Located within 30 minutes of La Vista, camping cabins near Omaha provide access to the unique Loess Hills region and riparian ecosystems along the Platte and Elkhorn rivers. Winter temperatures can drop below freezing with summer highs reaching 90°F. Most cabin rental options in this area remain open year-round, though amenities may be limited during winter months.
What to do
Hiking trails: Hitchcock Nature Center features miles of trails through rare Loess Hills formations. "The trails are well marked and easy to follow. The small waterfall was a nice surprise as well!!" reports Aaron A., who visited the area for hiking rather than camping.
Fishing opportunities: Two Rivers State Recreation Area offers multiple fishing lakes plus river access. "Two rivers is my favorite Nebraska hidden gem! The state Rec Park is by both the Elkhorn and Platte rivers, thus its name, Two Rivers," says Morgan W. about the Cottonwood Campground.
Archery range: Available at Hitchcock Nature Center for campers seeking additional recreation. "As a family we go to Hitchcock a few times a year for the hiking and the archery range they have on-site. Both are excellent and a nice escape from the city!" according to Pat V.
What campers like
Privacy between sites: Site selection makes a difference in your camping experience. "We pulled into a very large pull through on the west side of the campground (site 16). The KOA was pretty full but everyone was respectful and we didn't hear much noise," notes Glenda D. about the West Omaha KOA.
Lakeside camping: Memphis Lake State Recreation Area allows tent camping right next to the water. David L. shares that "Many of the tent sites allow you to camp right next to the lake. It's generally pretty quiet and people respect the 10 pm quiet hours rule. Each site has a picnic table and fire ring."
Variety of accommodation options: Platte River State Park offers everything from basic to luxury cabin accommodations. "They have a couple of different kinds of cabins. There's a bunch of trails! The park in general is beautiful," according to Jordan H., who recommends the park specifically for its cabin options.
What you should know
Site sizes vary significantly: Be specific about your needs when booking. At West Omaha/NE Lincoln KOA Holiday, one camper noted: "We were given an inappropriate size space for the rig we stated, super narrow and we stuck over the road by 2 feet. They had larger sites all around us but were told we could not change."
Weather awareness: Severe storms can impact camping trips in this region. "There was a major storm that rolled through... I and others asked a few staff members where should we take cover in case it hits us. We hid in the bathroom when it hit. No one was hurt and everyone's property that I saw was okay," reported one camper at West Omaha KOA.
Reservation requirements: Eugene T. Mahoney State Park is in high demand. Charlie B. advises: "This place has it all....but books up months in advance and the crowds can get a bit annoying! Hiking trails, frisbee golf, horseback riding, driving range, fishing, tennis courts, river views, cabins!"
Tips for camping with families
Water activities: Two Rivers State Recreation Area offers a swimming pond for kids. "This lake has great fishing and has peace, and quiet. The lake is a no wake zone, so kayaks, and canoes are great," notes Tony B. about Memphis Lake State Recreation Area.
Kid-friendly campground layouts: Some campgrounds are designed with families in mind. "The camp office personnel are a bit annoying and don't seem to want to help you much...but it's flat and easy for young kids to bike around all the different lakes (ponds)," shares a visitor to Two Rivers State Recreation Area.
Playground facilities: Look for campgrounds with play areas. "This site is great for any size family. The range of different camping options and amenities is incredible. The facilities are well maintained, the staff is friendly and helpful," reports Sandra O. about the West Omaha / NE Lincoln KOA Holiday.
Tips from RVers
Dump station access: Consider location when selecting a site at Fawn Meadows Campground. "This is a small campground a little ways before you get to lakeside campground. These spots are electric with fire pits and picnic tables. It is near the road and the dump station is in view. There is sometimes a line of campers at the dump station," notes Shannon G.
Highway noise levels: Some campgrounds experience interstate noise. One camper at Eugene T. Mahoney State Park mentioned: "This campground is crowded with significant interstate noise. However there are many activities for kids including paddleboating, a wave pool, horse riding, ziplining, and playgrounds."
Pull-through availability: For easier setup, look for specific site types. "We always stop here when we're traveling on I-80. It's the perfect distance for us to overnight before moving on... Easy on, easy off means some highway noise from I-80. It looks like they're putting in new sites for longer RVs," shares Cynthia K. about West Omaha KOA.
