic pit toilets, the presence of one restroom location with plumbing and showers significantly enhances comfort for all campers.
- Diverse Recreational Activities: Offers a range of activities including trails for hiking, canoe and paddle boat rentals, a boat dock for trolling motors, a sand volleyball court, and a basketball hoop, catering to various interests.
- Versatile Accommodations: Caters to RVs and tents, with cabins also available within the larger park, providing options for different group sizes and preferences.
Address: Neola, IA 51559, USA
Phone: (712) 485-2295
Mobile Phone: +1 712-485-2295
This phone number is associated with Pottawattamie Conservation, which manages Arrowhead Park (also in Neola). It is highly recommended to call this number directly for the most accurate and up-to-date information regarding West Lake Campground 1, including site availability, specific amenities, and any potential advisories. They can also clarify if West Lake Campground 1 is a specific section within Arrowhead Park or a separate entity under their management.
West Lake Campground 1 in Neola stands out as a highly suitable destination for Nebraskans seeking a genuine and peaceful outdoor experience without venturing far from home. Its location within a beautiful county park in rural Iowa provides an immediate sense of escape and tranquility, perfect for unwinding from daily routines. The easy accessibility from across the Missouri River makes it an ideal choice for spontaneous weekend trips or longer, relaxed vacations for local residents.
While it primarily offers electric-only sites and some more rustic facilities like pit toilets, the availability of a plumbed restroom with showers significantly enhances comfort. The "excellent Wi-Fi" is a particularly valuable feature, allowing campers to stay connected or enjoy entertainment, especially given the acknowledged spotty cell service in the area. This blend of rustic charm with crucial modern conveniences caters to a wide range of campers.
The diverse recreational opportunities available, from trails for hiking to canoe and paddle boat rentals on the lake, along with a sand volleyball court and basketball hoop, ensure there's something for everyone. Despite a reported negative experience with a loose dog, the overall sentiment points to a quiet and well-regarded park. For Nebraskans who appreciate simple, clean, and accessible camping, and who are willing to embrace a more natural setting, West Lake Campground 1 offers a compelling option for a refreshing and memorable outdoor adventure right in our neighboring state of Iowa.
Location
Customer Reviews
Beautiful County Park campground. Electric hookup only. No water or sewer at campsites. There is a pit toilet, an outhouse. One water faucet. Most sites are pull through but they were all full so we backed into a campsite on the side of the hill. Rude neighbor had loose viscous dog that attacked my wife and our miniature poodle that was on a leash. Excellent Wifi. We were able to stream video. Good thing because cellphone service was spotty for calling and cellphone hotspot wouldn't work. Too many trees for Starlink too. Lovely singing birds woke us in the morning.
This is a small camping area, but still offers a lot. There is one restroom location with plumping and showers. RV, Tent, and cabins are available for camping. There are some good trails here along with canoe and paddle boat rental. They have a dock for boats with telling motors being allowed. Also a sand volleyball court and at least one basketball hoop.
Eh.. It was a place for us to crash for a night on the way through from Utah to the Midwest. We stayed in Camp loop #1 on Thursday, June 13th. Rolled in at about 6pm. Glad we got here when we did because it filled up fast. A solid 8 RVs came by looking for a spot after it filled up. It's about 25 miles outside of Omaha so it's seems to be a weekend destination for them. There were a few people that came and set up a tent then left. For 20 bucks people will claim their spot a day ahead of the weekend so be prepared for that. Happens all the time everywhere but some places have cracked down on it. Loop #1 is a bit wonky, People park in the pull throughs backwards so the passenger sides of the RVs are looking at each other... Didn't have a chance to check out the park, from what we saw it looked nice. The park staff we encountered were knowledgeable and friendly but annoyed at the tent place holders and wonky parking. So, come early and forget just passing through on a weekend.
Quiet, clean camp ground. Electric only.
Campground 1 has 6 pull through spots and 4 back in spots. Electric only at each site. Very quiet and relaxing spot. The park is extremely well maintained. They usually mow on Wednesdays if you care about that stuff.
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