Camping opportunities around Bennington, Nebraska feature relatively flat terrain with elevations between 1,000-1,200 feet and temperatures ranging from 20°F in winter to 90°F in summer. The area sits at the junction of the Platte and Elkhorn River valleys, making riverside camping popular. Most campgrounds remain open from April through October, with limited winter accessibility.
What to do
Hiking and wildlife viewing: Hitchcock County Nature Center offers extensive trails through rare loess hills formations. "The trails are well marked and easy to follow. I was very impressed on the hike in campsites... The views from the two south east campsites are amazing, looking over the Missouri River valley and the Omaha skyline in the distance," notes Aaron A.
Water recreation: Walnut Creek Lake & Recreation Area provides fishing and kayaking opportunities for all skill levels. "The fishing is always as well as the kayaking is as well, (especially novice like myself). The birdwatching as well as the wildlife is abundant. Honestly if not for the city noise you could forget your in a city," shares Tony B.
Archery and shooting sports: Platte River State Park Campground offers dedicated ranges for outdoor sports enthusiasts. "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 Pat V., who regularly visits the area.
What campers like
Well-maintained facilities: Hitchcock County Nature Center receives praise for its cleanliness and organization. "Stopped late after a long 12 hour drive. I loved the simple self service process. We picked an open spot, paid, and parked. The facilities were impressively clean and well maintained," shares Abby W.
Secluded riverside spots: Walnut Creek offers peaceful sites away from the crowds. "We love this place, very friendly host, area kept very nice and clean, beautiful place, fishing area," explains MelynJ C., highlighting the tranquil environment.
Educational opportunities: Naturalist programs enhance camping trips for many visitors. "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," explains Lynn G.
What you should know
Train noise affects sleep: Louisville State Recreation Area Campground has significant railroad disruptions. "The harsh part of being located here is if you are looking for any kind of spot that accommodates a flat plot, like sites 206 - 236, you are butted up against the train tracks and that train is LOUD!" warns Daniel B.
Seasonal closures: Some areas experience regular flooding or maintenance closures. "This campground had been closed part of 2018 and all of 2019 Season due to flooding of the Missouri River," notes Bryan S. about Wilson Island.
Booking windows: Popular sites fill quickly, especially during summer. "This place has it all....but books up months in advance and the crowds can get a bit annoying!" warns Charlie B. about Eugene T. Mahoney State Park.
Tips for camping with families
Water features for kids: Eugene T. Mahoney State Park Campground offers extensive water recreation. "I picked this campground as a stopping point on the way to Yellowstone primarily for the pool for the kids. The pool is awesome," shares Meghan H.
Primitive camping options: Teach outdoor skills at basic sites. "The campground layout is not accurate on the website when reserving spot. Great fishing. Playgrounds are old, but kids had a blast," notes John K. about Two Rivers SRA.
Dog-friendly campgrounds near Bennington: Most parks accommodate pets with specific restrictions. "This is a very nice campground. They have plenty of clean open spots. Not a lot of shade. Nice playground and fishing was super fun. My kids loved it and we would camp here again if not in a pop up with no shower," explains Kati H. about Walnut Creek.
Tips from RVers
Site selection matters: West Omaha / NE Lincoln KOA Holiday has variable site quality. "We were given an inappropriate size space for the rig we stated, super narrow and we stuck over the road by 2 feet. They had larger sites all around us but were told we could not change... do not stay here in sites 34 - 70 if you have a rig over 30' and don't want to touch your neighbors camper," warns Stacy M.
Budget-friendly options: Several pet-welcoming campgrounds offer affordable rates. "Great back-in site w/30 amp electrical pulg in, no water at site. Site is overlooking a small lake. Very quiet, dump station. All for $20 a night," reports Jim & Karen A. about their stay at Walnut Creek.
Utility availability: Check for hookup limitations before arrival. "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. about Lake Cunningham.
