(Council Bluffs)  Construction of a new campground will soon begin at Lake Manawa State Park in Council Bluffs. The construction contract is in place, and work is slated to begin this fall.

Michelle Reinig, DNR SW Iowa District Park Supervisor, said the DNR closed the old campground in 2015. In the meantime, the DNR re-evaluated and found a better location for the new development.

“Lake Manawa is located in the Omaha/Council Bluffs metro area and hosts a variety of users,” said Reinig. “It’s currently a high day-use park with over one-million users annually, adding the new campground addition will provide another opportunity and avenue for people to use the state’s natural resources for overnight use. The Omaha Metro area has all kinds of events and activities where people are looking for an overnight stay.”

The new location has 40-camp sites and features full hook-up with electric, water, and a check-in station gated for security purposes.

The project will cost around $3.3 million. Reinig says financing for the project comes from a multitude of funding sources.