Best Campgrounds near Lewellen, NE

The Nebraska panhandle area surrounding Lewellen features several established campgrounds along Lake McConaughy, one of Nebraska's largest reservoirs known for its white sandy beaches. Oregon Trail RV Campground and HWY 26 Campground provide full hookup sites within Lewellen town limits, while Cedar View Campground offers lakeside camping with spectacular views approximately 15 miles east. The region supports diverse camping styles including tent sites, RV camping with full hookups, and beach camping directly on the shoreline. Lake McConaughy State Recreation Area encompasses multiple designated camping areas along its 25-mile shoreline, with both developed facilities and primitive beach camping opportunities.

Nebraska state park permits are required for camping at Lake McConaughy and Lake Ogallala State Recreation Areas, with fees varying between residents ($30) and non-residents ($45). Many campgrounds in the area operate seasonally, with peak visitation occurring during summer months when water recreation is most popular. The sandy terrain presents challenges for vehicles without four-wheel drive, particularly when accessing beach camping areas where getting stuck is common. Local towing services are available for beach entry and camper placement, typically costing $80-100. Primitive beach sites lack shade and can experience extreme winds, making secure staking essential. A visitor noted, "Be careful coming down to the beach. If you drive the wrong way you will get stuck taking an RV down and you can pay for a bulldozer to pull it in if you need it."

Lakefront camping represents the primary draw in the Lewellen area, with many campers choosing sites directly on the beach. The sandhills geography creates clear water and white sand beaches unusual for Nebraska lakes. Water activities dominate recreation options, with boat ramps accessible from most campgrounds and rental services available for watercraft. Campers report excellent fishing opportunities, particularly for trout in Lake Ogallala. Wildlife observation, especially bird watching, enhances the camping experience. A camper remarked, "The view was spectacular from the tent site, but there are plenty of full hookup sites available. Though most lakes in Nebraska are man-made and muddy, this manmade lake is in the sandhills so it is all beach and clear water." Wind exposure affects most camping areas, with multiple reviewers mentioning damaged canopies and awnings, particularly during afternoon hours and storm events.

Best Camping Sites Near Lewellen, Nebraska (38)

    1. Oregon Trail RV Campground

    12 Reviews
    Lewellen, NE
    1 mile
    Website
    +1 (970) 978-8186

    $10 - $65 / night

    "We came across this small campground right outside of Lewellen on Hwy 26. It has 12 full hook up sites on grass. There are some mature trees to help with shade."

    "Close to the highway and active train tracks. However, you’re still nice and out-of-the-way. Would stay here again."

    2. Cedar View Campground — Lake McConaughy

    10 Reviews
    Lewellen, NE
    11 miles
    Website
    +1 (308) 284-8800

    $10 - $25 / night

    "Though most lakes in Nebraska are man-made and muddy, this manmade lake is in the sandhills so it is all beach and clear water."

    "On a tall cliff, lake breeze blowing through the popup window, sandy beach that is as big as the panhandle itself (these are the sandhills of Nebraska)."

    3. HWY 26 Campground

    1 Review
    Lewellen, NE
    0 miles
    Website
    +1 (847) 738-9183

    4. Lake Ogallala State Recreation Area Campground

    30 Reviews
    Ogallala, NE
    26 miles
    Website
    +1 (308) 284-8800

    $10 - $30 / 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!"

    5. McGreer Camper Park

    12 Reviews
    Big Springs, NE
    20 miles
    Website
    +1 (308) 289-4137

    "It’s just a parking lot essentially off the highway exit."

    "A little bit of highway noise, as it’s right next to I80, but very minimal, didn’t disturb us. We will absolutely stop again!"

    6. Omaha Beach - Lake McConaughy SRA

    1 Review
    Lewellen, NE
    9 miles
    Website
    +1 (308) 284-8800

    7. Lone Eagle Canyon Campground

    1 Review
    Lewellen, NE
    11 miles
    Website
    +1 (308) 284-8800

    "Hiking trail nearby. www.eagle-canyon.com (308) 287-2673"

    8. Lakeview

    3 Reviews
    Ogallala, NE
    17 miles
    Website
    +1 (308) 284-8800

    "Found a very secluded place right in the lake. Close to town if you need anything. The lake is huge and makes for a great place to paddle board."

    "We love camping at lake Mac and have been there a few times. Van’s Lakeview is the best for multiple reasons. The campground is mostly dirt, not a ton of grass but the lake access is unbeatable."

    9. Lone Eagle Campground

    7 Reviews
    Ogallala, NE
    21 miles
    Website
    +1 (308) 284-8800

    $30 / night

    "Awesome location. Take note. Water is shared and not at every site. Bring several hoses as it’s 40 - 50 feet away"

    "Beautiful view of Lake McConaughey. Sites in Lone Eagle are not right on lake. Sites are large with great areas to have dogs. Cool breeze coming up off lake even though it was in the 90's today."

    10. Sandy Beach Campground — Lake McConaughy SRA

    5 Reviews
    Ogallala, NE
    20 miles
    Website
    +1 (308) 284-8800

    $10 / night

    "Felt like I was at an ocean beach in the middle of NEBRASKA. Paid the necessary dues at the entrance to the beach area and then drove along the water to find the perfect spot."

    "As with other Nebraska parks be prepared to pay for a shower."

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Recent Reviews near Lewellen, NE

177 Reviews of 38 Lewellen Campgrounds


  • Robert T.The Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 19, 2025

    Oregon Trail RV Campground

    The stay!

    Overall auto bad experience. Close to the highway and active train tracks. However, you’re still nice and out-of-the-way. Would stay here again.

  • Gillian L.The Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 13, 2025

    McGreer Camper Park

    Loved it!

    We were exhausted after a long windy day on I80 and this little stop was a god send. The owner is absolutely amazing and got us all set up over the phone with a last minute reservation. The sites are gravel, but very level. Full hookups with electric, water, and sewer. The sun was setting as we pulled in and it was gorgeous! The campground has a small office with what looks like a common room and showers (we did not use). A Maverik gas station is across the street with tons of amenities. A little bit of highway noise, as it’s right next to I80, but very minimal, didn’t disturb us. We will absolutely stop again!

  • Donna H.The Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 11, 2025

    Ogallala Tri-Trails KOA

    Nice clean campground in town

    The first thing to note is that there are two KOAs in Ogallala: one is right on the highway next to a truck stop, and then this one is about a mile off the highway, behind the truck stops. I did drive by the other one, which wasn't as nice.

    The park manager was a really sweet guy and very helpful. The park is clean, as are the restrooms and showers. There is a dog park on-site, but the park is large enough that it made for a good stroll with my pup. I would stay here again.

  • AThe Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 4, 2025

    Sandy Beach Campground — Lake McConaughy SRA

    Must love trains

    I stayed at Beach 13 under the trees. I did not see anyone else in this area. I can imagine it’s insanely busy during the summer and that sounds miserable. There were several trains going throughout the night. There were porta potties at the parking lot and down the street was a shower bathroom facility. As with other Nebraska parks be prepared to pay for a shower.

  • LThe Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 3, 2025

    Cedar View Campground — Lake McConaughy

    Beware of grass burrs!

    I can't recommend this campground if you are traveling with kids, dogs or anyone with feet. Our dogs were miserable. Campsite was level but we couldn't figure out how to get the water hydrants to work and there was nobody around to ask at 7:30pm.

  • PThe Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 30, 2025

    Ogallala KOA

    It's okay

    Alot of gravel, little shade, friendly staff at least the guy who guided us to our site was. He spotted Us on the site so utility hook up was shorthand easy. Campground was quite, at least I thought it was for I-80 is close by. There is two truck stops a stone throws away. The entire Campground is flat, which is nice for setup. I would stay here again

  • jThe Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 25, 2025

    Cabela's RV Park & Campground

    Great time

    Very nice RV park for us and our pups. You park and check in at the Cabelas next door if it’s after hours. We had full hook up’s but we could see they also had electric only and tent spaces.

  • wayne H.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 11, 2025

    Lone Eagle Campground

    Near the lake and nice views

    What can you say that has it already been said about lake McConaughey? This place is huge and there's so many options to camp. I'm glad that we decided to camp off of the Beach area due to reports of many people getting stuck in the sand. We went the weekend after Labor Day and it was very nice with very few people. The campgrounds are fairly well spread out for privacy


Guide to Lewellen

The Lewellen area lies in the Nebraska panhandle at approximately 3,300 feet elevation, where the North Platte River feeds into Lake McConaughy. This region features a semi-arid climate with summer temperatures typically ranging from 65-95°F. Camping spots near Lewellen, Nebraska offer unique access to both sandhills terrain and water recreation, with significant temperature shifts between day and night that campers should prepare for.

What to do

Fishing opportunities: Lake Ogallala provides excellent trout fishing opportunities with less crowding than the main reservoir. A camper at Lake Ogallala State Recreation Area Campground noted, "Clean restrooms with showers. Well wooded and below the dam so there is not much wind."

Historic exploration: Visit nearby Ash Hollow State Historical Park to learn about Oregon Trail history. "We spent several days learning about the history, walking part of the Organ trail, and even Learned that the Mormon Trail came through this camp site. We came for the Lake but found So Much More," shared a visitor at Oregon Trail RV Campground.

Birdwatching excursions: The Lewellen region is home to unique bird species rarely found elsewhere. "We saw the Long-billed Curlew, Burrowing Owl, and several other birds checked off our bucket list," mentioned a camper at Cedar View Campground.

What campers like

Quiet alternatives: When Lake McConaughy gets crowded, smaller campgrounds in Lewellen provide peaceful alternatives. A guest at Oregon Trail RV Campground commented, "This park was exactly what we needed—easy to find, impeccably maintained, and truly welcoming to both us and our pets. The RV spaces were clean and spacious."

Diverse camping terrain: Campgrounds in the area offer everything from grassy sites to lakefront options. "This is a little RV park with a view of hay bales. Large cottonwood trees for shade and plenty of room for the dogs to run!" noted a camper about Oregon Trail RV Campground.

Cellular connectivity: Unlike some remote camping areas, Lewellen campsites typically have good service coverage. One camper shared, "Also both Verizon and AT&T service here was very good," which is helpful for those needing to stay connected while camping near Lewellen.

What you should know

Train noise: Several campgrounds in the region experience regular train traffic. A visitor at Cedar View Campground mentioned, "There is a train track with trains that went through throughout the day and night."

Seasonal bathroom access: Some facilities may have limited access during certain periods. A camper noted, "Campground had bathrooms/showers available, but unable to use it because you needed a code to get into it and no code was given to us."

Grass burrs: Many camping areas contain painful stickers that can cause problems for pets and bare feet. "I can't recommend this campground if you are traveling with kids, dogs or anyone with feet. Our dogs were miserable," warned one camper at Cedar View Campground.

Shower tokens: At multiple lake recreation areas, showers require payment. "The showers are pay, 2 tokens for $1.00 and each token lasts 2 minutes," explained a visitor at Lone Eagle Campground.

Tips for camping with families

Playground access: Some campgrounds offer dedicated play areas for children. At Lone Eagle Campground, a camper mentioned, "There is a playground for kids. All outer loop sites face the water."

Off-season visits: For families seeking quieter experiences, consider camping outside peak summer months. "It was really early in the season, mid April, and too cold (snow) for most, so the campground was empty," shared a visitor at Lone Eagle Campground.

Beach exploration: Children often enjoy discovering the small wildlife along the lakeshore. A camper at Sandy Beach Campground observed, "At night little frogs like to reveal themselves from the sand. Dog loved it. Kids loved it."

Water access considerations: For families planning water activities, campground proximity to shore varies significantly. "We had a view of the lake but because of the water being low, it is about 1 or 2 city block distance to the water," noted a camper at Lone Eagle Campground.

Tips from RVers

Water hookup sharing: At some campgrounds, water connections serve multiple sites. "Take note. Water is shared and not at every site. Bring several hoses as it's 40 - 50 feet away," advised an RVer at Lone Eagle Campground.

Sewer hose positioning: Hookup placement may require special arrangements. A camper at McGreer Camper Park explained, "Since the sewer is on the north side of each site, you may have to run your hose under the camper or use the sewer hookup in the lot next to you, if no one is parked there."

Low water pressure: Water systems at some campgrounds may not meet typical RV needs. A visitor mentioned, "The water pressure was so low that our water pump came on constantly when we used the water, even though we did not have a neighbor hooked up to our spigot."

Local towing awareness: For those considering beach camping with RVs, know your options. "If you drive the wrong way you will get stuck taking an RV down and you can pay for a bulldozer to pull it in if you need it," cautioned a Sandy Beach Campground visitor.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is the most popular campground near Lewellen, NE?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Lewellen, NE is Oregon Trail RV Campground with a 4.3-star rating from 12 reviews.