Campgrounds near Bennington, Nebraska provide a mix of primitive and developed camping options within an hour's drive of Omaha. Several established sites like Lake Cunningham Campground and Elkhorn Crossing Recreational Area accommodate tent camping, RV sites, and cabin rentals. The campgrounds typically feature concrete pads for RVs, picnic tables, and fire rings, with many offering electrical hookups. Some locations like West Omaha KOA Holiday and Eugene T. Mahoney State Park provide year-round access with full hookup options for larger recreational vehicles.
Access to these mixed-use campgrounds varies seasonally, with some facilities closing during winter months while others remain operational year-round. Flooding along the Missouri River has affected several campgrounds in recent years, particularly Wilson Island State Recreation Area. According to one visitor, "This park had been closed part of 2018 and all of 2019 Season due to flooding of the Missouri River." Most campgrounds require advance reservations during peak summer months from May through September. Water availability can be limited at certain locations, with some offering drinking water and others providing only basic facilities. Road conditions generally remain good throughout the area, with most campgrounds accessible via paved roads.
The camping experience in this region centers around water recreation, with several sites situated near lakes and rivers. Many campgrounds feature fishing access, trails, and boating opportunities. Lake Cunningham receives consistent praise from campers for its amenities. A review mentioned it as "one of the most beautiful campgrounds we have ever encountered! On a beautiful lake with many recreational possibilities - kayaking, sailing non power boating - some for rent." For those seeking more seclusion, Elkhorn Crossing provides a quieter experience away from crowds, though with fewer amenities. Campers should note that site spacing varies considerably between locations, with some campgrounds placing sites close together while others offer more privacy. Public lands in the area support diverse wildlife viewing and hiking opportunities in addition to water-based activities.
$10 - $50 / night
"We camp all the time at different locations, and I 100% recommend this campground! The hosts are so polite and helpful and they keep the place immaculate."
"The sites for tent camping are okay pretty close together and down a hill, no parking next to your site. There are also pack in sites available and depending on location very nice."
$15 - $40 / night
"The lake is right there, with a nice bike path that comes all the way around."
"Lake Cunningham is a fun destination for getting outside if you only have an afternoon to escape! The lake itself is great for kayaking, paddle boarding, and sailing!"
$20 / night
"This is a nice campground located on the edge of Papillion, Nebraska. There are several trails nearby, some paved and others grass. The main trailhead is easily accessible from the park road."
"This is a very cool park in Papillion, Nebraska! It also has a sewer dump site for $5 (if you're not camping). See the camp host to pay."
"Very close to the Nebraska crossing outlet mall! 😊"
"The campground itself was fine and very convenient in location to vIsIt famIly."
"Great location, not too close to the lake so not a lot of bugs to bother."
"Each site is equipped with a fire ring and many of the locations have a picnic table. There are a couple of the spots right along side the lake."
$25 - $485 / night
"Nestled between two major cities in Nebraska, you're never far away from anything you may want to do or see. RV and tent camping is obviously available with limited privacy."
"We used to stop here as a midway point when driving to Colorado. We always stayed at the lodge for a night and had a pleasant time exploring the area."
$16 - $24 / night
"It is true that the campground is a big open space with little tree cover, but it is part of the DeSoto National Wildlife Refuge, and there is a ton of trees, trails, and wildlife around the refuge."
"Nice smaller park with good tent sites on Missouri River and next to DeSoto National Wildlife Refuge."
$100 / night
"The fishing is easy in all the lakes and they have a pay fishing trout lake that nearly guarantees success. Our kid and her friends love the swimming beach."
"Whether I was riding a bike around the paved roads. Fishing in one of the sandpit lakes they have to offer, or the river. Walk around the nature trails, or lakes."
$35 - $340 / night
"We were passing through Nebraska and opted to stay the night here. The campground is new and will be even nicer when the trees are big enough to provide shade."
"Short walk in but a wagon is provided to help unload equipment. Picnic and fire pit near the teepee."
ScoutI called because there was no link to book and the RV park has closed. There is RV parking if you want to stay in the hotel, but the park with hookups is closed.
TravelerBeautiful city owned campground. 50 and/or 30 amp electric at all sites. No water hookups, but spigots are located throughout the park. No shower house, only pit toilets. However, at $20 a night a steal!
GuidePreparation Canyon has multiple hike-in sites available, in different distances (1/4 to 1 mile) from the trail head. The sites are each provided with a picnic table and fire ring, and are situated a little distance back from the main trail. I camped for three nights around site #4 which was secluded and had great privacy from those hiking nearby. The site seemed well maintained and was mostly level.
Lots of wildlife to view and spots to explore. If hiking in the area remember to bring bug spray, the flies and mosquitoes were thick at my camp spot! I think it was the result of the standing water in the creek, which is the result of a small dam.
GuideGood hiking. Slightly over grown in areas, lots of ticks, pulled at least 20 off my dog.
GuideThis is a nice city maintained campground, with level grass pads, electric hookups, shower house, fresh water fill, and dump station. There is also a new playground for the kids and a large picnic shelter as well. Could be a hidden gem, there was only one other camper present on Memorial Weekend! Lots to do in the area, especially with the State Forests nearby. Be warned however, the showers are cold water only, so don't expect a hot shower at the end of the day! Prices are $10 a night for non-electric and $20 for electric.
GuideDid some backcountry camping at the Badger Ridge location, overall the stay was great! The park has multiple hike-in backcountry locations, tent camping spots near the road, RV pads with water and electric, as well as a few small cabins. The scenery is amazing! The shower house was also clean and well maintained.
TravelerThis is actually the Windsor Cove Campground within Haworth Park in Belleview, Nebraska. It is an older campground but near the river, walking trails, and close to all the amenities of Nearby Omaha (aprox. 25 minutes to downtown). I visited in Mid May and the park was about 25 percent full. The camp host is great and I would definitely visit again.
LegendNeligh Park campground features level concrete pads with gravel in front of each site. Every site includes a picnic table along with electric and water hookups. There is an on-site dump station that costs$2.00 if you are not staying at the park. Camping is $15 per night. Some sites are reservable online, while others can be paid for when you arrive. The sites do not offer much shade as the trees planted around them are still small. The campground is in a quiet part of town.
The city park is adjacent to the campground. The city park has a newer, large playground, sand volleyball courts, and a walking trail that loops around the lake. There is also a community Aquatic Center on the premises that features a pool and a large water slide.
There appears to be a modern restroom building near the newer part of the park. There are a few fast food restaurants located a short drive away from the campground.
GuideWe stayed 1 night in our way to Utah. We got a nice spot right next to the river with a cemented area and a newer picnic area. Met the park ranger on our way in who was so thankful we picked there to stay. The Elf and Buffalo were fun to watch. Only downside was a train at 1 in the morning and no showers at the south campsite. Highly recommend this spot!!
Camping spots near Bennington, Nebraska range from riverside locations to lake-based recreation areas within a 30-mile radius. The region sits at approximately 1,060 feet above sea level, with summer temperatures averaging 75-90°F during peak camping season from May through September. Seasonal closures affect access to several campgrounds during winter, with some areas closed during spring flooding periods.
Archery practice: Hitchcock County Nature Center offers an on-site archery range with dedicated facilities. "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!" notes reviewer Pat V.
Paddling adventures: Rent kayaks and paddle boards at Lake Cunningham Campground where "the lake itself is great for kayaking, paddle boarding, and sailing!" according to Kwin K. The lake has designated no-wake zones making it ideal for non-motorized watercraft.
Wildlife observation: The Loess Hills formation at Hitchcock County Nature Center provides unique terrain for wildlife viewing. "The backcountry campsite have pads with pea gravel for tents and fire rings. Nice and quiet," states Allison J., with the park offering "Hawk Watch" programming from its observation tower.
Riverside camping: Campers appreciate sites near moving water. Two Rivers SRA offers spots along the Platte River where, as Rick J. explains, "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."
Well-spaced sites: Several campgrounds offer roomier sites than typical. At West Omaha / NE Lincoln KOA Holiday, one reviewer noted they had "a very large pull through on the west side of the campground (site 16). The KOA was pretty full but everyone was respectful and we didn't hear much noise."
Easy self-service setup: For late arrivals, Walnut Creek Lake & Recreation Area provides a straightforward process. One camper stated, "I loved the simple self service process. We picked an open spot, paid, and parked. The facilities were impressively clean and well maintained."
Seasonal closures: Many campgrounds close during winter months or due to flooding. Wilson Island State Recreation Area has experienced extended closures, with a reviewer noting, "This campground had been closed part of 2018 and all of 2019 Season due to flooding of the Missouri River."
Site selection matters: At Eugene T. Mahoney State Park, sites vary significantly in quality. One camper advised, "I picked this campground as a stopping point on the way to Yellowstone primarily for the pool for the kids. The pool is awesome. It was, however, expensive. $10 for adults (even as a non swimmer) and $8 for kids plus $3 to rent a tube for the wave pool."
Road noise considerations: Some campgrounds experience interstate noise despite natural settings. "This is a really nice state park. There are plenty to do... 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," reported a visitor to Platte River State Park Campground.
Swimming alternatives: When seeking water activities, consider Elkhorn Crossing Recreational Area which offers river access and "Nice new bathroom as well as playground and disc golf," according to Tony B. The playground provides children activities when not on the water.
Trout fishing success: For guaranteed fishing results, Two Rivers SRA maintains stocked ponds. "The fishing is easy in all the lakes and they have a pay fishing trout lake that nearly guarantees success. Our kid and her friends love the swimming beach," shares Rick J.
Boardwalk hiking: For accessible trails with children, Hitchcock Nature Center provides boardwalk options. Karen W. recommends, "There's even a 1 mile hike on a boardwalk that's very easy. There's all levels of hikes. They have a hawkwatch tower. Lots of information about Hawks and nature conservation."
Site spacing variation: At Lake Cunningham Campground, recent renovations have improved RV camping options. "Love the new East lots. Full access with concrete pad. Tons of room between spots. Mini store on the property to buy ice, firewood, and food from," notes Connor S.
Water/sewer availability: Water access varies between campgrounds. At Lake Cunningham Campground, "The sites have concrete pads with power, but no water or sewer. There is a fill station on the way in. You can pay $1 for a hot shower in the comfort station, which is very clean," explains Alana R.
Entrance conditions: Some campgrounds have challenging access points. When staying at West Omaha/NE Lincoln KOA Holiday, be aware that "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 but the NE transportation is not being cooperative," according to Stacy M.
Frequently Asked Questions
What camping is available near Bennington, NE?
According to TheDyrt.com, Bennington, NE offers a wide range of camping options, with 111 campgrounds and RV parks near Bennington, NE and 1 free dispersed camping spot.
Which is the most popular campground near Bennington, NE?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Bennington, NE is Hitchcock County Nature Center with a 4.6-star rating from 32 reviews.
Where can I find free dispersed camping near Bennington, NE?
According to TheDyrt.com, there is 1 free dispersed camping spot near Bennington, NE.
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