For those who want to experience Columbus, but still want the creature comforts of home, consider glamping for your trip. The Dyrt lets you enjoy a unique, rustic Columbus experience while glamping. Glamping offers quick access to one or more of Columbus's most popular destinations.
$8 - $35 / night
Ranger
This city park has eight or nine spots available some have full hook ups and some have just water and some have just sewer and some have just electric. We stayed on spot nine, which had all three. Only downside to this little place was since it is the city park and there is a playground here, quite a bit of local traffic bringing the kids in. Nice walking trail around part of the golf course. When we were there, there was no place to pay, but I called the city clerk and she said just to put the money in a dropbox at City Hall, which is $20 now.pretty close to the road that goes through town so a little bit of traffic noise.
Ranger
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.
Ranger
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!
TravelerWe 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
ScoutWe camp here 3 4 times a year. Love it.
GuideVery clean campground. Many sites are right on the water. Campsites are very close together.
LegendOnce we exited off I 80 per campground(CG) instructions, we traveled following our RV GPS, WAZE, and Google Maps on the back roads to the state recreation area(SRA) and specifically the South Shore CG. We saw the South Shore sign that was somewhat hidden by trees and also a sign for the dump station and potable water. We pulled into the dump station for potable water and to dump what we had from our overnight stay as we were going into back-in site 80 with only electric(50/30/20 AMP). There was a small unmanned check-in gate where we got our Nebraska State Park Pass, but no one was around to stamp our pass so we followed the signage to site 80, which was a fairly easy back-in. We were amazed at the lake view as this site sits up on a hill about 100 yards from the water. Our name was on the post as we had online reservations(there are some first-come-first-serve sites here). We could have put out our satellite, but we got a multitude of OTA channels out of Lincoln, NE. We also got 3 bars on Verizon and 2 bars on T-Mobile. The South Shore CG has a mix of FHUs, 50 AMP, and 30 AMP-only RV sites. Note that when the utilities state Electric Plus, there is no water at the site, just 50 AMP electric plus a 30/20 AMP as well. There are also tent areas within the SRA campgrounds. The sites in general are spaced so you are not right on top of your neighbor. However, the sites that run on both sides of site 80 have no one behind with lots of space down to the lake. This was a very nice CG that we would not hesitate to visit again.
GuideThere were a lot of day use areas and tent sites. It was very beautiful and open. We went in the off season so we had a lot of space to ourselves.
ScoutMy 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.
GuideI’ve been coming to Branched Oak since I was a kid. I love the vibe of the park. It’s usually packed and the beach’s are always full but it’s always a really good time. Second time out with the camper this year. Got my first sunburn of the year also. Had great neighbors and a super fun time! Will definitely be back.
GuideQuiet, even with the storm. Off-season campout, perfect place to throw down a tent.
RangerMiddle Oak Creek campground has a row of 10-12 electrical spots that are perfect for shore fishing, kayak launch, lakeside views! South Shore campground sits lakeside but at a higher elevation so water access is trickier. Nice playgrounds at both camp areas. Free showers are a great amenity as well. This One of our favorite places to “get away” to for fishing, camping, etc. Be warned: VERY BUSY campground as it is super close to a highly populated city. Plan ahead and reserve a spot or go early in the week otherwise you won’t get a pad!!!
GuideThe camp sites are forked out like the cul-de-sac properties, each facing the road and having a large portion of the lake or greens to themselves on the back. It has plenty of greenery and is very well-maintained. It has a very clean beach area, a boat and kayak landing area and many children parks. There are benches placed at scenic points that offer breathtaking views of the lake in the memorial park. The restroom in the campground was clean albeit flinty. No stores in the park-office (which was anyway closed due to the pandemic), so bring everything (firewood too) along. The nearest gas station is a 10 minute drive towards Raymond.
ScoutThe camp sites are clean and always have electricity that works. has good shade. The bathrooms / showers could use some updating.
GuideGreat 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. A special permit is required to camp there. That is a bit of a bummer because you used to not need that. The town of Wahoo has a cool butcher shop, so I always plan to pick up steaks, hot dogs or other grillable items for one night's dinner.
LegendThis lake is a Nrd controlled lake that is relatively new, and requires a daily pass or annual pass. I believe it opened 2012. This lake sits just out side of the Northside of Wahoo, and sits off a relatively busy highway. So as you would expect there is some traffic noise. Also with the age of this lake there is no mature trees around the lake. So as you would expect it will make tent camping difficult for some on hot days. There is tent camping, and rvs, as well as a couple little cabins for rent. The fishing is pretty darn good on this lake. There are several online articles that will back that claim up, as well as myself. This is also a good kayaking lake. There is also a trail, or path that goes around this lake for biking, jogging, or just simply walking. The whole area and restrooms are clean, and well maintained. I thing it's a beautiful clean lake that the city of Wahoo should be proud to be next to. I believe this lake will get better with age.
ScoutWonderful location right by a creek, huge park with playground equipment, big swimming pool and golf course. Full hookups (electric, water, sewer) for only $10 per night! Cute town with all the amenities!
GuideTotally understand why you have to put a tent out during the week to reserve the spot for the weekend. Spots are in high demand because they are so worth it. We stayed at Homestead campground and loved it. So much shade, nice cemented LEVEL pads for our camper, nice boat slip/dock. We will be returning this year!
Legend
We went to Fremont for John C Fremont days and the camping was all taken. We heard Hooper had camping and went there for a couple nights stay.
There is a City Park with a pool and ball-field and they let you park your camper just about wherever you can. If you park by the picnic shelter you can plug in and they don't care. The pool lets you shower for free and there are flush toilets available throughout the night. The Golf course had a tournament that was very well attended so I assume the golfing is good.
There was no charge for camping.
ScoutPros
- Own Beach Front! -- I can not express how amazing this perk is!!!
- No "dogs not allowed" signs like the public beaches!
- Plenty of trees for shade (and hammocks)
- Close parking
- The breeze off of the lake helped so much with bugs
- Price $15/night
- Mowed grass trail nearby.. no clue where it leads - the bugs were too bad!
- Shower houses within driving distance, or longish walk (not currently open.. Covid)
- Stars are amazing at night
- Fire Pits & Grate & Picnic Table included
Cons
- No Water hydrants
- Bathrooms are not nearby (maybe 6-7 minute walk?)
- These sites fill up FAST.. Go out on a Friday at 3 pm.. there will not be sites left
---- We went on a Tuesday and got there around noon and there were only 3 sites available.
- Minimal tent sites (I think 8 total?) -- at south shore
- Can hear vehicles driving on the nearby highway
- Can get crowded with visiting boaters during the weekends
ScoutGreat
RangerLake 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. You used to be able to use your state park permit to gain entry, but now you need to either buy a day pass or a yearly pass from the NRD.
There are plenty of places to camp here including gravel pads and grass pads for RV’s. While most people seem to prefer the gravel pads closer to the lake, we actually prefer grass pads because they are 2-3 larger, so you have more room to setup.
The tent camping area is huge and there always seems to be plenty of availability. We were the only tent in the entire area. The tiered tent area allows you to have a great view of the lake from wherever you setup. All RV and tent spots have picnic tables and fire rings. Unfortunately when the lake and campground were built they planted saplings, so during the hot months there is no shade to be found.
The is still plenty to do at the lake from getting the fishing boat out, using their three wide boat ramp or fishing from the shore using bank or using a jetty. There is a gravel trail that goes all the way around the lake, which provides about a three mile loop. The trail also leads down into the town of Wahoo. There are two large play areas for kids. One is in the campground and one is across the lake in the day use area.
No matter where you go you are not far from a restroom. There are nice clean vault toilets available all around the lake. There is also a large bathroom/shower house in the campground. The shower house does have a change machine on the outside of the build to get change for the showers. These are kept very clean and tidy.
When pulling your RV out here the water fill is in an awkward spot in a parking lot of the campground. To get to the dump station you have to leave the campground, get on the highway and drive to the opposite side of the lake to the day use area. These were just installed a couple years ago. They are nice and level, but just add a bit of driving to get to them.
All-in-all this is a nice place and in a few more years of tree growth, it could be even better!
GuideWe primary stop by this site for fishing as the lake is regularly stocked. It's great for kayaking or small boats. There is very little shade available at this campground as it is a man-made area so bring the sunscreen. Fires are allowed and pets must be on leash. RV sites and tent camping site are available.
ScoutThe campgrounds were well manicured and very clean. Shower house was decent but could have been a little larger with more stalls. The host and Nebraska Game and Parks patrolled literally every 1/2 hour which we actually liked so there was no issues with people breaking the rules. The lake was good sized for our 29 ft boat and there was even a free boat dock with 8 slips to use. Tons of jet skiers on the water though and alot of them seemed under age or amateurish as in they did not mind the rules of the water. There were several sandy beaches to stop and swim. Overall it was a pleasent stay.
GuideThis is the best lake in Nebraska for camping! They are tent sites right by the lake. The bathrooms are pretty clean. There’s a huge no-wake area of the lake for kayaking and paddle boarding. They also offer boat rentals.
LegendThe village of Valparaiso allows camping at the city park at the trailhead to the Oak Creek trail. Camping is free and there are electric hookups and water at the park.
The village allows limited stay for free to those using the trail.
the park has charcoal pits and is close to the library where you can access wifi even after the library is closed.
Two convenient stores are close.
GuideWe primary visit Lake Wanahoo for fishing as the large lake is well stocked. They provide tent and RV camping. However, there is almost no wind break or shade throughout the area. High winds or extreme temperatures can wreak havoc on overnight trips. That also makes privacy tough to come by. The facilities are all relatively new and clean.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular glamping campsite near Columbus, NE?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular glamping campground near Columbus, NE is Branched Oak Lake State Rec Area with a 4.1-star rating from 27 reviews.
What is the best site to find glamping camping near Columbus, NE?
TheDyrt.com has all 5 glamping camping locations near Columbus, NE, with real photos and reviews from campers.
