Glamping options near Fort Calhoun, Nebraska extend beyond the immediate area, with multiple locations available within an hour's drive. The region sits along the Missouri River valley with elevations ranging from 970 to 1,300 feet, creating varied camping terrain. Winter temperatures can drop below freezing, making heated glamping structures particularly valuable during off-season visits.
What to do
Archery practice: At Hitchcock County Nature Center, visitors have access to an on-site archery range. "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!" notes Pat V., who regularly visits the area.
Hawk watching: The Loess Hills formation provides excellent bird watching opportunities, particularly for raptors. "Great hiking in Loess Hills, great Nature Center especially with programming of 'Hawk Watch'," explains James M. about Hitchcock County Nature Center's specialized wildlife viewing programs.
Paddleboarding: Lake Cunningham Campground offers equipment rentals for water activities. "Lake Cunningham is a fun destination for getting outside if you only have an afternoon to escape! The lake itself is great for kayaking, paddle boarding, and sailing! If you want to adventure but don't have your own gear there is a cute little paddle board shop that rents boards and kayaks by the hour," shares Kwin K.
What campers like
Electric hookups with lake views: Lake Wanahoo State Recreation Area provides multiple site options with water views. "Sites are large and spaced out. I prefer the ones along the water but you have to book early to get one," advises A H., who recommends planning ahead for premium locations.
Tent camping on tiered sites: Lake Wanahoo offers elevated tent camping areas with strategic lake views. "The tent camping area is huge and there always seems to be plenty of availability. We were the only tent in the entire area. The tiered tent area allows you to have a great view of the lake from wherever you setup," explains Pat V.
Concrete pads at renovated sites: Lake Cunningham Campground recently updated their facilities. "Love the new East lots. Full access with concrete pad. Tons of room between spots. Mini store on the property to buy ice, firewood, and food from," shares Connor S. about the improved camping infrastructure.
What you should know
Self-service check-in: Some campgrounds offer simplified arrival processes for late arrivals. "Stopped late after a long 12 hour drive. I loved the simple self service process. We picked an open spot, paid, and parked. The facilities were impressively clean and well maintained," reports Abby W. about her experience at Hitchcock County Nature Center.
Seasonal availability: Weather conditions affect campground operations from October through April. "This lake is one of the very few in Omaha that offers camping. And definitely of all types rv, and tent. But let me give you a disclaimer of why this is a 3 star. First the park is closed due to them draining it because of zebra mussels," explains Tony B. about potential closure issues.
Tree cover limitations: Newer recreation areas lack mature shade trees. "Lake Wanahoo is a fairly new lake in Saunders county Nebraska. Unfortunately when the lake and campground were built they planted saplings, so during the hot months there is no shade to be found," notes Pat V.
Tips for camping with families
Educational programs: Lewis and Clark State Park Campground offers historical exhibits about the explorers' journey. "They have a great visitor center with amazing displays and exhibits that mark the history of Lewis and Clark and their travels around the area," shares Timothy S.
Playground access: Multiple campgrounds feature play areas near campsites. "There's a pretty big playground near all the sites. When I went in the first weekend of October they had a little trick or treat night too!" explains Morgan K. about Lewis and Clark State Park's family-friendly amenities.
Nature center programs: Hitchcock County Nature Center runs specialized educational activities. "This is one of our favorite places to camp. It's beautiful and there's plenty of hiking. With the nature Center there is plenty for the kids to do. There's even a 1 mile hike on a boardwalk that's very easy. There's all levels of hikes. We love doing their extra classes," notes Karen W.
Tips from RVers
Dump station locations: At Lake Wanahoo, plan for dump station logistics. "When pulling your RV out here the water fill is in an awkward spot in a parking lot of the campground. To get to the dump station you have to leave the campground, get on the highway and drive to the opposite side of the lake to the day use area," advises Pat V.
Budget-friendly options: Tekamah Memorial Park provides economical camping within reach of Fort Calhoun. "Nice, quiet small town country sites. Close to town and stores. $15. Night in 2025. Fair. Good place for quiet, inexpensive nights. Quite a good deal," shares John G. about this affordable option.
Full hookup availability: West Omaha / NE Lincoln KOA Holiday provides complete RV services. "We stayed for only a night while passing though. The campgrounds were very clean, sites well maintained bathroom and showers were clean as well," explains Eileen H. about the well-maintained facilities.
