The Platte River valley near Gretna offers campgrounds at an elevation around 1,200 feet, with a climate featuring hot summers and cold winters. Spring and fall camping seasons provide milder temperatures between 50-75°F. Most campgrounds in the area sit along waterways, with some offering sandy beaches for water access during summer months.
What to Do
Kayaking and paddleboarding access: Several campgrounds near Gretna provide rentals for water activities. At Platte River State Park Campground, "You can hike the many hiking trails to the mini waterfall, or Platte river. They have paddle boat and Kayak rentals," according to Tony B.
Fishing opportunities: The lakes around Gretna offer productive fishing areas with multiple access points. "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. about Memphis Lake State Recreation Area.
Trail running and hiking: Wooded areas provide extensive trail networks for outdoor exercise. "Good hiking, horse rides, great hills for trail running," mentions Sara B. about the terrain at Platte River State Park Campground.
What Campers Like
Riverside camping spots: Sites along the Platte River provide natural sounds and pleasant views. "We use this campground the most often for our weekend getaways. Our favorite campground is Riverside for tent camping. There are spots where you can tent camp right by the river," shares Robin E. about Riverside Campground at Two Rivers SRA.
Well-maintained facilities: Cleanliness is consistently noted at several dog friendly campgrounds near Gretna. "Very nice park! Clean showers & bathrooms. Courteous employees," mentions Cynthia K. about West Omaha / NE Lincoln KOA Holiday.
Accessibility to water: Campers appreciate the various lakes and river access points. "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," notes David L. about Memphis Lake State Recreation Area.
What You Should Know
Train noise impacts sleep: Several campgrounds experience significant train noise throughout the night. "The harsh part of being located here is if you are looking for any kind of spot that accommodates a flat plot, like sites 206 - 236, you are butted up against the train tracks and that train is LOUD!" warns Daniel B. about Louisville State Recreation Area.
Campsite reservations recommended: Popular spots fill quickly, especially on weekends and holidays. "We stopped on a couple of holidays & a reservation is a must! They are very busy!" reports Cynthia K. about the West Omaha KOA.
Weather preparedness: Storms can develop quickly in eastern Nebraska. "There was a major storm that rolled though and upon arriving I asked about the weather, which I was watching closely at the radar. They didn't seem concert about it however news reports were saying other wise," relates Eileen H. about her experience at the KOA.
Tips for Camping with Families
Water attractions for children: Multiple campgrounds feature swimming areas and water activities. "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 Rebekah S. about the West Omaha KOA.
Playground access: Several campgrounds feature play equipment for children. "This site is great for any size family. The range of different camping options and amenities is incredible. The facilities are well maintained, the staff is friendly and helpful," shares Sandra O. about the Goldenrod Campground at Two Rivers SRA.
Educational opportunities: Wildlife viewing and nature programs are available. "The park has deer and turkey and many birds. There is also fishing. It's far enough outside of Omaha to feel like a getaway and get back to nature," mentions Robin E. about Riverside Campground.
Tips from RVers
Site selection importance: RV campers stress choosing appropriate sites. "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," shares Stacy M. about the West Omaha KOA.
Dump station access: Several campgrounds provide sanitary dump stations, though accessibility varies. "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," notes Trav S. about Walnut Creek Lake & Recreation Area.
Electrical hookups and site size: Pet-friendly campgrounds offer varying levels of service. "Open campsites with not much shade. Easy setup for our campsite," reports Aaron W. about Walnut Creek Lake & Recreation Area, an option for those traveling with dogs near Gretna.
