Camping options near Blair, Nebraska cluster along the Platte and Missouri rivers at elevations ranging from 900 to 1,050 feet. The region features a humid continental climate with hot summers and cold winters, making late spring and early fall the most comfortable camping seasons. Most campgrounds in the area lie within a 30-mile radius of Blair, with many offering water recreation opportunities.
What to do
Fishing opportunities: Two Rivers State Recreation Area offers multiple lakes for anglers of all skill levels. "Lots of fishing opportunities in the ponds and river. Even a trout lake," shares Justin R. about the Fawn Meadows area at Two Rivers SRA.
Water activities: Lake Cunningham Campground provides options for getting on the water without bringing your own equipment. "The lake itself is great for kayaking, paddle boarding, and sailing! People do swim near the beach area but it is technically not allowed. I like the beach for letting my dog swim! If you want to adventure but don't have your own gear there is a cute little paddle board shop that rents boards and kayaks by the hour," notes Kwin K.
Historical exploration: Lewis and Clark State Park Campground features educational exhibits about the famous expedition. "They have a replica of the Boat that Lewis and Clark traveled on many years ago. They will also occasionally take it out and give rides. They also have a history museum to accompany the boat," explains Katie S. about Lewis and Clark State Park.
Hiking trails: Platte River State Park offers varied terrain for walking and exploring. "I love Platte River State Park; there are accommodations for every type of camper - cabins, RV, primitive - hell they even have teepees! On top of the excellent camping offered, they have a wealth of amazing hiking/biking trails that traverse through some amazing scenery," writes Jared J.
What campers like
Spacious campsites: The Oak Grove Campground area at Two Rivers SRA provides good separation between sites. "It has a nice amount of room between spots and lots of trees for shade," notes Shannon G. about Oak Grove Campground.
Modern facilities: Lake Cunningham Campground features updated amenities for comfortable stays. "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. The lake is right there, with a nice bike path that comes all the way around," shares Alana R.
Unique accommodations: Two Rivers State Recreation Area offers distinctive lodging options beyond traditional camping. "You can rent a caboose as a cabin," mentions Justin R., while Tony B. elaborates: "They also have old remodeled Union Pacific caboose you can stay in" at Union Pacific Cabooses — Two Rivers SRA.
Well-maintained grounds: Eugene T. Mahoney State Park maintains quality campsites and common areas. "This campground is crowded with significant interstate noise. However there are many activities for kids including paddleboating, a wave pool, horse riding, ziplining, and playgrounds. Modern restrooms with showers and power are available," explains Jennifer M.
What you should know
Train noise: Louisville State Recreation Area experiences frequent train disruptions. "Train tracks near the campground aren't terrible but can be distracting at the beginning of the night," warns Ryan A., while another camper emphasizes: "At night the trains go by about every 17 minutes. The tracks run right get along the park" at Louisville State Recreation Area.
Advance planning needed: Popular parks in the region fill quickly, especially during peak seasons. "This place has it all....but books up months in advance and the crowds can get a bit annoying!" cautions Charlie B. about Eugene T. Mahoney State Park.
Equestrian limitations: While searching for horse campgrounds near Blair, Nebraska, note that dedicated equestrian facilities are limited. The campgrounds in the immediate vicinity lack specific horse-related amenities such as corrals or designated horse trailer parking.
Weather considerations: Regional camping areas can be impacted by seasonal conditions. "This lake is one of the very few in Omaha that offers camping. And definitely of all types rv, and tent. But let me give you a disclaimer of why this is a 3 star. First the park is closed due to them draining it because of zebra mussels," explains Tony B. about Lake Cunningham.
Tips for camping with families
Playground access: Several campgrounds feature play areas for children. Shannon G. notes about Oak Grove: "There is an old playground by a vault toilet," while another camper shares: "There's a pretty big playground near all the sites. When I went in the first weekend of October they had a little trick or treat night too!" about Lewis and Clark State Park.
Swimming options: Eugene T. Mahoney State Park offers water recreation specifically designed for families. "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," explains Meghan H.
Kid-friendly fishing: Two Rivers SRA provides accessible fishing experiences for younger anglers. "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. Our kid and her friends love the swimming beach," shares Rick J.
Educational activities: Some parks near Blair offer learning opportunities alongside recreation. Sarah H. notes about Platte River State Park: "Our kids very much enjoy hiking along and through the rocky creek in the middle of the park that leads to a tower overlooking the Platte River and surrounding farmland."
Tips from RVers
Site selection strategy: When staying at Lake Cunningham Campground, choose newer areas for better amenities. "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," recommends Connor S. about Lake Cunningham Campground.
Utility connections: Most RV-friendly campgrounds in the region offer partial or full hookups. "This campground is fine, but just fine. The best thing about it is the sites are pretty large and flat," notes Sarah N. about Goldenrod Campground.
Flooding awareness: Some camping areas near Blair can experience water issues during rainy periods. "I stayed at site 104 and it ended up being a good choice because it was shaded and on higher ground. The amenities leave something to be desired; the dump station is hard to find, the bathrooms are in short supply," adds Sarah N.
Interstate proximity: Consider noise levels when selecting a campground with an RV. Jennifer M. notes about Eugene T. Mahoney State Park: "This campground is crowded with significant interstate noise," and Maricris C. confirms: "The only not so good thing about camping in this park is that it is so close to the interstate."
