Cabin camping options near Malcolm, Nebraska offer multiple overnight stays within a 30-minute drive. The area sits in the eastern Nebraska plains where summer temperatures average 75-90°F with moderate humidity from June through August. Winter camping requires preparation for temperatures that can drop below freezing at night from November through March.
What to do
Paddle boating and fishing: At Memphis Lake State Rec Area, visitors can enjoy non-motorized water activities. "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. The campground features tent sites directly adjacent to the water.
Mini golf and swimming: Families staying at Double Nickel Campground have access to multiple recreation options. "There are lots of things that keep kids busy. Outdoor pool, putt putt golf, play ground and more. There is also a golf course that is within walking distance," reports Jared C., who visited in September.
Trail exploration: Several campgrounds offer dedicated hiking paths. David L. explains that Memphis Lake provides "a nice spot a bit off of the main roads. Many of the tent sites allow you to camp right next to the lake." Biking is also popular, with paved roads available at several locations.
What campers like
Free firewood: Cabin guests at Prairie Oasis Campground & Cabins receive complimentary firewood. According to Bryan R., "Free firewood nightly was great. Shop in the office contains supplies, food, and drinks." The campground operates from March through October.
Seasonal activities: Accommodation timing affects available activities. While winter cabin options remain available at some locations, most water recreation closes seasonally. Pat V. notes, "We really enjoyed taking our boys out to Memphis SRA for a quick overnight camp. We are still in the middle of some bird migrations, so the geese were really loud but that is just due time of year."
Unique accommodations: Beyond standard cabins, specialized lodging exists. One visitor to Platte River State Park Campground shared: "I love Platte River State Park; there are accommodations for every type of camper - cabins, RV, primitive - hell they even have teepees!" The park offers hiking trails that "traverse through some amazing scenery."
What you should know
Highway proximity: Many cabin locations sit near Interstate 80, creating ambient noise. A camper at Camp A Way Campground noted, "Clean and large site. Next to highway. You can hear highway but that doesn't bother me." Similarly, another reviewer mentioned, "The highway is so close you can see the cars going by. It's extremely loud and constant highway sounds."
Restroom conditions: Facilities vary significantly between campgrounds. While some offer full shower houses, others provide vault toilets with minimal amenities. Particularly during peak season, cleanliness can fluctuate. At Memphis Lake, one visitor reported, "The bathrooms could use an upgrade or a good cleaning, and the one by our site was locked up and not open."
Reservation requirements: All cabin facilities near Malcolm require advance booking, with many operating on different reservation systems. Weekend availability becomes extremely limited during summer months, with some locations booking months ahead. Weekday stays typically offer more flexibility and availability.
Tips for camping with families
Kid-friendly activities: Multiple campgrounds design amenities specifically for children. One camper at Camp A Way described, "Very nice campground. Kid friendly with tons of activities. Nice pool & hot tub. Clean laundry facilities and they even have a dog park." Families report spending entire weekends without leaving the campgrounds.
Weather planning: The Nebraska plains experience rapid weather changes. Pat V. shared their experience at Memphis Lake: "The one big downfall is the number of trailers there running their generators. That did get annoying at night, but overall we will be back!" Unexpected storms can occur, particularly during summer months.
Shade availability: Newer campgrounds often lack mature trees. At Lake Wanahoo State Recreation Area, a visitor noted, "There is almost no wind break or shade throughout the area. High winds or extreme temperatures can wreak havoc on overnight trips. That also makes privacy tough to come by."
Tips from RVers
Site layout: RV sites offer varying degrees of privacy and space. An RV camper at Prairie Oasis noted, "The sites are gravel, level, and good size. They offer tent camping, Electric and water, or full hook-ups. The sites are pull thru which is always nice." Most cabin locations also accommodate RVs with dedicated sites.
Utilities and hookups: Full-service connections aren't guaranteed at all locations. Water fill stations are sometimes located in central areas rather than at individual sites. According to one visitor at Lake Wanahoo, "When pulling your RV out here the water fill is in an awkward spot in a parking lot of the campground. To get to the dump station you have to leave the campground, get on the highway and drive to the opposite side of the lake."
Generator policies: Different campgrounds maintain various rules about generator usage. While some permit operation during daytime hours, others prohibit them entirely. Most cabin areas enforce quiet hours starting at 10 PM, when generator usage must cease regardless of location.
