Camping cabins near Bellevue, Nebraska offer accommodations in the eastern region where the Missouri River creates a natural boundary between Nebraska and Iowa. At approximately 1,000 feet elevation, this area experiences four distinct seasons with summer temperatures averaging 86°F and winters dropping to 13°F. Cabin rentals typically cost $50-150 per night depending on amenities and season.
What to do
Hiking trails: Platte River State Park has extensive trail networks ranging from paved walkways to challenging paths along bluffs. According to Jared J., "they have a wealth of amazing hiking/biking trails that traverse through some amazing scenery. Just like the camping, you can pick between the less intensive paved walkways or you can walk along the hilly bluffs that contour the Platte River."
Water recreation: Memphis Lake provides calm water ideal for paddling with its no-wake zone restrictions. "This lake has great fishing and has peace, and quiet. The lake is a no wake zone, so kayaks, and canoes are great," notes Tony B. The recreation area offers primitive lakeside camping with picnic tables and fire rings at most sites.
Wildlife viewing: Hitchcock County Nature Center features a hawk observation tower popular during migration seasons. "When you're done with your hiking, climb up to the top of the towering platform and bring your binoculars to checkout the visiting hawks and occasional eagle," recommends Matt S. The nature center provides educational programs about local wildlife throughout the year.
Target sports: Platte River State Park offers both archery and shooting ranges for visitors seeking skill-based activities. "There is a splash park, shooting, archer ranges, horseback riding," notes Tony B. about the recreational options available beyond typical camping activities.
What campers like
Privacy between sites: West Omaha / NE Lincoln KOA Holiday offers spacious sites in certain areas of the campground. "The sites are very small, and to do anything besides swim and play on the playground you need to drive. It's a great place to stay when visiting family!" shares Rebekah S. about the campground's layout and amenities.
Modern facilities: Arrowhead Park maintains clean shower facilities that receive consistent praise. "20$ is a really good deal for a nice site with electricity, a picnic table on a cement slab and a hot free clean shower," reports Martin-Charles S. The campground offers both electric and primitive sites at affordable rates.
Family programming: Eugene T. Mahoney State Park provides numerous structured activities for children. "There are so many activities from your typical hiking experience to spending the day at the water park to being able to take the family mini golfing," says Camden O. The park offers year-round programming with additional seasonal options.
Fishing opportunities: Memphis Lake State Recreation Area provides good bank fishing access from multiple points around the lake. "We went on a nice weekend the first of April so it was 'off season'. The price was $10 a night. The game warden drove around often checking to see if anyone needed anything," notes Whitney R. about the quiet atmosphere during shoulder seasons.
What you should know
Reservation timing: Union Pacific Cabooses — Two Rivers SRA requires advance planning, especially during summer. "This is a great campground for camping and fishing with kids. The fishing is easy in all the lakes and they have a pay fishing trout lake that nearly guarantees success," explains Rick J. The unique caboose accommodations are particularly popular with families.
Noise considerations: Eugene T. Mahoney State Park experiences highway noise from the nearby interstate. "This is a really nice state park. There are plenty to do. My son and I camped for one night... The only not so good thing about camping in this park is that it is so close to the interstate. My son was unable to fall asleep," shares Maricris C.
Campsite selection: West Omaha KOA has significant variability between sites. "The entrance/exit is difficult and it looks like it's not their fault as they have been trying to get permits to fix it... What the 'but' is, is that we were given an inappropriate size space for the rig we stated, super narrow and we stuck over the road by 2 feet," explains Stacy M. Requesting specific site types is recommended.
Weather preparedness: Hitchcock Nature Center can experience severe weather during storm seasons. "The camp store is well stocked with RV supplies and parts. After driving all day, then doing laundry it was nice to get a pizza and relax," notes a visitor regarding the amenities available during unexpected weather events.
Tips for camping with families
Water activities: Arrowhead Park Campground offers affordable boat rentals for families. "Our family and another family shared a primitive tent site near the back of the park. We were first and foremost impressed with the freedom we had in choosing our site," says Sarah H. The campground allows tent campers to select from numerous locations throughout the park.
Playground access: Goldenrod Campground features multiple play areas for children. "Very nice camp sites and playgrounds for children nice clean fishing lakes and river access," notes Jared Diana S. The campground's location within Two Rivers State Recreation Area provides access to additional recreational facilities.
Educational opportunities: Hitchcock Nature Center offers structured nature programs for children. "As a family we go to Hitchcock a few times a year for the hiking and the archery range they have on-site. Both are excellent and a nice escape from the city!" shares Pat V. The center hosts seasonal events focused on wildlife education.
Accommodation flexibility: Platte River State Park provides options from primitive tent sites to deluxe cabins. "I love Platte River State Park; there are accommodations for every type of camper - cabins, RV, privative - hell they even have teepees!" explains Jared J. about the range of overnight options.
Tips from RVers
Site selection: Goldenrod Campground offers both reservable and walk-up sites with a specific allocation process. "Goldenrod is one of 6 campgrounds at Twin Rivers State Park. Half of this campground has electric and half has none... The walk up process is a little strange. You get put on a waiting list and have to return to main office at 3," explains Shannon G.
Flooding concerns: Goldenrod Campground sites vary in elevation which affects drainage. "I stayed here on a night where it rained maybe as much as an inch, and some campsites did flood. I stayed at site 104 and it ended up being a good choice because it was shaded and on higher ground," advises Sarah N. about selecting appropriate sites during wet weather.
Easy interstate access: West Omaha KOA provides convenient overnight options for travelers. "We always stop here when we're traveling on I-80. It's the perfect distance for us to overnight before moving on. Clean campground, showers/bathroom. Easy on, easy off means some highway noise from I-80," notes Cynthia K.
Utility connections: Memphis Lake State Recreation Area offers limited hookup sites requiring early arrival. "The campsites have plenty of shade, and a few electrical hook ups. The bathrooms could use a upgrade or a good cleaning, and the one by are site was locked up and not open," mentions Tony B. about the primitive nature of some facilities.
