Camping near Conestoga Lake offers multiple fishing, hiking, and swimming options within a 20-mile radius of Lincoln. The area's relatively flat terrain sits at approximately 1,250 feet elevation with moderately humid summers that average 85°F during peak season. Most campgrounds in the region open from April through October, though several maintain year-round accessibility with modified amenities during winter months.
What to do
Swimming and beach activities: Branched Oak Lake State Recreation Area features designated swimming areas with clean shorelines early in the season. "The lake was clean. Got in and swam with the dog in the morning. Everything seemed well taken care of," notes Blake M., who visited Pawnee Dam Site 14 Campground in 2023.
Paddling opportunities: Multiple lakes support non-motorized water activities on calm waters. "There is a huge no-wake area of the lake for kayaking and paddle boarding. They also offer boat rentals," says Jordan H. about Branched Oak Lake State Rec Area.
Disc golf courses: Several recreation areas maintain free disc golf courses with varying difficulty levels. Kyle S. mentions Pawnee SRA has "some mowed/natural trails to hike and Area 1 has a fun 9-hole disc golf course."
Archery practice: Dedicated archery ranges provide target practice options for beginners and experienced shooters. "I love the whole park - especially the archery range!!" reports Debra B. about her experiences at Pawnee Dam Site.
What campers like
Quick access from Interstate: Most campgrounds sit within 15-30 minutes of I-80, making them convenient overnight stops. Jan S. recommends Camp A Way Campground as "Great for one night traveling campground. Very clean. Helpful friendly staff... Highly recommend if you need an overnight site with laundry and short drive for a few beers and good meal downtown."
Quieter weekday camping: Visitors note significantly lower crowds and noise levels Monday through Thursday. "It's great for overnighters in the middle of the week," shares Brian C. about Pawnee Dam Site 14 Campground.
Night sky viewing: Several primitive campgrounds offer minimal light pollution for stargazing. Joe R. notes that at Wagon Train State Rec Area, "Wagon Train is far enough from major roads that all you'll hear is nature and the crackle of your fire... you'll love the dark starry skies at night."
Dog exercise areas: Many locations feature designated pet areas beyond standard pet-friendly policies. Tracy A. appreciated that Camp A Way Campground has "Very nice campground. Kid friendly with tons of activities. Nice pool & hot tub. Clean laundry facilities and they even have a dog park."
What you should know
Water quality varies seasonally: Lake conditions change throughout summer, particularly regarding algae blooms. Tim C. at Pawnee Dam noted it was "Nice quiet well kept park" but others mention checking water conditions before planning water activities.
Reservation requirements: Peak season weekends require advance bookings at most established sites. Lauren T. shares about Bluestem State Rec Area: "I camp here maybe once or twice a year, small area for tent camping that is quite open to other sites - not for campers hoping to get privacy or who can't handle some late night parties."
Facility maintenance schedules: Bathrooms and shower access can be limited by cleaning or seasonal closures. Elizabeth B. found Pawnee Dam Site had "Clean, quiet" facilities but noted "The restrooms are nice and have an actual light and hand sanitizer dispenser."
Dog friendly campgrounds near Conestoga Lake: Most sites require leashing pets at all times. Jan S. specifically noted Camp A Way's "Huge, clean dog run shaded with locust trees. Best dog run we have seen this trip."
Tips for camping with families
Kid-specific amenities: Several campgrounds offer dedicated play equipment and activities. Samantha S. recommends Camp A Way Campground saying, "This destination was so fun! Sites are shaded and spacious. Awesome playground, pool, water slide and more! Super cute place to stay with family."
Swimming safety: Beach areas vary in supervision and facilities. Sydney W. enjoyed Wagon Train noting, "The walk to the lake is quiet, and the sunsets are beautiful on the water!"
Age-restricted facilities: Some amenities have minimum age requirements. One Camp A Way visitor reported, "We booked hoping we could use the spa, only to find out when we got here, no kids under 5 can use it. We have a 3 year old, so we had to pass."
Pet-friendly activities with kids: Many dog friendly campgrounds near Conestoga Lake offer specific spaces for pets and children. Shannon G. appreciated that Camp A Way has "a large off leash dog run which was so nice. There were so many things for younger kids to do."
Tips from RVers
Campsite selection: Choose sites based on shade and proximity to facilities. Barry M. noted about Camp A Way, "This was a great location to explore different areas but it is a very crowded location. Some people like that and visiting with everyone. That is not for me."
Utility access: Water spigots location varies between campgrounds. Russ G. at Area 3 Campground found "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."
Road noise considerations: Some campgrounds experience highway noise despite natural settings. Heather A. warns about Camp A Way, "The highway is so close you can see the cars going by. 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."
Dump station locations: Some facilities have remote dump stations separate from camping areas. Kyle S. mentions at Pawnee, "Shower rates (bring quarters) are reasonable. $.50 for 3 minutes and every $.25 gives another 90 seconds."
