Best Cabin Camping near Brainard, NE

Cabins near Brainard, Nebraska range from basic to fully furnished accommodations at several campgrounds within driving distance. Eugene T. Mahoney State Park Campground offers year-round cabin rentals with modern amenities including new appliances, furniture, and cookware. Platte River State Park provides both basic and luxury cabin options. "Love Platte River State park. Lots to do, especially fun for kids. Cute cabins. Camp sites are decent and bathrooms are clean," noted one visitor. Prairie Oasis Campground & Cabins and Double Nickel Campground also feature cabin rentals with convenient access to Interstate 80.

Rustic and deluxe cabins are available depending on location, with some requiring advance booking up to a year ahead. The Union Pacific Cabooses at Two Rivers State Recreation Area offer unique accommodations with small kitchens, bathrooms, air conditioning, and beds with mattresses. Pet policies vary by location, with most campgrounds allowing pets in designated cabins. River Land Campground features newer, higher-end cabins described by one camper as "5 star quality." KOA Holiday in West Omaha/NE Lincoln provides Kabins that reviewers note are "really nice" and "a great base for gathering for meals."

Most cabins include beds and basic furniture, but guests typically need to bring their own linens, towels, and toiletries. Kitchen facilities vary significantly between properties - from fully equipped kitchens with refrigerators and stoves in the renovated cabins at Platte River State Park to more basic setups requiring campers to bring cooking equipment. On-site camp stores at several locations, including Camp A Way Campground and Prairie Oasis, offer basic provisions, firewood, and camping supplies. A visitor to Platte River State Park noted, "They supply most everything thing you need i.e. dishes, cookware, etc. The one thing it does need is a corkscrew!"

Best Cabin Sites Near Brainard, Nebraska (16)

    1. Camp A Way Campground

    31 Reviews
    Lincoln, NE
    27 miles
    Website
    +1 (402) 476-2282

    $35 - $67 / night

    "Located 3 miles fromHistoric Haymarket in Lincolon. Clean laundry facilities. They also have large washer and dryer if you need to do bed covers."

    "Main office has supplies, food, ice, and ice cream.

    Activities include a pool, water balloons, water slide, playground, three wheel and four wheel bike rentals, and rock mining."

    2. Lake Wanahoo State Recreation Area

    11 Reviews
    Wahoo, NE
    20 miles
    Website
    +1 (402) 443-4675

    $8 - $40 / night

    "Lake Wanahoo is a fairly new lake in Saunders county Nebraska. The lake is part of the local NRD and was originally managed by the state parks department."

    "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."

    3. Eugene T. Mahoney State Park Campground

    47 Reviews
    Ashland, NE
    37 miles
    Website
    +1 (402) 944-2523

    $25 - $475 / night

    "Picked up our pull-behind and drove straight here on a recommendation from the dealer. Great location, pretty grounds."

    "Mahoney State Park. There are challenging trails overlooking the Platte River and railroad line. Bring your camera."

    4. Memphis Lake State Rec Area

    11 Reviews
    Ashland, NE
    30 miles
    Website
    +1 (402) 471-5566

    $10 - $35 / night

    "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. Each site has a picnic table and fire ring."

    "No electrical hookups but you can still camp in campers if you want. Beautiful Campground with lots of trees and shade. Very nice Lake with fishing available."

    5. River Land Campground

    1 Review
    Columbus, NE
    21 miles
    Website
    +1 (402) 910-8166

    $40 - $50 / night

    "The cabins are 5 star quality and they're still building more. RV sites are spacious, concrete patios w/ picnic tables, new fire rings."

    6. West Omaha / NE Lincoln KOA Holiday

    29 Reviews
    Gretna, NE
    39 miles
    Website
    +1 (402) 332-3010

    "The campground itself was fine and very convenient in location to vIsIt famIly."

    "Not only was it paved, but also had a huge patio with a table and Adirondack chairs, and a fire pit with additional seating."

    7. Double Nickel Campground

    17 Reviews
    York, NE
    35 miles
    Website
    +1 (402) 728-5558

    $45 - $75 / night

    "The campground is right off the exit so it is very convenient and easy to get to, they have full hook ups for a very reasonable price so it was a great choice for a stop on our cross country trip."

    "Older park with new owners. Convenient to hwy 80, Waco Nebraska. That means some hwy noise but it’s Nebraska, it’s flat! No jake brake noise."

    8. Platte River State Park Campground

    31 Reviews
    South Bend, NE
    43 miles
    Website
    +1 (402) 234-2217

    $25 - $330 / night

    "Tents, cabins and RV camping. Toilets, showers, fire rings. There is a small lake with paddle boats and kayaks for rent. They have a pool and dining hall for rent."

    "Love Platte River State park. Lots to do, especially fun for kids. Cute cabins. Camp sites are decent and bathrooms are clean."

    9. Union Pacific Cabooses — Two Rivers SRA

    8 Reviews
    Waterloo, NE
    34 miles
    Website
    +1 (402) 359-5165

    $80 / night

    "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. Lots of cottonwood trees for shade."

    "Playgrounds are old, but kids had a blast"

    10. Prairie Oasis Campground & Cabins

    17 Reviews
    York, NE
    49 miles
    Website
    +1 (402) 723-5227

    $30 - $41 / night

    "Parked outside of office and checked in. Was escorted to site and given a run through. Site has a slight dip but was not a big deal."

    "The campground is well kept, and the bathrooms/shower house has been remodeled and was immaculate. The sites are gravel, level, and good size."

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Cabin Reviews near Brainard, NE

218 Reviews of 16 Brainard Campgrounds


  • Tarrah C.
    Apr. 5, 2023

    Platte River State Park Campground

    Great for a family get away

    Tents, cabins and RV camping. Toilets, showers, fire rings. There is a small lake with paddle boats and kayaks for rent. They have a pool and dining hall for rent. Tons od trails and many of them a taylored to mountain biking. There are 2 types of cabins, basic that has a bed amd refrigerator. Then there are luxury glamping cabins.

  • Emily M.
    Apr. 20, 2021

    Platte River State Park Campground

    Wonderful and Fun

    Love Platte River State park. Lots to do, especially fun for kids. Cute cabins. Camp sites are decent and bathrooms are clean. Lots of hiking on well maintained trails, the pool is usually pretty busy on weekends.

  • Carla D.
    Aug. 26, 2016

    Union Pacific Cabooses — Two Rivers SRA

    Fun place to take the kids

    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 (but we kicked them to the bunk beds). There are charcoal grills outside, a close by swimming area, and lots of space to wander.

  • D
    Sep. 16, 2020

    Memphis Lake State Rec Area

    Camping Right on the Lake

    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. Each site has a picnic table and fire ring.

  • Jason F.
    May. 13, 2022

    Platte River State Park Campground

    Perfect spot to explore Omaha and the Great Plains

    Platte River State Park is a beautiful, full service park with plenty of amenities. 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. The campground also has a bathroom and dog park. 5 bars of AT&T @ 120Mbps!

  • A
    Aug. 13, 2020

    Double Nickel Campground

    Pretty and right off the highway

    First, the owners are SO nice and helpful. The campground is right off the exit so it is very convenient and easy to get to, they have full hook ups for a very reasonable price so it was a great choice for a stop on our cross country trip. The amenities are nice- they have a pool, large playground, mini put and standard camp store. Things look a bit old but well maintained. Each spot had a porch swing, picnic table and fire ring which we very much enjoyed. The laundry room was closed due to Covid, but they do have one which is helpful too :) my kids particularly enjoyed the mini put and pool.

  • Peter S.
    Jul. 17, 2024

    River Land Campground

    Hidden Gem!

    Brand new campground moving up quickly. The cabins are 5 star quality and they're still building more. RV sites are spacious, concrete patios w/ picnic tables, new fire rings. Baby trees were just planted to help with some shade, but there are a few mature trees too. Along the Big Platte River & has a pond for fishing only, with sites around the pond. The shower house is brand new and beautiful & very clean inside. Great place to stay in eastern Nebraska! Columbus has activities for kids too. Water park (the Pawnee plunge) & playgrounds (Centennial Park). There's a Walmart & Menards within 10 min. And plenty of food choices too.

  • C
    May. 4, 2022

    Double Nickel Campground

    Diamond in the rough…

    Older park with new owners. Convenient to hwy 80, Waco Nebraska. That means some hwy noise but it’s Nebraska, it’s flat! No jake brake noise. Besides we now wear ear plugs to bed so not an issue (try it, you’ll like it.) This place has all kinds of activities for kids young and old(er). Arcade, pool ( being repaired at time of review, it’s too cool now to think of swimming), corn hole toss game, miniature golf or just rocking on one of the many swinging chairs. Our site was ample, gravel pad and grass, fire ring, table and swing. Everything worked ( other than pool) even Wi-Fi, it worked well! That’s enough to bring me back. A few more of the new owners upgrades and repairs and this place could be a five star.

  • Jerry B.
    Sep. 3, 2019

    Memphis Lake State Rec Area

    One of my favorites

    Tent camping sites. No electrical hookups but you can still camp in campers if you want. Beautiful Campground with lots of trees and shade. Very nice Lake with fishing available. There appears to be an option for canoe rentals available. Boat ramp and dock. Multiple bathroom locations within the campground. Picnic tables near the water. I’ve kayaked the lake! So much fun.


Guide to Brainard

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.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is the most popular cabin campsite near Brainard, NE?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular cabin campground near Brainard, NE is Camp A Way Campground with a 4.6-star rating from 31 reviews.

What is the best site to find cabin camping near Brainard, NE?

TheDyrt.com has all 16 cabin camping locations near Brainard, NE, with real photos and reviews from campers.