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Best Campgrounds in Nebraska

1,738 Reviews

In the very heart of America lies Nebraska, an often-underrated state filled with possibilities. Vast, flat, endless prairies cover most of the state, but that doesn’t mean camping in Nebraska is lacking whatsoever. To the contrary, this “nice” state offers a wealth of activities–some of which you might not expect to find in a Midwestern state. After finding camping in Nebraska, you can also kayak and canoe, jet ski and windsurf, fish and hike.

Some of Nebraska’s most popular camping spots can be found near Lake McConaughy. As the largest reservoir in the state, this lake is a state recreation area that attracts thousands of visitors each year. Beautiful sand beaches line its shores, while the calm water invites you to come kayaking, jet skiing, and even scuba diving. In terms of camping in Nebraska, it doesn’t get much better than Lake McConaughy. Simply pitch your tent right on the beach and enjoy.

Nebraska also has its fair share of historic, archaeological, pioneer, and Native American sites. Consider camping near Ashfall Fossil Beds State Historical Park or Agate Fossil Beds National Monument, both locations where you can easily pick up shark teeth and ancient fossils.

Another unbeatable attractions is Scotts Bluff National Monument. Home to marvelous rock formations high above the Platte River, the landmark is an important monument to Native Americans and settlers who have crossed the Oregon, California, and Mormon Trails. After appreciating the beauty of Scotts Bluff, make your way to Chimney Rock in Bayard. This remarkable rock spire is one of Nebraska’s main natural attractions and historical sites, having played an important role in both Native American and pioneering history.

There is no shortage of activities to enjoy in Nebraska. Lace up your boots for a hike at the Pine Ridge National Recreation Area, go boating on the beautiful Niobrara River, or drive the highlight-filled Sandhills Journey Scenic Byway. Camping in Nebraska is an experience different from any other, thanks to small crowds and big views.

Map showing campgrounds in NebraskaExplore the Map

Best Camping Sites in Nebraska (487)

    1. Eugene T. Mahoney State Park Campground

    46 Reviews
    •85 Photos•
    166 Saves
    Ashland, Nebraska

    Mahoney State Park offer Full Hookup, Electric Plus and Electric campsites. There are a total of 148 campsites. Lakeside Campground (100-148 campsites) are located close to Baright Lake and Owen Marina. Little Creek Campground (1-99 campsites) is close to a playground, basketball court and the coin operated laundry facility. Both campgrounds have drinking water, showers and modern restrooms. A dump and fill station is located conveniently near the park entrance.

    Tent camping is available at Mahoney State Park in the two modern campgrounds. Tent campers will use the grassy area next to the pad site to set up their tent. Those tenting will pay the camping fee applicable to the site occupied. If making reservations, look for the site description of “tentable.” This means there is a level grassy space for a tent.

    Reservations are accepted for half of the campsites in Lakeside and Little Creek campgrounds up to 180 days in advance of arrival date and paid in full at the time the reservation is made. All other camping at Mahoney State Park is first-come, first-served. Campers with advance reservations and those camping first-come, first-served must stop at the Lauritzen Administration building located at the park entrance to check-in or register to camp prior to setting up on a campsite. If arriving after hours, campers must go to the Peter Kiewit Lodge customer service desk and check in or register for a first-come, first-served site.

    This modern state park is the perfect year round destination for a family escape. Families can visit the aquatic center and indoor playground, explore the park’s hiking and biking trails, adventure through the treetop ropes course, climb the observation tower and, when the weather turns cold, enjoy indoor rock climbing, sledding and ice skating. The jewel of the park is Peter Kiewit Lodge, which offers 40 guest rooms, most with balconies that offer a stunning view of the Platte River valley. The park also offers an arts and crafts center, an array of cabins, as well as camping opportunities. Mahoney State Park is located midway between Nebraska’s two largest cities, Lincoln and Omaha and is open year round.

    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Electric Hookups
    • Phone Service
    • Reservable
    • ADA Access

    2. Platte River State Park Campground

    31 Reviews
    •95 Photos•
    191 Saves
    South Bend, Nebraska

    Platte River State Park is nestled halfway between Nebraska’s two largest cities – and makes a great place for camping near Omaha. Before it was a state park it was two separate camps – Harriet Harding Campfire Girls Camp and Camp Esther K. Newman – and a tract of woodlands. The charming, vintage cabins that once housed campers today provide cozy accommodations while the gorgeous new glamping cabins offer a luxurious yet nature-immersive experience. Other popular draws are the park’s picturesque waterfall, spray park, scenic hiking and biking trails and two observation towers that allow those who climb to the top a spectacular view of the Platte River Basin.

    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Electric Hookups
    • Phone Service
    • Reservable
    • ADA Access

    $10 - $165 / night

    3. Camp A Way Campground

    29 Reviews
    •61 Photos•
    82 Saves
    Lincoln, Nebraska
    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Electric Hookups
    • Phone Service
    • Reservable
    • ADA Access

    $35 - $67 / night

    4. West Omaha / NE Lincoln KOA Holiday

    29 Reviews
    •30 Photos•
    69 Saves
    Gretna, Nebraska

    There's plenty to do at this award-winning KOA, just a short drive from downtown Omaha and Lincoln. Enjoy the Jumping Pillow, mini zip line, pedal karts, banana bikes, large playground, swimming pool, mini golf, basketball, sand volleyball, badminton and horseshoes. Weekends (Memorial Day to Labor Day) feature breakfast in the Cornhusker Cafe, hayrides, ice cream socials, movie nights, tie-dye and other planned activities. Area attractions include the Henry Doorly Zoo, Strategic Air & Space Museum, Boys Town and museums, and the new beautiful Nebraska Crossing Outlet Mall. Nearby, enjoy wineries, casinos, top - rated golf courses and hiking/biking trails. Patio RV Sites and Deluxe Cabins make camping seem like a luxury vacation. Wings and freshly made pizza get rave reviews: You can even have them delivered to your site! Fido will love the off-leash doggie playground. Pool: Memorial Weekend - Labor Day Weekend. Max pull thru: 90 feet. Your hosts: Carrol & Eric Murray.

    This West Omaha KOA campground offers Nebraska camping at its finest! Our campground is Big-Rig friendly, with 80-foot full-hook-up pull-throughs and 50-amp service available. You can also enjoy our scenic tent sites, or stay cozy in one of the cabins. Our cabins and deluxe cabins are all heated and air-conditioned for your maximum comfort. All cabins and RV sites have cable TV.

    Once you're here, relax under a huge shade tree or activities, then refuel with a freshly made pizza - delivered right to your campsite! Or, enjoy breakfast in our tropical Cornhusker Cafe.

    Canine owners will love our K-9 Park, where you can let Fido romp and play off the leash.

    Your KOA hosts will be happy to provide you with information and maps to the many fun places to see. Come visit us - we'll make you feel welcome!

    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Electric Hookups
    • Phone Service
    • Reservable
    • ADA Access

    5. Grand Island KOA

    28 Reviews
    •36 Photos•
    49 Saves
    Doniphan, Nebraska

    In the area? Visit us today!

    We are now open all year and offering extended stay reservations!

    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Electric Hookups
    • Phone Service
    • Reservable
    • ADA Access

    6. Louisville State Recreation Area

    29 Reviews
    •73 Photos•
    74 Saves
    Louisville, Nebraska

    Encompassing 192 acres, Louisville State Recreation Area boasts five sandpit lakes with approximately 50 surface acres of water. Surrounded by towering cottonwood trees, this inviting area offers picnicking, swimming, fishing, non-power boating, canoe access to the Platte River and a brand new floating playground. Paddle board, water bike and kayak rentals are also available. These amenities, along with the area’s close proximity to Platte River, Mahoney state parks and Schramm Park State Recreation Area and Education Center, have made Louisville SRA a favorite spot among outdoor enthusiasts in the eastern part of the state.

    Camping reservations are available on half of Louisville SRA campsites.

    Louisville State Recreation Area offers campers Electric Plus, Electric and Basic campsites and is very popular with campers with 223 camping pads with 20-, 30- and 50-amp electrical hookups, as well as Basic campsites without electricity. Other amenities include shower facility and modern restrooms. Campers also have access to drinking water and a dump and fill station and a playground for children.

    Lousiville State Recreation Area offers canoe access to the Platte River, as well as a special canoe campsite on the river.

    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Electric Hookups
    • Phone Service
    • Reservable
    • ADA Access

    $10 - $35 / night

    7. Branched Oak Lake State Rec Area

    27 Reviews
    •57 Photos•
    37 Saves
    Malcolm, Nebraska
    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Electric Hookups
    • Phone Service
    • Reservable
    • ADA Access

    $8 - $35 / night

    8. Hackberry Hollow Campground — Indian Cave State Park

    24 Reviews
    •122 Photos•
    24 Saves
    Shubert, Nebraska

    Indian Cave State Park offers campers Electric Plus, Electric, Basic and Equestrian Basic campsites. Hackberry Hollow campground has 32 Electric Plus and 15 Electric pad sites. Campers will enjoy an array of amenities including showers, modern restrooms, laundry facility and a dump and fill station, as well as picnic tables and grills.

    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Electric Hookups
    • Phone Service
    • Reservable
    • ADA Access

    $15 - $30 / night

    9. Streeter Park Campground

    24 Reviews
    •50 Photos•
    55 Saves
    Marquette, Nebraska
    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Electric Hookups
    • Phone Service
    • ADA Access
    • RVs

    10. Ash Grove Campground — Indian Cave State Park

    23 Reviews
    •72 Photos•
    4 Saves
    Shubert, Nebraska

    Indian Cave State Park offers campers Electric Plus, Electric, Basic and Equestrian Basic campsites. Ash Grove campground has 51 Electric Plus and 36 Electric campsites. Campers will enjoy an array of amenities including showers, modern restrooms, laundry facility and a dump and fill station, as well as picnic tables and grills.

    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Electric Hookups
    • Reservable
    • RVs
    • Tents

    $15 - $30 / night

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Recent Reviews in Nebraska

1738 Reviews of 487 Nebraska Campgrounds

Guide to Nebraska

Camping in Nebraska offers a unique experience with its beautiful landscapes and diverse campgrounds. Whether you're looking for a peaceful retreat or an adventurous getaway, there's something for everyone.

What to do

  • Explore the trails: Many campgrounds, like Bessey Recreation Complex Campground, have walking, Jeep, and ATV trails. One camper mentioned, “Have walking, Jeep, ATV trails all over.”
  • Fishing: Campgrounds such as Long Pine State Rec Area offer great fishing spots. A review noted, “Good trout fishing from the stream.”
  • Enjoy water activities: At Calamus Reservoir, you can rent boats and jet skis. One visitor shared, “Can rent boats and jet skies. Nice swimming and fishing spots.”

What campers like

  • Clean facilities: Campers appreciate well-maintained restrooms and showers. One reviewer at Victoria Springs State Rec Area said, “The restrooms and showers are very clean and accessible.”
  • Spacious sites: Many campgrounds, like Valley View Flat Campground, offer roomy sites. A happy camper remarked, “Nice big sites, you’re not packed in.”
  • Natural beauty: Campers love the scenic views and natural surroundings. A visitor at [Long Pine State Rec Area] noted, “There are some fantastic trails to hike here, some great scenery.”

What you should know

  • Noise levels: Some campgrounds can be noisy due to nearby activities. One camper at Bessey Recreation Complex Campground mentioned, “A little noisy during the day with all the ATV traffic.”
  • Limited amenities: Not all campgrounds have extensive facilities. A reviewer at Keller Park State Rec Area pointed out, “This park isn’t manned by the State and it’s self-check-in.”
  • Bring your supplies: Some areas are remote, so it’s wise to pack everything you need. A camper at Victoria Springs State Rec Area advised, “Make sure to bring whatever you need with you because there isn’t much in Thedford or Halsey.”

Tips for camping with families

  • Choose family-friendly campgrounds: Look for places with activities for kids, like Bessey Recreation Complex Campground, which has a pond for fishing. A family shared, “Nice little pond to catch a few fish.”
  • Plan for bugs: Be prepared for mosquitoes, especially in wooded areas. One camper at Victoria Springs State Rec Area noted, “It was very quiet other than the hum of the mosquitos!”
  • Bring games and outdoor gear: Campgrounds often have space for activities. A visitor at Long Pine State Rec Area mentioned, “Lots of tall trees surround the camping sites.”

Tips from RVers

  • Check site accessibility: Some campgrounds have tricky access for larger RVs. A reviewer at Long Pine State Rec Area said, “They are hard to get an RV into because of the slope and angle of the drives.”
  • Look for electric hookups: Many RVers prefer sites with electric options. A camper at Keller Park State Rec Area mentioned, “This campground is in a decent valley. Thus, no signal.”
  • Be ready for self-check-in: Some campgrounds operate on a self-check-in basis, so have your plans ready. A visitor at Calamus Reservoir noted, “All sites are electrical only.”

Camping in Nebraska can be a fantastic experience if you know what to expect and plan accordingly. Enjoy the great outdoors!

Frequently Asked Questions

  • What camping is available in Nebraska?

    According to TheDyrt.com, Nebraska offers a wide range of camping options, with 487 campgrounds and RV parks in Nebraska and 17 free dispersed camping spots.

  • Which is the most popular campground in Nebraska?

    According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground in Nebraska is Eugene T. Mahoney State Park Campground with a 4-star rating from 46 reviews.

  • Where can I find free dispersed camping in Nebraska?

    According to TheDyrt.com, there are 17 free dispersed camping spots in Nebraska.

  • What are the best parks in Nebraska?

    According to TheDyrt.com, there are 465 parks in Nebraska that allow camping, notably Bankhead National Forest and Chugach National Forest.

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