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Best Glamping near Columbus, NE

41 Reviews

Branched Oak Lake State Recreation Area and Lake Wanahoo State Recreation Area house upscale glamping accommodations within driving distance of Columbus, Nebraska. These eco-friendly glamping options feature electricity, picnic tables, and fire rings, providing a comfortable outdoor experience without sacrificing modern conveniences. According to a camper, "The sites are clean and always have electricity that works. Has good shade." The glamping sites at Branched Oak Lake offer lakeside locations with stunning water views, while Lake Wanahoo's newer facilities provide spacious sites with growing tree cover. Both locations maintain clean facilities with shower houses available for glamping guests, though Lake Wanahoo requires a special permit for overnight stays.

Water activities dominate the glamping experience at these luxury camping destinations. Branched Oak Lake features multiple swimming beaches, boat rentals, and excellent fishing opportunities in what one reviewer called "the best lake in Nebraska for camping." Lake Wanahoo, though newer with less mature shade trees, offers exceptional fishing in a regularly stocked lake that's perfect for kayaking and small boats. A visitor noted, "Great fishing and kayaking lake! Bike path goes all the way around the lake." Both glamping resorts provide access to hiking and biking trails, with Lake Wanahoo's trail circling the entire lake and connecting to the nearby town of Wahoo, where guests can enjoy local dining options including a steakhouse and butcher shop for fresh grillable items.

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Best Glamping Sites Near Columbus, Nebraska (4)

    1. Branched Oak Lake State Rec Area

    28 Reviews
    Malcolm, NE
    40 miles
    Website
    +1 (402) 783-3400

    $25 - $35 / 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."

    "Always a good place for a group (you have neighbors, but it's secluded enough to listen to loud music and easily entertain a rowdy group of 10)."

    2. Lake Wanahoo State Recreation Area

    11 Reviews
    Wahoo, NE
    40 miles
    Website
    +1 (402) 443-4675

    $8 - $40 / night

    "Lake 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."

    "My wife and I prefer to stay outside and camp most often. This campground not only has a fun name to repeat to family and friends (or try to remember when writing a review!"

    3. Valparaiso

    1 Review
    Valparaiso, NE
    36 miles
    Website

    4. Hooper Memorial Park

    2 Reviews
    Scribner, NE
    43 miles
    Website
    +1 (402) 654-3649
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Glamping Reviews near Columbus, NE

41 Reviews of 4 Columbus Campgrounds

  • J
    Jun. 1, 2022

    Branched Oak Lake State Rec Area

    Great getaway weekend

    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.

  • M
    Jul. 14, 2016

    Branched Oak Lake State Rec Area

    Graduation Party

    Always a good place for a group (you have neighbors, but it's secluded enough to listen to loud music and easily entertain a rowdy group of 10). Aestheically, Branched Oak is your typical campground. Very pretty in some spots, but on average... lake, trees, and a designated fire area. Fire pit/grill could use some love, and picnic tables are present but oddly placed at times. Always come here a few weekends a year... close drive.

  • Shelby H.
    Jun. 21, 2020

    Branched Oak Lake State Rec Area

    South Shore T-4

    Pros 

    - 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

  • Charles C.The Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 16, 2018

    Branched Oak Lake State Rec Area

    Equestrian, Tent, and RV Lakeside Camping Area

    Camping area 2 has a lot to offer, even if you don't own a horse.

    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. Yet few people realize that there is a nice RV and tent camping area, lovely inlet with lakesides slabs, Boat docks, and Boat ramps. Showers are not available at area #2 but are available at a closeby area #1.

    The lake has some nice trails including the equestrian trail that comes from the park. The park has several beaches 2 of them very close. There are archery and shotgun ranges at the lake and a decent disc golf course.

    At a popular lake, this is a nice yet secluded camping area that often gets overlooked.

  • C
    Jul. 10, 2019

    Lake Wanahoo State Recreation Area

    Decent for Short Trips or Fishing

    We 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.

  • Lauren T.
    May. 6, 2018

    Branched Oak Lake State Rec Area

    This is a party campground.

    If you’re camping to get out in nature and relax, this is not what you’re looking for. The campgrounds and lake here are party central - which is fine, just know what you’re getting into.

    I came here to camp after a night down at Pawnee/Lake View and it was a stark contrast in experience. After kayaking on the lake, I was able to find a site that wasn’t reserved - which is almost impossible to do! Expect sites to fill up fast around here, you have to be willing to drive around through all the loops and areas to see what you might be able to snag. Do not listen to the park staff when they say an area is full - I was told this and it was not the case at all. Wasted a lot of time that trip because of misinformation.

    Expect to get cozy with your camping neighbors - sites are crammed in and not spread out in the least.

    Sometimes trash is a big issue at this campground too- the huge bins are overflowing after a big weekend.

    Noise - constant noise from the boats on the lake and other folks out camping or for day recreation. There is a bike trail for riders, a marina, and a dedicated party cove for the younger college crowd.

    I ended up leaving after a few hours at my spot because it just wasn’t worth it to stay.

  • Haleigh W.
    Aug. 2, 2018

    Branched Oak Lake State Rec Area

    lake Days to weekends

    perfect spot to go from a lake day to camp weekend. just the right distance away from town to make it feel like a getaway

  • Pat V.
    Sep. 7, 2019

    Lake Wanahoo State Recreation Area

    Really nice campground that is missing shade

    Lake 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!

  • Tony B.
    Sep. 6, 2020

    Lake Wanahoo State Recreation Area

    Will get better with age

    This 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.

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 28 reviews.

What is the best site to find glamping camping near Columbus, NE?

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