Camping options around Hickman, Nebraska feature mostly flat terrain with elevations averaging 1,300 feet. The area experiences hot, humid summers with temperatures regularly reaching 90°F, while spring and fall offer milder camping conditions. During summer months, evening temperatures typically remain above 65°F, with higher humidity levels creating favorable conditions for insects.
What to do
Fishing opportunities: Lakeview Campground at Pawnee State Recreation Area offers lake access with multiple fish species. "The sites were awesome! Very well-kept grounds and a beautiful park. Lots of wildlife and nice and quiet," notes Bobbi Jo K., who stayed while traveling west.
Archery practice: Bluestem State Rec Area provides dedicated archery ranges for target practice. "Check out Blustem if you like to get away from RV heavy camps like I do. You'll find clean raised toilets, trails, and archery range, boating, fishing and hunting here," explains Joe R., who camped there with his children.
Paddlesports: Branched Oak Lake State Rec Area features a designated no-wake zone. "There's a huge no-wake area of the lake for kayaking and paddle boarding. They also offer boat rentals," says Jordan H. The lake also permits larger boats in other sections for those seeking more active water recreation.
What campers like
Stargazing conditions: Rural darkness near Hickman creates excellent night sky viewing. "The camp sites are forked out like the cul-de-sac properties, each facing the road and having a large portion of the lake or greens to themselves on the back," notes Patheeka at Branched Oak Lake, adding the area offers "breathtaking views of the lake in the memorial park."
Wildlife viewing: Olive Creek Lake State Recreation Area provides opportunities to spot local fauna. "I've camped here a few times, not a bad place depending on the season. Can get pretty busy, but not as busy as Bluestem down the road," reports Jared J., who found it offers "a good mix of country / 'not too far from town'" camping.
Varied terrain for hiking: The region offers both flat and more challenging trails. "I love Platte River State Park; there are accommodations for every type of camper... On top of the excellent camping offered, they have a wealth of amazing hiking / biking trails that traverse through some amazing scenery," explains Jared J., noting visitors can "pick between the less intensive paved walkways or you can walk along the hilly bluffs."
What you should know
Mosquito populations: Summer months bring significant insect activity, particularly at lakeside sites. "We are avid campers, we are no strangers to all the things that come with camping including bugs. That said, the amount of mosquitoes here made any amount of time outside unbearable," reports Sarah Y. at Wagon Train State Recreation Area.
Park permit requirements: Nebraska recreation areas require state park permits in addition to camping fees. "We stayed 3 days in the main campground, there are also more dispersed areas at this place with nice grassy area... 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," notes ANDY C.
Bathroom facilities: Most campgrounds offer vault toilets rather than flush facilities. "The bathrooms were the worst I've ever seen. It costs nearly as much as a site in a national park with the out-of-state permit, and music was played at all hours by people without any recourse," reports Elizabeth B. at Lakeview Campground.
Tips for camping with families
Kid-friendly amenities: Look for campgrounds with dedicated play areas. "This destination was so fun! Sites are shaded and spacious. Awesome playground, pool, water slide and more! Super cute place to stay with family," says Samantha S. about Camp A Way Campground.
Swimming areas: Several local lakes feature designated swimming beaches. "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. The walk to the lake is quiet, and the sunsets are beautiful on the water!" shares Sydney W. at Wagon Train.
Activity planning: Many parks offer organized recreational programs. "This is a very nice campground right off I-80 at the Lincoln downtown exit... It was very clean and well kept. We had full hook-ups and cell service and wifi. They have a large off leash dog run which was so nice. There were so many things for younger kids to do," explains Shannon G.
Tips from RVers
Dog-friendly facilities: Multiple campgrounds welcome pets with dedicated areas. "Very nice campground. Kid friendly with tons of activities. Nice pool & hot tub. Clean laundry facilities and they even have a dog park," notes Tracy A. about Camp A Way Campground, making it one of the most dog friendly campgrounds near Hickman.
Hookup availability: Electric service varies by campground and site. "The camping spots are nice and spread out. Not a lot to do out there and the fishing hasn't been good for a long time. I like it for a quick getaway when I don't have time to go further from Lincoln," says A H. about Stagecoach Lake State Recreation Area, which offers 50-amp electric hookups.
Road conditions: Be prepared for unpaved access roads at several sites. "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, I traveled through Hickman for this and to get firewood at the hardware store, it seems none is available here," advises ANDY C.
