Tent camping around Ashland, Nebraska offers a mix of waterfront and wooded sites within 45 minutes of the city. The region sits along the Platte River valley with elevations ranging from 1,100 to 1,300 feet. Most campgrounds operate from April through October, with primitive sites available for $5-15 per night and improved sites costing $15-25 depending on amenities and season.
What to do
River activities: At Riverside Campground in Two Rivers State Recreation Area, families can enjoy tubing and swimming. "The river is decently safe and a good place to tube. There were not any other campers but I could see it getting pretty busy on the weekends," notes Emily M. from Riverside Campground.
Hiking and biking: The trail system at Fremont Lakes connects multiple small lakes and extends beyond the park boundaries. According to Anji L., "Very woodsy feeling through the whole park and a nice bicycle trail that leaves the park and winds out to Hormel Park on the Platte River" at Fremont Lakes State Recreation Area.
Morning walks: Area Three Campground offers waterfront sites with easy lake access for morning strolls. Chelsea K. reports, "Our site was a few hundred yards from the lake, and we had a great morning walk."
Archery practice: Wirth Brothers Lake features an archery range for campers wanting to practice their skills, along with a swimming beach for cooling off afterward.
What campers like
Riverside sites: Tent campers appreciate the waterfront locations at Two Rivers. As Michael M. describes, "I camped right by the river. Also a short walk to the outhouse and playground. Fun and quick trip if you're in the Omaha area. My boys (4&7) loved it."
Clean facilities: Fremont Lakes receives praise for maintenance. "Facilities were very clean. Cleanest I have ever seen in a campground," reports Alyssa E.
Seclusion options: For those seeking privacy, Wirth Brothers Lake offers more secluded spots. Becky D. notes it's "off the beaten path and has camping spots that offer some seclusion from other people."
Affordable full hookups: Fairgrounds camping provides budget options with amenities. Lucian F. found the Saunders County Fairgrounds to be a "Great Find. Located near downtown Wahoo. $20 per night for full hookup. Appear to be approximately 40 sites."
What you should know
Weather preparations: Spring and fall camping can bring temperature extremes, with lows occasionally dropping below freezing. Chelsea K. from Area Three Campground notes, "Late October tent camping- low around 19f... we seemed to be the only souls in the place."
Noise factors: Train noise affects some campgrounds significantly. At Fremont Lakes, Alyssa E. warns, "there is a very busy set of train tracks that run about every 20 minutes all day and all night. Didn't get any sleep, even with earplugs. Plus, it's right next to a busy highway."
Limited shade: Some tent sites offer little protection from summer sun. Molly M. advises, "The lake was awesome, not much shade on most tent sites. Make sure you ask when they dredged the lakes that you want to stay on."
Supplies availability: Firewood can be limited at certain times. Check ahead or bring your own supplies, especially for weekend camping when local stores may sell out quickly.
Tips for camping with families
Breakfast options: Two Rivers SRA offers affordable dining options for families who don't want to cook every meal. Shannon G. from Wirth Brothers Lake recommends bringing "drinking water, and there are picnic tables and a covered group picnic shelter" for family meals.
Playground access: Several campgrounds feature play areas for children, with Two Rivers and Wirth Brothers both offering playground equipment near camping areas.
Wildlife viewing: The area supports diverse wildlife including deer, turkeys, and various birds, making morning and evening wildlife spotting walks an enjoyable family activity.
Water safety: When camping with children near water, bring personal flotation devices. The shallow areas of the lakes and rivers can change depth unexpectedly, especially after rainfall.
Tips from RVers
Dump station access: Multiple locations offer sanitary dump facilities, including Two Rivers SRA and Saunders County Fairgrounds, making multi-day stays more convenient.
Site selection: Ask for older section sites at Fremont Lakes for more separation between tent campers and RVs. Charles C. notes that at Area Three Campground, "On the east end there are sites right on the water" which offer better views and privacy.
Weekday camping: For quieter experiences, consider non-weekend visits. Most campgrounds report significantly reduced crowding and noise from Sunday evening through Thursday.
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