Campgrounds near Broken Bow, Nebraska range from basic city-operated facilities to recreation areas with fishing and boating access. This central Nebraska region sits within the Nebraska Sandhills, characterized by grass-stabilized sand dunes and small lakes. Summer temperatures often reach the 90s with high humidity, while mosquitoes can be problematic from June through August.
What to do
Fishing and water recreation: Arnold Lake Recreation Area provides a small pond perfect for kayaking. "Perfect size little pond to kayak in. Very quiet," notes one visitor to Arnold Lake State Rec Area.
Paddleboating: Several campgrounds offer small lakes with boat rentals. At Victoria Springs, "You can rent paddle boats for the small lake," according to a camper who visited in April.
Disc golf: Lafayette Park Campground features a disc golf course adjacent to the camping area. "This large city park on the edge of town has a variety of great sites...and has a river running through it," reports one camper at Lafayette Park Campground.
Horseshoes: Some recreation areas maintain horseshoe pits for campers. Victoria Springs has a "horseshoe area which is overgrown" but still usable for casual games.
Historical sites: The region has preserved buildings from pioneer days. As one camper notes, "Still on the site are the log cabins that Judge Mathews built—one as his home and the other as the first post office in Custer County."
What campers like
Shade and trees: Many campers appreciate the mature trees at several campgrounds. At Victoria Springs State Rec Area, one reviewer appreciated the "great spot with lots of trees and good sized sites."
Quiet weekday camping: Mid-week stays offer more solitude and space. A visitor to Victoria Springs noted, "It was a Monday night but it was very quiet other than the hum of the mosquitos!"
Clean facilities: Well-maintained bathrooms receive frequent mentions. At Tomahawk Municipal RV Park, a camper reported it is "clean and well kept. All sites are full hook ups with a few on concrete but most on gravel."
Wildlife viewing: Bird watching opportunities exist throughout the region. "Merlin counted 10 different bird sounds here in April," writes a camper about Victoria Springs.
Level camping sites: The terrain generally provides easy setup. "The sites are mostly level and well groomed grass with 2 new concrete handicap spots," according to one visitor to Victoria Springs.
What you should know
Train noise: Several campgrounds in the region are located near active rail lines. At Cuzn Eddyz Campground, a camper warns about "train tracks close by so you might hear them."
Mosquito preparation: Insect protection is essential, especially in summer. "Bugs were pretty bad," notes one camper who stayed at Victoria Springs.
Storm considerations: The open terrain can experience severe weather. One camper at Victoria Springs reported, "Unfortunately a bad storm moved in so we weren't able to enjoy the evening. The trees kept us protected from the wind and hail."
Additional fees for non-residents: State recreation areas charge extra for out-of-state visitors. "Non-Nebraska resident requires $14 pass in addition to the $30 fee with electric," advises a camper about Victoria Springs.
Limited shade at municipal parks: City-operated RV parks typically have fewer trees. Tomahawk Municipal RV Park "is a fairly new park, has 15 spaces and has no shade."
Tips for camping with families
Playground access: Several campgrounds feature play equipment for children. At John D. Sims Memorial Park, campers can use on-site facilities while enjoying a peaceful environment.
Swimming options: Some recreation areas permit swimming, while others prohibit it. A camper at Lafayette Park noted, "We were hoping to take a dunk but no luck, 'No Swimming'" at the adjacent Lake Helen.
Grassy tent pads: Families with tents will find easier setup at certain locations. "The tent sites have grass pads which are preferred because staking the tent is way easier in grass than rocky dirt or gravel," explains one visitor to Victoria Springs.
Basketball courts: Active recreation options exist at some parks. Victoria Springs "has a basketball hoop, horseshoes, and a playground across the creek by the lake."
Free firewood sources: Some campgrounds provide complimentary wood. A camper at Victoria Springs mentioned, "Camp hosts were amazing. Gave us firewood. Clean facilities."
Tips from RVers
Dump station access: Most campgrounds offer dumping facilities on exit. At Pressey State Wildlife Area, RV campers should note there are "a few designated spots at beginning with electric, not many and they fill out fast."
Voltage quality: Power supply consistency varies between parks. At Victoria Springs, one RVer reported, "The 30 amp and 50 amp power was proper voltage and dependable."
Satellite reception challenges: Tree cover can block signal reception. "Access to clear line of site to south for Dish or Directv is difficult due to heavy tree population," notes an RVer at Victoria Springs.
Full hookup availability: Complete services aren't universal. Cuzn Eddyz offers comprehensive hookups—"FHU, what else do you need?"
Site spacing: Some parks provide more room between units. "Nice big sites, you're not packed in" at Victoria Springs, according to camper reports.
