D
Dan W.
Scout
ScoutGotte Park
Gotte Park in Kimball NE
The sign on site specifically says ‘no overnight’ camping allowed
Best Campgrounds in Nebraska
Nebraska's camping scene spans from established state parks to scenic lakeside areas. Eugene T. Mahoney State Park Campground offers year-round accommodations including tent sites, RV hookups, and cabin rentals, while Platte River State Park provides additional options with yurts and glamping facilities. Branched Oak Lake State Recreation Area features tent and RV sites with primitive to full-hookup options across multiple campgrounds. The region includes several KOA locations with family-friendly amenities and a range of state recreation areas with waterfront access.
Most Nebraska campgrounds provide electric hookups, drinking water, and fire rings, though availability varies seasonally. "Most sites have laundry and showers, but some parks lock bathrooms in the off-season," noted one camper. Lake Wanahoo State Recreation Area and other locations maintain shower facilities and dump stations for RVs. Winter camping remains available at select locations including Camp A Way and West Omaha KOA Holiday, which operate year-round. During summer, temperatures can reach into the 90s°F, making water access particularly valuable. Many state recreation areas require park permits, and developed campgrounds typically charge $20-65 per night depending on hookup level and season.
State park campgrounds receive consistently high ratings for cleanliness and maintenance. Campers particularly appreciate Louisville State Recreation Area and Fort Kearny State Recreation Area for their accessibility and well-maintained grounds. Based on reviews from The Dyrt, visitors value the peaceful settings at lakeside campgrounds like Lake Ogallala State Recreation Area, which offers boat-in camping options. Urban-adjacent options such as Camp A Way Campground in Lincoln provide convenient access to city amenities while maintaining a camping atmosphere. One visitor mentioned that "Maskenthine Lake Recreation Area is one of our favorites with clean restrooms and showers, plus great trails for hiking or mountain biking." Train noise affects some campgrounds near rail lines, particularly those in smaller towns that offer municipal camping areas.
Best Camping Sites in Nebraska (517)
1. Eugene T. Mahoney State Park Campground
46 ReviewsAshland, NEWebsite+1 (402) 944-2523$25 - $485 / night
"Nestled between two major cities in Nebraska, you're never far away from anything you may want to do or see. RV and tent camping is obviously available with limited privacy."
"We used to stop here as a midway point when driving to Colorado. We always stayed at the lodge for a night and had a pleasant time exploring the area."
2. Camp A Way Campground
31 ReviewsLincoln, NEWebsite+1 (402) 476-2282$35 - $67 / night
"A fun pass is require and costa about $10 but kids get ice cream, Slushies, water balloons for water wars included with that plus access to trampoline basketball, a nice jump pad, pool, indoor hot tub,"
"Next to highway. You can hear highway but that doesn’t bother me"
3. Platte River State Park Campground
31 ReviewsSouth Bend, NEWebsite+1 (402) 234-2217$35 - $340 / night
"We were passing through Nebraska and opted to stay the night here. The campground is new and will be even nicer when the trees are big enough to provide shade."
"Short walk in but a wagon is provided to help unload equipment. Picnic and fire pit near the teepee."
4. Grand Island KOA
31 ReviewsDoniphan, NEWebsite+1 (402) 886-2249"This campground is situated near interstate 80 and surrounded by cornfields, surprise surprise for Nebraska. Nice people, clean bathrooms and well kept property."
"The location is great and feels tucked away every though it isn't far from the highway. The staff were very helpful. I would definitely recommend!"
5. Streeter Park Campground
29 ReviewsMarquette, NEWebsite+1 (402) 694-6992"Nice city park trail through the trees for a good morning walk. "
"There's a playground nearby and several walking paths as well as a restroom. these cell service was great and the camp even has free wi-fi provided by the city."
6. Fort Kearny State Recreation Area
31 ReviewsKearney, NEWebsite+1 (308) 865-5305$15 - $30 / night
"Nice camp ground with helpful gate attendants, this Nebraska park represents the conundrum of many public campgrounds."
"Very nice stop, close but not too close to I-80. Quiet. Nice lakeside setting."
7. West Omaha / NE Lincoln KOA Holiday
29 ReviewsGretna, NEWebsite+1 (402) 332-3010"Very close to the Nebraska crossing outlet mall! 😊"
"The campground itself was fine and very convenient in location to vIsIt famIly."
8. Lake Ogallala State Recreation Area Campground
30 ReviewsOgallala, NEWebsite+1 (308) 284-8800$15 - $45 / night
"I stopped at this campsite on a cross country road trip from NY to NV, as I didn’t know anyone who resided in the great state of Nebraska. Talk about a total hidden gem!!"
"Easy access to campsites, clean shower houses, fun walking trails with great views of the lake! Fun boating and atv activities or beach day with the family!"
9. Branched Oak Lake State Rec Area
28 ReviewsMalcolm, NEWebsite+1 (402) 783-3400$25 - $35 / night
"My first time camping in Nebraska. Ive been to several throughout the US. Loved the spot, I was right next to the lake, great swimming access. Downside drinking water access was difficult."
"The area is well known for being the equestrian camping area at one of the finest lakes in Nebraska. Pull through sites with full hookups, equestrian trails, and corals."
10. Hackberry Hollow Campground — Indian Cave State Park
25 ReviewsShubert, NEWebsite+1 (402) 883-2575$25 - $30 / night
"This is unlike any other campground in Nebraska. There are plenty of camping sites around the park no matter your style, even spots for horses! I prefer the hike in spots myself."
"Campsites are very green and there are a lot of hiking trails! It's just that, well, it is in Nebraska."
Recent Camping Photos in Nebraska
291 Photos of 517 Nebraska Campgrounds
Dwayne and Heather W.
Inlet Camping Area
Shauna G.
Riverside City Park
Bob B.
Sunset View Court - RV Site
Greebly M.
West Wind - Lake Minatare SRA
Shannon G.
Blue Heron Campground
Melissa V.
I-80 Lakeside Campground
Shannon G.
Ogallala/I-80 KOA Journey
Matthew B.
Lincoln Park
Joe R.
Wildcat Hills State Recreation Area
Shannon G.
Valentine City Park
Shannon C.
Berry Bridge Campground
Recent Reviews in Nebraska
1990 Reviews of 517 Nebraska Campgrounds
- CCraig C.Scout
Grand Island KOA
Good stop over
Just stopped for the night on our way from CO to MN. Even though we arrived after the office closed (6:15) the envelope they left us gave clear directions. Campsite was pull through with easy hookups. Would recommend this campground. Clean and well managed.
- CCurious Compass B.
RangerBassway Strip State Wildlife Area
Overnight
Definitely highway noise, nothing to really see, easy to access on packed gravel/dirt roads. But it works for a quick overnight. We turned to the left and went over the small bridge to the road that runs beside the highway. There are a few pull offs. I’m sure it would have been a little quieter if you stayed on the entrance side of the bridge. YouTube @TKCuompass
Richard K.
TravelerLake Maloney State Recreation Area
Nice and quiet
There are actually 2 places for campers here and the 1 by the inlet and it was a little out of the way but well worth it. The only sounds were from boats on the lake and other campers. Saw 2 deer and other wildlife.
- Richard K.Traveler
Mormon Island State Recreation Area Campground
Nice place
Great staff and very well maintained with wild birds and fishing. The only drawback is the constant traffic on I-80.
- Richard K.Traveler
COE Harlan County Lake Methodist Cove Campground
Beautiful place
Had a great time and a beautiful place to explore. Great grounds well maintained and friendly staff.
- Richard K.Traveler
Lake North
Good place for short stay
Right up next to the lake with a nice quiet vibe and good fishing. Not for long stays but I think they want it that way. Very clean restrooms need a little more privacy and had trouble finding a stop to dump the black/grey tank.
Jody D.ScoutChilvers Park
4 designated spots
Nice little park. Easy walk to Mary’s Restaurant for good food!
- NNick B.Traveler
Chimney Rock Pioneer Crossing
Simple with Good Views
We stayed at this site for one night on our way to Yellowstone. We arrived after the shop on the grounds closed so I cannot speak to it, but it looked like it would be pretty neat. Overall it is a pretty simple campground set up in a pasture, there is a small pond that can be walked to and almost no shade. The bathrooms close when the shop closes, there are also no fire pits, but the views alone make it worth it. We were able to watch a lightning storm roll right over chimney rock from our campsite. They also had no issue with us bringing our pop up, where most RV resorts these days seem to ban them. Would 100% reccomend for the views alone.
Guide to Nebraska
Camping in Nebraska offers a unique experience with its beautiful landscapes and diverse campgrounds. Whether you're looking for a peaceful retreat or an adventurous getaway, there's something for everyone.
What to do
- Explore the trails: Many campgrounds, like Bessey Recreation Complex Campground, have walking, Jeep, and ATV trails. One camper mentioned, “Have walking, Jeep, ATV trails all over.”
- Fishing: Campgrounds such as Long Pine State Rec Area offer great fishing spots. A review noted, “Good trout fishing from the stream.”
- Enjoy water activities: At Calamus Reservoir, you can rent boats and jet skis. One visitor shared, “Can rent boats and jet skies. Nice swimming and fishing spots.”
What campers like
- Clean facilities: Campers appreciate well-maintained restrooms and showers. One reviewer at Victoria Springs State Rec Area said, “The restrooms and showers are very clean and accessible.”
- Spacious sites: Many campgrounds, like Valley View Flat Campground, offer roomy sites. A happy camper remarked, “Nice big sites, you’re not packed in.”
- Natural beauty: Campers love the scenic views and natural surroundings. A visitor at [Long Pine State Rec Area] noted, “There are some fantastic trails to hike here, some great scenery.”
What you should know
- Noise levels: Some campgrounds can be noisy due to nearby activities. One camper at Bessey Recreation Complex Campground mentioned, “A little noisy during the day with all the ATV traffic.”
- Limited amenities: Not all campgrounds have extensive facilities. A reviewer at Keller Park State Rec Area pointed out, “This park isn’t manned by the State and it’s self-check-in.”
- Bring your supplies: Some areas are remote, so it’s wise to pack everything you need. A camper at Victoria Springs State Rec Area advised, “Make sure to bring whatever you need with you because there isn’t much in Thedford or Halsey.”
Tips for camping with families
- Choose family-friendly campgrounds: Look for places with activities for kids, like Bessey Recreation Complex Campground, which has a pond for fishing. A family shared, “Nice little pond to catch a few fish.”
- Plan for bugs: Be prepared for mosquitoes, especially in wooded areas. One camper at Victoria Springs State Rec Area noted, “It was very quiet other than the hum of the mosquitos!”
- Bring games and outdoor gear: Campgrounds often have space for activities. A visitor at Long Pine State Rec Area mentioned, “Lots of tall trees surround the camping sites.”
Tips from RVers
- Check site accessibility: Some campgrounds have tricky access for larger RVs. A reviewer at Long Pine State Rec Area said, “They are hard to get an RV into because of the slope and angle of the drives.”
- Look for electric hookups: Many RVers prefer sites with electric options. A camper at Keller Park State Rec Area mentioned, “This campground is in a decent valley. Thus, no signal.”
- Be ready for self-check-in: Some campgrounds operate on a self-check-in basis, so have your plans ready. A visitor at Calamus Reservoir noted, “All sites are electrical only.”
Camping in Nebraska can be a fantastic experience if you know what to expect and plan accordingly. Enjoy the great outdoors!
Frequently Asked Questions
What camping is available in Nebraska?
What camping is available in Nebraska?
According to TheDyrt.com, Nebraska offers a wide range of camping options, with 517 campgrounds and RV parks in Nebraska and 23 free dispersed camping spots.
Which is the most popular campground in Nebraska?
Which is the most popular campground in Nebraska?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground in Nebraska is Eugene T. Mahoney State Park Campground with a 4-star rating from 46 reviews.
Where can I find free dispersed camping in Nebraska?
Where can I find free dispersed camping in Nebraska?
According to TheDyrt.com, there are 23 free dispersed camping spots in Nebraska.
What are the best parks in Nebraska?
What are the best parks in Nebraska?
According to TheDyrt.com, there are 3 parks in Nebraska that allow camping, notably Nebraska National Forests and Grasslands and Harlan County Lake.
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