S
Sheri A.
Scout
ScoutWalnut Creek Lake & Recreation Area
Only electric hookup but paved, great park, lots of space, walking path around lake.
Dog-Friendly Camping near Boys Town, NE
4 campgrounds with availability next weekend
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Walnut Creek Lake & Recreation Area offers pet-friendly camping on spacious sites with cement pads just 20 minutes from Boys Town. Each site provides electric hookups, picnic tables, and fire rings where campers and their pets can enjoy the outdoors together. Lake Cunningham Campground also welcomes pets with full hookup options on paved sites that provide ample space between neighbors. Leashed pets are permitted throughout both campgrounds, though owners must clean up after their animals. Multiple reviewers note the campgrounds remain clean and well-maintained, making them ideal for families camping with dogs. The camp hosts at Walnut Creek are particularly helpful to visitors with pets, providing information about nearby pet-friendly trails and amenities.
The paved path circling Walnut Creek Lake connects to the greater Omaha metro trail system, offering extensive walking options for dogs and their owners. Both campgrounds provide access to water recreation, though pets should be kept away from designated swimming areas. Lake Cunningham features paddle board rentals and fishing opportunities where leashed pets can join their owners along the shoreline. Several hiking trails around both lakes range from simple unpaved paths to more technical areas with steep terrain, providing varied exercise options for dogs of different abilities. Wildlife is abundant in these areas, so keeping dogs properly leashed is essential for their safety and the protection of local animals. Both campgrounds are conveniently located near veterinary services in the Omaha metropolitan area should pet emergencies arise during camping trips.
Best Dog-Friendly Campgrounds near Boys Town (89)
1. Walnut Creek Lake & Recreation Area
"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."
Check Availabilityfrom $20 / night
2. West Omaha / NE Lincoln KOA Holiday
"Very close to the Nebraska crossing outlet mall! 😊"
"I only stayed the night, but as I was walking my dogs I saw the camp. Everywhere you turn there was something to do. Good fun."
3. Eugene T. Mahoney State Park Campground
"On a walk from my campsite, I went by the marina, disc golf course, conservatory, activity center, stables and ropes course."
"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."
34 Sites AvailableAvailable next weekend
from $20 - $485 / night
4. Hitchcock County Nature Center
"if you want to get some hiking in that’s not just all flat walking this is a great place in this area. The views show you the vast farmland here and are great for sunrise and sunset!"
"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."
Check Availabilityfrom $10 - $50 / night
5. Louisville State Recreation Area Campground
"A nice closed off area for swimming, but not area allows pets to swim. Very polite employees. Showers are kinda expensive and expect to hear the tracks right behind the camping area."
"A HUGE campground with around 250 total sites, with options ranging from walk-in camping tent-only sites to RV areas. There is a 3 decent-size lakes spread evenly across the grounds."
Check AvailabilityCampground full next weekend
Get a text when availablefrom $10 - $30 / night
6. Lake Cunningham Campground
"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!"
"The lake is right there, with a nice bike path that comes all the way around."
Check Availabilityfrom $15 - $40 / night
7. Platte River State Park Campground
"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."
"There are playgrounds and a splash pad for the kids, canoe rentals, and plenty of trails to hike or bike. Sites are concrete pads with full hookups and include a fire ring and picnic table."
5 Sites AvailableAvailable next weekend
from $340 / night
8. Lake Manawa State Park Campground
"Lakeside locations are quite well spaced with a panoramic Lake view. small restroom and shower pair with unisex entry. Quite spartan, but relatively clean."
"Our confirmation email included precise directions from I-29, with an interstate sign confirming the turn for Lake Manawa State Park, and provided the gate code for access."
Check AvailabilityCampground full next weekend
Get a text when available9. Bluffs Run RV Park at Horseshoe Casino
"Very convenient location close to lots of shopping and the convention center."
Check Availabilityfrom $40 - $50 / night
10. Riverside Campground — Two Rivers SRA
"We've even walked through the water to go play on the "islands". There is a convenience store ran by a very nice family and they make a great breakfast for a low cost."
"A short drive from Omaha, two rivers offers generally clean TV and tent camping sites across multiple campgrounds. I camped right by the river. Also a short walk to the outhouse and playground."
Check Availabilityfrom $10 / night
Drive Time
- 4 min from Omaha, NE
- 47 min from Lincoln, NE
- 1 hr 23 min from Sioux City, IA
- 2 hrs 2 min from Grand Island, NE
Recent Dog-Friendly Camping Photos near Boys Town, NE
41 Photos of 89 Boys Town Campgrounds • uploaded by The Dyrt campers
Lake Cunningham Campground
Elkhorn ShoresA
Cottonwood — Two Rivers SRA
Riverside Campground — Two Rivers SRA
West Omaha / NE Lincoln KOA HolidayB
Lake Manawa State Park Campground
Louisville State Recreation Area CampgroundB
Hitchcock County Nature Center
Eugene T. Mahoney State Park Campground
Ashland RV Campground
Lake Wanahoo State Recreation Area
Glenwood Lake Park
Dog-Friendly Camping Reviews near Boys Town, NE
660 Reviews of 89 Boys Town Campgrounds
ashley R.
GuideWalnut Creek Lake & Recreation Area
Nice host, perfect clean and safe camping spot for the night. Electric provided with water and dump station.
- ZZachary H.Scout
Arrowhead Park Pottawattamie County Park
Wonderful experience
I took my three kids tent camping for two days here. First come camp sites, was disappointed when we showed up and it was packed, we werent able to get an electrical hook up. The reason for all the campers was because of a halloween event with trick or treating and hay rack rides. Through the decorated campground. Our disappointment soon faded as we had one of the best adventures of the season. The bathrooms in the camp area were clean, but they are vault toilets. The showers near the breezy lodge may be the most well maintained i have used. Included a door that locks to a full bathroom, flushable toilet, sink with a mirror, and a push button shower that stayed VERY warm for the duration of our 4 showers. There was no wait for the showers even with the full campground.
There was also a snow cone vendor in one of the parking lots.
All in all, this campground is added to the favorites, budget friendly, great park staff, and beautiful well maintained park. Love it!
Soren B.GuideLove's RV Hookup-Pacific Junction IA 704
Quick Overnight Stop
Booked this earlier in the day for an easy stop off while passing through. Very clean and quiet for a truck stop.
- DDennis E.
TravelerVictorian Acres RV Park & Campground
Ok place for an overnight
Campground is clean. A bit close to the highway and noisy. Our spot was not very level.
- JJill K.Guide
Syracuse City
Great for an overnight stay.
A nice little area to park our RV for the night as we were passing through. Just put your $10 in the donation box. Yes, there is a train that blows its whistle, but it doesn’t come through too often.
Rick C.TravelerTimber Point Lake
"No Gravel" sign means "Dangerous Mud"!
I tried to drive out to the Timber Point campground on Road 29 on September 21, 2026, and got dangerously stuck in the mud! There were two signs at the end of the maintained section of this dirt road, which said "NO GRAVEL" and "MINIMUM MAINTENANCE ROAD". There should be a "ROAD CLOSED WHEN MUDDY" sign!
Just beyond these signs, the road descends, somewhat steeply, about fifty vertical feet, over about two hundred foot horizontal distance. If you start down that hill in any vehicle when it is muddy, you are likely to start sliding, as I did in our 22' RV, completely lose control of steering, and get stuck in the mud at the bottom of the hill. See the accompanying pictures as proof...
We later found a rickety 'ROAD CLOSED' sign in the grass by the side of the road near the two above signs, which we put back up...after we got towed out. I highly recommend LTR Towing in Lincoln, NB for their towing expertise! (see ltrtowing.com)
- jjesse O.Scout
loess hills state forest
Quite and peaceful
Not a bad spot if you are just passing through or stay a couple days. There is some hiking and kind of surprising little views for Nebraska!
Rum R.ScoutPreparation Canyon State Park Campground
Great 1st Walk-in Experience
This was my first walk-in camping experience. I was hoping for site one to be open since I wasn't sure I could make the further sites, but it was occupied. The trail map leaves a bit to be desired so I passed camp 6 thinking it was the one thats technically outside of the park that I wanted to avoid. Site 5 was also occupied so I made my way to site 4 - about 1 mile in. Very easy hiking, even for someone inexperienced and wearing just a school bag to hold my gear. The site is slanted, but there are plenty of nice spots to set up. I enjoyed the extra mini trails in this site as did my dog. The stars were incredible! As we're the amount of bugs and animals around! So excited to go again!
Guide to Boys Town
West Omaha/NE Lincoln KOA Holiday and Walnut Creek Lake & Recreation Area are among the top camping options for families bringing pets near Boys Town, Nebraska. Located on the eastern edge of Nebraska's Great Plains region at approximately 1,090 feet elevation, the area offers relatively mild spring and fall camping seasons with hot summers where temperatures regularly exceed 90°F in July and August. Most campgrounds stay open year-round, though winter camping requires preparation for temperatures that can drop below freezing.
What to do
Explore hiking trails with your dog: Hitchcock Nature Center provides varied terrain for all hiking levels, with some trails offering panoramic views. "The hiking is fantastic and offers something for every skill level. There are absolutely gorgeous views of the Missouri River valley below," notes one camper at Hitchcock County Nature Center.
Paddle with your pet: Lake Cunningham allows leashed pets to join while boating. "Fishing, paddle board rentals, and a park are a few things to do. Awesome place!" according to a visitor at Lake Cunningham Campground.
Winter camping options: Unlike many regional campgrounds, some sites remain open year-round. "Wednesday at 3pm there were 8 sites open. Nice city park. Electric hookups. Water spigot about the park. Dump station by the entrance," reports a winter camper at Walnut Creek.
What campers like
Budget-friendly options: Some campgrounds offer excellent amenities at lower price points. "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," shares a reviewer at Walnut Creek Lake & Recreation Area.
Spacious site layouts: Many campers appreciate the breathing room between sites at newer campgrounds. "Tons of room between spots. Mini store on the property to buy ice, firewood, and food from," notes one Lake Cunningham visitor.
Access to water recreation: Multiple campgrounds offer dog-friendly fishing and non-motorized boating options. At Platte River State Park Campground, "You can hike the many hiking trails to the mini waterfall, or Platte river. They have paddle boat and Kayak rentals."
What you should know
Train noise at some locations: Louisville State Recreation Area has frequent train traffic. "The train noise all night," warns one camper, while another explains, "Train tracks near the campground aren't terrible but can be distracting at the beginning of the night."
Reservation requirements: Popular campgrounds fill quickly during peak season. At Eugene T. Mahoney State Park Campground, "books up months in advance and the crowds can get a bit annoying!"
Limited shade at newer facilities: Some recently developed campgrounds lack mature trees. "Open campsites with not much shade. Easy setup for our campsite," mentions a Walnut Creek visitor.
Tips for camping with families
Kid-friendly amenities: Several campgrounds offer extensive recreational options beyond typical hiking and fishing. "This place has it all... hiking trails, frisbee golf, horseback riding, driving range, fishing, tennis courts, river views, cabins!" shares an Eugene T. Mahoney State Park visitor.
Playground access: Multiple campgrounds feature well-maintained play areas for children. "The range of different camping options and amenities is incredible. The facilities are well maintained, the staff is friendly and helpful," according to a review of West Omaha/NE Lincoln KOA Holiday.
Pet-friendly water play: Several campgrounds allow pets to cool off in designated areas. "I like the beach for letting my dog swim!" notes a Lake Cunningham visitor.
Tips from RVers
Site selection considerations: RV campers should research site placement carefully. "The sites are very small however, and to do anything besides swim and play on the playground you need to drive," advises a West Omaha KOA visitor.
Dump station availability: Dump stations are available at most campgrounds, even if full hookups aren't. "There is a sewer dump site for $5 (if you're not camping). See the camp host to pay," explains a Walnut Creek camper.
Electrical hookups: Most campgrounds offer multiple electrical connection options. "Full access with concrete pad. Tons of room between spots," notes a Lake Cunningham visitor about their newer RV sites.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular dog-friendly
campsite near Boys Town, NE?
Which is the most popular dog-friendly campsite near Boys Town, NE?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular dog-friendly campground near Boys Town, NE is Walnut Creek Lake & Recreation Area with a 4.5-star rating from 25 reviews.
What is the best site to find
dog-friendly camping near
Boys Town, NE?
What is the best site to find dog-friendly camping near Boys Town, NE?
TheDyrt.com has all 89 dog-friendly camping locations near Boys Town, NE, with real photos and reviews from campers.
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