Fremont, Nebraska sits on the eastern edge of the state along the Platte River at an elevation of around 1,200 feet. Summer camping temperatures typically reach the mid-80s, while spring and fall bring milder 60-70°F days with cooler nights. The area features a mix of riverfront recreation areas and lake-based campgrounds within 45 minutes of the city.
What to Do
Fishing opportunities: Two Rivers State Recreation Area offers multiple fishing options across seven lakes plus river access. According to Tony B., "I have been going here since I was very little. Fishing in one of the sandpit lakes they have to offer, or the river... I have always felt at home at this park."
Water recreation: Lake Cunningham Campground provides non-motorized boating options. "The lake itself is great for kayaking, paddle boarding, and sailing! People do swim near the beach area but it is technically not allowed. I like the beach for letting my dog swim!" notes Kwin K.
Hiking trails: Platte River State Park features varied terrain for hikers of all skill levels. "I love Platte River State Park... they have a wealth of amazing hiking/biking trails that traverse through some amazing scenery. Just like the camping, you can pick between the less intensive paved walkways or you can walk along the hilly bluffs that contour the Platte River," explains Jared J.
Family activities: Eugene T. Mahoney State Park offers numerous recreational options. "This place has it all... Hiking trails, frisbee golf, horseback riding, driving range, fishing, tennis courts, river views, cabins!" states Charlie B.
What Campers Like
Unique accommodations: At Two Rivers SRA, visitors can stay in converted train cars. As Rick J. explains, "We usually tent camp but have also stayed in the cabooses a couple times, the kids really enjoy that."
Lakeside sites: Branched Oak Lake State Recreation Area offers premium waterfront campsites. One visitor notes, "The camp sites are forked out like the cul-de-sac properties, each facing the road and having a large portion of the lake or greens to themselves on the back."
Shaded spots: Oak Grove Campground at Two Rivers provides respite from summer heat. Shannon G. shares that it "has a nice amount of room between spots and lots of trees for shade."
Wildlife viewing: Louisville State Recreation Area offers opportunities to observe local birds and animals. "There are several lakes to choose from to fish, or nonpower boats. There are nature trails and some camping at river side of the Platte," explains Tony B.
What You Should Know
Train noise: Multiple campgrounds experience railroad disruptions. Justin R. warns about Louisville SRA: "This has the capability to be a great little state park, but and a huge one at that is at night the trains go by about every 17 minutes. The tracks run right get along the park."
Reservation recommendations: Two Rivers SRA fills quickly, especially on weekends. "The walk up process is a little strange. You get put on a waiting list and have to return to main office at 3. Then they start at beginning of list and people start choosing so get on waiting list early," advises Shannon G.
Flooding concerns: After heavy rain, some sites may become unusable. Sarah N. mentions about Goldenrod Campground at Two Rivers: "I stayed here on a night where it rained maybe as much as an inch, and some campsites did flood."
Interstate noise: Mahoney State Park experiences highway sounds. Jennifer M. notes it's a "busy campground with significant interstate noise. However there are many activities for kids."
Tips for Camping with Families
Water activities: Lake Cunningham Campground offers kid-friendly water recreation. "Awesome place! Fishing, paddle board rentals, and a park are a few things to do," shares Connor S.
Playgrounds: Two Rivers SRA features multiple play areas. According to Jared Diana S., there are "very nice camp sites and playgrounds for children nice clean fishing lakes and river access."
Swimming options: Mahoney State Park includes water features for hot days. Camden O. notes, "There are so many activities from your typical hiking experience to spending the day at the water park."
Kid-friendly fishing: Two Rivers SRA offers nearly guaranteed success for young anglers. Rick J. explains, "This is a great campground for camping and fishing with kids. The fishing is easy in all the lakes and they have a pay fishing trout lake that nearly guarantees success."
Tips from RVers
Full hookup sites: Lake Cunningham Campground recently added improved RV facilities. "Love the new East lots. Full access with concrete pad. Tons of room between spots," notes Connor S.
Site selection: At Lewis and Clark State Park, about 45 minutes from Fremont, RVers find quality amenities. Kathy F. shares, "Oh my the rate was 19.00 for full 50 amp hookup. Beautiful state park in the water nice level sites paved. Fire rings and tables."
Dump station access: Two Rivers SRA provides sanitation facilities with some limitations. The dump station at Louisville SRA can be challenging, as Pat V. mentions it's "a tight squeeze for anything other than a small bumper pull camper."
Electric options: For horse owners seeking campsites near Fremont, Nebraska with electrical service, Goldenrod Campground at Two Rivers offers partial accommodation. "Half of this campground has electric and half has none. It is right next to lake 4 with some beach access," explains Shannon G.