Hickman, Nebraska camping areas primarily consist of state recreation areas surrounding man-made reservoirs. The area sits at approximately 1,260 feet elevation with a humid continental climate featuring hot summers where temperatures often reach 90°F and cold winters with frequent below-freezing temperatures. These recreation areas typically enforce quiet hours from 10 p.m. to 6 a.m., with most activity concentrated around fishing and kayaking on the small lakes.
What to do
Fishing opportunities: Yankee Hill Wildlife Management Area offers good fishing conditions according to visitors. One camper noted that the area has "reported good fishing" with a "quiet area" atmosphere that makes for relaxing angling experiences.
Kayaking and water sports: Conestoga State Recreation Area provides excellent conditions for non-motorized boating with newly renovated facilities. A visitor mentioned, "The lake was completely dredged out and the parks commission added several silt pond around the lake to capture silt run off. This should keep this lake much cleaner than it was in the past."
Hiking and outdoor activities: Camp A Way Campground in nearby Lincoln offers various land-based recreation options. One camper described, "This destination was so fun! Sites are shaded and spacious. Awesome playground, pool, water slide and more! Super cute place to stay with family."
Wildlife viewing: The lakes around Hickman attract various waterfowl and other wildlife. A visitor to Stagecoach Recreation Area described it as "a lovely spot, with lots of water fowl, fireflies, and a frog chorus" creating excellent nature observation opportunities.
What campers like
Clean facilities: Lakeview Campground at Pawnee State Recreation Area receives consistent praise for maintenance. A recent visitor stated, "The sites were awesome! Very well-kept grounds and a beautiful park. Lots of wildlife and nice and quiet."
Quiet atmosphere: Several campsites around Hickman provide secluded experiences away from busy urban areas. A camper at Olive Creek Lake State Recreation Area noted it's "Primitive, tent only, and far enough from major roads to reduce man made noises. Enjoy excellent star gazing away from city lights."
Family amenities: The private campgrounds near Hickman offer additional amenities for families. A visitor to Camp A Way Campground shared, "We had such fond memories that we made it work to swing thru Lincoln again and they had a blast even as teenagers. So many fun activities for the kids."
Swimming areas: Stagecoach State Recreation Area has swimming options during summer months. Though primarily known for fishing, campers appreciate the small beach areas where "the lake contains crappie, largemouth bass, and walleye" while offering swimming opportunities.
What you should know
Permit requirements: Nebraska state recreation areas require park permits for entry. Daily permits cost approximately $6 for Nebraska vehicles and $12 for out-of-state vehicles, with annual passes available for $31 and $61 respectively.
Weather considerations: Bluestem State Rec Area can be visited year-round, including winter. One camper noted, "Really nice and clean place to relax for a couple days. And it's not busy if you like winter camping like I do."
Noise factors: Some campgrounds experience traffic noise. A Camp A Way visitor mentioned, "The highway is so close you can see the cars going by. Its extremely loud and constant highway sounds."
Water conditions: Lakes around Hickman occasionally experience algae blooms that affect activities. A camper at Pawnee noted, "The lake was closed due to a toxic algae bloom which meant that is was a little quieter than normal."
Tips for camping with families
Book patio sites when available: At Camp A Way, campers with children recommend specific site types. One family shared, "Both times we've stayed in the patio sites. Worth it for the swing, bbq and camp fire. Nice staff. There were a lot of kids while we were there mid week and it makes for a fun atmosphere."
Explore hidden camping spots: Wagon Train State Recreation Area offers some less visible camping options. A camper advised, "Went tent camping with 3 kids on a weekday and had the place to ourselves. I really like area 4. There are a bunch of campsites close to the lake but if you keep going there is a parking area and a short trail through the woods that leads to an open area right by the lake."
Bring mosquito protection: Insect repellent is essential at these lakes, especially during summer months. A visitor to Yankee Hill warned, "The WMA has a large marshy, stagnant pond, so bring mosquito repellent."
Consider weekday visits: Most Hickman area campgrounds experience higher traffic on weekends. A family noted, "We went Memorial Day weekend thinking it would be packed with guests. Lucky for us there were maybe 10 other tents and then plenty of RVs."
Tips from RVers
Electric hookup options: Conestoga State Recreation Area provides electrical connections at specific sites. An RVer explained, "Gravel road and sites in the rv section with electric only so fill up with fresh water before setting up. All sites are first come first serve with self check-in. Most are 30A like ours, site 46, but there are a couple with 50A."
Dump station locations: Not all campgrounds around Hickman have sanitary dump facilities. A visitor mentioned, "The nice dump station is located a couple of miles down the road near the Park Office."
Site selection for larger rigs: Some areas have limited space for bigger RVs. A camper observed, "Conestoga SRA is an increasingly popular campground following major renovations that were completed in 2018... The sites in the row on the side of site 50 are huge."
Road conditions: Access roads to some of the best places to camp near Hickman can be challenging. One RVer noted, "The roads around this area are almost all gravel including the main strip through the camp area so you'll have to find your way around to minimize time on gravel."
