Top Tent Camping near Brainard, NE

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Best Tent Sites Near Brainard, NE (6)


Recent Tent Reviews In Brainard

430 Reviews of 6 Brainard Campgrounds


  • Pat V.
    Camper-submitted photo from Branched Oak Lake State Rec Area
    Oct. 7, 2024

    Branched Oak Lake State Rec Area

    Decent Place that needs Updating

    We stayed here for a mountain bike race weekend. Nighttime is great for stargazing and they have pretty stellar sunrises. We enjoyed the archery range and took plenty of walks. The shower facilities need a lot of updating and the RV spots are pretty dated with narrow roads. We were glad it wasn’t a weekend with a full campground and we think it would be pretty hectic during their peak season.

  • Pat V.
    Camper-submitted photo from Lake Wanahoo State Recreation Area
    Oct. 4, 2024

    Lake Wanahoo State Recreation Area

    Quiet and relaxed weekend

    It’s been a few years since we stayed at Lake Wanahoo, but we decided to stay there over our anniversary weekend. The place is still great, and this time of year it was very quiet and peaceful.

    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!

    We are definitely going to be using it more!

  • K
    Camper-submitted photo from Platte River State Park
    Sep. 16, 2024

    Platte River State Park

    Just one night

    If you don’t mind lugging your stuff to your tent spot, it’s primitive, no frills camping at its finest! We chose the closest spot to the vault toilets. There are only 4. It’s a bit off the beaten path but we got to enjoy the beautiful horses. Bonus!

  • Jason G.
    Camper-submitted photo from Military Park Camp Ashland Campground
    Sep. 14, 2024

    Military Park Camp Ashland Campground

    Unimpressed

    I planned an event at this military installation because of pricing and being a gated community.  The prices are good and the overall area is clean but the reason for the rating given is below:

    Due to this being a military site with a managed gate, ID or authorization roster is required...I submitted and got my roster approved within the allotted time only to find out that it was not shared with the gate guards so no one was being let in.  The keys for each facility had issues like broken locks or no pin code given for the key system to even get the keys.  The cabins are nice but not very well cleaned and the emergency phone number that is provided is a great feature although no one answered it. 

    If you find yourself looking for a venue for your event, pass on this one.  Too much hassle for the money saved.  I wish the state of Nebraska could figure out how to hire competent people to manage their facilities.

  • Cindi
    Camper-submitted photo from Wildwood Lake
    Aug. 29, 2024

    Wildwood Lake

    Goose haven

    This lake and campground are inundated with geese. We kayaked and I noticed “things” floating everywhere in the water. Goose poop. It was gross. Someone had also smeared (likely) human poo all over the walls and floor of the outhouse. I’m not going back.

  • S
    Camper-submitted photo from Wagon Train State Recreation Area
    Aug. 24, 2024

    Wagon Train State Recreation Area

    Noisy and insane bugs

    We are avid campers, we are no strangers to all the things that come with camping including bugs. That said, the amount of mosquitoes here made any amount of time outside unbearable.

    There was a lot of traffic through the campsite, not even people stopping to camp but literally just driving through, music blaring at 11pm.

    And the GPS coordinates were wrong. They are closer to 40.63093° N, 96.57335° W

  • MickandKarla W.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Double Nickel Campground
    Aug. 1, 2024

    Double Nickel Campground

    Well Run Campground with Exceptional Service

    We’d passed through this area a few years ago when traveling I-80 and noticed there was a campground(CG) and golf course here in Waco, NE. We added this CG to our list and finally got a chance to stay here. The CG is a little ways off I-80 and easy to get to. Check-in was quick and easy and we were led to pull through site 303 with FHUs. There are separate prices for weekdays and weekends. 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. 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. We were here over a weekend, so there were families and a lot of kids using the swimming pool, mini golf, and the large playground area. Each site, along with a picnic table and fire pit has a bench swing. There’s a decent-sized dog park on the south side and larger one on the north side. The CG has its own tornado siren plus an underground tornado shelter. There’s one cabin for rent. They also have a well-kept laundry room with 2 washers and 2 dryers. York has your main amenities such as Walmart. The golf course right next door is a deceptively tough 9-hole course.

  • Eric P.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Double Nickel Campground
    Jul. 29, 2024

    Double Nickel Campground

    Good facilities and family friendly

    Really nice staff. Bathhouse is nice and clean. There are all sorts of games: Basketball, volleyball, miniature golf, Large Jenga, etc... Nice pool. Only issue: road noise. It's just off the expressway. It's not too bad though.

  • AThe Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Lancaster Event Center
    Jul. 22, 2024

    Lancaster Event Center

    Nice quick stop-close to 80

    Pulled in late off of 80 looking for somewhere to sleep for a few hours. Quick, easy, mostly quiet as long as you don’t mind trains. Didn’t use electric but it was there. Happy to see 10-20 other campers, but not at all crowded.

  • W
    Camper-submitted photo from Memphis Lake  State Rec Area
    Jul. 17, 2024

    Memphis Lake State Rec Area

    Nice simple campground

    Don’t forget the day use fee it’s $14 a day for out of state and seven dollars in state A decent number of mosquitoes on my visit in July in the evening

  • Maya H.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Smiths Creek Recreational Area
    Jul. 8, 2024

    Smiths Creek Recreational Area

    Safe and perfect for travelers using 80

    About 3 turns off the highway via dirt road. Very pretty, clean toilets, potable water, has picnic tables and grills. Definitely staying again on my way back east

  • Donner N.
    Camper-submitted photo from Smith Creek Recreation Area
    Jul. 3, 2024

    Smith Creek Recreation Area

    Second Year Camping Here

    Camped here previous year, and it was nice to come back to. Bathroom and lots of spots to set up. Also looks like it might be getting an update with the pavilion

  • Terry D.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Prairie Oasis Campground & Cabins
    Jun. 30, 2024

    Prairie Oasis Campground & Cabins

    Great place

    Nice n quiet with a good breeze lots around for kids to do well kept n everything works as should I get back this way I will spend more time here next time .owners are real friendly and informative.

  • C
    Camper-submitted photo from Eugene T. Mahoney State Park
    Jun. 20, 2024

    Eugene T. Mahoney State Park

    Great stay passing through

    Populated but spacious. Friendly staff. Lots of greenery and trees. Only stayed one night but the list of activities seemed great. Safe, relaxing place. Bathrooms and showers could use some work but I was happy for a warm shower after traveling so long. Highway and trains can be heard from a distance but I found it soothing.

  • AUDREY S.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Weeping Water
    Jun. 18, 2024

    Weeping Water

    Stopped for RV dump only

    Did not stop to Camp!!, only dumped my tanks and filled up water. Wish I would’ve stayed. Looks like a very well done out-of-the-way and quaint park. $20 for dumping, or camping and dumping, seven dollars for tent campers.

  • Timothy K.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Smith Creek Recreation Area
    Jun. 16, 2024

    Smith Creek Recreation Area

    Free camping right off the expressway

    Great little spot right off the expressway.  Seems to be used mostly for RV's but has space for tents.  Tent spaces are not marked but there are fire pits to give you a general idea of where to camp.  Also, looks like they are constructing a picnic/gazebo area.

  • Michael M.
    Camper-submitted photo from Two Rivers State Recreation Area
    Jun. 9, 2024

    Two Rivers State Recreation Area

    Quick getaway to nature

    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. Fun and quick trip if you’re in the Omaha area. My boys (4&7) loved it.

  • Jennifer T.
    Camper-submitted photo from Branched Oak Lake State Rec Area
    May. 28, 2024

    Branched Oak Lake State Rec Area

    Beautiful spot

    We spent Memorial weekend here in 2022. We had to park in a designated parking spot and walk in to set our tent. The site was shady and came with a picnic table, fire ring and We were right on the shores of the lake. It was a beautiful and very relaxing to hear the waves, although the wind coming across the lake was mighty fierce and destroyed the canopy that we had over the picnic table. And the beating of the tent all night long was a little hard to get some decent sleep. But the area was nice and close to the restrooms and spacious campsites

  • Gabriel H.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Timber Point Wetland
    May. 11, 2024

    Timber Point Wetland

    Good for what it is

    Small park with only 3 campsites. It has a hiking trail and a pond to do some fishing. Stayed for two days and would come back. Be wary though that there is limited availability

  • Elizabeth B.
    Camper-submitted photo from Pawnee State Recreation Area
    May. 10, 2024

    Pawnee State Recreation Area

    Expensive and Dirty Bathrooms

    Nebraska campgrounds are never that stellar in my opinion often right by the freeway, but this one was the worst. The location is beautiful but the restrooms were the worst I’ve ever seen. It costs nearly as much as a site in a national park with the out-of-state permit, and music was played at all hours by people without any recourse. The cherry on top was our vehicle being pelted with rocks when the person next to us started mowing at 7am.

  • C
    Camper-submitted photo from Czechland Lake Recreation Area
    May. 5, 2024

    Czechland Lake Recreation Area

    Great first come first serve campground

    This is a nice small campground that is well taken care of. We stayed at site number 8 which may be one of the more unlevel spots. The passenger side of our 5th wheel was about 7" lower than driver side and rear of fifth wheel was about 3" lower than front before we levelled out. 

    Pros:

    -Well maintained walking trails that are perfect for dogs

    -Most sites have 30 and 50 amp hookups

    -Fire rings and picnic tables at most sites

    -$18 a night for electric hookups

    -Quiet

    Cons:

    -Some sites are very unlevel  

    -No water or dump station

  • kThe Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Smith Creek Recreation Area
    Apr. 22, 2024

    Smith Creek Recreation Area

    First BLM Camping

    Great place clean facilities..heard a dog barking but.. kids ..dogs no issues here.. Nothing to stop wind so be prepared if your thinking of hanging out for a while Gravel road from highway to camp so keep dust in mind..

    But for me it was all wonderful!!!!

  • Tony G.
    Camper-submitted photo from Double Nickel Campground
    Apr. 16, 2024

    Double Nickel Campground

    Pleasantly Surprised W/ owners that really care for your stay.

    Stayed here a few years ago and was pleasantly surprised. Many kid activities with even a Saturday movie night the park put on for the kids. You will not find better service anywhere. Also, next to a golf course that you can literally walk to from your site to play if you like this sort of thing. If you run low on wood, just simply call up to the office and they will bring you more. Will be back there very soon.



Guide to Brainard

Camping near Brainard, Nebraska, offers a mix of beautiful landscapes and family-friendly activities. Whether you're looking for a peaceful retreat or a fun-filled adventure, there are several campgrounds to choose from.

What to do

  • Fishing and boating: Many campgrounds, like Branched Oak Lake State Rec Area, provide great spots for fishing and boating. One visitor mentioned, "We spent Memorial weekend here... it was beautiful and very relaxing to hear the waves."
  • Hiking and exploring: Trails are available at places like Pawnee State Recreation Area, where you can enjoy nature walks. A camper noted, "There’s some mowed/natural trails to hike... it’s one of our favorites."
  • Swimming and playing: Campgrounds such as Double Nickel Campground have pools and playgrounds. One family shared, "There are all sorts of games: Basketball, volleyball, miniature golf... Nice pool."

What campers like

  • Clean facilities: Campers appreciate well-maintained restrooms and showers. A reviewer at Camp A Way Campground said, "Everyone that works here is so friendly. They have nice shower and bathrooms along with laundry facilities."
  • Family-friendly atmosphere: Many campgrounds cater to families with kids. One visitor at Two Rivers State Recreation Area mentioned, "Fun and quick trip if you’re in the Omaha area. My boys loved it."
  • Convenient locations: Campgrounds like Memphis Lake State Rec Area are easy to access from major highways. A camper noted, "This camp was a great stop off of I-80... much better than we expected to find for just a utility stop."

What you should know

  • Noise levels: Some campgrounds are near busy roads or train tracks. A camper at Fremont Lakes State Recreation Area warned, "There is a very busy set of train tracks that run about every 20 minutes all day and all night."
  • Limited amenities: Not all campgrounds have full hookups or extensive facilities. A reviewer at Smith Creek Recreation Area mentioned, "Seems to be used mostly for RVs but has space for tents."
  • Reservation policies: Some campgrounds operate on a first-come, first-served basis. A visitor at Buckley Park Campground noted, "There are no reservations so be warned on that, but you can call ahead and get a feel for availability."

Tips for camping with families

  • Plan for activities: Look for campgrounds with playgrounds and swimming pools. One family at Double Nickel Campground enjoyed, "Many kid activities with even a Saturday movie night the park put on for the kids."
  • Pack snacks and drinks: Having food on hand can make family camping easier. A camper at Camp A Way Campground appreciated the market, saying, "They have a nice market for snacks."
  • Bring outdoor games: Activities like frisbee or cornhole can keep kids entertained. A visitor at Two Rivers State Recreation Area mentioned, "The facilities are nice and the people in the little store were great."

Tips from RVers

  • Check for full hookups: Make sure the campground has the necessary hookups for your RV. A reviewer at Pawnee State Recreation Area noted, "The electrical sites are paved."
  • Be prepared for noise: If you're near highways or train tracks, consider bringing earplugs. A camper at Fremont Lakes State Recreation Area mentioned, "You get to hear the locals revving their over-sized trucks into the early hours."
  • Look for spacious sites: RVers appreciate campgrounds with ample space between sites. A visitor at Double Nickel Campground said, "The sites here are decently spaced especially for a private CG."

Camping near Brainard, Nebraska, has something for everyone, from families to RV enthusiasts. Just remember to check the campground details and reviews to find the perfect spot for your next adventure!

Frequently Asked Questions

  • Which is the most popular tent campsite near Brainard, NE?

    According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular tent campground near Brainard, NE is Area Three Campground with a 3-star rating from 2 reviews.

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

    TheDyrt.com has all 6 tent camping locations near Brainard, NE, with real photos and reviews from campers.