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Best Campgrounds near Dwight, NE

511 Reviews

Camping near Dwight, Nebraska encompasses several lake-oriented state recreation areas and private campgrounds within a 30-mile radius. The region features Branched Oak Lake State Recreation Area, one of the largest lakes in eastern Nebraska, along with Pawnee State Recreation Area and several Natural Resource District (NRD) managed properties. These areas provide a mix of developed campgrounds with RV hookups, primitive tent sites, and some free camping options. Many campgrounds sit along lakeshores, offering water recreation opportunities including fishing, kayaking, and swimming beaches. According to reviews, Branched Oak Lake is considered "the best lake in Nebraska for camping" with lakeside tent sites and clean facilities.

Most state recreation areas in the region require entrance permits, with additional fees for non-Nebraska residents. Campgrounds typically operate year-round, though summer brings higher occupancy rates and potential for crowding, especially at waterfront sites. Weather conditions vary dramatically by season, with hot, humid summers and cold winters. Severe thunderstorms are common in spring and summer months, with some campgrounds providing storm shelters. Reservations are recommended for weekend camping during peak season (May through September), as popular sites fill quickly. One camper noted, "These sites fill up FAST. Go out on a Friday at 3 pm, there will not be sites left."

The camping experience varies significantly between locations. RV-oriented campgrounds like Camp A Way offer family amenities including pools, playgrounds, and organized activities, while primitive sites at places like Timber Point Wetland provide more natural settings with minimal facilities. Several NRD lakes offer free or low-cost camping with basic amenities. Most campgrounds allow pets and have fire rings, though some have noise issues from nearby highways or train tracks. Water access is inconsistent across locations, with one visitor to Branched Oak noting that "drinking water access was difficult." Cell service is generally available throughout the region, though signal strength varies by carrier and specific location.

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Best Camping Sites Near Dwight, Nebraska (94)

    1. Branched Oak Lake State Rec Area

    28 Reviews
    Malcolm, NE
    10 miles
    Website
    +1 (402) 783-3400

    $25 - $35 / night

    "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."

    2. Lakeview Campground — Pawnee State Recreation Area

    25 Reviews
    Malcolm, NE
    18 miles
    Website
    +1 (402) 796-2362

    $30 / night

    "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."

    3. Camp A Way Campground

    31 Reviews
    Lincoln, NE
    22 miles
    Website
    +1 (402) 476-2282

    $35 - $67 / night

    "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"

    4. Timber Point Wetland

    4 Reviews
    Brainard, NE
    6 miles
    Website

    "No people really, just a bunch of cows you pass as you drive down the gravelly/sandy roads to get to it. No mosquitoes, but bullfrogs aplenty throughout the night."

    "My favorite campgrounds are the ones that are a little out of the way on unpaved roads in the middle of nowhere :-) there was a pretty lake, a bathroom, a dumpster, and a map of the hikes."

    5. Area One Campground

    6 Reviews
    Malcolm, NE
    12 miles

    "While Nebraska can't do much about the 90+ temps, they sure do make their campgrounds fun to be around when there's water involved."

    "Branched Oak-Area One Campground is 2 1/2 miles north of Malcom Nebraska. There are many different areas offering over 330 pads and tons of primitive camping."

    6. Wildwood Lake

    5 Reviews
    Valparaiso, NE
    10 miles
    Website

    7. Area Three Campground

    2 Reviews
    Malcolm, NE
    10 miles

    "Late October tent camping- low around 19f... we seemed to be the only souls in the place.

    Our site was a few hundred yards from the lake, and we had a great morning walk."

    8. Branched Oak Dam-Site 18 Liebers Point

    2 Reviews
    Malcolm, NE
    12 miles

    9. Valparaiso

    1 Review
    Valparaiso, NE
    10 miles
    Website

    10. Blue Valley Campground

    2 Reviews
    Seward, NE
    13 miles
    Website
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Recent Camping Photos near Dwight, NE

111 Photos of 94 Dwight Campgrounds

Recent Reviews near Dwight, NE

511 Reviews of 94 Dwight Campgrounds

  • Krystal T.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 15, 2025

    York Kampground

    Quick overnight stay

    This campground was perfect for what we needed. Which was a place to rest on a longer journey. The host was super helpful and friendly when we needed to switch spots and answer some questions. The bathhouse was clean and the neighbors were kind and respectful. Very close to fast food and gas stations! Would definitely stay again.

  • AThe Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 11, 2025

    Fremont Lakes State Recreation Area Tent Campsites

    Great state rec area

    Impressive recreation area. Campsites on and off of the water, all very nice. Lots of walking and bike riding. 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.

  • Trav S.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 10, 2025

    Walnut Creek Lake & Recreation Area

    Sewer Dump Available

    This is a very cool park in Papillion, Nebraska!

    It also has a sewer dump site for $5 (if you're not camping). See the camp host to pay.

  • Travis A.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 3, 2025

    Yankee hill wildlife management area

    Good over night spot

    Situated in the middle of corn fields. The WMA has a large marshy, stagnant pond, so bring mosquito repellent. The parking area is clean. There is a dumpster and vault toilet. I didnt inspect it, I'll leave that up to you. No potable water, but Lincoln Nebraska is only 17 miles away.

  • wThe Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 25, 2025

    Smiths Creek Recreational Area

    Perfect

    It was not far off the highway but no road noise. Great place for a free overnight camp.

  • JThe Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 24, 2025

    Smith Creek Recreation Area

    Quick overnight stay

    We had a quick one night stay as a van camper. Parked in the stone parking area adjacent to the toilets. A single bright light lit the entire parking lot. We arrived at 9:00 and quickly set up for sleeping. It was dark, our interior car lights immediately attracted numerous bugs. Late in the evening, a vehicle can't in and did a couple of "doughnuts" in the parking lot. It was a nice place overall for a single night.

  • MThe Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 22, 2025

    Wagon Train State Recreation Area

    Pricey!

    Nice campground with reasonable camp fees, however, they require day use fees as well, which makes it pricey. The lake does not have any water in it either. Only stayed 1 nite, but would probably not stay again.

  • Allison B.
    Aug. 20, 2025

    Pine Grove RV Park & Campground

    Fantastic campground in ideal location

    We have camped here for the past three summers and will continue to come back for as long as we can.  Word to the wise: ignore any reviews prior to July 2023. That's when the new owners took over and have been making updates and improvements from day 1. We love the friendly staff, the onsite cafe, and the beautiful pool.  The owners take great care of the pool, so our grandkids come out and swim with us whenever they can.  So. many campground pools are a bit scary, but not this one.  

    We also love the front row seat to fabulous sunsets.  Some people complain about the I-80 noise, but it really varies. We never hear it when we are inside our motorhome.  Some evenings it is pretty loud outside and others we can barely hear it. It's worth it either way because we can hop on the interstate so quickly and be in Lincoln or Omaha in a snap.  

    Love this place!

  • Austin B.The Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 15, 2025

    Area 5 Campground

    Simple and quiet

    Features:

    • self service
    • primitive camp sites
    • fire pits
    • picnic tables
    • vault toilets
    • plenty of shade
    • hand pump well water drinking fountain
    • a very dry lake
    • a boat ramp that leads to a dry lake bed overtaken by weeds
    • bugs bugs bugs
    • okay night skies

    This little spot is well maintained with mowed camping sections that each have numbered picnic tables and a fire pit. The picnic tables have a little placard to display your camping permit, which is just gotten from a board at the entrance to the campground. There are vault toilets that are definitely not the worst I've seen. And there's a cute little hand pump well water drinking fountain that I wouldn't trust drinking from, but it was fun to pump the water out for a minute or two! The lake was, unfortunately, extremely dry during my visit. There was no direct path to the water bank without cutting through a jungle of a dry lake bed covered in, likely tick infested, weeds. But at least the boat ramp would've served as a great foot/wheelchair ramp to walk down to the water...if there was a path through all the weeds. Lastly, bugs and mosquitoes were torture, but that's to be expected in Nebraska in August. Just be sure to bring your bug spray, and maybe wait to come by until some year when the lake is full.

Guide to Dwight

Camping near Dwight, Nebraska, offers a mix of beautiful landscapes and fun activities for everyone. Whether you're looking for a peaceful retreat or a family-friendly adventure, there are several campgrounds to explore.

What to do

  • Hiking and Trails: Many campgrounds have great walking trails. For instance, at Eugene T. Mahoney State Park Campground, visitors enjoy "nice walking trails and facilities" that cater to families.
  • Water Activities: If you love water, check out Branched Oak Lake State Rec Area. Campers have shared that it’s "very clean" and offers many sites right on the water, perfect for fishing or just relaxing by the lake.
  • Family Fun: At Camp A Way Campground, families can enjoy "tons of fun activities for the kids!" This campground is known for being kid-friendly and has a great atmosphere.

What campers like

  • Clean Facilities: Campers appreciate cleanliness. One visitor at Fremont Lakes State Recreation Area noted that the "facilities were very clean," making for a pleasant stay.
  • Friendly Staff: Many campers mention the helpfulness of the staff. At Double Nickel Campground, a reviewer said, "You will not find better service anywhere," highlighting the welcoming environment.
  • Spacious Campsites: Campers enjoy having space. At Pawnee State Recreation Area, one camper remarked on the "nice mature shade trees" and the privacy offered by the layout of the sites.

What you should know

  • Noise Levels: Some campgrounds can be noisy. A visitor at Recharge Lake Campground mentioned that "the trains are not in the distance!" This might be something to consider if you’re a light sleeper.
  • Fees: Be prepared for additional fees. At Memphis Lake State Rec Area, one camper noted a "day use fee of $14 for out of state," which can add up.
  • Limited Amenities: Some campgrounds, like Smith Creek Recreation Area, may not have drinking water or electric hookups. It's good to check what’s available before you go.

Tips for camping with families

  • Activities for Kids: Look for campgrounds with playgrounds or organized activities. At Camp A Way Campground, families can enjoy "basketball, volleyball, miniature golf," and more.
  • Safety First: Always keep an eye on little ones, especially near water. One parent at Branched Oak Lake State Rec Area mentioned that the "campsites are very close together," so it’s important to supervise kids.
  • Pack Snacks: Having snacks on hand can make a big difference. A camper at Pawnee State Recreation Area enjoyed the "picnic tables permanently in the ground," making it easy to have meals outdoors.

Tips from RVers

  • Check Hookups: Make sure to confirm the availability of electric hookups. A reviewer at Double Nickel Campground appreciated the "full hookups" available at their site.
  • Level Sites: Look for campgrounds with level sites for easier setup. At Eugene T. Mahoney State Park Campground, one camper noted that their site was "also level," which made their stay more comfortable.
  • Plan for Noise: Be prepared for some road noise. A visitor at Recharge Lake Campground mentioned that "loud road noises keep waking you up," so consider bringing earplugs.

Camping near Dwight, Nebraska, has something for everyone, from families to solo adventurers. Just remember to check the specific amenities and features of each campground to find the best fit for your trip!

Frequently Asked Questions

What camping is available near Dwight, NE?

According to TheDyrt.com, Dwight, NE offers a wide range of camping options, with 94 campgrounds and RV parks near Dwight, NE and 2 free dispersed camping spots.

Which is the most popular campground near Dwight, NE?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Dwight, NE is Branched Oak Lake State Rec Area with a 4.1-star rating from 28 reviews.

Where can I find free dispersed camping near Dwight, NE?

According to TheDyrt.com, there are 2 free dispersed camping spots near Dwight, NE.

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