Cabin camping near Denton, Nebraska provides visitors with accommodations across a 20-mile radius that spans multiple state recreation areas and private campgrounds. The area sits within the Salt Creek watershed at approximately 1,300 feet elevation, experiencing hot summers and cold winters with transitional spring and fall seasons. Water recreation opportunities are plentiful with multiple lakes and the Platte River serving as focal points for cabin-based accommodations.
What to do
Fishing opportunities: At Lake Wanahoo State Recreation Area, visitors find a well-stocked lake excellent for kayaking and bank fishing. "Great fishing and kayaking lake! Bike path goes all the way around the lake. Sites are large and spaced out. I prefer the ones along the water but you have to book early to get one," notes one visitor.
Water activities: Two Rivers State Recreation Area offers multiple lakes plus river access. "Whether I was riding a bike around the paved roads. Fishing in one of the sandpit lakes they have to offer, or the river. Walk around the nature trails, or lakes. Or swimming in the swimming area, or wading in the Platte River. I have alway felt at home at this park," shares one regular visitor.
Hiking trails: Platte River State Park Campground features extensive trail systems with varying difficulty levels. "I love Platte River State Park; there are accommodations for every type of camper - cabins, RV, privative - hell they even have teepees! On top of the excellent camping offered, they have a wealth of amazing hiking / biking trails that traverse through some amazing scenery," comments one hiker.
What campers like
Unique accommodations: Union Pacific Cabooses at Two Rivers provide distinctive lodging experiences. "We usually tent camp but have also stayed in the cabooses a couple times, the kids really enjoy that," shares one family. These converted train cars include small kitchens, bathrooms, air conditioning and beds with mattresses.
Family facilities: Camp A Way Campground receives praise for its numerous activities. "We were here years ago when the kids were all a little younger. They had such fond memories that we made it work to swing thru Lincoln again and they had a blast even as teenagers. So many fun activities for the kids and both times we've stayed in the patio sites," reports one repeat visitor.
Quieter alternatives: Memphis Lake State Recreation Area offers a more secluded cabin experience. "If you want to get away in Nebraska, this is the place. There's no electricity or running water. The outhouses are kinda gross. There's an awesome bar right outside the park, too," notes one camper seeking solitude.
What you should know
Weather considerations: Wind and temperature extremes affect comfort at some sites. At Lake Wanahoo State Recreation Area, "there is almost no wind break or shade throughout the area. High winds or extreme temperatures can wreak havoc on overnight trips. That also makes privacy tough to come by," warns one visitor.
Reservation timing: Booking windows vary by location, with peak season requiring advance planning. "This campground had amazing staff, was clean, and had great amenities. The sites are very small however, and to do anything besides swim and play on the playground you need to drive," notes a visitor at West Omaha / NE Lincoln KOA Holiday.
Highway noise: Several locations experience road noise due to proximity to interstates. At Double Nickel Campground, a visitor observed, "It is directly adjacent to the highway so there is some noise but it's not too bad. We actually felt it was quiet and relaxing."
Tips for camping with families
Swimming options: Eugene T. Mahoney State Park Campground has a wave pool that children enjoy despite entrance fees. "The pool is awesome. It was, however, expensive. $10 for adults (even as a non swimmer) and $8 for kids plus $3 to rent a tube for the wave pool," a family reports.
Activity variety: Two Rivers State Park features multiple recreational options beyond typical camping. "This campground is crowded with significant interstate noise. However there are many activities for kids including paddleboating, a wave pool, horse riding, ziplining, and playgrounds," explains one family visitor.
Extended stays: Cottonwood campground at Two Rivers provides riverside sites suitable for longer family visits. "Two rivers is my favorite Nebraska hidden gem! The state Rec Park is by both the Elkhorn and Platte rivers, thus it's name, Two Rivers. The Cottonwood camp area lays right on the Platte River and it is beautiful watching the sunset over the water," shares an enthusiastic camper.
Tips from RVers
Site selection: At Double Nickel Campground, RVers appreciate the thoughtful site assignments. "When I told the owner we had two dogs he put us directly across from the dog park which our pups really liked. Super cute touches around the place including bench swings at all the sites," reports one RVer.
Utility placement: Utilities vary significantly by location, affecting setup convenience. At Goldenrod Campground in Two Rivers SRA, "half of this campground has electric and half has none. It is right next to lake 4 with some beach access. There are both reservable and walk up sites here. The walk up process is a little strange."
Flooding concerns: During rain events, site elevation becomes important. "I stayed here on a night where it rained maybe as much as an inch, and some campsites did flood. I stayed at site 104 and it ended up being a good choice because it was shaded and on higher ground," advises an RVer at Goldenrod Campground.
