C
Cal P.
Traveler
TravelerYankee hill wildlife management area
Nice and quiet and easy to get to
State boat launch with good size flat area. No open fires allowed.
Best Campgrounds in Nebraska
Nebraska's camping scene spans from established state parks to scenic lakeside areas. Eugene T. Mahoney State Park Campground offers year-round accommodations including tent sites, RV hookups, and cabin rentals, while Platte River State Park provides additional options with yurts and glamping facilities. Branched Oak Lake State Recreation Area features tent and RV sites with primitive to full-hookup options across multiple campgrounds. The region includes several KOA locations with family-friendly amenities and a range of state recreation areas with waterfront access.
Most Nebraska campgrounds provide electric hookups, drinking water, and fire rings, though availability varies seasonally. "Most sites have laundry and showers, but some parks lock bathrooms in the off-season," noted one camper. Lake Wanahoo State Recreation Area and other locations maintain shower facilities and dump stations for RVs. Winter camping remains available at select locations including Camp A Way and West Omaha KOA Holiday, which operate year-round. During summer, temperatures can reach into the 90s°F, making water access particularly valuable. Many state recreation areas require park permits, and developed campgrounds typically charge $20-65 per night depending on hookup level and season.
State park campgrounds receive consistently high ratings for cleanliness and maintenance. Campers particularly appreciate Louisville State Recreation Area and Fort Kearny State Recreation Area for their accessibility and well-maintained grounds. Based on reviews from The Dyrt, visitors value the peaceful settings at lakeside campgrounds like Lake Ogallala State Recreation Area, which offers boat-in camping options. Urban-adjacent options such as Camp A Way Campground in Lincoln provide convenient access to city amenities while maintaining a camping atmosphere. One visitor mentioned that "Maskenthine Lake Recreation Area is one of our favorites with clean restrooms and showers, plus great trails for hiking or mountain biking." Train noise affects some campgrounds near rail lines, particularly those in smaller towns that offer municipal camping areas.
Best Camping Sites in Nebraska (514)
1. Eugene T. Mahoney State Park Campground
46 ReviewsAshland, NEWebsite+1 (402) 944-2523$20 - $340 / night
"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."
"We used to stop here as a midway point when driving to Colorado. We always stayed at the lodge for a night and had a pleasant time exploring the area."
2. Camp A Way Campground
31 ReviewsLincoln, NEWebsite+1 (402) 476-2282$35 - $67 / night
"A fun pass is require and costa about $10 but kids get ice cream, Slushies, water balloons for water wars included with that plus access to trampoline basketball, a nice jump pad, pool, indoor hot tub,"
"Next to highway. You can hear highway but that doesn’t bother me"
3. Platte River State Park Campground
31 ReviewsSouth Bend, NEWebsite+1 (402) 234-2217$340 / night
"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."
"Short walk in but a wagon is provided to help unload equipment. Picnic and fire pit near the teepee."
4. Streeter Park Campground
29 ReviewsMarquette, NEWebsite+1 (402) 694-6992"Nice city park trail through the trees for a good morning walk. "
"There's a playground nearby and several walking paths as well as a restroom. these cell service was great and the camp even has free wi-fi provided by the city."
5. Fort Kearny State Recreation Area
31 ReviewsKearney, NEWebsite+1 (308) 865-5305$10 - $25 / night
"Nice camp ground with helpful gate attendants, this Nebraska park represents the conundrum of many public campgrounds."
"Very nice stop, close but not too close to I-80. Quiet. Nice lakeside setting."
6. Grand Island KOA
30 ReviewsDoniphan, NEWebsite+1 (402) 886-2249"This campground is situated near interstate 80 and surrounded by cornfields, surprise surprise for Nebraska. Nice people, clean bathrooms and well kept property."
"The location is great and feels tucked away every though it isn't far from the highway. The staff were very helpful. I would definitely recommend!"
7. West Omaha / NE Lincoln KOA Holiday
29 ReviewsGretna, NEWebsite+1 (402) 332-3010"Very close to the Nebraska crossing outlet mall! 😊"
"The campground itself was fine and very convenient in location to vIsIt famIly."
8. Lake Ogallala State Recreation Area Campground
30 ReviewsOgallala, NEWebsite+1 (308) 284-8800$10 - $30 / night
"I stopped at this campsite on a cross country road trip from NY to NV, as I didn’t know anyone who resided in the great state of Nebraska. Talk about a total hidden gem!!"
"Easy access to campsites, clean shower houses, fun walking trails with great views of the lake! Fun boating and atv activities or beach day with the family!"
9. Branched Oak Lake State Rec Area
28 ReviewsMalcolm, NEWebsite+1 (402) 783-3400$20 - $30 / night
"My first time camping in Nebraska. Ive been to several throughout the US. Loved the spot, I was right next to the lake, great swimming access. Downside drinking water access was difficult."
"The area is well known for being the equestrian camping area at one of the finest lakes in Nebraska. Pull through sites with full hookups, equestrian trails, and corals."
10. Louisville State Recreation Area Campground
29 ReviewsLouisville, NEWebsite+1 (402) 234-6855$10 - $30 / night
"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."
"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."
Recent Camping Photos in Nebraska
293 Photos of 514 Nebraska Campgrounds
Bibs O.
Wildwood Acres Park
Kevin M.
Walgren Lake State Rec Area
Shannon G.
Captain Critters Country Campground
Shelly S.
Wacky West Travel Park
Amy C.
Legion Memorial Park
Daylene C.
John D. Sims Memorial Park
Dwayne and Heather W.
Inlet Camping Area
Shauna G.
Riverside City Park
Bob B.
Sunset View Court - RV Site
Greebly M.
West Wind - Lake Minatare SRA
Luke R.
Potters Pasture
Recent Reviews in Nebraska
1939 Reviews of 514 Nebraska Campgrounds
- CCurious Compass B.
RangerScenic Park
Just dumped
We just swung through to use the dump station. Super convenient and only $5. Was going to use the restroom while we were at it but the door has a number pad lock. I did have to stand on the waste hose at the station, but ya gotta do what ya gotta do. @TKCompass on YouTube
- SSean J.Traveler
Soldier Creek (Ne) Nebraska Nf — Nebraska National Forests And Grasslands
Great Spot
This is an awesome camp spot for those who don't need hookups. It is quiet, clean, and very scenic. Two clean vault toilets are available, as well as a hand water pump (however I do not think the water looked potable). The road to the campsite starts in Ft Robinson State Recreation area and heads west for a few miles. Rough gravel and a creek crossing, so be prepared; but still definitely worth it.
Judy B.RangerFort Kearny State Recreation Area
Location is everything here
If you are wanting to see the crane migration, this is the place to stay. It is approximately .9 of a mile from the bridge across the Platte River. The campground is split between an East and West section. The eastern campground is small, but closer to the bridge. The western campground is spaced around some small ponds. There are electrical hookups, firepits, and some picnic tables. The sites are close together and not that special. If you go for the Spring migration you likely won't have any water available. Also, there are only a couple of vault toilets and they were not well stocked with toilet paper, so bring your own. It seemed to cater to larger self-contained RV's that only need electricity. So what is good about this place: first is the birds, Sandhill Cranes, Whooping Cranes, and Belted Kingfishers, plus more. Hearing the Cranes fly over morning and evening is delightful. Second, there were tremendous sunsets. These might have been influenced by the fires burning to the West, but they were impressive.
Be prepared for crazy weather. The first night was 21 with a 11 degree windchill. Two days later it was 78.
RyanJess_024
ScoutLake Wanahoo State Recreation Area
Awful experience
This is by far the worst place to go camping. First off the restrooms have no running water or soap to wash your hands. Only hand sanitizer hung on the wall. No swimming beach for kids. The worker they had was on his high horse for sure gave a lecture and repeated his self. Complained about how we parked said could not back in. I have never had this experience anywhere else. He was so rude would never return. Worst experience we had in long time. Don't go nothing to do for family. Branch oak lake way more fun. And they have showers and running water and soap. Oh they did have a shower house but closed but that is only for campers. Not sure what I'm there. So maybe they have soap but for day visits no running water or soap. They do have pump water. What turned us off the most was the rude kid young adult working very rude like he on a power trip. Very disappointed.
- Randy U.Traveler
Pony Express Park Chappell
Good for a quick stop
Right near the interstate nice little spot we were the only people here in early March. 15 bucks pay at the stand.
- RRyan S.Ranger
Chilvers Park
Cute small town, great place for an overnight stop
I stay here every year on my way to camp in South Dakota. There is a small grocery store downtown (a 5 minute walk from the park) as well as a wonderful coffee shop located in a historic building. There is a Subway restaurant across the street from the park.
There is a water hookup, as well as 20/30/50 amp electric service. There are bathrooms with flush toilets in this park. Sometimes they are clean, sometimes they are terrible.
This park is located right next to a school, so it can be a little noisy in the mornings and when school gets out.
I had 5 bars of Verizon signal here; there is a Verizon tower located in this town.
- JJu J.Traveler
Oliver Reservoir State Recreation Area
Great stop off i80
Arrived to first entrance and contradicting signs about whether overnight stays are permitted. Drove first to reservoir…pretty with lots of honking geese. Drove to lower spot near a copse of trees because it was VERY windy. Train horn in the distance can be heard and many trains passed through, but none woke me. Dirt roads rutted in some places but easy even with my low-riding Scamp trailer (13’). Next morning I realized as I continued west that the other side of the reservoir is more developed with actual sites and maybe different guidance on camping. No one else around. Would definitely stay again.
- JJu J.Traveler
Smiths Creek Recreational Area
Great spot on beautiful lake
Pulling 13’ trailer and parked in gravel lot. Do not appear to be official sites for trailers. Lots of tent sites with grills and tables. Arrived around 3 and no one here. Quiet, snow on ground. Dirt roads to get here well maintained and easy. Seems like there may be a path around the lake.
Guide to Nebraska
Camping in Nebraska offers a unique experience with its beautiful landscapes and diverse campgrounds. Whether you're looking for a peaceful retreat or an adventurous getaway, there's something for everyone.
What to do
- Explore the trails: Many campgrounds, like Bessey Recreation Complex Campground, have walking, Jeep, and ATV trails. One camper mentioned, “Have walking, Jeep, ATV trails all over.”
- Fishing: Campgrounds such as Long Pine State Rec Area offer great fishing spots. A review noted, “Good trout fishing from the stream.”
- Enjoy water activities: At Calamus Reservoir, you can rent boats and jet skis. One visitor shared, “Can rent boats and jet skies. Nice swimming and fishing spots.”
What campers like
- Clean facilities: Campers appreciate well-maintained restrooms and showers. One reviewer at Victoria Springs State Rec Area said, “The restrooms and showers are very clean and accessible.”
- Spacious sites: Many campgrounds, like Valley View Flat Campground, offer roomy sites. A happy camper remarked, “Nice big sites, you’re not packed in.”
- Natural beauty: Campers love the scenic views and natural surroundings. A visitor at [Long Pine State Rec Area] noted, “There are some fantastic trails to hike here, some great scenery.”
What you should know
- Noise levels: Some campgrounds can be noisy due to nearby activities. One camper at Bessey Recreation Complex Campground mentioned, “A little noisy during the day with all the ATV traffic.”
- Limited amenities: Not all campgrounds have extensive facilities. A reviewer at Keller Park State Rec Area pointed out, “This park isn’t manned by the State and it’s self-check-in.”
- Bring your supplies: Some areas are remote, so it’s wise to pack everything you need. A camper at Victoria Springs State Rec Area advised, “Make sure to bring whatever you need with you because there isn’t much in Thedford or Halsey.”
Tips for camping with families
- Choose family-friendly campgrounds: Look for places with activities for kids, like Bessey Recreation Complex Campground, which has a pond for fishing. A family shared, “Nice little pond to catch a few fish.”
- Plan for bugs: Be prepared for mosquitoes, especially in wooded areas. One camper at Victoria Springs State Rec Area noted, “It was very quiet other than the hum of the mosquitos!”
- Bring games and outdoor gear: Campgrounds often have space for activities. A visitor at Long Pine State Rec Area mentioned, “Lots of tall trees surround the camping sites.”
Tips from RVers
- Check site accessibility: Some campgrounds have tricky access for larger RVs. A reviewer at Long Pine State Rec Area said, “They are hard to get an RV into because of the slope and angle of the drives.”
- Look for electric hookups: Many RVers prefer sites with electric options. A camper at Keller Park State Rec Area mentioned, “This campground is in a decent valley. Thus, no signal.”
- Be ready for self-check-in: Some campgrounds operate on a self-check-in basis, so have your plans ready. A visitor at Calamus Reservoir noted, “All sites are electrical only.”
Camping in Nebraska can be a fantastic experience if you know what to expect and plan accordingly. Enjoy the great outdoors!
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the best tent camping locations in Nebraska?
What are the best tent camping locations in Nebraska?
Nebraska offers excellent tent camping options across the state. Branched Oak Lake State Rec Area is highly recommended with lakeside sites providing great swimming access. COE Harlan County Lake Hunter Cove Park features dedicated tent-only sites on Nebraska's second-largest lake, making it perfect for water enthusiasts. The park offers amenities like showers, toilets, playgrounds, and a boat ramp. For those seeking a more primitive experience, South Outlet Camping provides dispersed tent sites with basic amenities like pit toilets and fire rings in a peaceful setting below the dam. Look for sites with shade trees to help with Nebraska's summer heat, and consider locations near water features for recreation opportunities.
How much does it cost to camp at private campgrounds in Nebraska?
How much does it cost to camp at private campgrounds in Nebraska?
Private campground rates in Nebraska vary based on location, amenities, and season. Grand Island KOA offers full hookup sites at competitive rates with clean facilities and a mix of shaded and non-shaded sites. Lake North provides electric hookups with lakeside sites at reasonable prices, plus access to nearby convenience stores. Generally, private campgrounds in Nebraska range from $25-45 per night for basic sites and $35-60 for full hookup sites. Many offer weekly or monthly discounts for extended stays. KOAs and other chain campgrounds tend to be at the higher end of the price spectrum but provide more amenities like WiFi, laundry facilities, and organized activities.
When is the best season for camping in Nebraska?
When is the best season for camping in Nebraska?
Late spring through early fall (May to September) offers the most pleasant camping conditions in Nebraska. Many campgrounds like South Outlet Camping operate seasonally from mid-May through mid-September. Nebraska summers can be quite hot, making electric hookups valuable for RV air conditioning, as noted by campers at Karrer Park. Spring brings beautiful wildflowers but can be rainy, while fall offers cooler temperatures and changing foliage. Summer provides the most reliable weather for water activities on Nebraska's lakes and rivers. Winter camping is limited, with many facilities closing or reducing services. For the best balance of comfortable temperatures and full facility access, aim for the shoulder seasons of late May/early June or September.
Are there any state park campgrounds in Nebraska with full amenities?
Are there any state park campgrounds in Nebraska with full amenities?
Soldier Creek Campground — Fort Robinson State Park offers comprehensive amenities in northwestern Nebraska. This activity-packed park features hookups, shower facilities, and access to numerous recreational opportunities, though note that daily entry permits ($12/day) are required in addition to camping fees. Eugene T. Mahoney State Park Campground near Ashland is another excellent option with full hookups, modern restrooms, showers, and numerous recreational facilities. Many Nebraska state parks feature electric hookups, which are particularly valuable during hot summer months. State park campgrounds typically offer water access, well-maintained facilities, and recreation options like hiking trails, fishing, and boating access points.
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