Woodland Campground

Originally, the 10 acres of property was farmland, which was owned by various families (i.e. Hall, Rife, Wilkie, Atwell, Neely, Walis, Richards and Hiltons).

From 1971 through 1972, Janet Dailey purchased what is most of Woodland Camp, as we know it now.  The property was sold to Little Sioux Village, Inc. in 1972.  Lots were sold from anywhere from $2,000 to $3,000.  Developers wanted a western theme with a restaurant, country store and board walks.  The existing store did operate as a gas station and grocery store for several years.  Ponies were stabled at the far northwest corner of the campground.  Children were provided supervised horseback rides.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Many of the first owners were members of an Aspen camping club from Omaha.  The only block that had full water and electricity at this time was block two.  Early owners who bought in blocks other than two were placed in the south end of block nine.  Temporary electricity was strung from the trees and one Iowa hydrant served as a water source.

The clubhouse was built, with volunteer help, in the early 70's.  This area was the main gathering point for early campers.  A large pile of firewood was located in the parking lot by the clubhouse.  There were many social gatherings around the large fires on the weekends.

Little Sioux Village, Inc. sold the property to Westwood, Inc. in 1975.  At that time, Woodland Camp Association, Inc. was formed by Richard Cox.  First National Bank of Council Bluffs purchased the property in 1977.  The bank hired a firm to promote and sell lots in 1977.  This group advertised Woodland Camp lots in a 100-mile radius.  Prospective buyers were given premium gifts for taking a tour of Woodland and listening to a sales pitch.  While waiting their turn to take the tour, prospective buyers were invited to have pancakes, sausage, hamburgers, hot dogs and drinks.  The food was prepared in a large circus tent in the green area on the west side of block 14.  The major portion of the lots in the campground were sold between 1976-79.  Lots started at $3,500 and went to $6,500.  

Thousand Adventures, Inc. (TAI) purchased the remaining lots from First National in the 1980's.  This group sold several lots, but not near the number First National did.  TAI owned several other properties and offered reciprocal camping to prospective buyers.

Early in the 1990's, TAI went bankrupt.  All of their property went to Harrison County for back taxes.  In July of 1994, Tax Liquidators, Inc. sold all of their lots at public auction, which was held on the property.  The sale drew a large crowd to Woodland and all the remaining lots were sold.  Today, lots can be purchased through private owners and courthouse tax sales.

Today there are approximately 1,000 lots owned by about 470 members.  

The campground has seen many changes over the years, but one thing has always been and remains:  We are all here for relaxing, recreation and to have a good time.