Cabins near Brainard, Nebraska occupy an area in eastern Nebraska with elevations around 1600 feet. The region sits within the glaciated region of eastern Nebraska with terrain consisting of rolling hills and small creek valleys. Winter temperatures can drop below freezing from November through March, making heated cabin options particularly valuable during colder months.
What to do
Hiking trails and water activities: At Platte River State Park Campground, visitors can access numerous hiking trails with varying terrain. "On top of the excellent camping offered, they have a wealth of amazing hiking/biking trails that traverse through some amazing scenery. Just like the camping, you can pick between the less intensive paved walkways or you can walk along the hilly bluffs that contour the Platte River," notes one visitor.
Fishing opportunities: Memphis Lake State Recreation Area offers lakeside fishing with peaceful surroundings. "This lake has great fishing and has peace, and quiet. The lake is a no wake zone, so kayaks, and canoes are great," reports a camper. The lake is stocked regularly and provides access points along the shoreline.
Winter activities: Cabin rentals remain open year-round at several locations, with Eugene T. Mahoney State Park Campground offering winter activities. "There are so many activities from your typical hiking experience to spending the day at the water park to being able to take the family mini golfing," mentions one visitor who appreciated the variety of recreational options.
What campers like
Quiet lakeside settings: Memphis Lake State Recreation Area receives consistent praise for its peaceful environment. "It is a nice spot a bit off of the main roads. Many of the tent sites allow you to camp right next to the lake. It's generally pretty quiet and people respect the 10 pm quiet hours rule," one camper reports.
Well-maintained facilities: Clean bathrooms and shower facilities rank high on campers' priority lists. At Prairie Oasis Campground & Cabins, visitors appreciate the attention to cleanliness. "The bathrooms were clean with nice hot showers," noted one reviewer, while another mentioned, "The bathrooms/shower house has been remodeled and was immaculate."
Unique accommodation options: Distinctive lodging options set some parks apart from standard cabin rentals. "If you enjoy some extra comforts, rent one of the train cabooses which feature a small kitchen, bathroom, AC and beds with mattresses. Our kids loved the lofted full sized bed," shared a visitor to Two Rivers State Recreation Area.
What you should know
Reservation timing: Many cabin accommodations require advance booking, particularly during summer months. Reservations can open 6-12 months ahead for popular locations.
Highway noise considerations: Several campgrounds with cabin rentals sit near major highways. "It's generally pretty quiet and people respect the 10 pm quiet hours rule. Each site has a picnic table and fire ring," noted a Memphis Lake visitor, though other campgrounds report more noticeable traffic sounds.
Weather preparation: Lake Wanahoo State Recreation Area cabins provide shelter but require weather awareness. "It's flat and easy for young kids to bike around all the different lakes(ponds). Plus the Platte river is right there too that adds a great ambient sound," reports one camper, while another noted, "There is very little shade available at this campground as it is a man-made area so bring the sunscreen."
Limited privacy: Some cabin areas feature closely positioned units. One camper observed, "The sites are stacked on top of each other and are always packed," while others note specific cabin areas that offer more seclusion.
Tips for camping with families
Kid-friendly amenities: Camp A Way Campground earns praise for family facilities. "This destination was so fun! Sites are shaded and spacious. Awesome playground, pool, water slide and more! Super cute place to stay with family," reports one camper. Another mentions, "Very clean. Helpful friendly staff. Huge, clean dog run shaded with locust trees. Best dog run we have seen this trip."
Activity planning: For families with children, cabins near recreation options reduce travel time. "It's been a few years since we stayed at Lake Wanahoo, but we decided to stay there over our anniversary weekend. I was able to fish at the lake, we used the trails for walking and biking. Being close to town allowed us to have a great anniversary dinner at a steakhouse!" shared one visitor.
Multi-generational accommodations: Some cabin options accommodate varying physical abilities. "We tent camp but have also stayed in the cabooses a couple times, the kids really enjoy that," noted a Two Rivers visitor, indicating flexible options for different family members.
Tips from RVers
Site selection strategy: At Double Nickel Campground, RVers find well-designed spaces. "The sites here are decently spaced especially for a private CG. The CG was clean and well-maintained. If there were long-term residents, you could not tell," noted one experienced RVer. Another mentioned, "There are all sorts of games: Basketball, volleyball, miniature golf, Large Jenga, etc... Nice pool."
Hook-up considerations: Many cabin rentals share campgrounds with RV sites, allowing groups to split accommodation types. "The utilities were at the center of the long gravel pad. Water pressure was okay at around 40 psi. We got 2 bars on Verizon," reported one RVer, providing practical information useful for planning.
Off-season advantages: Lower rates and fewer crowds benefit cabin campers during shoulder seasons. "We came to just get out for the first time this year because of Covid-19. We requested a site closest to the pond because I just love to look at the water and wildlife," shared one off-season visitor to Prairie Oasis Campground.
