Tent campsites near Lincoln, Nebraska offer varying environments from riverside locations to lakeside spots within an hour's drive. Most sites are primitive with basic amenities such as picnic tables and fire rings. Many campgrounds feature water access for recreation including swimming, fishing, and tubing opportunities. Seasonal considerations impact site availability, with certain areas being busier during summer months.
What to do
Water recreation at lakes: Fremont Lakes State Recreation Area provides access to multiple small lakes for swimming and fishing. The recreation area includes "a nice bicycle trail that leaves the park and winds out to Hormel Park on the Platte River," according to reviewer Anji L.
Riverside activities: Riverside Campground at Two Rivers SRA offers opportunities for tubing and wading. "The river is decently safe and a good place to tube," notes Emily M., who stayed at the tent sites near the water.
Disc golf access: Area Three Campground provides close access to disc golf courses on the peninsula of Branched Oak Lake. Charles C. mentions that camping here gives you "close access to Disc Golf, nice beach, and Showers just up the road."
Hiking and nature viewing: Two Rivers SRA features opportunities for walking trails and wildlife spotting. Michael M. describes it as "a short drive from Omaha" where his young children "loved" the experience of being close to nature.
What campers like
Secluded spots: Wirth Brothers Lake offers some isolation from other campers with sites designed for privacy. Becky D. notes, "It is off the beaten path and has camping spots that offer some seclusion from other people."
Spacious sites: Tent campsites at Fremont Lakes provide ample room for setting up camp. Alyssa E. describes the locations as having "big beautiful sites" and mentions the area has "tons of water, a few trails, lots of sites to camp."
Clean facilities: Some campgrounds maintain exceptionally well-kept amenities. At Fremont Lakes, one camper reported the "facilities were very clean. Cleanest I have ever seen in a campground."
Proximity to Omaha: Two Rivers SRA is conveniently located for weekend trips from nearby cities. Robin E. mentions it's "far enough outside of Omaha to feel like a getaway and get back to nature. And close enough to Omaha to not feel like much work to go camping!"
What you should know
Noise considerations: Several campgrounds near major transportation routes experience significant noise issues. At Fremont Lakes, Alyssa E. warns about "a very busy set of train tracks that run about every 20 minutes all day and all night" plus highway noise from "locals revving their over-sized trucks into the early hours."
Cost vs. amenities: Some primitive sites charge relatively high fees despite minimal facilities. Area Three Campground costs "$12 for out of state plates and $15 for a site without amenities," which Chelsea K. describes as "steep."
Facility maintenance: Restroom quality varies considerably between sites. At Wirth Brothers Lake, Becky D. notes "the outhouses could be kept up better," though she found the grounds well-maintained overall.
Early morning disruptions: Area Three Campground may have early maintenance activity. Chelsea K. mentioned being "by the dumpster, and they came by to empty it around 7am," which disturbed their camping experience.
Tips for camping with families
Riverside tent sites: Two Rivers SRA offers family-friendly tent camping beside the river. Michael M. reports, "I camped right by the river. Also a short walk to the outhouse and playground. Fun and quick trip if you're in the Omaha area. My boys (4&7) loved it."
Beach access: When water levels are low, sandy areas emerge at some riverside campgrounds. At Wirth Brothers Lake, families can enjoy the "swimming beach" along with other amenities like a "playground" and "archery" areas, according to Shannon G.
Educational opportunities: Several campgrounds offer nature learning experiences for children. Wirth Brothers Recreation Area provides primitive camping with basic amenities at reasonable rates - "$5 a day or $15 for annual permit," notes Shannon G.
Shade considerations: Plan accordingly for sun exposure at certain campsites. Molly M. advises about Fremont Lakes: "not much shade on most tent sites. Make sure you ask when they dredged the lakes that you want to stay on."
Tips from RVers
Fairground alternatives: When established campgrounds are full, county fairgrounds may offer basic camping options. The Saunders County Fairgrounds Campground provides "$20 per night for full hookup" and appears to have "approximately 40 sites," according to Lucian F.
Lake proximity options: At Area Three Campground, tent sites vary in distance from water features. Chelsea K. notes their "site was a few hundred yards from the lake, and we had a great morning walk," showing that even non-waterfront sites can provide pleasant lake access.
