Camping options around Pacific Junction include both developed campgrounds and more rustic settings within the Loess Hills region. The area sits at approximately 960 feet above sea level and experiences warm summer temperatures averaging 85°F with high humidity levels. Missouri River flooding has impacted several local campgrounds in recent years, making current conditions variable depending on seasonal water levels.
What to do
Fishing at multiple lakes: Walnut Creek Lake in Papillion offers good fishing opportunities about 20 miles from Pacific Junction. "It's a beautiful campground with open spaces, convenient to Omaha attractions. Nestled in a local city park that has hiking, biking, fishing and boating," notes Bob T. about Walnut Creek Lake & Recreation Area.
Water recreation activities: Lake Manawa State Park provides swimming beach access and water activities during summer months. "The kids playground is fantastic. The picnic shelters are great too," shares Roxanne K. about Lake Manawa State Park Campground.
Hiking trails: Platte River State Park offers excellent hiking trails through varied terrain. "I love Platte River State Park... they have a wealth of amazing hiking/biking trails that traverse through some amazing scenery. Just like the camping, you can pick between the less intensive paved walkways or you can walk along the hilly bluffs that contour the Platte River," explains Jared J. from Platte River State Park Campground.
What campers like
Modern facilities: Many campgrounds near Pacific Junction feature concrete pads and full hookup sites. "Large concrete pads with patio and permanently mounted mesh steel picnic table with a fire pit grill on the corner. Lakeside locations are quite well spaced with a panoramic Lake view," reports Lumpie C. about Lake Manawa State Park.
Wildlife viewing: The natural setting provides opportunities to observe local wildlife. "This lake in Papillion, Nebraska is a great little lake. Probably one of the best in metro area of Omaha. The fishing is always as well as the kayaking is as well, (especially novice like myself). The birdwatching as well as the wildlife is abundant," notes Tony B. about Walnut Creek Lake.
Security features: Some campgrounds implement security measures for camper safety. "Entry gate code required, which provides some security. All amenities are available within a limited distance," mentions Lumpie C. about the campground at Lake Manawa State Park.
What you should know
Train noise: Several campgrounds near Pacific Junction experience significant train noise. "Train tracks near the campground aren't terrible but can be distracting at the beginning of the night," reports Ryan A. about Louisville State Recreation Area Campground.
Reservation requirements: Many campgrounds require advance reservations and fill quickly. "Make sure you have a reservation for gate code. You cannot enter without it so the walk up sites won't be of any use unless you get there while someone is in the shack," advises Roxanne K. about Lake Manawa State Park.
Flooding impacts: Several local campgrounds experience periodic flooding that affects availability. "This park is right off the Missouri river, and everytime there is flooding this place gets shelled. We had some major flooding here 2019, and it appears this park is still closed," mentions Tony B. regarding Haworth City Park.
Tips for camping with families
Playground access: Several campgrounds feature playground facilities for children. "This campground had amazing staff, was clean, and had great amenities. The sites are very small however, and to do anything besides swim and play on the playground you need to drive," shares Rebekah S. about West Omaha / NE Lincoln KOA Holiday.
Shade considerations: Limited shade at some campgrounds can be challenging for families. "Only downside is NO TREES. Very hot in the sun," notes Roxanne K. about Lake Manawa State Park.
Entertainment options: Multiple pet-friendly campgrounds near Pacific Junction offer family activities. "We always stop here when we're traveling on I-80. It's the perfect distance for us to overnight before moving on. Clean campground, showers/bathroom. Courteous employees. Lots of activities for the kids," says Cynthia K. about West Omaha / NE Lincoln KOA Holiday.
Tips from RVers
Site size considerations: RV campers should verify site dimensions before booking. "What the 'but' is, is that we were given an inappropriate size space for the rig we stated, super narrow and we stuck over the road by 2 feet. They had larger sites all around us but were told we could not change," cautions Stacy M. about West Omaha / NE Lincoln KOA Holiday.
Limited tent options: Most campgrounds in the area cater primarily to RVs with fewer tent-specific sites. "This is a nice city park in the Loess Hills of Iowa, it's not a destination but makes for a good overnight stop. The campground is primarily RV camping with about 20 sites with full hook ups," explains Annie C. about Glenwood Lake Park.
Hookup availability: Many dog-friendly campgrounds near Pacific Junction offer full hookup sites. "Wednesday at 3pm there were 8 sites open. Nice city park. Electric hookups. Water spigot about the park. Dump station by the entrance. All grounds are clean. Very friendly camp host," shares Robert L. about Walnut Creek Lake & Recreation Area.
