Glamping opportunities near Columbus, Nebraska center around two man-made reservoirs featuring modern amenities within natural settings. The region's flat terrain and prairie landscape provides open views across the water, particularly at sunset. Most campgrounds maintain seasonal operations from April through October, with limited winter accessibility depending on weather conditions.
What to do
Fishing opportunities: Lake Wanahoo State Recreation Area maintains a regularly stocked lake ideal for anglers of all skill levels. "Great fishing and kayaking lake!" notes one camper who appreciates the convenience of multiple fishing jetties. The lake supports various fish species and permits shore fishing directly from many campsites.
Biking trails: Several recreation areas feature developed trail systems around their perimeters. At Lake Wanahoo State Recreation Area, "Bike path goes all the way around the lake, which provides about a three mile loop. The trail also leads down into the town of Wahoo," shares a reviewer who frequently cycles the area.
Boat rentals: Branched Oak Lake offers equipment rentals for those without personal watercraft. "There's a huge no-wake area of the lake for kayaking and paddle boarding. They also offer boat rentals," explains a visitor who enjoyed exploring the water. Rental options typically include canoes, kayaks, and paddle boards during peak summer months.
What campers like
Lake access: Many campers praise the direct water access at Branched Oak Lake State Rec Area. "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," reports one visitor who appreciated the layout.
Spacious sites: Glamping sites offer more room than standard camping spaces. According to one Lake Wanahoo camper, "The campsites are clean and quite large, and they are all fairly close to the jettys where you can fish." Another notes, "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."
Stargazing: The open prairie landscape creates excellent night sky viewing conditions. One Branched Oak visitor writes, "Nighttime is great for stargazing and they have pretty stellar sunrises." The minimal light pollution around many campgrounds enhances celestial visibility during clear nights.
What you should know
Wind exposure: The prairie setting means limited natural windbreaks at newer facilities. A camper at Valparaiso observes, "There is almost no wind break or shade throughout the area. High winds or extreme temperatures can wreak havoc on overnight trips."
Shower facilities: Shower amenities vary significantly between locations. At Branched Oak Lake, one visitor warns about "disgusting showers; felt like I was in prison as you must pull on a chain to get water." However, Lake Wanahoo receives more positive feedback: "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."
Reservation needs: During peak season, securing spots requires advance planning. "Plan ahead and reserve a spot or go early in the week otherwise you won't get a pad!!!" advises a frequent visitor to Branched Oak Lake. Holiday weekends particularly fill quickly, sometimes months in advance.
Tips for camping with families
Playgrounds: Multiple recreation areas feature dedicated children's play areas. One Hooper Memorial Park visitor mentions, "There is a City Park with a pool and ball-field," providing entertainment options beyond water activities.
Swimming access: Not all lakes permit swimming. A Lake Wanahoo camper notes, "I only gave it three stars because there is no swimming. There is a place by the day use area where they could make a swimming area, but so far they haven't." Verify swimming regulations before promising children beach time.
Off-season quiet: Families seeking less crowded experiences might consider shoulder seasons. "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," writes a visitor who camped during fall.
Tips from RVers
Water fill locations: Some campgrounds place utilities inconveniently. At Lake Wanahoo State Recreation Area, "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."
Free electrical hookups: Budget-conscious RV travelers can find unexpected values. 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," shares a traveler who appreciated the cost savings while using the trail system.
Site selection strategy: At Branched Oak Lake, experienced RVers recommend specific loops. "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," advises a frequent visitor familiar with the best locations.
