Best Tent Camping near Hickman, NE
Tent campers near Hickman, Nebraska have access to several established primitive campsites within a 30-mile radius. Wirth Brothers Lake offers secluded tent camping with basic amenities, while Kirkmans Cove Recreation Area provides waterfront sites with electric hookups for tent campers. Two Rivers State Recreation Area, located near Waterloo, features riverside tent sites approximately 25 miles north of Hickman.
Most tent campgrounds in the area provide minimal amenities, making them suitable for those seeking primitive camping experiences. Wirth Brothers Lake features fire rings, picnic tables, and drinking water, though outhouses reportedly need better maintenance. Kirkmans Cove allows alcohol and fires with access via boat, vehicle, or on foot. Sites typically have dirt or grass surfaces with some shade from mature trees. A visitor commented that Kirkman's Cove has "nice, level, and shaded camper spots with mature trees," though its playground is dated. Park entry permits may be required at some locations, with fees ranging from $5 daily to $15 for annual permits at Wirth Brothers.
Tent sites along the river at Two Rivers SRA provide a natural setting with fewer amenities than the RV sections. Areas farther from population centers like Omaha tend to offer more seclusion. According to one camper, "There are spots where you can tent camp right by the river. When the river is low, you can go play on the beach." Primitive tent camping at Wirth Brothers Lake provides some isolation from other campers, as it was "designed by boy scouts" and offers camping spots "off the beaten path." Weekend visitors should expect more activity at popular water-adjacent sites, especially during summer months. Most tent campgrounds remain open seasonally from spring through fall, with a few offering year-round access, though winter tent camping requires additional preparation due to Nebraska's cold temperatures.
