Best Glamping near Columbus, NE

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.

This 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.

The 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.

Once 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.

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!

The 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.

We 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

not my favorite. lots of unrespectful campers here.

This lake is a great place for boats! If you’re looking to take ou a tube or just power around this area is good as it is larger than most lakes around Lincoln/Omaha. There is also a swimming beach which is nice. Kayaks are supposed to use the boat dock area. Paddling out from the swimming area offers gentler waters. Picnics and a day out are fun but not my scene really for camping.

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

Totally 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!

We were very tired and felt so lucky to find this place on Dyrt. It's on a lake with lots of sights, large trees and grassy areas to play with our dog. It's not a place to go hiking, but for an overnight, it was excellent! We would return.

5 night stay in late June. 2 days after damaging storm. Lots of broken branches and one totalled 5th wheel but still a very pretty park. Negatives are disgusting showers; felt like I was in prison as you must pull on a chain to get water and weird dog leash holder in the ground which is a trip hazard.

There 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.

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.

Very clean campground. Many sites are right on the water. Campsites are very close together.

We camp here 3 4 times a year. Love it.

I’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.

Middle 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!!!

The camp sites are clean and always have electricity that works. has good shade. The bathrooms / showers could use some updating.

The 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.

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

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.

So many camp sites all over the lake. Hard to find people if your afirst timer down there, but after the weekend you can find anyone

super fun. everything available! fishing was the best here, swimming too.

There is an area to swim that can get pretty crowded certain times of the year. It’s a first come basis in terms of reserving a spot so make sure to get there early in the summer. There’s a few trails to explore and a place to rent canoes, etc. have fun!

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.