Columbus, Nebraska offers multiple options for camping with both lakeside and riverside locations at a 1,440-foot elevation in eastern Nebraska's Platte River valley. The area experiences hot summers with average July temperatures of 86°F and cold winters with January averages of 13°F. Most campgrounds remain open from April through October, with a few locations offering year-round availability.
What to do
Disc golf at Buckley Park: The 18-hole disc golf course at Buckley Park Campground provides a free recreational option for campers. "The park has an 18-hole disc golf course, tennis, volleyball, basketball, pool, and 3 playgrounds. They have really put a lot of work in this park," notes Chris H.
Fishing opportunities: Multiple lakes and ponds around Columbus offer fishing access without requiring a boat. At Schuyler Campground, campers can fish right from the shore. "Campsites close to the lake and nice paved walking trail," reports Charles C., adding there's a "wildlife area south of town right on the river and good for a quiet hike."
Walking trails: Several campgrounds feature paved trails for exercise. Silver Creek City Park has a small lake with a circular walking path. "You have to actually go through the gates that go to the little circle drive around the lake," explains Mary L. about finding the camping area.
What campers like
Free or low-cost camping: Several Columbus-area campgrounds operate on donation systems or have minimal fees. "This is a donation camp ground with electric hookup (30 & 50 amp)," Jared C. says about Buckley Park. At Schuyler Campground, Jorge O. notes they "have decent prices but are a bit confusing as they are not marked too clearly."
Quiet locations: Most campgrounds in the region offer peaceful settings. Centennial Park Campground provides a particularly serene atmosphere according to MomOfBoys W.: "Small towns tend to be quiet areas anyway and this is surrounded by small towns. Therefore it has that ALL is welcome feel, quiet and beautiful grounds."
Shade availability: Genoa City Park stands out for its mature trees. "Quiet place with big trees. Ball field and pool adjacent," reports Howard R. Lake North also receives praise for its natural cover with Rhonda M. noting, "It is very shady and clean, nice biking walking trail."
What you should know
Limited amenities at some locations: Many campgrounds offer basic facilities only. "The restrooms were plumbed but dirty like a typical park restroom. The showers are located at the pool," Tarrah C. mentions about Buckley Park. At Silver Creek City Park, Mary L. states, "There's a suggested donation of $15 and a box with envelopes to put it in. It's electric only, the sides are not necessarily terribly level."
Varying site quality: Agricultural Park in Columbus receives mixed reviews for maintenance. "It was dirty and very outdated. Most of the sewer hookups were broken and backed up and the electric boxes were broken and outdated," reports Chris H., adding "No fire rings, most sites just had a fire on the ground."
Stay limits: Some locations restrict camping duration. At Buckley Park, Chris H. notes, "it is a 4 day Max and you have to leave for 10 days before you can come back." Several other campgrounds operate on first-come, first-served basis with no reservations.
Tips for camping with families
Pool and playground access: Several campgrounds offer family-friendly recreation facilities. Howard R. mentions that Genoa City Park has a "ball field and pool adjacent" to the camping area. At Buckley Park Campground, Jacob G. reports "Such a lovely park with a playground, bathroom, and pavilion."
Tent-friendly locations: While many sites cater to RVs, Buckley Park accommodates tent campers as well. "There are 6 or 7 spots that are viable for tent camping. The other 5 or 6 spots are all gravel," according to Tarrah C. Jacob G. confirms this works well: "We're here with mostly RVs, but we're tent camping and it's perfect for us too."
Mexican food in Schuyler: Families looking for dining options will find excellent choices nearby. "Schuyler has some of the best Mexican food in the state," recommends Charles C., providing a convenient meal option after a day of camping activities.
Tips from RVers
Site selection at River Land: The newest facility in the area, River Land Campground, offers premium accommodations for RVs. "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," explains Peter S., noting it's "along the Big Platte River & has a pond for fishing only, with sites around the pond."
Connectivity challenges: Limited cell service affects some campgrounds in the area. Jason P. reports about Buckley Park: "There was no T-Mobile phone service so we did not have Internet or Phone service, but this was the only inconvenience that we experienced during our stays."
Water availability: Winter campers should check water status before arrival. Jason P. mentions from a January visit to Buckley Park: "Coming from MN in January we started our journey with no water in our water tank. We got in at twilight and much to our pleasant surprise found that water was running."
