Cabin accommodations near Fort Calhoun, Nebraska range from rustic to modern, with proximity to the Loess Hills and Missouri River valley. Fort Calhoun sits at approximately 1,070 feet elevation in Washington County, about 15 miles north of Omaha. Seasonal considerations affect cabin availability, with some locations closing in winter months while others maintain year-round access.
What to do
Hiking extensive trail systems: At Hitchcock Nature Center in nearby Honey Creek, Iowa, trails accommodate various skill levels. "The hiking is fantastic and offers something for every skill level. There are absolutely gorgeous views of the Missouri River valley below. All trails are marked and there are multiple different trailheads," notes Pat V. The center includes a handicap-accessible boardwalk trail for visitors with mobility limitations.
Kayaking and paddleboating: Memphis Lake State Recreation Area offers calm waters ideal for non-motorized watercraft. "The lake is a no wake zone, so kayaks, and canoes are great," according to Tony B. Some locations rent equipment directly on site, eliminating the need to transport your own boats.
Archery practice: Hitchcock Nature Center maintains an on-site archery range for visitors looking to practice their skills. "As a family we go to Hitchcock a few times a year for the hiking and the archery range they have on-site. Both are excellent and a nice escape from the city!" reports Pat V.
What campers like
River views: Cottonwood Campground at Two Rivers State Recreation Area offers sites directly overlooking the water. "Two rivers is my favorite Nebraska hidden gem! The Cottonwood camp area lays right on the Platte River and it is beautiful watching the sunset over the water," writes Morgan W. For those seeking cabin options, Two Rivers offers converted train cabooses as unique sleeping quarters.
Lakeside tent sites: Memphis Lake State Recreation Area allows camping directly beside the water. "It is a nice spot a bit off of the main roads. Many of the tent sites allow you to camp right next to the lake. It's generally pretty quiet and people respect the 10 pm quiet hours rule," explains David L. Each site includes a picnic table and fire ring.
Wildlife viewing: Hitchcock Nature Center features a hawk watching tower for birdwatchers. "When your done with your hiking, climb up to the top of the towering platform and bring your binoculars to checkout the visiting hawks and occasional eagle," suggests Matt S. The nature center frequently hosts educational programs about local wildlife and conservation.
What you should know
Varying bathroom conditions: Facility quality differs significantly between locations. At Arrowhead Park, "20$ is a really good deal for a nice site with electricity, a picnic table on a cement slab and a hot free clean shower," reports Martin-Charles S. Meanwhile, Memphis Lake has more basic facilities: "The bathrooms could use an upgrade or a good cleaning, and the one by our site was locked up and not open," notes Tony B.
Self-service check-in: Some locations operate with minimal staff contact. "Stopped late after a long 12 hour drive. I loved the simple self service process. We picked an open spot, paid, and parked," explains Abby W. about Hitchcock Nature Center. This allows for late arrivals but may require understanding park procedures without assistance.
Seasonal pest considerations: Mosquitoes can be problematic during summer months. "Last time I was here, there was a drunk buffoon loudly carrying on late into the night. I was afraid of that this time but it was very quiet. Only late night sound was the occasional hoot of an owl," notes Gretchen V. about Two Rivers, adding, "bring your Skeeter spray!"
Tips for camping with families
Swimming options: West Omaha/NE Lincoln KOA Holiday provides structured water recreation. "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," explains Rebekah S. The swimming facilities give children a safer alternative to river swimming.
Educational programs: Hitchcock Nature Center offers regular family-friendly events. "They have Nature education events, archery range, a handicapped accessible boardwalk trail, hiking trails, camping, etc. During the winter they even offer snowshoeing events," describes Pat V. These structured activities help keep children engaged.
Playground facilities: Multiple campgrounds feature playground equipment. At Arrowhead Park, "Our family and another family shared a primitive tent site near the back of the park. The kids enjoyed riding bikes up and down gravel roads, looking for frogs, and playing on the playground," shares Sarah H. These amenities provide entertainment between other outdoor activities.
Tips from RVers
Site selection strategy: Platte River State Park offers various accommodation options for RVers and those seeking cabin rentals. "This park offers a lot of nature activities. You can hike the many hiking trails to the mini waterfall, or Platte river. They have paddle boat and Kayak rentals. There is a splash park, shooting, archer ranges, horseback riding. There is an RV park, cabins, and a newer tent area," notes Tony B.
Campsite spacing considerations: West Omaha/NE Lincoln KOA Holiday campsites have proximity limitations. "The campground itself was fine and very convenient in location to visit family. What the 'but' is, is that we were given an inappropriate size space for the rig we stated, super narrow and we stuck over the road by 2 feet," warns Stacy M. Request larger sites when booking if traveling with bigger rigs.
Utility hookup availability: Two Rivers State Recreation Area offers multiple campground sections with varying amenities. "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," explains Shannon G. about Goldenrod Campground. Check specific campground sections when booking to ensure appropriate hookups.
