Located just 20 minutes from Omaha, Boys Town camping options extend beyond the glamping sites mentioned in Lake Cunningham's recent transformation. The area sits at approximately 1,100 feet above sea level in the gently rolling hills of eastern Nebraska, where summer temperatures typically range from 65°F to 85°F with occasional humidity spikes. Camping season generally runs from April through October, though select campgrounds remain open year-round with varying levels of service.
What to do
Hiking trails with elevation changes: Hitchcock Nature Center features miles of trails through the unique Loess Hills formation. "The trails are well marked and easy to follow. I was very impressed on the hike in campsites. They already have a nice flat spot for your tent, although I'm a hammock camper. The views from the two south east campsites are amazing, looking over the Missouri River valley and the Omaha skyline in the distance," shares Aaron A.
Kayaking and paddleboarding: Lake Wanahoo offers calm waters perfect for non-motorized boating. "Great fishing and kayaking lake! Bike path goes all the way around the lake. Sites are large and spaced out. I prefer the ones along the water but you have to book early to get one," notes A H.
Educational programming: The Hitchcock Nature Center runs regular outdoor education 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)," recommends Lynn G.
What campers like
Spacious, well-maintained sites: Lake Cunningham Campground offers recently renovated camping areas. "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. Fishing, paddle board rentals, and a park are a few things to do. Awesome place!" writes Connor S.
Riverfront views: Cottonwood at Two Rivers SRA provides unique views not found at other campgrounds. "The state Rec Park is by both the Elkhorn and Platte rivers, thus it's name, Two Rivers. There are several camping areas, divided into 'sub sections,' my favorite place is the cottonwood division (not water hookups but electricity ones work just fine! The Cottonwood camp area lays right on the Platte River and it is beautiful watching the sunset over the water," says Morgan W.
Convenient glamping close to Boys Town: West Omaha KOA Holiday provides quick access to local attractions. "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. Courteous employees. Lots of activities for the kids. We've stopped on a couple of holidays& a reservation is a must! They are very busy!" reports Cynthia K.
What you should know
Weather preparedness: Severe storms can occur quickly in this region. "Upon arriving I asked about the weather, which I was watching closely at the radar. They didn't seem concert about it however news reports were saying other wise of his very storm system producing 90-100mph winds. I and others asked a few staff members where should we take cover in case it hits us," notes Eileen H. about West Omaha KOA Holiday.
Limited shade at newer campgrounds: Some recently developed parks haven't matured their tree cover yet. "Lake Wanahoo is a fairly new lake in Saunders county Nebraska. Unfortunately when the lake and campground were built they planted saplings, so during the hot months there is no shade to be found," advises Pat V.
Seasonal closures and reservations: Some campgrounds close entirely in winter. "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," shares Alana R. about Lake Cunningham's facilities.
Tips for camping with families
Family-friendly activities: Platte River State Park offers numerous options for children. "This park offers a lot of nature activities. You can hike the many hiking trails to the mini waterfall, or Platte river. They have paddle boat and Kayak rentals. There is a splash park, shooting, archer ranges, horseback riding," describes Tony B.
Playground facilities: West Omaha KOA includes dedicated play areas. "This site is great for any size family. The range of different camping options and amenities is incredible. The facilities are well maintained, the staff is friendly and helpful. Everything is nicely spread out on the grounds, and the location is near the highway to reach other amenities," says Sandra O.
Educational opportunities: Take advantage of nature programming. "This is one of our favorite places to camp. It's beautiful and there's plenty of hiking. With the nature Center there is plenty for the kids to do. 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. We love doing their extra classes," recommends Karen W.
Tips from RVers
Site selection: At Missouri Valley City Park, it's important to know what to expect. "We were looking for an overnight place to stay and came across this gem. It is right next to a busy railroad, but we cranked up our fans and barely noticed the trains and their horns. It surrounds a city park and there is plenty of room to spread out in their well manicured park. With 30/50 electric and water this place is well worth the $15 they charge," advises Kelly R.
Electrical hookup details: Different campgrounds offer varying levels of service. "The sites for big rigs are not 3 axle friendly. The site provided was not long or wide enough. The electrical box, water and sewer are placed too far to the rear of the site for a big rig to make a wide enough turn to miss a tree that really was planted in the wrong place," cautions Ray R. about Pine Grove RV Park.
Self-service procedures: Some campgrounds utilize honor systems. "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," reports Abby W.
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