Best Tent Camping near Fremont, NE

Tent camping options near Fremont, Nebraska include several established campgrounds within a short drive of the city. Fremont Lakes State Recreation Area offers tent campsites with basic amenities, though many sites lack shade. Johnson Park, while listed in directories, does not permit camping according to local regulations. Two Rivers State Recreation Area's Riverside Campground, located in nearby Waterloo, provides tent sites along the river with more natural surroundings.

Most tent sites in the Fremont area feature standard amenities like picnic tables and fire rings, though facilities vary significantly between locations. Fremont Lakes provides drinking water, showers, and toilets, making it suitable for campers seeking more conveniences. Sites at Two Rivers SRA offer similar amenities with the added benefit of riverside locations. Primitive tent camping options are limited in the immediate Fremont area, with most designated sites requiring camping permits and payment of daily fees. During peak summer months, reservations are recommended for weekend camping, particularly at Fremont Lakes.

For tent campers seeking more secluded experiences, Preparation Canyon State Park offers walk-in backcountry tent sites approximately 60 miles northwest of Fremont. These hike-in only sites provide a more immersive natural experience with picnic tables and fire rings but no showers or modern toilets. The park features eight designated backcountry campsites accessible via hiking trails, offering greater privacy than drive-in locations. The terrain includes unique Loess Hills formations with hiking opportunities on nearly 8 miles of trails. A visitor noted, "If you're looking for a relaxing backcountry retreat for a little backpacking adventure then this is a great weekend option. Beginner to intermediate level trails that are good for the whole family."

Best Tent Sites Near Fremont, Nebraska (12)

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Tent Camping Reviews near Fremont, NE

552 Reviews of 12 Fremont Campgrounds


  • J
    Aug. 28, 2020

    Arrowhead Park Campground

    Peaceful Serenity

    I arrived just in time to see the beautiful sunset over the small lake near the primitive campground closest to the Park Office. It only cost $10 for tent camping and $3 for a vehicle pass. Campground and vault toilets were pretty clean. There is a fire ring and picnic table at each tent campsite and there are plenty to choose from near the water. You can bring your own kayak or canoe and even fish here. We had a nice encounter from the campground employee who explained how to put the stake out to claim our campsite. Right away, I saw abundant wildlife, including turkey, deer, black squirrels, woodpeckers, geese, ducks and bats. Come prepared for the mosquitoes but overall I would highly recommend this place!

  • D
    Sep. 16, 2020

    Memphis Lake State Rec Area

    Camping Right on the Lake

    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. Each site has a picnic table and fire ring.

  • C
    May. 5, 2024

    Czechland Lake Recreation Area

    Great first come first serve campground

    This is a nice small campground that is well taken care of. We stayed at site number 8 which may be one of the more unlevel spots. The passenger side of our 5th wheel was about 7" lower than driver side and rear of fifth wheel was about 3" lower than front before we levelled out. 

    Pros:

    -Well maintained walking trails that are perfect for dogs

    -Most sites have 30 and 50 amp hookups

    -Fire rings and picnic tables at most sites

    -$18 a night for electric hookups

    -Quiet

    Cons:

    -Some sites are very unlevel  

    -No water or dump station

  • Jennifer T.
    May. 28, 2024

    Branched Oak Lake State Rec Area

    Beautiful spot

    We spent Memorial weekend here in 2022. We had to park in a designated parking spot and walk in to set our tent. The site was shady and came with a picnic table, fire ring and We were right on the shores of the lake. It was a beautiful and very relaxing to hear the waves, although the wind coming across the lake was mighty fierce and destroyed the canopy that we had over the picnic table. And the beating of the tent all night long was a little hard to get some decent sleep. But the area was nice and close to the restrooms and spacious campsites

  • Kyla B.
    Sep. 19, 2025

    Czechland Lake Recreation Area

    Peaceful

    Has fishing, kayaking, hiking, 3 covered picnic areas with electricity, wildlife watching, no-wake boating, 11 (50 amp) RV/tent pads/sites at $20 per night, 3 free non-electrical RV/tent pads/sites, & free tent camping area by the dock. No park permit required. Can pay for pads/sites with cash or with mobile phone. Sites have trash cans, picnic tables and fire rings. Primitive bathrooms available. Water spigots available and working. No dumpsite. Dogs welcome but must be leashed.

    May be difficult parking for larger rigs (35ft+) due to the one way entrance and curvature of the campground. Also note that you will need to bring leveling blocks for nearly every site since the campground is build on a hill.

    https://lpnnrd.org/outdoor-recreation/czechland-lake-recreation-area/

  • LThe Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 11, 2025

    Lake Manawa State Park Campground

    Nice metro campground

    Large concrete pads with patio and permanently mounted mesh steel picnic table with a fire pit grill on the corner.. Lakeside locations are quite well spaced with a panoramic Lake view. small restroom and shower pair with unisex entry. Quite spartan, but relatively clean. Trees surround the campground, but none provide any campground shade. Entry gate code required, which provides some security. all amenities are available within a limited distance. Some lake activity noises during the day, and depending upon wind, some aircraft traffic, otherwise very quiet.

  • Sarah H.
    Aug. 7, 2016

    Arrowhead Park Campground

    Easy Family Camping Near Omaha

    Our family and another family shared a primitive tent site near the back of the park. We were first and foremost impressed with the freedom we had in choosing our site. Tent camping here is non-reservable, but once you enter the park, you may choose from any spots containing a fire pit outside of RV loops. Tent sites range from lake-front, to playground side, to more private sites on the outer rim of the park. We chose a large, private site at the back of the park. This site was well maintained and had enough space to easily accommodate two families of four. We even had a picnic shelter all to ourselves. Our site was lined by woods and farmland and had a good view of a small pond. The night was full of exciting animal noises from both the nearby farm and pond. Vault toilets were a short walk away with clean shower facilities just a few loops away. The kids enjoyed riding bikes up and down gravel roads, looking for frogs, and playing on the playground. Canoe and paddle boat rental is extremely reasonable. Hiking trails near the park entrance are rugged. The staff was incredibly kind and easy-going, yet attentive. Just a short drive from neighboring towns, this is a good starter campground for families with younger kids. We hope to return in winter to check out the camping cabins.

  • Shelly S.The Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 16, 2018

    Lakeview Campground — Pawnee State Recreation Area

    Roomy but not

    Pawnee Lake State Recreation Area was within 30 minutes of Lincoln, NE . Try to make sure all essentials are packed to enjoy your stay without frequent trips to town. This is one of those spots where you can easily park the car and use other means of transportation for your whole visit.(ie, feet, bike, boat, horse, etc.)

    There are options to where you camp. RV sites and tent in three different areas. This is not my favorite sort of tent camping, you have to park and walk everything to your site. Some tent sites are located right on the lake which is nice, you can easily park your watercraft nearby. However if it’s busy your neighbors are going to be very nearby. Not much privacy in that case. We however were completely alone when we visited, the crappy weather played a part I’m sure. Shade, which we didn’t need and picnic tables. If you have a hammock you may have an issue with getting it hung, bring alternate means of suspension.

    The trails are multi-use so pay attention. We were hiking in the rain so did not see anyone but the trail apples were fresh. Were we hiked it was grassy and mostly level, there was an area where hikers had trails to themselves and a few benches to sit on.

    The lake looked nice but I didn’t see anyone on it. I didn’t see any algae signs but the weather may have been a factor too. We overnighted so I didn’t get to completely explore the entire area. It was pretty quiet, some motor noises but they were more of a background noise. Worth an extended stay as long as the lake is open.

  • Pat V.
    Sep. 7, 2019

    Lake Wanahoo State Recreation Area

    Really nice campground that is missing shade

    Lake Wanahoo is a fairly new lake in Saunders county Nebraska. The lake is part of the local NRD and was originally managed by the state parks department. You used to be able to use your state park permit to gain entry, but now you need to either buy a day pass or a yearly pass from the NRD.

    There are plenty of places to camp here including gravel pads and grass pads for RV’s. While most people seem to prefer the gravel pads closer to the lake, we actually prefer grass pads because they are 2-3 larger, so you have more room to setup.

    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. All RV and tent spots have picnic tables and fire rings. Unfortunately when the lake and campground were built they planted saplings, so during the hot months there is no shade to be found.

    The is still plenty to do at the lake from getting the fishing boat out, using their three wide boat ramp or fishing from the shore using bank or using a jetty. There is a gravel trail that goes all the way around the lake, which provides about a three mile loop. The trail also leads down into the town of Wahoo. There are two large play areas for kids. One is in the campground and one is across the lake in the day use area.

    No matter where you go you are not far from a restroom. There are nice clean vault toilets available all around the lake. There is also a large bathroom/shower house in the campground. The shower house does have a change machine on the outside of the build to get change for the showers. These are kept very clean and tidy.

    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. These were just installed a couple years ago. They are nice and level, but just add a bit of driving to get to them.

    All-in-all this is a nice place and in a few more years of tree growth, it could be even better!


Guide to Fremont

Tent camping near Fremont, Nebraska centers around several state recreation areas with varied terrain and water access. The region experiences cold winters with temperatures occasionally dropping below 20°F, while summer camping sees high temperatures often exceeding 90°F. Train noise can be a significant factor at certain campgrounds, with tracks running near popular camping areas.

What to do

Biking opportunities: At Fremont Lakes State Recreation Area, cyclists can enjoy wooded trails connecting different parts of the park. "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," notes Anji L.

Lake activities: The multiple small lakes at Fremont Lakes offer water recreation options, though water conditions vary. "Make sure you ask when they dredged the lakes that you want to stay on," advises Molly M., highlighting the importance of checking lake conditions before planning activities.

River exploration: At Two Rivers State Recreation Area, campers can access the river for tubing and wading. "The river is decently safe and a good place to tube," explains Emily M. When water levels are low, visitors can explore temporary sandbars: "When the river is low, you can go play on the beach. We've even walked through the water to go play on the islands."

Hiking the Loess Hills: The unique geological formations at Preparation Canyon State Park offer distinctive hiking options 60 miles from Fremont. "Hike through the hilled prairie trail which is the first right as you enter from the Eastside Boundary, and you'll know why you came," says Christopher S. The park features nearly 8 miles of maintained trails.

What campers like

Multiple small lakes: Fremont Lakes SRA offers numerous water bodies for different activities. "There are at least a dozen small lakes part of the grounds. The new lakes are busy and full of RVs. If you want a less busy area, find the older section," recommends Alyssa E.

Clean facilities: Despite some limitations, the cleanliness of facilities receives praise. "Facilities were very clean. Cleanest I have ever seen in a campground," notes a Fremont Lakes camper, making it suitable for those concerned about bathroom conditions.

Riverside camping: Riverside Campground offers tent sites directly adjacent to water. "There are spots where you can tent camp right by the river," says Robin E., noting this proximity as a major advantage over other area campgrounds.

Secluded walk-in sites: For those seeking privacy, walk-in sites provide separation from developed areas. "I chose the closest walk-in spot, less than a mile in. It was great! Near a little creek if you need water, and really nicely secluded," reports Alison D. about her experience at Preparation Canyon.

What you should know

Train noise concerns: Fremont Lakes campers should prepare for significant railway disruption. "There is a very busy set of train tracks that run about every 20 minutes all day and all night. Didn't get any sleep, even with earplugs," warns Alyssa E. Highway noise compounds this issue.

Limited primitive options: Pelican Point State Recreation Area has minimal primitive camping. "This campground is conveniently located at a boat ramp. It has 2 primitive campsites and a vault toilet. The campsites had signs that said $15," explains John A., indicating the limited availability.

Shade considerations: Tent campers should note that many sites lack tree cover. "Not much shade on most tent sites," cautions Molly M. about Fremont Lakes, making summer camping potentially uncomfortable without proper shade equipment.

Price-to-amenity ratio: Some campsites charge fees disproportionate to their offerings. "For $15 you can do better in Nebraska," notes Charles C. regarding Area Three Campground, which provides only basic picnic tables and fire pits despite the cost.

Tips for camping with families

Beginner-friendly trails: Preparation Canyon State Park offers accessible hiking for all skill levels. "Beginner to intermediate level trails that are good for the whole family," notes Tony M., making it suitable for family hiking expeditions without excessive difficulty.

Breakfast options: Two Rivers SRA features a family-run convenience store with affordable meals. "There is a convenience store ran by a very nice family and they make a great breakfast for a low cost. We like to get up early and walk across the park to breakfast and then walk back to our campsite," shares Robin E.

Badge opportunities: Scout groups can benefit from educational programs near Fremont. "The park has many, many opportunities to earn badges. You can even take a short hike into a little outdoor nature classroom," explains a Two Rivers visitor, noting the educational value for organized youth groups.

Tips from RVers

Site selection strategy: For Area Three Campground, RV campers should know about site positioning relative to amenities. "On the east end there are sites right on the water," advises Charles C., though he notes these are primitive sites lacking hookups.

Early morning noise: Be prepared for maintenance disruptions at some campgrounds. "We were also by the dumpster, and they came by to empty it around 7am. Probably a Monday morning problem, but still worth mentioning," warns Chelsea K. about Area Three Campground.

Winter camping conditions: Cold weather camping requires preparation, with temperatures dropping significantly. "Late October tent camping- low around 19F... we seemed to be the only souls in the place," reports Chelsea K., highlighting both the solitude and extreme temperatures possible during shoulder season camping.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is the most popular tent campsite near Fremont, NE?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular tent campground near Fremont, NE is Fremont Lakes State Recreation Area Tent Campsites with a 4-star rating from 3 reviews.

What is the best site to find tent camping near Fremont, NE?

TheDyrt.com has all 12 tent camping locations near Fremont, NE, with real photos and reviews from campers.