RV camping options near Gretna, Nebraska include both urban-adjacent and rural settings within 30 miles of the city. The area sits at approximately 1,230 feet elevation with average summer highs around 86°F and winter lows near 13°F. Camping in this region offers access to both Missouri River recreation areas and developed campgrounds with varying degrees of shade and amenity access.
What to do
Hiking at Loess Hills: Hitchcock County Nature Center features trails with various difficulty levels through the rare loess hills formation. "The trail system isn't huge because of the size of the park, but it has a lot of up and down and is a great place to practice backpacking or test new gear before you leave the plains and head to the rocky mountains," notes a visitor. The park includes a tower platform for hawk watching.
Boating and water recreation: Several camping areas offer water access for recreational activities. "The campgrounds are a little way away from the road and more secluded so they're very quiet. You do have to pack your stuff down a bit of a steep hill," explains a Hitchcock visitor who appreciates the combination of seclusion and nature activities.
Mountain biking: Ashland RV Campground provides access to the Oxbow Trail System. A regular visitor reports, "It is close to main street Ashland, which offers gourmet coffee, and a couple of restaurants. It is also right by a killer mountain biking trail." The location allows campers to combine outdoor activity with small-town exploration.
What campers like
Clean facilities: Many campgrounds maintain well-kept common areas. At Victorian Acres RV Park & Campground, visitors appreciate the upkeep: "This one was the nicest and cleanest campground we have been to yet. Everything was freshly manicured on the grounds. Everything was very clean and no trash whatsoever anywhere."
Family-friendly amenities: Multiple locations cater to families with children. Pine Grove RV Park & Campground received positive feedback after recent management changes: "We love the friendly staff, the onsite cafe, and the beautiful pool. The owners take great care of the pool, so our grandkids come out and swim with us whenever they can. So many campground pools are a bit scary, but not this one."
Ease of access: Several rv sites near Gretna, Nebraska offer straightforward check-in procedures. "Stopped late after a long 12 hour drive. I loved the simple self service process. We picked an open spot, paid, and parked. The facilities were impressively clean and well maintained," noted a visitor to Hitchcock County Nature Center.
What you should know
Highway noise considerations: Interstate proximity affects sound levels at some locations. A Pine Grove visitor commented, "We also love the front row seat to fabulous sunsets. Some people complain about the I-80 noise, but it really varies. We never hear it when we are inside our motorhome. Some evenings it is pretty loud outside and others we can barely hear it."
Management changes: When researching campgrounds, check recent reviews for ownership changes. At Pine Grove RV Park: "Word to the wise: ignore any reviews prior to July 2023. That's when the new owners took over and have been making updates and improvements from day 1."
Site leveling issues: Several campgrounds have reported leveling challenges. As one camper at Ashland RV Campground observed, "Brand new clean quiet campground walking distance from downtown. Site wasn't level front to back and the host offered to move us. We told her it was ok and after we set up she came back to check again. Very attentive and kind!"
Tips for camping with families
Educational opportunities: Bob Hardy RV Park offers basic amenities at reasonable rates with nearby attractions. "Decent park and great price! They had electric hookups, grills and picnic tables at every site plus a small playground for kids," reports a visitor, making it suitable for family stays.
Splash pad access: Some campsites provide proximity to water features. "To entertain my kids (ages 6-12), there were several geocaches to find within walking distance, and the town has a splash pad and pool during the summer months," noted an Ashland RV Campground visitor.
Nature center programming: Educational programming enhances family camping experiences. A Hitchcock visitor shared, "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... they have exceptional programs for all ages (and especially kids)."
Tips from RVers
Off-season considerations: Winter camping options are limited. A visitor to Bluffs Run RV Park at Horseshoe Casino reported, "I arrived February 28 to visit the casino and friends in town. I couldn't figure out where to check in so I called the number on the website. Turns out the RV parking is closed for the winter. But the gentleman on the phone was very nice and said I could park overnight in the North Lot."
Site selection strategy: Choose sites based on both size and location needs. Victorian Acres visitors recommend calling ahead: "Really nice pull through sites and we came in after hours but called ahead of time and had a note in the night box explains everything in detail on what we needed to do."
Seasonal bathroom availability: Some facilities close bathrooms during cold weather. An Offutt AFB FamCamp visitor noted, "No mini van life converters with no bathroom allowed. Their toilets and showers are down." Travelers should verify facility availability before arrival, particularly during shoulder seasons.
