Camping spots near Lincoln, Nebraska range from primitive lakeside sites to full-service campgrounds with recreational amenities. Most state recreation areas surrounding the city require Nebraska park permits, which cost $8 daily or $31 annually for residents, with higher fees for non-residents. Water recreation dominates the camping scene with seven major lakes within a 30-minute drive offering opportunities for fishing, boating, and swimming during warmer months.
What to do
Disc golf courses: Branched Oak Lake Recreation Area offers a 9-hole disc golf course in Area 1. "I camped here in early spring with my boys and another family and we had the place to ourselves. This is yet another really nice state recreation area within 20 miles of Lincoln Nebraska," notes a visitor to Bluestem State Rec Area.
Kid-friendly activities: Camp A Way Campground provides numerous activities for children of all ages. "They had such fond memories that we made it work to swing thru Lincoln again and they had a blast even as teenagers. So many fun activities for the kids and both times we've stayed in the patio sites," writes a repeat camper at Camp A Way Campground.
Horseback riding: Eugene T. Mahoney State Park offers equestrian trails for visitors. A reviewer notes the park "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!"
Archery practice: Multiple recreation areas offer archery ranges for visitors. According to one visitor, "I love the whole park - especially the archery range!!" when referring to Pawnee Dam Site 14 Campground.
What campers like
Lake access: Many campgrounds offer direct water access for fishing or boating. "We love camping on the south shore. Can kayak right by your campsite. Lots of room between sites to play catch or yard games," shares a visitor to Area One Campground.
Quiet weekday camping: Most lake recreation areas are significantly less crowded during weekdays. "The pros! Lakeside tent camping is always fun. Lots of activities, like boating, swimming, fishing, hiking, etc. And its close to town. The cons! Its close to town, so it can be a bit crowded on nicer weekends. Its great for overnighters in the middle of the week."
Winter camping options: Several state recreation areas remain open year-round for dedicated cold-weather campers. A visitor to Bluestem notes, "Really nice and clean place to relax for a couple days. And it's not busy if you like winter camping like I do."
Dog-friendly facilities: Some campgrounds offer dedicated spaces for pets. A camper at Camp A Way mentioned, "Very nice campground. Kid friendly with tons of activities. Nice pool & hot tub. Clean laundry facilities and they even have a dog park."
What you should know
Park permit requirements: Nebraska state parks and recreation areas require entrance permits for all vehicles. A camper at Area 3 Campground — Pawnee State Recreation Area reported, "We had a great weekend in Area 3 of the Pawnee Recreational Area. Big spots, good working power for 30 and 50 amp, but no water at the sites. The camp host had 200 feet of hose and we filled the clear tank from that."
Algae blooms: Lakes near Lincoln sometimes experience toxic algae blooms during hot summer months. One camper noted, "The lake was closed due to a toxic algae bloom which meant that is was a little quieter than normal."
Highway noise: Several campgrounds sit close to major roadways. A visitor observed, "Clean and large site. Next to highway. You can hear highway but that doesn't bother me."
Shower costs: Some state recreation areas have coin-operated showers. "The bath house was recently replaced. It is clean. Shower rates (bring quarters) are reasonable. $.50 for 3 minutes and every $.25 gives another 90 seconds. The change machine was either broken or out of change but that seems to be the norm this year at Nebraska parks."
Tips for camping with families
Swimming beaches: Multiple recreation areas offer designated swimming areas during summer. "We've spent so much time here. The location is great, lake is great, and the people have always been awesome! We love boating, swimming, camping. Family favorite!"
Playground access: Several campgrounds maintain playground equipment for younger visitors. At Eugene T. Mahoney State Park Campground, a visitor noted the area is "crowded with significant interstate noise. However there are many activities for kids including paddleboating, a wave pool, horse riding, ziplining, and playgrounds."
Water activities: Rental options for paddleboats and other watercraft exist at some parks. "We went paddle boating, swimming, and horse back riding. The only not so good thing about camping in this park is that it is so close to the interstate."
Lancaster Event Center: This facility provides camping during county fair season. "Love going to the county fair! The corn maze and all the cute animals are always a hit!" notes a visitor to the Lancaster Event Center.
Tips from RVers
Water access at sites: Not all campsites with electrical hookups have water connections. "This park is beautiful, the only water supply is by hand pump on the way to your site so that is a negative. Good for an overnight stay when passing through."
Dump stations: State recreation areas typically offer dump stations, though they may not be adjacent to camping areas. "The nice dump station is located a couple of miles down the road near the Park Office."
Off-peak camping: For a quieter experience, consider non-summer visits to Yankee Hill Wildlife Management Area. "Near Lincoln Nebraska, quiet area, reported good fishing. Big gravel parking lot, good for overnights, max 3 days, no fees. Some local traffic on weekends. No open fires."
Laundry facilities: Some private campgrounds offer laundry services for longer stays. "Very clean. Helpful friendly staff. Huge, clean dog run shaded with locust trees. Best dog run we have seen this trip. Clean laundry facilities. They also have large washer and dryer if you need to do bed covers."
