Great Western Park Campground

Welcome to Great Western Park Campground, a delightful outdoor retreat nestled on the southwestern edge of Manning, Iowa. For Iowa locals seeking a serene and amenity-rich camping experience, this park offers an ideal blend of natural beauty and recreational opportunities. Managed by the dedicated Carroll County Conservation Board, Great Western Park has been continually developed to provide a top-notch outdoor destination, perfect for a weekend getaway or a longer family vacation right here in the Hawkeye State.

We understand that finding the perfect spot for your next camping trip involves considering various factors, from accessibility and available services to the kind of activities you can enjoy. Great Western Park Campground excels in offering a diverse range of features that cater to different preferences, whether you're an avid angler, a nature enthusiast, or a family looking for a fun and relaxing environment. This article will provide a comprehensive overview of what makes Great Western Park a cherished spot for many Iowa residents, highlighting its location, amenities, and unique attractions.

Great Western Park Campground is conveniently located on the southwestern edge of Manning, IA, with its address being VWX9+QJ, Manning, IA 51455, USA. Manning itself is a charming community in Carroll County, situated in west-central Iowa. This location makes the campground readily accessible from various parts of the state, ensuring a smooth and enjoyable drive for Iowa residents.

For those traveling from major Iowa cities, the park is within a reasonable drive. From Des Moines, the state capital, the journey typically takes around 1.5 to 2 hours, following well-maintained state highways. Similarly, from Omaha, Nebraska, or Sioux City, Iowa, the drive is also around 1 to 1.5 hours, making it an excellent option for a regional escape. The campground's position on the "southwestern edge" of Manning ensures a peaceful setting away from the direct hustle and bustle of town, yet it remains close enough for quick trips to local shops or services if needed. The provided GPS coordinate (VWX9+QJ) further pinpoints its exact spot, facilitating easy navigation for visitors.

The accessibility of Great Western Park is enhanced by its easy-to-navigate entrance and exit points, as noted by visitors who appreciate the "easy to get in and out" aspect, particularly beneficial for campers with larger RVs or trailers. Being managed by the Carroll County Conservation Board also suggests a commitment to maintaining good road conditions within and leading to the park. The surrounding rural landscape of Carroll County offers a quintessential Iowa experience, with open fields and quiet country roads, setting the stage for a relaxing outdoor adventure. This combination of convenient access and a serene location makes Great Western Park an ideal choice for any Iowan seeking a peaceful and enjoyable camping trip.

Great Western Park Campground, managed by the Carroll County Conservation Board, offers a comprehensive range of services and facilities designed to enhance the camping experience for all visitors. These amenities cater to various types of campers, from those seeking modern comforts to those who prefer a more rustic experience.

• Campsites with Electrical/Water Hookups: The campground features 16 electrical/water camping sites, providing essential hookups for RVs and trailers. This includes both 30 amp and 50 amp service, along with water connections, ensuring a comfortable stay for those who require power and potable water for their rigs. Camper sites are available for a nightly fee, which was $18/night and transitioned to $20/night starting January 1, 2022.

• Tent Camping Sites: For traditional campers, dedicated tent sites are available, offering a more primitive experience while still benefiting from the park's shared facilities. Tent sites are typically more budget-friendly, priced at $10/night.

• Modern Restrooms and Shower House: The park boasts "modern restrooms and shower house," which are a significant convenience for all campers. The availability of hot showers is particularly appreciated after a day of outdoor activities, contributing greatly to overall comfort and hygiene.

• Shelter House: A shelter house is available, providing a communal space for gatherings, picnics, or shelter during inclement weather. This is an excellent amenity for groups or families camping together.

• Dump Station: For RV campers, a dump station is available on-site, allowing for convenient wastewater disposal before departing the park.

• Boat Ramp: With a 12-acre lake on-site, the park is equipped with a boat ramp, making it easy for campers to launch their kayaks, canoes, or fishing boats (electric motors only are permitted on the lake).

• Year-Round Operation: Great Western Park is noted as a "year-round campground," offering camping opportunities regardless of the season, though specific amenity availability might vary seasonally.

• First-Come, First-Serve Basis: The campground typically operates on a first-come, first-serve basis for sites, which means campers should plan accordingly, especially during peak season, although one review noted it was "mostly empty and perfect" in mid-May.

These services collectively ensure that Great Western Park Campground provides a well-rounded and accommodating experience for a wide variety of campers in Iowa.

Great Western Park Campground offers an array of features and highlights that truly set it apart as a premier outdoor destination in Iowa:

• Restored 12-Acre Lake with Boat Ramp: The park's centerpiece is its beautifully restored 12-acre lake, which reaches a depth of 14 feet. This lake is not only scenic but also functional, featuring a convenient boat ramp. This is a significant draw for fishing and non-motorized boating activities like kayaking and canoeing, as electric motors only are permitted, ensuring a peaceful water experience.

• Excellent Fishing Opportunities: The lake is a popular spot for fishing enthusiasts. Visitors can enjoy "a little fishing," with the lake known to have good fishing for harvestable size crappie and bluegill. Largemouth bass fishing can also be good, and channel catfish are stocked regularly, providing diverse angling opportunities right at the campground.

• Extensive Walking Trails: For those who love to stretch their legs and explore nature, the park offers well-maintained "walking trails," including a trail that circles the lake and connects to the broader City of Manning trail system. These trails are perfect for leisurely strolls, brisk walks, or invigorating runs, allowing campers to immerse themselves in the natural surroundings.

• Modern Amenities for Comfort: The presence of "modern restrooms and shower house" is a major highlight, ensuring that campers have access to clean and comfortable facilities. This level of amenity significantly enhances the camping experience, especially for families or those on longer trips.

• Family-Friendly Playground: A dedicated playground provides a safe and fun area for children to play, making Great Western Park an excellent choice for families with young ones. It allows kids to burn off energy and enjoy their time outdoors in a structured environment.

• Unique Shooting Range: For enthusiasts, the park features a shooting range, offering a distinct recreational opportunity that isn't commonly found at most campgrounds. This adds a unique dimension to the park's offerings.

• 9-Hole Disc Golf Course: The park also boasts a 9-hole disc golf course, providing another engaging and active outdoor pursuit for campers of all skill levels. It's a great way to enjoy the park's landscape while engaging in a fun sport.

• Quiet and Peaceful Atmosphere: Visitors consistently describe Great Western Park as a "Quiet place to camp." This peaceful ambiance is highly valued by those seeking a true escape from noise and crowds, making it "our favorite place to camp!" for many returning visitors.

• Managed by Carroll County Conservation Board: Being managed by the Carroll County Conservation Board ensures that the park is continually developed and well-maintained, reflecting a commitment to conservation and providing high-quality outdoor recreation for the public.

These features collectively make Great Western Park Campground a versatile and highly appealing destination for a wide range of outdoor activities and a truly enjoyable camping experience in Iowa.

Great Western Park Campground is managed by the Carroll County Conservation Board. For inquiries, current conditions, or more detailed information about the campground, you can use the following contact details:

Address: VWX9+QJ, Manning, IA 51455, USA (The physical address is also listed as 31203 Birch Ave, Manning, IA 51455).

Phone: (712) 792-4614 (This is the phone number for the Carroll County Conservation Board, which manages the park).

Website: You can find more information on the Carroll County Conservation Board's website, typically under their park listings for Great Western Park.

Since the campground operates on a first-come, first-serve basis for sites, it is always a good idea to call ahead, especially during peak seasons or holidays, to inquire about general occupancy or conditions before your trip. This will help ensure a smooth and enjoyable camping experience.

Great Western Park Campground is an exceptionally suitable destination for locals across Iowa, offering a perfect blend of accessibility, diverse activities, and peaceful respite right in their home state. For Iowans, its location on the edge of Manning in Carroll County means a convenient drive from various parts of the state, making it an ideal choice for quick weekend getaways or longer family vacations without the need for extensive travel. The easy "in and out" access is a practical benefit for those with RVs, further enhancing its local appeal.

The park's comprehensive array of features caters to a wide spectrum of interests. The restored 12-acre lake, complete with a boat ramp and abundant fishing opportunities for species like crappie, bluegill, and channel catfish, is a significant draw for anglers and water enthusiasts. The ability to launch kayaks and enjoy the water in a quiet, electric-motor-only environment is a unique selling point for those seeking tranquility. Furthermore, the extensive walking trails, including one around the lake and connecting to the City of Manning system, provide ample space for exercise and enjoying Iowa's natural beauty. The addition of a playground, a shooting range, and a 9-hole disc golf course ensures that there are activities to engage every member of the family, regardless of age or interest.

The "modern restrooms and shower house" offer a level of comfort often desired by campers, making the outdoor experience more enjoyable and accessible, especially for families with children. The consistent praise from visitors about it being a "Quiet place to camp" and a "favorite place to camp!" underscores its ability to deliver a truly relaxing and rewarding escape from daily life. Managed by the Carroll County Conservation Board, Great Western Park also benefits from ongoing development and dedicated upkeep, assuring locals of a high-quality outdoor experience. In essence, Great Western Park Campground provides a comprehensive, comfortable, and captivating outdoor haven that truly embraces the spirit of Iowa's natural charm, making it an ideal choice for locals seeking their next outdoor adventure.

Great Western Park Campground

VWX9+QJ, Manning, IA 51455, USA