Camping near Bellevue, Nebraska provides access to the Missouri River valley ecosystem where woodland areas meet rolling prairie. Most campsites in the region sit at approximately 1,000 feet elevation with camping season typically running April through October. Seasonal temperature swings can be extreme, with winter lows reaching below zero and summer highs frequently exceeding 90°F with high humidity levels.
What to do
Water recreation at Walnut Creek Lake: Ideal for novice kayakers with calm waters and good fishing access. "The fishing is always [good] as well as the kayaking is as well, (especially novice like myself). The birdwatching as well as the wildlife is abundant," notes one Walnut Creek Lake & Recreation Area visitor.
Hiking the Loess Hills formations: Explore the unique geological formations found in only two places worldwide. "This is one of our favorite places to camp. It's beautiful and there's plenty of hiking... There's all levels of hikes. They have a hawkwatch tower," explains a camper at Hitchcock County Nature Center.
Bird watching from observation towers: The region offers excellent bird viewing platforms. "When your done with your hiking, climb up to the top of the towering platform and bring your binoculars to checkout the visiting hawks and occasional eagle," recommends a Hitchcock Nature Center visitor.
What campers like
Small waterfalls within hiking distance: Several parks feature accessible water features along trails. "We didn't get a chance to camp, but did a little hiking. The trails are well kept up and easy to follow. The small waterfall was a nice surprise as well!!" shares a visitor at Platte River State Park Campground.
Varied tent camping options: From lakeside to hike-in sites on ridges. "I was very impressed on the hike in campsites. They already have a nice flat spot for your tent... The views from the two south east campsites are amazing, looking over the Missouri River valley and the Omaha skyline in the distance," notes a Hitchcock Nature Center camper.
Proximity to urban amenities with nature feel: Many camping areas offer an urban escape without long drives. "This lake in Papillion, Nebraska is a great little lake. Probably one of the best in metro area of Omaha... Honestly if not for the city noise you could forget your in a city," mentions a Walnut Creek visitor.
What you should know
Train noise affects multiple campgrounds: Railroad tracks run near several camping areas. "We liked everything about this area but the train tracks! Be selective on where you pitch the tent. It can get loud.... River, ponds, swimming area, playground, near by hiking," advises a camper at Louisville State Recreation Area Campground.
Seasonal flooding impacts availability: Some riverfront campsites close periodically. "This park is right off the Missouri river, and everytime there is flooding this places gets shelled. We had some major flooding here 2019, and it appears this park is still closed," notes a camper about Haworth City Park in Bellevue.
Limited shade at some locations: Several campgrounds feature open sites with minimal tree cover. "Open campsites with not much shade. Easy setup for our campsite. Just passing through," mentions a camper at Walnut Creek Lake.
Tips for camping with families
Water play options beyond swimming: Many sites offer alternatives to traditional swimming. "There is a splash park, shooting, archer ranges, horseback riding. There is a r.v. park, cabins, and a newer tent area," explains a visitor to Lake Cunningham Campground.
Look for educational programming: Several of the best places to camp near Bellevue, Nebraska offer structured activities. "Make sure to look at their events calendar, they have exceptional programs for all ages (and especially kids). I learned about this park from Pheasants Forever, a nonprofit," shares a Hitchcock Nature Center visitor.
Consider cabins for beginners: Several parks offer cabin rentals as an alternative to tents. "They have a couple of different kinds of cabins. There's a bunch of trails! The park in general is beautiful," notes a Platte River State Park visitor.
Tips from RVers
Concrete pads help in rainy weather: Several campgrounds offer improved surfaces for RVs. "The sites have concrete pads with power, but no water or sewer. There is a fill station on the way in. You can pay $1 for a hot shower in the comfort station, which is very clean," explains a camper at Lake Cunningham.
Reserve full-hookup sites early: Premium RV spots book quickly, especially at West Omaha / NE Lincoln KOA Holiday. "We always stop here when we're traveling on I-80. It's the perfect distance for us to overnight before moving on. Clean campground, showers/bathroom... They are very busy! Easy on, easy off means some highway noise from I-80."
Size considerations for older campgrounds: Some areas have limited space for larger rigs. "We were given an inappropriate size space for the rig we stated, super narrow and we stuck over the road by 2 feet... If we go back to visit, we will insist that we are in a larger site as it was actually a nice campground," advises an RVer at the KOA.
