Camping spots near Boys Town, Nebraska are concentrated in the eastern Nebraska prairie region where elevation ranges from 980 to 1,300 feet. The area sits within the Missouri River Valley watershed, creating opportunities for waterfront recreation at various lakes and along the Platte River. Summer camping season brings humidity and temperatures regularly exceeding 85°F, while spring and fall offer milder conditions with occasional thunderstorms.
What to do
Archery practice: Hitchcock Nature Center offers an on-site archery range where campers can 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!" according to a Hitchcock County Nature Center visitor.
Paddleboarding and kayaking: Rent watercraft at Lake Cunningham for lake exploration. "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. They also offer classes!" notes a Lake Cunningham Campground reviewer.
Hiking the Loess Hills: Explore unique geological formations at Hitchcock Nature Center. "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, many which start around the visitors center/tower Overlook."
Horse riding: Several parks offer horseback riding opportunities. "There are so many activities from your typical hiking experience to spending the day at the water park to being able to take the family mini golfing," mentions a reviewer about Platte River State Park Campground.
What campers like
Concrete RV pads: Lake Cunningham's renovated campground features level sites. "Tons of room between spots. Mini store on the property to buy ice, firewood, and food from. Fishing, paddle board rentals, and a park are a few things to do. Awesome place!" writes a camper about the improved facilities.
Evening views: Campsites along ridges provide scenic vistas. "At night you can see the Omaha skyline lit up and the breeze running through there is wonderful," notes a camper about Hitchcock Nature Center's ridge-top sites.
Convenience to Omaha: Two Rivers State Recreation Area offers proximity to urban amenities while feeling removed. "It's flat and easy for young kids to bike around all the different lakes(ponds). Plus the Platte river is right there too that adds a great ambient sound. Lots of cottonwood trees for shade."
Unique accommodations: Railway enthusiasts appreciate the caboose lodging at Two Rivers. "If you enjoy some extra comforts, rent one of the train cabooses which feature a small kitchen, bathroom, AC and beds with mattresses. Our kids loved the lofted full sized bed."
What you should know
Train noise impacts sleep: Multiple campgrounds near Boys Town experience railroad disruptions. "The train tracks run right get along the park. You are right on the edge of the town of Louisville which is nice if you need something you forgot," notes a Louisville State Recreation Area camper.
Interstate noise: Some campgrounds have highway noise. "This is a really nice state park. There are plenty to do. My son and I camped for one night. The only not so good thing about camping in this park is that it is so close to the interstate. My son was unable to fall asleep," mentions a Eugene T. Mahoney visitor.
Shower costs: Pay attention to shower facilities and potential fees. "You can pay $1 for a hot shower in the comfort station, which is very clean. The lake is right there, with a nice bike path that comes all the way around," explains a Lake Cunningham camper.
Site spacing varies significantly: Some campgrounds have tightly packed sites while others offer space. "This is the Walmart of camping grounds. The campsites are stacked on top of each other and are always packed!" warns one Eugene T. Mahoney camper, contrasting with the "very spacious" sites at other locations.
Tips for camping with families
Family-friendly fishing: Walnut Creek Lake & Recreation Area provides accessible fishing opportunities. "This lake in Papillion, Nebraska is a great little lake. Probably one of the best in metro area of Omaha. The fishing is always as well as the kayaking is as well, (especially novice like myself)," shares a reviewer.
Kid-friendly amenities: Look for campgrounds with multiple activities. "It's a beautiful campground. They have plenty of clean open spots. Not a lot of shade. Nice playground and fishing was super fun. My kids loved it and we would camp here again if not in a pop up with no shower," notes a Walnut Creek camper.
Playground considerations: Choose sites away from busy play areas for quieter evenings. "About 150 yards from our site was the popular Dreamland playground, which draws families with young kids to that side of the campground. Next time, we'd choose a site farther from the playground for more quiet," advises a Lake Manawa visitor.
Educational opportunities: Hitchcock Nature Center offers nature programs. "When I think of 'nature center' I think of a stuffy little cabin with taxidermy. This site is far far more than that, with hiking trails, educational programs, a museum, event halls, and of course camping. Make sure to look at their events calendar, they have exceptional programs for all ages."
Tips from RVers
Gate access codes: Some campgrounds require reservation codes. "Our confirmation email included precise directions from I-29, with an interstate sign confirming the turn for Lake Manawa State Park, and provided the gate code for access," mentions a West Omaha / NE Lincoln KOA Holiday reviewer.
Site selection importance: Research campground layouts before booking. "I loved the simple self service process. We picked an open spot, paid, and parked. The facilities were impressively clean and well maintained," notes a Hitchcock visitor.
Weather monitoring: Be prepared for severe Midwestern storms. "We needed an overnight stop on our way to Kansas and this KOA was perfect. We pulled in just after dark and there was a note on the door stating staff was limited due to Covid. We pulled into a very large pull through on the west side of the campground."
Weekend popularity: Many campgrounds fill quickly on weekends. "We always stop here when we're traveling on I-80. It's the perfect distance for us to overnight before moving on. Clean campground, showers/bathroom. Courteous employees. Lots of activities for the kids. We've stopped on a couple of holidays & a reservation is a must!"
