Missouri River flooding closes campground at Lake Manawa

COUNCIL BLUFFS — Due to flooding from the Missouri River, the Iowa Department of Natural Resources (DNR) is closing the campground of Lake Manawa State Park in Council Bluffs until August.

Concerns about the levee around the park breaching was the main reason for the campground closing.

"If the levee were to breech, there would be little time to evacuate the campers so we decided to take the cautious approach and close the campground," Kevin Szcodronski, chief of the Iowa Department of Natural Resources State Parks Bureau, said in a statement released by the DNR.

The park is currently notifying campers that had reserved a spots from Tuesday, up until Aug. 31, of the park closing, as well as a refund that will be provided.

As of Tuesday, the river boat ramps and the mountain bike trails were closed, as well as the camp site. The lake boat ramps are open, as well as day-use facilities.

The park itself, Szcodronski said, will remain open for day use until there is direct evidence that the levee won't hold.

Lake Manawa isn't the only state park affected by the Missouri River flooding.

Wilson Island, located in Missouri Valley, closed on April 29 and will remain so until Oct. 1, or if the conditions improve.

Lewis and Clark State Park, located in Onawa, was also closed by the DNR.

For additional information on Lake Manawa State Park, contact them at 712-366-0220.