Fremont, Nebraska camping options extend beyond the glamping setups described at Lake Wanahoo and Two Rivers. The area sits at approximately 1,200 feet elevation in the eastern Nebraska plains where the Platte River ecosystem creates diverse habitats for outdoor recreation. Local campgrounds experience hot summers with average July temperatures near 86°F and cold winters that limit camping primarily to April through October unless using RVs or yurts.
What to do
Trail exploration at Hitchcock Nature Center: Located 30 miles northeast of Fremont in the unique Loess Hills formation. "This place has a lot to offer anyone. They have Nature education events, archery range, a handicapped accessible boardwalk trail, hiking trails, camping, etc. There are miles of trail available with backcountry camping available for $10 per night," notes reviewer Pat V. about Hitchcock County Nature Center.
Fishing opportunities year-round: Lake Cunningham provides well-stocked fishing areas with multiple access points. "Fishing, paddle board rentals, and a park are a few things to do. Awesome place!" writes Connor S. about Lake Cunningham Campground. Bank fishing from multiple jetties proves successful for many campers.
Winter yurt camping near Fremont: Several campgrounds offer cold-weather accommodations. "I love Platte River State Park; there are accommodations for every type of camper - cabins, RV, primitive - hell they even have teepees!" notes Jared J. from Platte River State Park Campground.
What campers like
Spacious sites with privacy: Cottonwood Campground at Two Rivers offers well-spaced riverside accommodations. "Two rivers is my favorite Nebraska hidden gem! The state Rec Park is by both the Elkhorn and Platte rivers, thus its name, Two Rivers," states Morgan W. about Cottonwood — Two Rivers SRA, adding "the Cottonwood camp area lays right on the Platte River and it is beautiful watching the sunset over the water."
Family-friendly amenities: Camp A Way provides excellent infrastructure for families. "Very kid friendly with tons of activities. Awesome playground, pool, water slide and more! Super cute place to stay with family," says Samantha S. about Camp A Way Campground. The campground includes organized activities throughout summer months.
Accessibility to water: Branched Oak Lake offers immediate lake access from multiple camping areas. "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," explains Patheeka about Branched Oak Lake State Rec Area. Many sites feature direct water access for kayaking and swimming.
What you should know
Seasonal water levels affect activities: River access at Two Rivers depends on current conditions. "Two rivers has several lakes with a variety of different fishing options... A swimming beach for kids, and river access when the river is low enough," notes Morgan W. about Cottonwood Campground.
Reservation requirements vary: Some campgrounds fill quickly during peak season. "This is a very nice 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," explains Pat V. about Lake Wanahoo.
Shade availability differs significantly: Newer campgrounds often lack mature trees. "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... Unfortunately when the lake and campground were built they planted saplings, so during the hot months there is no shade to be found," writes Pat V. about Lake Wanahoo State Recreation Area.
Tips for camping with families
Playground options: Lewis and Clark State Park provides extensive play structures. "We were able to reserve an electric unit (#30) right off the lake and across the road from the large playground (~5 setups for different age groups). We could watch the kids play while getting food ready or preparing a line to throw in the water," explains N K. about Lewis and Clark State Park.
Swimming areas for children: Multiple lakes offer designated swimming zones away from boat traffic. "This is a very nice campground right off I-80 at the Lincoln downtown exit... There were so many things for younger kids to do. I wish I would have known about this place when mine were younger," notes Shannon G. about Camp A Way Campground.
Winter yurt camping for families near Fremont: Yurt accommodations provide comfort in cooler months. "They have a couple of different kinds of cabins. There's a bunch of trails! The park in general is beautiful," states Jordan H. about Platte River State Park, which also offers yurt accommodations year-round.
Tips from RVers
Full hookup availability: Lake Cunningham's newer sites include modern amenities. "The sites have concrete pads with power, but no water or sewer. There is a fill station on the way in. You can pay $1 for a hot shower in the comfort station, which is very clean," explains Alana R. about Lake Cunningham Campground.
Site selection guidance: Choose based on your needs rather than availability. "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," advises Pat V. about Lake Wanahoo.
Seasonal access considerations: Water systems shut down in colder months. "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," notes Pat V. about Lake Wanahoo.
