Camping cabins near Gretna, Nebraska offer convenient lodging options at elevations ranging from 1,200 to 1,300 feet above sea level in the eastern Nebraska plains. The region experiences four distinct seasons with hot summers reaching into the 90s and cold winters often below freezing, making cabin camping particularly appealing during temperature extremes. Most cabins require advanced planning with weekend reservations filling 2-3 months ahead during peak summer season.
What to do
Paddling opportunities: Lake Wanahoo provides excellent kayaking and boating access with a three-lane boat ramp and shoreline fishing areas. "Great fishing and kayaking lake! Bike path goes all the way around the lake," notes a visitor to Lake Wanahoo State Recreation Area.
Archery practice: Hitchcock Nature Center offers an on-site archery range 30 minutes from Gretna. "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," reports a camper at Hitchcock County Nature Center.
Trail exploration: Platte River State Park features multiple hiking trails leading to natural features including a small waterfall. "You can hike the many hiking trails to the mini waterfall, or Platte river. They have paddle boat and Kayak rentals," explains a reviewer at Platte River State Park Campground.
What campers like
Unique accommodations: Two Rivers State Recreation Area offers restored train cabooses as cabin alternatives. "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," shares a visitor to Union Pacific Cabooses — Two Rivers SRA.
Family amenities: KOA Holiday features extensive facilities for children. "This campground had amazing staff, was clean, and had great amenities. The sites are very small however, and to do anything besides swim and play on the playground you need to drive," notes a camper at West Omaha / NE Lincoln KOA Holiday.
Lakeside positioning: Memphis Lake offers prime waterfront tent sites. "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," according to a visitor to Memphis Lake State Rec Area.
What you should know
Reservation timing: Eugene T. Mahoney State Park requires advance planning, especially during peak season. "This place has it all....but books up months in advance and the crowds can get a bit annoying!"
Weather preparedness: Severe storms can affect camping plans, particularly during spring and summer. "The campgrounds were very clean, sites well maintained bathroom and showers were clean as well. Only complaint I have is there was a major storm that rolled though and upon arriving I asked about the weather, which I was watching closely at the radar."
Noise considerations: Interstate proximity affects some camping areas. "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."
Tips for camping with families
Water recreation: Platte River State Park offers multiple water options for children. "This park offers a lot of nature activities. You can hike the many hiking trails to the mini waterfall, or Platte river. They have paddle boat and Kayak rentals. There is a splash park, shooting, archer ranges, horseback riding."
Educational opportunities: Schedule visits around nature programs at Hitchcock. "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."
Activity planning: Eugene Mahoney State Park provides diverse recreation beyond cabins. "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."
Tips from RVers
Site selection strategy: Choose carefully at Lake Wanahoo based on shade preferences. "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."
Utility access: Water and dump station locations require planning at some parks. "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."
Entrance challenges: KOA Holiday access requires patience. "The entrance/exit is difficult and it looks like it's not their fault as they have been trying to get permits to fix it but the NE transportation is not being cooperative so I recommend patience on this section."
