Ron G.
Scout
ScoutCarol Joy Holling Camp Family Campground
Very quiet and plenty of room
Easy check in ,and plenty of room, water and electric. Plenty of things to do in the area
Camping near Denton, NE
93 campgrounds · Check availability for any dates.
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SUMMARY PRESENTED BY
Public lands and water recreation areas surround Denton, Nebraska, with a mix of developed campgrounds and primitive sites throughout the Lincoln vicinity. Pawnee State Recreation Area and Branched Oak Lake State Recreation Area accommodate both tent and RV camping with electric hookups, while smaller options like Conestoga State Recreation Area provide less developed alternatives. Several campgrounds feature cabin accommodations, including Camp A Way Campground, which maintains year-round availability. Most established campgrounds are within 20-30 minutes of Lincoln, making them convenient weekend destinations for local residents and travelers passing through eastern Nebraska.
Nebraska state parks and recreation areas near Denton typically require entrance permits, with higher fees for out-of-state visitors. Campgrounds like Lakeview at Pawnee offer a mix of reservable and first-come sites, though availability can be limited during University of Nebraska football weekends in the fall. Many campgrounds feature paved roads and sites, though primitive areas may have gravel access. The region experiences four distinct seasons, with summer algae blooms sometimes affecting water recreation. As one visitor noted about Pawnee Lake, "If you are camping with an animal/dog you may want to reconsider. The algae here is very bad more months in the summer than good. Even once the warnings are taken down, it's still thick with green algae and it's harmful to animals."
Water access significantly influences camping experiences in the region, with lakeside campgrounds earning higher ratings. Yankee Hill Wildlife Management Area provides a more rustic option with a three-day maximum stay limit and minimal amenities. Most established campgrounds maintain shower facilities and boat ramps, though water levels fluctuate seasonally. A camper at Bluestem Lake commented, "This little spot is well maintained with mowed camping sections that each have numbered picnic tables and a fire pit." Campers seeking more solitude might prefer smaller recreation areas like Olive Creek or Stagecoach, while those wanting more amenities gravitate toward developed campgrounds closer to Lincoln. Wildlife viewing opportunities exist throughout the region, with fishing being a primary recreational activity at most locations.
Best Campgrounds near Denton (93)
1. Camp A Way Campground
"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"
from $35 - $67 / night
Check Availability2. Lakeview Campground — Pawnee State Recreation Area
"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."
from $30 / night
Check Availability3. Branched Oak Lake State Rec Area
"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."
from $25 - $35 / night
Check Availability4. Conestoga State Recreation Area
"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."
5. Yankee hill wildlife management area
"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."
6. Bluestem State Rec 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."
from $15 - $30 / night
Check Availability7. Area 3 Campground — Pawnee State Recreation Area
"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!"
from $30 / night
Check Availability8. twin lakes WMA Nebraska
9. Area 5 Campground
"Stayed here mid April during the week, lake is almost totally dried up. Lots of fun birds! A few bugs but quiet. We didn’t have a fire because it was windy and things are so dry already."
10. Olive Creek Lake State Recreation Area
from $10 - $25 / night
Check Availability
Drive Time
- 13 min from Lincoln, NE
- 53 min from Omaha, NE
- 1 hr 21 min from Grand Island, NE
- 2 hrs 10 min from Manhattan, KS
Recent Camping Photos near Denton, NE
89 Photos of 93 Denton Campgrounds
Joe R.
Conestoga State Recreation Area
Blake M.
Lakeview Campground — Pawnee State Recreation Area
Joe R.
Bluestem State Rec Area
GW C.
Camp A Way Campground
Jared J.
Olive Creek Lake State Recreation Area
Taylor L.
Stagecoach Dam-Site 9 Park
Lincoln W.
Seward/Lincoln West KOA Holiday
Shannon G.
Area One Campground
Joe R.
Wagon Train Primitive sites
Charlie B.
Branched Oak Lake State Rec Area
Zachariah M.
Blue Valley Campground
Amy C.
Legion Memorial Park
Recent Reviews near Denton, NE
533 Reviews of 93 Denton Campgrounds
- EEthan O.Scout
Wildwood Lake
Wildwood
I love how quite it is and how little to no one that is here it’s the best experience
Jon W.ScoutBuckley Park Campground
Nice place to camp
There are two different locations for camping. At this park, one is Newark, and has water. And electric hookups and really good shape, but the trees are still small. And no shade, the other is older. The electricity in some spots don't work, but has lots of shade.Still very nice.There are hydrants scattered throughout the older side, but not at the sites. There's a dump station at both the older and the newer area.
- Deanna S.Scout
Pine Grove RV Park & Campground
Great campground
We stayed here March - June this year. The staff was always friendly and helpful, and there have been many upgrades done to the park. Would be happy to stay there again if we’re back in the area.
- KKate J.
GuideBig Indian Recreation Area
Great quiet site
Great quiet site, easy access
Shelby M.ScoutElkhorn Shores
Great place for a family-just needs a little upkeeping
Overall we enjoyed our stay, the amenities that came with the glamping tent are great. We enjoyed that it came with a mini fridge and paper products that were needed. Would have enjoyed a list of all the items and amenities that the glamping tent came with. We brought a lot of extra stuff that wasn’t needed because we were unsure of what the glamping tent supplied. It’s probably time for new linens on the bed as the sheets and pillowcases have many stains on them. The wood that is provided isn’t enough for the whole weekend, so do recommend bringing a bundle of your own. The glamping tent requires you to use porta potties which is fine, but their bathrooms weren’t clean. They would probably benefit from daily cleaning. As far as sweeping out cobwebs, dead bugs, and trash. Definitely need an upgrade the shower house, I personally would never be able to shower in a facility that isn’t clean. Overall the bathroom facilities need some attention, but the tent was enjoyable.
- CClaire G.
TravelerBeaver Crossing City Park
Quiet, well maintained
This little spot has 3 electric hookups and a picnic area. Nice shade. Man came by and mowed while I was here; we didn’t talk, but the grass was barely cuttable. Free as advertised (suggested donation). Quiet - parking lot shared with a playground and closed(?) city pool. Easy to get to, follow the blue signs. Did not use restrooms but easily accessible.
Julia R.GuideSyracuse City
Nice Spot
There were more people than I expected there on a Monday evening, but we were able to find a spot with 30A to set up. We didn’t even need blocks, as it was perfectly level. Just pulled into the grass next to the electric and had no issues. Great for a quick overnight, especially for just $10.
Stephanye C.TravelerWalnut Creek Lake & Recreation Area
First time camper
Stayed for 2 weeks it was comfortable and quiet every morning was a beautiful sunrise and every night was beautiful.
Guide to Denton
Camping options near Denton, Nebraska blend primitive and developed sites across public lands throughout Lancaster County. Most campsites sit at elevations around 1,300 feet, creating a relatively flat terrain with gentle hills that's ideal for both tent and RV camping. The region receives approximately 30 inches of annual rainfall, with camping season typically running from April through October when temperatures range from 50-90°F.
What to do
Fishing opportunities: Branched Oak Lake offers multiple fishing spots with largemouth bass, crappie, and walleye. "This lake is a great place for boats! If you're looking to take out a tube or just power around this area is good as it is larger than most lakes around Lincoln/Omaha," notes a visitor to Area One Campground.
Water recreation: Several lakes permit swimming, kayaking and boating within 20-30 minutes of Denton. A camper at Conestoga State Recreation Area mentioned, "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... The lake was complete dredged out and the parks commission added several silt pond around the lake to capture silt run off."
Hiking options: Many recreation areas feature short trails and walking paths around the lakes. "There's some mowed/natural trails to hike and Area 1 has a fun 9-hole disc golf course," notes a camper at Pawnee State Recreation Area, making it one of the best places to camp near Denton, Nebraska for day activities.
What campers like
Secluded spots: For campers seeking quieter alternatives to busier campgrounds, several options exist. A visitor to Olive Creek Lake State Recreation Area noted, "If you want to avoid camper cities and crowded camp sites within 30 minutes of Lincoln Nebraska, Olive Creek is a good choice. Primative, tent only, and far enough from major roads to reduce man made noises."
Stargazing conditions: The rural setting creates excellent night sky viewing at several campgrounds near Denton. "Enjoy excellent star gazing away from city lights," recommends an Olive Creek Lake visitor, highlighting a natural amenity many campers appreciate.
Year-round access: Some campgrounds maintain winter availability for off-season camping. A visitor to Bluestem State Rec Area noted, "Really nice and clean place to relax for a couple days. And it's not busy if you like winter camping like I do."
What you should know
Permit requirements: Nebraska state parks and recreation areas charge entrance fees, typically $6-8 for in-state vehicles and higher for out-of-state visitors, separate from camping fees. "During the off season. $25.00 for electric. $14.00 entry fee for a vehicle. More than I was expecting," noted a camper at Area One Campground.
Highway noise: Some campgrounds are located near interstate highways, affecting the wilderness experience. A camper at Camp A Way Campground reported, "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."
Frequently Asked Questions
What camping is available near Denton, NE?
What camping is available near Denton, NE?
According to TheDyrt.com, Denton, NE offers a wide range of camping options, with 93 campgrounds and RV parks near Denton, NE and 3 free dispersed camping spots.
Which is the most popular campground near Denton, NE?
Which is the most popular campground near Denton, NE?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Denton, NE is Camp A Way Campground with a 4.6-star rating from 32 reviews.
Where can I find free dispersed camping near Denton, NE?
Where can I find free dispersed camping near Denton, NE?
According to TheDyrt.com, there are 3 free dispersed camping spots near Denton, NE.
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