Camping options near Ashland, Nebraska cluster along Interstate 80 and the Platte River in the eastern part of the state. The region sits at an elevation of 1,070 feet with humid continental climate conditions that produce hot summers and cold winters. Several campgrounds remain open year-round despite winter temperatures typically ranging from 10°F to 35°F between December and February.
What to do
Bird watching excursions: Hitchcock Nature Center offers excellent opportunities for hawk watching from their dedicated tower. "During the winter they even offer snowshoeing events. It is really a nice place to get outdoors anytime of the year," notes a visitor at Hitchcock County Nature Center.
Mountain biking trails: Access the Oxbow Trail System directly from Ashland RV Campground. A camper reports, "It is close to main street Ashland, which offers gourmet coffee, and a couple of restaurants. It is also right by a killer mountain biking trail (lookup Oxbow Trail System on Trailforks if you are into that)."
Family swimming options: Eugene T. Mahoney State Park Campground features a wave pool for families. "There are many activities for kids including paddleboating, a wave pool, horse riding, ziplining, and playgrounds," notes one camper about the recreational facilities.
Geocaching adventures: Multiple geocaches exist within walking distance of Ashland RV Campground. According to one camper, "To entertain my kids (ages 6-12), there were several geocaches to find within walking distance, and the town has a splash pad and pool during the summer months."
What campers like
Quick access to Lincoln and Omaha: Pine Grove RV Park's location makes city visits convenient. "We love the front row seat to fabulous sunsets. We can hop on the interstate so quickly and be in Lincoln or Omaha in a snap," writes one reviewer.
Clean facilities: Victorian Acres maintains exceptionally well-kept grounds and amenities. "The grounds were beautifully groomed. The amenities such as showers and bathrooms were clean and decorated cute," mentions a Victorian Acres RV Park & Campground visitor.
Walking distance to town: Ashland RV Campground provides easy pedestrian access to local amenities. A camper reports, "Brand new clean quiet campground walking distance from downtown. Very attentive and kind!"
Strong WiFi connectivity: Many campers appreciate reliable internet connections at Ashland RV Campground. "The campsite itself has excellent wifi, and the bathhouses are very clean," notes one reviewer who stayed at site #22.
What you should know
Interstate noise levels: Highway sounds affect several area campgrounds to varying degrees. At Pine Grove RV Park & Campground, "Some people complain about the I-80 noise, but it really varies. We never hear it when we are inside our motorhome. Some evenings it is pretty loud outside and others we can barely hear it."
Site leveling challenges: Be prepared for uneven terrain at some campgrounds. A visitor to Ashland RV Campground notes, "Site wasn't level front to back and the host offered to move us."
Train noise: Railroad tracks near Ashland create periodic disruptions. One camper at Ashland RV Campground mentions, "The only downside to this campsite is the traffic noise. Even though it is off the interstate, you still get trucks coming into town using their jake brakes and a train that passes through town blowing its horn."
Ownership changes: Several local campgrounds have undergone recent management changes. A Pine Grove RV Park visitor advises, "Word to the wise: ignore any reviews prior to July 2023. That's when the new owners took over and have been making updates and improvements from day 1."
Tips for camping with families
Water recreation options: Multiple water activities await at Eugene T. Mahoney State Park Campground. "My son and I camped for one night. We went paddle boating, swimming, and horse back riding," shares one visitor about the family-friendly amenities.
Pool quality considerations: Pool conditions vary significantly between campgrounds. At Pine Grove RV Park, "The owners take great care of the pool, so our grandkids come out and swim with us whenever they can. So many campground pools are a bit scary, but not this one."
Playground access: West Omaha / NE Lincoln KOA offers extensive play areas for children. A visitor notes, "This site is great for any size family. The range of different camping options and amenities is incredible. The facilities are well maintained, the staff is friendly and helpful."
Educational opportunities: Schedule visits around Hitchcock Nature Center programs. "They have Nature education events, archery range, a handicapped accessible boardwalk trail, hiking trails, camping, etc. During the winter they even offer snowshoeing events," explains a West Omaha / NE Lincoln KOA Holiday camper.
Tips from RVers
Self-service check-in: Several campgrounds offer after-hours arrival options. At Hitchcock Nature Center, a camper reports, "Stopped late after a long 12 hour drive. I loved the simple self service process. We picked an open spot, paid, and parked."
Site width considerations: Review site dimensions before booking large RVs. A West Omaha / NE Lincoln KOA Holiday visitor cautions, "We were given an inappropriate size space for the rig we stated, super narrow and we stuck over the road by 2 feet."
Winter camping limitations: Most area campgrounds close during colder months. Among the exceptions is Victorian Acres RV Park & Campground, which operates year-round with full hookups.
Dump station locations: Free dump stations exist at Bob Hardy RV Park. According to a visitor, "Small park in a cute neighborhood. 8 RV spots with electric and water. Tent camping as well. $15 / night for RV spot. $10 / night tent spots. 5 day max. Pay at the bath house, no host on site. Single free dump station as well."
