Where to camp near Glenwood Iowa

Glenwood sits in a really unique place. Just 30 minutes from Omaha and Council Bluffs, but once you get into the Loess Hills you feel worlds apart from the busy city or suburbs. And, there are some great places for camping depending on the level of “roughing it” you want to do and how far you’re willing to drive or ride the morning of the race.

Here are some suggestions you might consider…

Pony Creek

Pony Creek is a just far away from town to feel like you’re camping in the country, but close enough to buy ice cream and get back to your tent or camper before it has a chance to melt.

Pony Creek campground near the nature center facing West across the reservoir

Here’s how the Mills County Conservation Board describes the site:

This 53-acre park offers 2 cabins, and 6 recently renovated 50, 30, 20 amp electrical campsites with gravel pads measuring 14 feet wide by nearly 30 feet in depth, which run $12.00 per night. All electrical campsites have 1 pedestal grill, 1 fire ring and 1 picnic table. All other campsites are $10.00 per night, 8 of which have 1 pedestal grill, 1 fire ring and 1 picnic table.
Mills County Conservation Board

Link	https://www.mycountyparks.com/County/Mills/Park/Pony-Creek-Park.aspx
Location	56235 Deacon Road Pacific Junction, Iowa 51561

Glenwood Lake Park

Want to be even closer to the action? Glenwood Lake Park is where we plan to start the race and it’s nestled right in Glenwood just a block away from the square. There’s an ice cream shop, the Sugar Makery, just across the road… so, really no chance that your ice cream will melt before you get back to camp.

Glenwood Lake Park from the South side of the park facing North

Link	http://cityofglenwood.org/resources/campground/
Location	104 Lake Dr Glenwood, IA 51534

Glenwood Lake Park and Pony Creek are our favorites for camping in Mills county for the Glenwood Gravel Grinder. There are a bunch of other places that you can camp as well, they’re just a little further away. Here’s the short:

I-29 Hwy 34 Campground
Waubonsie State Park (45 min drive South)

Airbnb

There are a number of rental places in the area as well if camping is just not your thing. We recommend these if they’re available:

Iowa Gravel Series