Camping options near Du Bois, Nebraska range from basic tent sites to full-service RV accommodations within a short drive. This agricultural region sits along the Missouri River basin where the Loess Hills create distinctive terrain features. Summer temperatures typically reach 85-95°F with high humidity, while spring and fall offer milder conditions with temperatures between 50-75°F for more comfortable camping experiences.
What to do
Explore hiking trails: At Waubonsie State Park, the trail system showcases the unique Loess Hills landscape. "We actually took 2 sites, one for us and one for my oldest sons site. This worked out and gave a little more space needed. This also gave us time to really explore those trails I was drooling over. We took one of the more scenic trails and took us over the top of some of those beautiful Loess Hills," notes a camper at Waubonsie State Park Campground.
Fishing opportunities: Duck Creek Recreation Area offers excellent bank fishing without needing a boat. "Fishing is great right off the bank. NRD permit required. Lots of sites but majority are on top of the hill away from the water," according to one visitor at Duck Creek Recreation Area.
Water activities: Big Lake State Park provides multiple water recreation options with rental equipment available. "You can kayak, canoe, jet ski, and boat. Its olny 30ft at the deepest point," reports a camper who enjoyed the lake despite its modest depth.
What campers like
Natural wildlife viewing: The camping areas provide opportunities to observe native birds and animals. "This park is a beautiful lake. We saw white pelicans and blue herons on this visit but it is not uncommon to see hawks, owls, and eagles in the area," notes a visitor to Duck Creek Recreation Area.
Scenic overlooks: The elevated terrain provides memorable views of the surrounding landscape. "If you go make sure you hike over to the sunset viewpoint that looks out to the West," recommends a visitor at Waubonsie State Park who appreciated the vantage points.
Quiet atmosphere: Big Lake State Park Campground offers a peaceful environment away from more crowded destinations. "Spmewhar small but quaint.....very family friendly there are not a lot of 'party people' that frequent here. It is a well kept park and we love it!" reports one satisfied camper.
What you should know
Seasonal flooding: River proximity means some campgrounds experience periodic closure due to high water levels. At Brownville Riverside Park, a local notes: "I work close to this park and watched as the town was making progress in restoring it to a nice campsite. Unfortunately, the river has flooded it out as of June 28, 2024 and it will likely be unusable for at least the remainder of this season."
Limited amenities at some locations: Not all campgrounds offer full services. "The grounds have private bathrooms with toilets and showers. There are two nice playgrounds and a swimming pool. Most campers were enjoying fishing in the small lake. Kayaks were available to rent for a small fee," explains a Big Lake State Park visitor about their facilities.
Wildlife encounters: Prepare for local wildlife interactions at campgrounds. "There are signs in the bathrooms warning of the raccoons. These signs are not exaggerating. We had a raccoon at our campsite trying to steal our food while we were there, like the raccoon was less than 10 feet from humans during mid-day," warns a Waubonsie State Park camper.
Tips for camping with families
Playground access: Several campgrounds maintain play areas specifically for children. "Great playground area for the kids," notes one visitor to Big Lake State Park about their recreation facilities.
Flat biking trails: Look for campgrounds with suitable riding surfaces for younger cyclists. "Kids enjoyed riding bikes around the flat roads," observed a visitor at Big Lake, highlighting the child-friendly infrastructure.
Swimming options: Rock Port RiversEdge Campground and other locations provide water recreation suitable for various ages. At Big Lake State Park, "There are two nice playgrounds and a swimming pool," making it suitable for families seeking both land and water activities.
Tips from RVers
Site spacing considerations: Many campgrounds have closely positioned sites. "This is my second review, because second time is a charm. Even though the campsites are closer together than I am use to. We actually took 2 sites," explains an RV camper at Waubonsie State Park who found a workable solution.
Pull-through availability: Big Lake State Park offers convenient access for larger vehicles. "Basic sites are large and some of the electric are also. The majority are pull through sites. Everything is fairly level and they have nice park, picnic areas and boat ramp."
Utility hookups: Rock Port RiversEdge Campground provides multiple power options. "30 & 50 amp hookups and water for a great price," notes a satisfied RVer about the electrical amenities and reasonable rates.
