Tent camping options near Conestoga Lake, Nebraska range from water-adjacent primitive sites to more established campgrounds within a 40-mile radius. Most locations operate seasonally with higher availability from April through October when temperatures typically range from 45-85°F. During peak summer months, weekend reservations at the more popular sites fill quickly, particularly at lakeside locations.
What to do
Fishing opportunities: Wirth Brothers Lake features primitive camping with direct lake access for anglers. One camper noted, "It is off the beaten path and has camping spots that offer some seclusion from other people. The campground was designed by boys scouts."
Biking trails: Fremont Lakes State Recreation Area connects to extended trail systems. "Very woodsy feeling through the whole park and a nice bicycle trail that leaves the park and winds out to Hormel Park on the Platte River," mentions a recent visitor.
Tubing and water recreation: During summer months, the rivers provide opportunities for water activities. A camper at Riverside Campground shared, "The river is decently safe and a good place to tube. There were not any other campers but I could see it getting pretty busy on the weekends."
What campers like
Spacious tent sites: Many campgrounds offer generous spacing between sites. A Fremont Lakes visitor commented, "Big beautiful sites, BUT there is a very busy set of train tracks that run about every 20 minutes all day and all night."
Clean facilities: Some locations maintain exceptional restroom facilities despite their rural setting. According to a camper, "Facilities were very clean. Cleanest I have ever seen in a campground."
Natural settings: Bruning Dam Recreation Area provides a more immersive outdoor experience. "Best suited for an outdoorsman that's hunting or fishing," notes a recent visitor, highlighting its minimal development.
What you should know
Temperature fluctuations: Fall camping requires preparation for significant temperature drops. At Area Three Campground, a camper reported, "Late October tent camping- low around 19F... we seemed to be the only souls in the place."
Noise considerations: Several campgrounds experience noise from transportation infrastructure. One reviewer warned about Fremont Lakes: "Didn't get any sleep, even with earplugs. Plus, it's right next to a busy highway so you get to hear the locals revving their over-sized trucks into the early hours."
Amenity limitations: Primitive sites often lack basic services. A visitor to Area Three Campground stated, "Yet other than the regular old picnic table, burn pit and rather dirty vault toilet, there is nothing else here."
Permit requirements: Daily or annual permits may be required. Wirth Brothers Lake charges "$5 a day or $15 for annual permit" according to a camper, who also noted amenities include "drinking water, bathrooms, playground, archery, and a swimming beach."
Tips for camping with families
Playground access: Some campgrounds offer dedicated play areas for children. Two Rivers SRA provides convenient amenities for families, as one visitor shared: "I camped right by the river. Also a short walk to the outhouse and playground. Fun and quick trip if you're in the Omaha area. My boys (4&7) loved it."
Nature education: Two Rivers SRA offers educational opportunities. "The park has many, many opportunities to earn badges. You can even take a short hike into a little outdoor nature classroom," mentioned a family who uses the park for Cub Scout campouts.
Beach activities: Several locations feature swimming areas with beaches when water levels permit. A Two Rivers camper noted, "When the river is low, you can go play on the beach. We've even walked through the water to go play on the 'islands'."
Tips from RVers
Hookup availability: Saunders County Fairgrounds Campground provides economical full-service options. A visitor reported, "$20 per night for full hookup. Appear to be approximately 40 sites."
Tent and RV separation: For the best tent camping near Conestoga Lake, consider locations that separate tent and RV areas. A Fremont Lakes visitor advised, "The new lakes are busy and full of RVs. If you want a less busy area, find the older section."
Off-peak advantages: Weekday camping offers significantly more solitude. "There were not any other campers but I could see it getting pretty busy on the weekends," noted a camper describing the tent sites near the river at Riverside Campground.
