Branched Oak Lake State Rec Area

We stayed here for a mountain bike race weekend. Nighttime is great for stargazing and they have pretty stellar sunrises. We enjoyed the archery range and took plenty of walks. The shower facilities need a lot of updating and the RV spots are pretty dated with narrow roads. We were glad it wasn’t a weekend with a full campground and we think it would be pretty hectic during their peak season.

We spent Memorial weekend here in 2022. We had to park in a designated parking spot and walk in to set our tent. The site was shady and came with a picnic table, fire ring and We were right on the shores of the lake. It was a beautiful and very relaxing to hear the waves, although the wind coming across the lake was mighty fierce and destroyed the canopy that we had over the picnic table. And the beating of the tent all night long was a little hard to get some decent sleep. But the area was nice and close to the restrooms and spacious campsites

We camp here 3 4 times a year. Love it.

Very clean campground. Many sites are right on the water. Campsites are very close together.

There were a lot of day use areas and tent sites. It was very beautiful and open. We went in the off season so we had a lot of space to ourselves.

My first time camping in Nebraska. Ive been to several throughout the US. Loved the spot, I was right next to the lake, great swimming access. Downside drinking water access was difficult.

I’ve been coming to Branched Oak since I was a kid. I love the vibe of the park. It’s usually packed and the beach’s are always full but it’s always a really good time. Second time out with the camper this year. Got my first sunburn of the year also. Had great neighbors and a super fun time! Will definitely be back.

Middle Oak Creek campground has a row of 10-12 electrical spots that are perfect for shore fishing, kayak launch, lakeside views! South Shore campground sits lakeside but at a higher elevation so water access is trickier. Nice playgrounds at both camp areas. Free showers are a great amenity as well. This One of our favorite places to “get away” to for fishing, camping, etc. Be warned: VERY BUSY campground as it is super close to a highly populated city. Plan ahead and reserve a spot or go early in the week otherwise you won’t get a pad!!!

The camp sites are forked out like the cul-de-sac properties, each facing the road and having a large portion of the lake or greens to themselves on the back. It has plenty of greenery and is very well-maintained. It has a  very clean beach area, a boat and kayak landing area and many children parks. There are benches placed at scenic points that offer breathtaking views of the lake in the memorial park. The restroom in the campground was clean albeit flinty. No stores in the park-office (which was anyway closed due to the pandemic), so bring everything (firewood too) along. The nearest gas station is a 10 minute drive towards Raymond.

The camp sites are clean and always have electricity that works. has good shade. The bathrooms / showers could use some updating.

Totally understand why you have to put a tent out during the week to reserve the spot for the weekend. Spots are in high demand because they are so worth it. We stayed at Homestead campground and loved it. So much shade, nice cemented LEVEL pads for our camper, nice boat slip/dock. We will be returning this year!

Pros 

- Own Beach Front! -- I can not express how amazing this perk is!!! 

- No "dogs not allowed" signs like the public beaches! 

- Plenty of trees for shade (and hammocks) 

- Close parking

- The breeze off of the lake helped so much with bugs

- Price $15/night

- Mowed grass trail nearby.. no clue where it leads - the bugs were too bad!

- Shower houses within driving distance, or longish walk (not currently open.. Covid)

- Stars are amazing at night 

- Fire Pits & Grate  & Picnic Table included

Cons

- No Water hydrants

- Bathrooms are not nearby (maybe 6-7 minute walk?)

- These sites fill up FAST.. Go out on a Friday at 3 pm.. there will not be sites left

---- We went on a Tuesday and got there around noon and there were only 3 sites available. 

- Minimal tent sites (I think 8 total?) -- at south shore

- Can hear vehicles driving on the nearby highway

- Can get crowded with visiting boaters during the weekends

The campgrounds were well manicured and very clean. Shower house was decent but could have been a little larger with more stalls. The host and Nebraska Game and Parks patrolled literally every 1/2 hour which we actually liked so there was no issues with people breaking the rules. The lake was good sized for our 29 ft boat and there was even a free boat dock with 8 slips to use. Tons of jet skiers on the water though and alot of them seemed under age or amateurish as in they did not mind the rules of the water. There were several sandy beaches to stop and swim. Overall it was a pleasent stay.

This is the best lake in Nebraska for camping! They are tent sites right by the lake. The bathrooms are pretty clean. There’s a huge no-wake area of the lake for kayaking and paddle boarding. They also offer boat rentals.

This is really two large primitive campgrounds each capable of holding crowds of campers. Though this does not have flush toilets or showers they are very near in the adjacent campground.

This campground is on the peninsula of Branched Oak Lake and is close to area 6 which has all the fun stuff. See the review of area 6!

Nearby Malcolm has one of the best BBQ joints in the state, and people throughout the area go to a little town called Bee, close by, for an awesome fish fry every Friday night.

Comfortable parking areas for camper. Hookups were flawless and working. Hosts were very friendly and helpful. Water and dumpsite nearby. Picnic table and grill cooking at the parking hookup. Will return.

perfect spot to go from a lake day to camp weekend. just the right distance away from town to make it feel like a getaway

This lake is a great place for boats! If you’re looking to take ou a tube or just power around this area is good as it is larger than most lakes around Lincoln/Omaha. There is also a swimming beach which is nice. Kayaks are supposed to use the boat dock area. Paddling out from the swimming area offers gentler waters. Picnics and a day out are fun but not my scene really for camping.

not my favorite. lots of unrespectful campers here.

There is an area to swim that can get pretty crowded certain times of the year. It’s a first come basis in terms of reserving a spot so make sure to get there early in the summer. There’s a few trails to explore and a place to rent canoes, etc. have fun!

super fun. everything available! fishing was the best here, swimming too.

So many camp sites all over the lake. Hard to find people if your afirst timer down there, but after the weekend you can find anyone

5 night stay in late June. 2 days after damaging storm. Lots of broken branches and one totalled 5th wheel but still a very pretty park. Negatives are disgusting showers; felt like I was in prison as you must pull on a chain to get water and weird dog leash holder in the ground which is a trip hazard.

We were very tired and felt so lucky to find this place on Dyrt. It's on a lake with lots of sights, large trees and grassy areas to play with our dog. It's not a place to go hiking, but for an overnight, it was excellent! We would return.

Always a good place for a group (you have neighbors, but it's secluded enough to listen to loud music and easily entertain a rowdy group of 10). Aestheically, Branched Oak is your typical campground. Very pretty in some spots, but on average... lake, trees, and a designated fire area. Fire pit/grill could use some love, and picnic tables are present but oddly placed at times. Always come here a few weekends a year... close drive.