Bellevue sits on the western bank of the Missouri River in eastern Nebraska, with terrain ranging from river bluffs to prairie grassland. Camping options near Bellevue extend into both Nebraska and Iowa within a 30-mile radius. Summer temperatures regularly reach the mid-90s with high humidity, while spring and fall offer milder conditions for tent campers.
What to do
Mountain biking at Ashland RV Campground: Located 25 miles west of Bellevue, this campground provides access to the Oxbow Trail System. "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," notes a visitor at Ashland RV Campground.
Hawk watching at Hitchcock Nature Center: This conservation area features unique loess hills formations. "The nature center is a nice place to cool down in the summer and learn about the loess hills. When your 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," shares a camper at Hitchcock County Nature Center.
Geocaching and splash pad in Ashland: Perfect for families seeking outdoor activities. "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," reports a visitor to Ashland RV Campground.
What campers like
Trail system variety: Hitchcock Nature Center offers multiple difficulty levels. "This is one of our favorite places to camp. It's beautiful and there's plenty of hiking. There's even a 1 mile hike on a boardwalk that's very easy. There's all levels of hikes," explains a reviewer at Hitchcock County Nature Center.
Clean facilities: Campgrounds like Victorian Acres RV Park maintain high standards. "This one was the nicest and cleanest campground we have been to yet. Everything was freshly manicured on the grounds. Everything was very clean and no trash whatsoever anywhere," notes one visitor.
Views of Omaha skyline: Backcountry sites at Hitchcock provide unique vantage points. "My preference is getting one of the campsites on the western edge of the park on top of the ridge. At night you can see the Omaha skyline lit up and the breeze running through there is wonderful," writes a camper.
What you should know
Self-registration options: Several campgrounds offer after-hours check-in. "Stopped late after a long 12 hour drive. I loved the simple self service process. We picked an open spot, paid, and parked," explains a camper at Hitchcock Nature Center.
Highway noise considerations: Some rv parks near Bellevue, Nebraska sit close to Interstate 80. "Don't expect peace & quiet. This place is sandwiched in between I-80 and the I-80 Speedway. Even w/ full hookups it's a bit overpriced," warns a reviewer about Pine Grove RV Park.
Site leveling challenges: Check your specific site assignment. "Site wasn't level front to back and the host offered to move us. We told her it was ok and after we step up she came back to check again," shares a visitor at Ashland RV Campground.
Tips for camping with families
Nature education programs: Schedule around special events. "When I think of 'nature center' I think of a stuffy little cabin with taxidermy. This site is far far more than that, with hiking trails, educational programs, a museum, event halls, and of course camping. Make sure to look at their events calendar, they have exceptional programs for all ages (and especially kids)," advises a visitor at Hitchcock Nature Center.
Pool access at select campgrounds: Some campgrounds maintain swimming facilities. "We love the friendly staff, the onsite cafe, and the beautiful pool. 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," reports a visitor to Pine Grove RV Park & Campground.
Budget-friendly options: Municipal parks offer lower rates. "Decent park and great price! We stayed 2 nights for my husband to do a job down the road. They had electric hookups, grills and picnic tables at every site plus a small playground for kids," shares a camper at Bob Hardy RV Park, noting the $17.50 nightly rate.
Tips from RVers
Casino RV parking options: Multiple options exist for convenient urban access. "Essentially a parking lot with electric and water hookups, but only 9 minutes from downtown Omaha. Check-in at security window at Horseshoe. $40 weekday rate and $50 weekend rate," explains a visitor to Bluffs Run RV Park at Horseshoe Casino.
Winter accessibility limitations: Call ahead during colder months. "I arrived February 28 to visit the casino and friends in town. Turns out the RV parking is closed for the winter. But the gentleman on the phone was very nice and said I could park overnight in the North Lot," reports an RVer at Bluffs Run RV Park.
Military access options: Offutt AFB FamCamp provides restricted access camping. "It's a nice campground especially since it's MWR. Many full hook up sites and a very nice boat house with water toy rentals. We stayed off season and the self registration is easy," notes a visitor.
