Branched Oak Lake State Rec Area
Great getaway weekend
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.
4 campgrounds · Check availability for any dates.
Camp A Way Campground offers luxurious glamping cabins near Lincoln, Nebraska, approximately 40 miles north of Beatrice. These upscale accommodations provide a blend of outdoor immersion with resort-style comfort. Each cabin features comfortable bedding, climate control, and modern amenities while maintaining a rustic aesthetic. The grounds boast multiple family-friendly features alongside the premium accommodations, creating an elevated outdoor experience without sacrificing convenience. The property maintains immaculate landscaping and thoughtful design elements throughout the glamping area. One guest shared, "The campground was incredibly clean and well landscaped. Tons of fun activities for the kids! 5/5 will stay here again!"
Branched Oak Lake State Recreation Area houses safari-style glamping accommodations with stunning water views just north of Lincoln. Guests enjoy access to the lake for boating, fishing, and swimming directly from their luxury canvas accommodations. The glamping sites combine natural beauty with upscale amenities, allowing visitors to experience Nebraska's outdoor splendor without roughing it. Activities include water sports, hiking trails around the lake, and wildlife observation opportunities. Camp A Way supplements its luxury accommodations with entertainment options like a swimming pool, hot tub, and specialized recreation areas for families. According to a camper, "This camp ground is almost a resort! Not only the clean flush toilets and showers, not only the pool and hot tub, but games, and activities, and rides, and disc golf, and so much more."
"Nice clean bathrooms with showers that are very clean. Easy contactless check-in."
"Sties are scattered around a circular drive through this small city park. There is an area for tents in the center, RVs around the perimeter. There are electric connections in some of the spots."
"Numerous tent sites w electric."
"Helpful friendly staff. Huge, clean dog run shaded with locust trees. Best dog run we have seen this trip. Located 3 miles fromHistoric Haymarket in Lincolon. Clean laundry facilities."
"A fun pass is require and costa about $10 but kids get ice cream, Slushies, water balloons for water wars included with that plus access to trampoline basketball, a nice jump pad, pool, indoor hot tub,"
from $35 - $67 / night
Check Availability"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."
"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)."
from $25 - $35 / night
Check AvailabilityMy 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.
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.
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
Sties are scattered around a circular drive through this small city park. There is an area for tents in the center, RVs around the perimeter. There are electric connections in some of the spots. Not very well defined…you drive up over the curb to park for some spots.
Tenting is free. I'm in a van and did not need electric so I assume it's also free to stay. I saw no place to pay anyway.
busy little place in the evening. Very quite at night. Clean. Safe. Restrooms no showers.
Very clean. Helpful friendly staff. Huge, clean dog run shaded with locust trees. Best dog run we have seen this trip. Located 3 miles fromHistoric Haymarket in Lincolon. Clean laundry facilities. They also have large washer and dryer if you need to do bed covers. Camp store is pretty well stocked with food and camp gear. Looked like they had frozen pizza that they wood cook for you( didn't try it). Highly recommend if you need an overnight site with laundry and short drive for a few beers and good meal downtown. A little pricey but worth it. Stayed in pull thru site.
So much for the kids to do. A fun pass is require and costa about $10 but kids get ice cream, Slushies, water balloons for water wars included with that plus access to trampoline basketball, a nice jump pad, pool, indoor hot tub, times water slide and timed barrel train ride. There’s basketball, fields to play in and gem mining for a fee. We splurged for their fanciest patio site and had a huge site. New patio furniture, a swing, camp fire, charcoal grill and full hook ups for less than $80 for the night.
Down sides - grass is dry - it’s summer - I’d rather everyone conserve on water than water the grass anyway so not such a down side - just noted. By a busy road and what looks like a highway support facility - but it’s super easy to get to and right off the highway… so it’s a plus and an obvious road noise kind of situation. We sleep thru everything so didn’t mind at all - just don’t expect it to be out in the middle of a field. Super close to Lincoln! We could see the city from the exit.
Camping area 2 has a lot to offer, even if you don't own a horse.
The area is well known for being the equestrian camping area at one of the finest lakes in Nebraska. Pull through sites with full hookups, equestrian trails, and corals. Yet few people realize that there is a nice RV and tent camping area, lovely inlet with lakesides slabs, Boat docks, and Boat ramps. Showers are not available at area #2 but are available at a closeby area #1.
The lake has some nice trails including the equestrian trail that comes from the park. The park has several beaches 2 of them very close. There are archery and shotgun ranges at the lake and a decent disc golf course.
At a popular lake, this is a nice yet secluded camping area that often gets overlooked.
City of Marysville allows 5 days of free camping at their well maintained city park.
Numerous tent sites w electric.
One pull through w 50 amp and water
Several electric only
Within walking distance to aquatic center, legendary coffee shop, downtown
Town has a Walmart and a few shops
We initially thought oh what a great overnight spot but have found this to be so much more! Location is perfect, quiet city park near police station. Walking/biking trails, playground, frisbee golf, restaurants with in walking distance, it’s a beautiful setting and the squirrels, black squirrels are everywhere. Limited spots with 30/50 amp are available, they are pull off as in drive over the curb and park. I did mention limited as in very few, I can’t express this enough as I think I saw 3 maybe 4 spots with electric hookups. Sites are free, donations accepted- box is located on the building that houses the restrooms and near water station.
Legion Memorial Park in Wilber provides basic camping facilities 30 miles southwest of Beatrice, Nebraska. The park features both RV and tent sites with electric hookups, clean restrooms, and shower facilities. Summer temperatures average 75-90°F with occasional thunderstorms, while spring and fall offer milder camping conditions with fewer crowds.
Water activities at Branched Oak Lake: The 1,800-acre lake offers swimming beaches, boat rentals, and dedicated no-wake areas for paddleboarding and kayaking. "There's a huge no-wake area of the lake for kayaking and paddle boarding. They also offer boat rentals," notes Jordan H.
Field sports at Legion Memorial Park: The park features a Legion baseball diamond adjacent to camping areas, creating a unique sports-oriented camping experience. "Quiet RV park with the local legion baseball diamond. Love this small town campground," shares Amy C., who appreciated the proximity to sporting events.
Family recreation at Camp A Way Campground: The campground offers numerous structured activities including basketball courts and a slip-n-slide. Samantha S. mentions, "Sites are shaded and spacious. Awesome playground, pool, water slide and more! Super cute place to stay with family."
Dog-friendly amenities: Traveling with pets is simplified at several area campgrounds. "Huge, clean dog run shaded with locust trees. Best dog run we have seen this trip," explains Jan S. about Camp A Way, noting its convenient location "3 miles from Historic Haymarket in Lincoln."
Clean facilities: Visitors consistently mention the well-maintained bathrooms and shower facilities. "Nice clean bathrooms with showers that are very clean. Easy contactless check-in," reports Amy C. about Legion Memorial Park.
Stargazing opportunities: The rural setting around Beatrice offers excellent night sky viewing. A visitor to Branched Oak Lake State Rec Area shares, "Nighttime is great for stargazing and they have pretty stellar sunrises. We enjoyed the archery range and took plenty of walks."
Highway noise considerations: Some campgrounds near major roads experience traffic noise. Heather A. notes about Camp A Way, "The highway is so close you can see the cars going by. Its extremely loud and constant highway sounds... If you are in a camper or RV, it probably doesn't make much difference, but in a tent, it took away a bit of the magic."
Reservation requirements: Popular sites fill quickly, particularly at Branched Oak Lake, where one camper advises, "Plan ahead and reserve a spot or go early in the week otherwise you won't get a pad!!!" Many campgrounds offer year-round availability but summer weekends book months in advance.
Varying shower quality: Facilities range from excellent to basic. Kevin A. mentions at Branched Oak Lake, "Negatives are disgusting showers; felt like I was in prison as you must pull on a chain to get water," while another camper appreciated the free showers despite basic conditions.
Activity-focused stays: Camp A Way offers structured entertainment beyond basic camping. "This destination was so fun! Sites are shaded and spacious. Awesome playground, pool, water slide and more!" reports Samantha S., highlighting the family-oriented features.
Age considerations for amenities: Check facility rules before promising specific activities. One visitor to Legion Memorial Park notes, "We booked hoping we could use the spa, only to find out when we got here, no kids under 5 can use it. We have a 3 year old, so we had to pass."
Weekend vs. weekday visits: For quieter family camping, consider non-peak timing. Barry M. observes, "This was a great location to explore different areas but it is a very crowded location. Some people like that and visiting with everyone."
Full hookup availability: Legion Memorial Park offers electric and water hookups but lacks sewer connections. Roger M. shares, "Great campground nice shade on part of rv sites. Easy access, very nice shower house, very well kept. Only improvement would be sewer hookups."
Laundry facilities: For extended stays, Camp A Way provides convenient laundry options. "Clean laundry facilities. They also have large washer and dryer if you need to do bed covers," notes Jan S., who found this particularly valuable during a longer trip.
Site selection for lake views: At Branched Oak Lake, certain sections offer better RV camping with water views. "Middle Oak Creek campground has a row of 10-12 electrical spots that are perfect for shore fishing, kayak launch, lakeside views!" advises Jen K., who compares this to "South Shore campground [which] sits lakeside but at a higher elevation so water access is trickier."
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular glamping campsite near Beatrice, NE?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular glamping campground near Beatrice, NE is Legion Memorial Park with a 4.5-star rating from 2 reviews.
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