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."
$25 - $485 / night
"Nestled between two major cities in Nebraska, you're never far away from anything you may want to do or see. RV and tent camping is obviously available with limited privacy."
"We used to stop here as a midway point when driving to Colorado. We always stayed at the lodge for a night and had a pleasant time exploring the area."
"Very close to the Nebraska crossing outlet mall! 😊"
"The campground itself was fine and very convenient in location to vIsIt famIly."
$35 - $340 / night
"We were passing through Nebraska and opted to stay the night here. The campground is new and will be even nicer when the trees are big enough to provide shade."
"Short walk in but a wagon is provided to help unload equipment. Picnic and fire pit near the teepee."
$15 - $35 / night
"A HUGE campground with around 250 total sites, with options ranging from walk-in camping tent-only sites to RV areas. There is a 3 decent-size lakes spread evenly across the grounds."
"I am sorry 😔 but I have nut yet been to any of Nebraska's Camping grounds your's well be the first."
$20 / night
"This is a nice campground located on the edge of Papillion, Nebraska. There are several trails nearby, some paved and others grass. The main trailhead is easily accessible from the park road."
"This is a very cool park in Papillion, Nebraska! It also has a sewer dump site for $5 (if you're not camping). See the camp host to pay."
$10 - $35 / night
"If you want to get away in Nebraska, this is the place. There’s no electricity or running water. The outhouses are kinda gross. There’s an awesome bar right outside the park, too."
"Great little stocked fishing lake with sites all fairly close to the long northern shore of the lake. Redwing blackbirds, geese, and lightning bugs tucked in between the corn fields."
$100 / night
"The fishing is easy in all the lakes and they have a pay fishing trout lake that nearly guarantees success. Our kid and her friends love the swimming beach."
"Whether I was riding a bike around the paved roads. Fishing in one of the sandpit lakes they have to offer, or the river. Walk around the nature trails, or lakes."
$15 / night
"We've even walked through the water to go play on the "islands". There is a convenience store ran by a very nice family and they make a great breakfast for a low cost."
"A short drive from Omaha, two rivers offers generally clean TV and tent camping sites across multiple campgrounds. I camped right by the river. Also a short walk to the outhouse and playground."
$30 / night
"It is right next to lake 4 with some beach access. There are both reservable and walk up sites here. The walk up process is a little strange."
"Very nice camp sites and playgrounds for children nice clean fishing lakes and river access."
$35 / night
"This is a small campground a little ways before you get to lakeside campground. These spots are electric with fire pits and picnic tables. It is near the road and the dump station is in view."
"Take your pick, river or lakeside. Some areas are more modern than others but all are nice. A few have water hookups"
GuideDid some backcountry camping at the Badger Ridge location, overall the stay was great! The park has multiple hike-in backcountry locations, tent camping spots near the road, RV pads with water and electric, as well as a few small cabins. The scenery is amazing! The shower house was also clean and well maintained.
TravelerThis is actually the Windsor Cove Campground within Haworth Park in Belleview, Nebraska. It is an older campground but near the river, walking trails, and close to all the amenities of Nearby Omaha (aprox. 25 minutes to downtown). I visited in Mid May and the park was about 25 percent full. The camp host is great and I would definitely visit again.
GuideWe stayed 1 night in our way to Utah. We got a nice spot right next to the river with a cemented area and a newer picnic area. Met the park ranger on our way in who was so thankful we picked there to stay. The Elf and Buffalo were fun to watch. Only downside was a train at 1 in the morning and no showers at the south campsite. Highly recommend this spot!!
LegendDodge County Fairgrounds has four or five spaces on grass. The ground is fairly level, but it is bumpy and rutted. When I visited in May, the grass was not mowed and was very tall. It was so bad that I was itchy after leaving.
There are bathrooms on site, but they were locked when I tried them. It wasn't clear how to pay for your site, I did not see a sign with instructions or a drop box. The nightly rate, according to the website is $30 which seems high to me for this location.
There are two playgrounds available, including a modern one and a really old one. There is a pool located nearby, but it was not open in May and I am not sure when it opens for the season. The fairgrounds is located next to highway 275 so there is some road noise, but I didn't find it so much to be bothersome. I had a very good Verizon signal here with 200 Mbps download on 5G.
There's really nothing within walking distance, maybe a gas station about 10 minutes away. I would stay here if I need a place to park overnight while traveling, but other than that I would skip it.
LegendI stopped by this campground and found it was nearly empty, with only one other camper in the lot. The entire area is one giant gravel parking lot with no shade. The spots are located very close together, but it's rarely full (except during events at the Main Arena next door) so you'll have room to spread out. Each site has electric and water hookups. I read somewhere that there is a dump station here but I didn't see it.
There are no showers or flush toilets. The only bathrooms available are port-a-potties located in the middle of the lot. There is some kind of agriculture equipment nearby that creates a constant humming sound which some might find annoying. The campground is very close to the airport, but I did not notice any airport noise.
While there is nothing within walking distance, there are several commercial restaurants and stores that are an easy drive from this location.
I would only stay here if I needed an overnight spot while traveling.
TravelerDead Timber is a quiet and fairly out of the way, yet still accessible state recreation area. It is an hour or so, depending on how you drive, from Omaha, near Scribner, Nebraska. The roads from the highway are paved up to the entrance, but the rec area is all dirt/gravel. The area has not been "upgraded" like so many of the state recreation areas have in the past few years and it feels like a good thing.
There is a small oxbow lake that all of the campsites, both electric (17) and primitive (4), are on one side of it. Unlike so many Nebraska recreation areas you will not typically hear trains or road noise, another good thing. A cell signal was present for me on Verizon, but insufficient for streaming without a booster. Tree coverage varies within the small camping area, but most sites will have enough of an open view of the sky for Starlink.
Dead Timber is my normal go to spot when I need a quick camping trip that is relaxing and not challenging. Or if I have a piece of equipment that I want to test the functionality of. I have camped here in summer (hot muggy a bit buggy), fall (generally my favorite especially in October), and winter (about what you would expect) and aside from Halloween it has usually been very open. Halloween there was a decorating contest and the place was completely full. The pictures I am including are from my mid October 2025, trip. In February there were no leaves and the lake was frozen but those were the only real differences since there is no running water in the camping area.
TravelerStopped here for the night. Property has concrete pads, but shower rooms are inadequate. Won't stay here again.
RangerAnother for-profit patch of dirt that doesn’t have much to offer. It has all the inconveniences of camping in an urban areas with none of the advantages. You have the noise from the road and trail, the numerous people coming through the site…yet no grocery stores or other services in the town. The port-o-potty was disgusting and full of wasps, the trash was full, there is no water, and there weren’t even any envelopes for paying the fee. Not sure what campers are paying for.
RangerThe areas for tent camping are poorly situated and not worth paying for imho. They have a pit toilet and a water spigot nearby, but that doesn’t make it worth the noise and amount of random local traffic circling my through the campground.
Campsite options near Gretna, Nebraska range from primitive tent camping to full-service RV parks, with most facilities operating year-round despite seasonal challenges. The area sits at approximately 1,250 feet above sea level along the Platte River valley, creating a landscape that transitions between wooded riverbanks and open prairie. Local campgrounds contend with periodic flooding during spring snowmelt, and sites directly along waterways often require advance planning due to their popularity.
Fishing opportunities: At Memphis Lake State Rec Area, campers enjoy lakeside access with multiple fishing spots. "This lake has great fishing and has peace, and quiet. The lake is a no wake zone, so kayaks, and canoes are great," notes Tony B., highlighting the relaxed atmosphere for anglers.
Paddling activities: Kayaking and canoeing are popular at many local lakes. "We went paddle boating, swimming, and horse back riding," reports Maricris C. about her experience at Eugene T. Mahoney State Park. Most lakes have rental options available during summer months for approximately $10-15 per hour.
Archery and shooting: Some parks offer specialized ranges for target practice. "The park has many, many opportunities to earn badges. You can even take a short hike into a little outdoor nature classroom," explains Robin E. about Two Rivers State Recreation Area, making it ideal for skill development.
Hiking trails: While not extensive, the area does have some natural paths. "The trails are well kept up and easy to follow. The small waterfall was a nice surprise as well!" Aaron A. mentions about Platte River State Park's trail system, which includes several miles of interconnected paths.
Privacy between sites: At Platte River State Park Campground, tent sites receive positive reviews for spacing. "Enjoy the 4 tent sites. They are spread apart enough that your not on top of each other. Lots of wood to find on the ground," notes Erik M., highlighting the comfort of having personal space.
Wildlife viewing: Many campgrounds offer opportunities to see local fauna. "The park has deer and turkey and many birds. There is also fishing," Robin E. mentions about Riverside Campground, pointing out the diverse wildlife that makes camping experiences more memorable.
Water recreation: Swimming and beach areas are available at several locations. "There is a swimming area along the beach of Lake 2," explains Daniel B. about Louisville State Recreation Area. Most swimming areas are open from Memorial Day through Labor Day, weather permitting.
Unique accommodation options: Beyond traditional camping, some parks offer distinctive lodging. "They also have old remodeled Union Pacific caboose you can stay in," Tony B. shares about Two Rivers SRA, providing an alternative for those seeking unusual camping experiences.
Train noise impacts: Louisville State Recreation Area experiences significant railroad disruptions. "We liked everything about this area but the train tracks! Be selective on where you pitch the tent. It can get loud," warns Chrisne E., emphasizing the importance of site selection for light sleepers.
Seasonal water conditions: Spring flooding can affect camping areas near rivers. "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'," Robin E. explains about the changing conditions at Riverside Campground.
Site limitations: Some campgrounds have terrain challenges. "The campsites were decently spaced. Our site was terrible crowded," notes Timothy at Goldenrod Campground, highlighting that not all sites offer equal space and privacy.
Bathroom facilities: Quality varies significantly between parks. "The bathrooms could use a upgrade or a good cleaning, and the one by are site was locked up and not open," Tony B. mentions about Memphis Lake State Rec Area, suggesting campers should be prepared with alternatives.
Playground access: Several campgrounds offer play areas for children. "The campground is crowded with significant interstate noise. However there are many activities for kids including paddleboating, a wave pool, horse riding, ziplining, and playgrounds," Jennifer M. notes about Eugene T. Mahoney State Park.
Swimming options: Water features are particularly popular for families. "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," explains Rebekah S. about West Omaha / NE Lincoln KOA Holiday.
Biking opportunities: Paved roads around campgrounds provide safe cycling for younger riders. "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," shares Justin R. about Two Rivers State Recreation Area.
Budget-friendly meals: Some parks have affordable dining options. "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," Robin E. mentions about their family routine at Two Rivers.
Site selection strategies: Choosing the right RV site can dramatically impact experience. "We were given an inappropriate size space for the rig we stated, super narrow and we stuck over the road by 2 feet. They had larger sites all around us but were told we could not change," Stacy M. warns about the West Omaha KOA, suggesting advance research on site dimensions.
Dumping facilities: Access to sanitation services varies between parks. "This is a very cool park in Papillion, Nebraska! It also has a sewer dump site for $5 (if you're not camping). See the camp host to pay," Trav S. notes about Walnut Creek Lake & Recreation Area, providing useful information for those passing through.
Electric hookup considerations: Power options differ across campgrounds. "Half of this campground has electric and half has none. It is right next to lake 4 with some beach access," Shannon G. explains about Goldenrod Campground, highlighting the importance of confirming utilities when booking.
Frequently Asked Questions
What camping is available near Gretna, NE?
According to TheDyrt.com, Gretna, NE offers a wide range of camping options, with 108 campgrounds and RV parks near Gretna, NE and 1 free dispersed camping spot.
Which is the most popular campground near Gretna, NE?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Gretna, NE is Eugene T. Mahoney State Park Campground with a 4.2-star rating from 46 reviews.
Where can I find free dispersed camping near Gretna, NE?
According to TheDyrt.com, there is 1 free dispersed camping spot near Gretna, NE.
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