Conestoga State Recreation Area provides a range of camping experiences within a short drive from Lincoln, Nebraska. The area features both established campgrounds with electric hookups and more primitive options for tent camping. Nearby alternatives include Pawnee State Recreation Area, which offers lakeside camping with RV hookups and tent sites, and Yankee Hill Wildlife Management Area for more rustic dispersed camping. Most campgrounds in the region accommodate both tent and RV camping, with some areas like Camp A Way Campground also offering cabin rentals for those seeking additional amenities. Branched Oak Lake State Recreation Area, located approximately 20 miles northwest of Conestoga Lake, provides additional camping options including glamping opportunities.
Nebraska state park camping permits are required at most developed sites, with fees varying between in-state and out-of-state visitors. Many campgrounds near Conestoga Lake operate on a first-come, first-served basis with self-registration available at entrance kiosks. Electric hookups are common at established sites, though water connections and sewer hookups vary by location. Most recreation areas maintain vault toilets year-round, with shower facilities available at select locations during warmer months. Campers should be prepared for varying conditions based on season and recent weather patterns. A recent review noted: "Conestoga SRA is an increasingly popular campground following major renovations that were completed in 2018. Improvements to the picnic tables, restrooms, added shelter area and most importantly a complete overhaul of the lake have made this a much improved campground."
Lakeside camping represents one of the most sought-after experiences in the area, with fishing access being a primary draw. Conestoga Lake features several individual fishing docks that are especially productive for nighttime catfish according to visitor accounts. The campground underwent significant renovations in 2018, including lake dredging, new boat ramps, and improved facilities. Campsites vary in size and shade coverage, with approximately one-third of the powered sites having limited shade. Most recreation areas in the region maintain a 5mph boat speed limit, making these lakes ideal for kayaking, canoeing, and fishing rather than motorized watersports. During peak summer weekends, campgrounds can become busy with local visitors, while weekdays typically offer a quieter experience with greater site availability. Based on reviews from The Dyrt, campers particularly value the proximity to Lincoln while still enjoying lake recreation opportunities.
$35 - $67 / night
"A fun pass is require and costa about $10 but kids get ice cream, Slushies, water balloons for water wars included with that plus access to trampoline basketball, a nice jump pad, pool, indoor hot tub,"
"Next to highway. You can hear highway but that doesn’t bother me"
$25 / night
"Pawnee SRA is a well maintained family friendly SRA North West of Lincoln Nebraska. You’ll find powered and primative sites accommodating RV’s to tents."
"The change machine was either broken or out of change but that seems to be the norm this year at Nebraska parks."
$20 - $30 / 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."
"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."
"Conestoga is entirely walk up with no reservations."
"Sites with electric hook ups available, dump station on location. Will definitely stay here again when in the area."
"Check out Blustem if you like to get away from RV heavy camps like I do. You’ll find clean raised toilets, trails, and archery range, boating, fishing and hunting here."
"Near Lincoln Nebraska, quiet area, reported good fishing. Big gravel parking lot, good for overnights, max 3 days, no fees. some local traffic on weekends. No open fires."
$25 / night
"Good for an overnight stay when passing through, would be nice for multiple days if you want to visit the lake."
"Lots of hiking trails, very nice weekend!"
"While Nebraska can't do much about the 90+ temps, they sure do make their campgrounds fun to be around when there's water involved."
"Branched Oak-Area One Campground is 2 1/2 miles north of Malcom Nebraska. There are many different areas offering over 330 pads and tons of primitive camping."
$10 - $25 / night
ScoutPulling 13’ trailer and parked in gravel lot. Do not appear to be official sites for trailers. Lots of tent sites with grills and tables. Arrived around 3 and no one here. Quiet, snow on ground. Dirt roads to get here well maintained and easy. Seems like there may be a path around the lake.
LegendI stayed at a 30 amp site in campground. Number four, which I think might be the only campground that has electric services. Very basic one pit toilet electric service. And i'm not even sure if the water is on and I haven't found any trash but each site has a picnic table and a fire ring. There is a small trail between some of the sites and the lake is cute but too small and I don't think enough water flowing through it so kind of smelly.
ScoutNice little place right off the interstate to get a quiet nights rest and a beautiful sunrise over a frozen lake
RangerIt was extremely cold when I stayed, so I didn't explore much but it was well taken care of from what I saw. Nice grassy areas for tents.
ScoutGreat for a day stop and stayed the night in my campervan. Was quiet with little traffic. There were a lot of flies.
GuideThis is a nice little stop free camp ground free electric and water.\nThere are a new area and the old area
TravelerBetter than I expected. Camp host was friendly and helpful. Bathroom was clean although stalls have no doors. I did not use the showers but I looked in and they were clean. There is a nice paved walk/bike path along the river. It was quiet once it got dark. Slept with my windows open and heard no traffic or trains.
TravelerVery friendly & helpful lady, guided Us to Our site and spotted Us on it. That was after She gave Us a free upgrade, discount, and took several of Our calls. After having a really terrible day She gave a breath of encouragement back into Us. It looked like all the sites were pull through's, had fire pit (saw her delivering wood), never saw this before (each site has a porch swing). It is clean and taken care of nicely. It is most definitely a place to stay at.
ScoutRed Cedar Lake is a hidden gem if you’re looking for quiet, simple camping. The scenery is beautiful, with open skies and plenty of wildlife around. It’s free camping, so amenities are limited—bring your own supplies and expect rustic conditions. The fishing was great, and the sunsets over the water were stunning. Perfect spot if you want to unplug, relax, and enjoy nature close to the road.https://kukasoittia.fi/
Conestoga Lake camping options range from basic tent sites to electric hookups in a prairie landscape at 1,232 feet elevation. The 230-acre reservoir sits within a network of public recreation areas that offer varied camping experiences within short drives. Summer temperatures typically reach the mid-80s with overnight lows in the 60s, creating favorable camping conditions from May through September.
Fishing from individual docks: Conestoga Lake features multiple fishing platforms perfect for anglers. A visitor at Conestoga State Recreation Area notes: "If you enjoy dock fishing this is the lake for you. They have several individual docks to fish off of. The catfish will come right up to them at night."
Kayaking on no-wake waters: Most lakes in the region enforce 5mph speed limits, creating ideal conditions for paddlers. At Branched Oak Lake, "There is a huge no-wake area of the lake for kayaking and paddle boarding. They also offer boat rentals."
Disc golf courses: Area 1 at Pawnee State Recreation Area features a 9-hole disc golf course accessible to campers. As one reviewer mentions: "There's some mowed/natural trails to hike and Area 1 has a fun 9-hole disc golf course."
Archery practice: Several recreation areas maintain archery ranges. One camper at Pawnee Dam Site notes: "I love the whole park - especially the archery range!!"
Proximity to Lincoln with nature access: Many campers value being close to urban amenities while enjoying outdoor recreation. A Camp A Way Campground visitor stated: "Highly recommend if you need an overnight site with laundry and short drive for a few beers and good meal downtown."
Clean facilities: Well-maintained bathrooms and grounds receive consistent praise. A recent camper at Lakeview Campground noted: "The sites were awesome! Very well-kept grounds and a beautiful park. Lots of wildlife and nice and quiet."
Weekday solitude: For those seeking quieter experiences, mid-week camping offers significantly less crowded conditions. As one camper shared: "It's great for overnighters in the middle of the week."
Multiple camping styles: The region accommodates various camping preferences from primitive to full hookup. A visitor at Yankee Hill Wildlife Management Area explained: "The sites aren't technically sites. They're just little places off the side of the road that you can park. So just find a spot park there and you're good to go."
Permit requirements: Nebraska state park camping requires permits with different fees for residents versus non-residents. One camper at Area 1 Campground shared: "During the off season. $25.00 for electric. $14.00 entry fee for a vehicle. More than I was expecting."
Site selection timing: Popular sites fill quickly, particularly on weekends. A frequent visitor advised: "Plan ahead and reserve a spot or go early in the week otherwise you won't get a pad!!!"
Water access variability: Not all campsites have convenient water access or hookups. A camper at Area 3 Campground explained: "Big spots, good working power for 30 and 50 amp, but no water at the sites. The camp host had 200 feet of hose and we filled the clear tank from that."
Stay limits: Wildlife Management Areas have specific duration restrictions. At Yankee Hill: "This place has a dumpster available and it also has a three-day limit in a six-day period."
Family-friendly activities: Several campgrounds offer dedicated children's amenities. Camp A Way Campground provides "a hand-built playground, basketball court, slip n slide, dog park, bounce stuff for kids."
Swimming beaches: Multiple recreation areas maintain designated swimming areas. A camper notes: "There is a beach, a play area, a dump station, and a nice trail going off the east tent camping area."
Age restrictions: Check facility rules before arrival. One family discovered: "We booked hoping we could use the spa, only to find out when we got here, no kids under 5 can use it."
Insect preparation: Lake environments attract mosquitoes, especially in certain areas. A camper at Yankee Hill warned: "The WMA has a large marshy, stagnant pond, so bring mosquito repellent."
Hookup variations: Electric service differs between campgrounds. A visitor at Branched Oak Lake shared: "In Area One we had full hook ups and a level site. There were picnic tables, and fire rings at each site."
Highway noise considerations: Some campgrounds experience road noise that affects RVers less than tent campers. One review mentioned: "Its extremely loud and constant highway sounds. If you are in a camper or RV, it probably doesn't make much difference, but in a tent, it took away a bit of the magic of camping for us."
Seasonal water availability: Water systems may change seasonally. A camper noted: "The only water supply is by hand pump on the way to your site so that is a negative. Good for an overnight stay when passing through."
Dump station locations: Not all campgrounds with RV sites have on-site dump stations. One visitor observed: "The nice dump station is located a couple of miles down the road near the Park Office."
Frequently Asked Questions
What camping is available near Conestoga Lake?
According to TheDyrt.com, Conestoga Lake offers a wide range of camping options, with 99 campgrounds and RV parks near Conestoga Lake and 2 free dispersed camping spots.
Which is the most popular campground near Conestoga Lake?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Conestoga Lake is Camp A Way Campground with a 4.6-star rating from 31 reviews.
Where can I find free dispersed camping near Conestoga Lake?
According to TheDyrt.com, there are 2 free dispersed camping spots near Conestoga Lake.
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