Best Campgrounds near Gretna, NE
State recreation areas and developed campgrounds surround Gretna, Nebraska, providing a mix of camping experiences within a 30-minute drive. The West Omaha/NE Lincoln KOA Holiday sits directly in Gretna, offering year-round camping with full hookups for RVs, tent sites, cabins, and glamping options. Within easy driving distance, Eugene T. Mahoney State Park in Ashland features family-oriented camping with modern amenities, while Platte River State Park in Louisville provides a more natural setting with tent sites, RV pads, cabins, and yurts. Most campgrounds in this region are situated near lakes or along the Platte River, creating opportunities for water recreation alongside camping.
Nebraska state parks require entrance permits, with higher fees for out-of-state vehicles. As one camper noted, "This is a state-funded park, so non-Nebraska plated cars have an additional fee." Many campgrounds in the area operate year-round, though summer brings higher occupancy and more recreational activities. Train noise affects several campgrounds, particularly Louisville State Recreation Area, where campers report: "Packing earplugs is a must, but it won't completely help you. There is a train that goes very near the grounds and it needs to use its horn while passing through, which happens A LOT." Weather conditions vary dramatically by season, with hot, humid summers and cold winters that limit water activities.
Lakeside camping receives consistently positive reviews from visitors to the Gretna area. Many campgrounds feature swimming beaches, boat ramps, and fishing docks, with speed limits typically restricting motorized boats to 5 mph on smaller lakes. Shade can be limited at some locations, as newer recreation areas haven't developed mature tree cover. A reviewer at Lake Wanahoo noted: "With the age of this lake there are no mature trees around. As you would expect it will make tent camping difficult for some on hot days." Family-friendly amenities are common at larger campgrounds, with Eugene T. Mahoney State Park offering extensive recreation facilities including an aquatic center and zip lines. More primitive options exist for those seeking quieter experiences, with Memphis Lake State Recreation Area described as the place to go "if you want to get away in Nebraska."
