Tent campsites near Hickman, Nebraska range from primitive lakeside spots to more developed riverside locations within a 30-mile radius. The region features largely flat terrain with occasional wooded areas around water features, with summer temperatures averaging 75-90°F and spring/fall camping seasons offering milder 50-70°F conditions. Most campgrounds in the Hickman area remain open from April through October, with limited winter accessibility.
What to do
Water recreation access: Area Three Campground features direct lake access for swimming and fishing. According to a camper: "Our site was a few hundred yards from the lake, and we had a great morning walk."
River activities: Riverside Campground offers opportunities for river tubing. One visitor noted: "The river is decently safe and a good place to tube."
Disc golf: Area Three Campground provides disc golf facilities near tent camping areas. A reviewer mentioned: "This is primitive camping on the peninsula of Branched Oak, so you get close access to Disc Golf, nice beach, and Showers just up the road."
Nature observation: The Hickman area hosts various wildlife including deer, turkey and numerous bird species. Campgrounds near water features provide the best wildlife viewing opportunities during morning and evening hours.
What campers like
River proximity: Two Rivers SRA campsites offer direct water access. One camper shared: "We've even walked through the water to go play on the islands."
Convenience to urban areas: Several campgrounds provide quick getaways from nearby cities. A visitor explained: "A short drive from Omaha, two rivers offers generally clean TV and tent camping sites across multiple campgrounds."
Family-friendly environment: Multiple campgrounds accommodate children with playgrounds and safe water access. A camper reported: "My boys (4&7) loved it."
Secluded options: Wirth Brothers Lake provides more isolated tent sites. A reviewer stated: "I enjoyed camping here the grounds were well maintained. It is off the beaten path and has camping spots that offer some seclusion from other people."
What you should know
Fee structure: Most campgrounds charge fees ranging from $12-20 per night. One camper at Area Three noted: "Cost- $12 for out of state plates and $15 for a site without amenities is steep."
Limited amenities: Many tent sites offer basic facilities only. A camper at Area Three observed: "Yet other than the regular old picnic table, burn pit and rather dirty vault toilet, there is nothing else here."
Seasonal considerations: Tent camping occurs primarily from April through October, with some hardy campers visiting in winter. One camper shared their cold-weather experience: "Late October tent camping- low around 19f... we seemed to be the only souls in the place."
Weekday advantages: Riverside Campground tends to be quieter on weekdays. As one camper noted: "There were not any other campers but I could see it getting pretty busy on the weekends."
Tips for camping with families
Nature education opportunities: Two Rivers SRA features outdoor classroom experiences. One visitor shared: "You can even take a short hike into a little outdoor nature classroom."
Badge activities: Scout groups can utilize various park facilities. A parent noted: "We have also used other campgrounds at Two River SRA for Cub Scout campouts. The park has many, many opportunities to earn badges."
Convenience store access: Some locations offer nearby food options. According to a camper at Riverside Campground: "There is a convenience store ran by a very nice family and they make a great breakfast for a low cost. We like to get up early and walk across the park to breakfast and then walk back to our campsite."
Safety considerations: Families with young children might prefer sites away from water features. One parent recommended: "We use this for family weekends and friend gatherings. But, we have also used other campgrounds at Two River SRA for Cub Scout campouts. It's just safer being away from the water."
Tips from RVers
Full hookup options: Saunders County Fairgrounds Campground provides comprehensive RV services. A visitor noted: "$20 per night for full hookup. Appear to be approximately 40 sites."
Tent camping from RVs: Some developed campgrounds allow tent camping alongside RVs. One camper shared: "I camped right by the river. Also a short walk to the outhouse and playground."
Morning maintenance awareness: Some campgrounds conduct early morning maintenance. A camper at Area Three warned: "We were also by the dumpster, and they came by to empty it around 7am. Probably a Monday morning problem, but still worth mentioning."
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