Branched Oak Lake State Recreation Area and Eugene T. Mahoney State Park Campground accommodate pets while offering a range of camping options near Malcolm, Nebraska. Both locations feature electrical hookups, fire rings, and reservable sites suitable for tent camping, RVs, and cabin stays. Area One Campground provides lakeside camping with paved roads and RV pads that keep dogs comfortable on grassy areas that staff maintain regularly. Pawnee State Recreation Area includes multiple pet-friendly camping areas with both reservable and first-come sites. The campgrounds maintain clean shower facilities, though campers should note that some areas require quarters for showers with reasonable rates of $0.50 for three minutes.
Pawnee Lake provides excellent opportunities for dogs to enjoy swimming and shoreline activities with their owners. The lake offers clear water access points where pets can cool off during summer months. Multiple hiking trails throughout the recreation areas allow for exercise with leashed pets, though wildlife encounters require monitoring pets closely. Campers report peaceful evenings with the occasional coyote howling in the distance adding to the outdoor experience. Area 3 Campground offers particularly quiet surroundings ideal for nervous pets. While camping with pets, visitors should note that sites may lack water hookups directly at campsites, requiring filling tanks beforehand. Day-use permits cost approximately $12 for out-of-state visitors in addition to camping fees, making preparation important when planning pet-inclusive camping trips.
$25 - $35 / night
"My first time camping in Nebraska. Ive been to several throughout the US. Loved the spot, I was right next to the lake, great swimming access. Downside drinking water access was difficult."
"Though this does not have flush toilets or showers they are very near in the adjacent campground."
$35 - $67 / night
"Great dog park: large, secure and shaded. Play ground, basketball, pool, family activities. Very clean restrooms. Good camp store with decent prices. Easy access to Omaha."
"Clean laundry facilities and they even have a dog park."
$30 / night
"Doesn’t look like the northern campground at Pawnee Lake comes up in a search on this app, very specific to note my review is for the Lake View area that is on the north side of the lake."
"We stayed here on our way back home to RI from Colorado- it was good because it was right off the highway, is dog friendly and even had some nice facilities. No complaints- was a pretty area."
"Branched Oak-Area One Campground is 2 1/2 miles north of Malcom Nebraska. There are many different areas offering over 330 pads and tons of primitive camping."
"Branched Oak is not the luxury park that Mahoney is but it is one of the premiere campgrounds at Branched Oak which is one of the premiere parks of Nebraska."
$30 / night
"Good for an overnight stay when passing through, would be nice for multiple days if you want to visit the lake."
"Lots of hiking trails, very nice weekend!"
$25 - $485 / night
"On a walk from my campsite, I went by the marina, disc golf course, conservatory, activity center, stables and ropes course."
"Nestled between two major cities in Nebraska, you're never far away from anything you may want to do or see. RV and tent camping is obviously available with limited privacy."
"Great place clean facilities..heard a dog barking but.. kids ..dogs no issues here.."
"Nice quiet spot on a creek fed lake. Boat/fishing dock. Newly constructed restrooms on a concrete pad. Only one drive up spot 4 or five spots for tents on grass a short carry from the parking."
"Not far from the highway but not too loud. Lots of picnic tables and fire pits, space for tents next to the lake and below the dam (walk over the knoll behind the playground)."
"Arrived around 3 and no one here. Quiet, snow on ground. Dirt roads to get here well maintained and easy. Seems like there may be a path around the lake."
ScoutMy first time camping in Nebraska. Ive been to several throughout the US. Loved the spot, I was right next to the lake, great swimming access. Downside drinking water access was difficult.
ScoutWe were passing through Nebraska and opted to stay the night here. The campground is new and will be even nicer when the trees are big enough to provide shade. We only stayed one night but enjoyed the walk to the small waterfall in the park. There is a large dog park, clean restrooms and nice trails for walking.
GuideStayed here for a week over 4th of July, 2020 amid COVID19 restrictions. Lots of shade, though some sites are full sun. Great dog park: large, secure and shaded. Play ground, basketball, pool, family activities. Very clean restrooms. Good camp store with decent prices. Easy access to Omaha.
TravelerThis was a great location to explore different areas but it is a very crowded location. Some people like that and visiting with everyone. That is not for me. The campground is well maintained, the staff is friendly and our dogs enjoyed the dog park on the property.
ScoutVery nice campground. Kid friendly with tons of activities. Nice pool & hot tub. Clean laundry facilities and they even have a dog park.
TravelerPopped in for a quick one night stay on our way west. Chose this place based on reviews on The Dyrt. It is mid week in October but it's so quiet, which we really like. Great pull through spaces with full hook ups and fantastic WiFi which allowed me to get some much needed work in. When I told the owner we had two dogs he put us directly across from the dog park which our pups really liked. Super cute touches around the place including bench swings at all the sites. Looks like the place could be great for families in the summer.
It is directly adjacent to the highway so there is some noise but it's not too bad. We actually felt it was quiet and relaxing.
GuideThe staff is incredible! Super friendly and accommodating! The full hookups were great. Nice little dog park, putt putt golf and a good size pool.
GuideThe park is well kept, the sites have plenty of space to them so you don’t feel like you’re on top of someone else’s camper. There’s playgrounds and a pool, a dog park, basketball court and disc golf. The nicest park we’ve stayed at for sure.
LegendPlatte River State Park is a beautiful, full service park with plenty of amenities. There are playgrounds and a splash pad for the kids, canoe rentals, and plenty of trails to hike or bike. Sites are concrete pads with full hookups and include a fire ring and picnic table. The campground also has a bathroom and dog park. 5 bars of AT&T @ 120Mbps!
Camping opportunities near Malcolm, Nebraska center around several reservoirs and recreation areas within a 25-mile radius. The region features prairie and farmland terrain at approximately 1,300 feet elevation with hot summers reaching 90°F and cold winters. Spring and fall offer milder camping conditions with temperatures ranging from 50-75°F, though campers should prepare for occasional storms and significant wind across the open landscape.
Fishing from shore: At Branched Oak Lake State Rec Area, the Middle Oak Creek campground provides excellent shore fishing access. "Middle Oak Creek campground has a row of 10-12 electrical spots that are perfect for shore fishing, kayak launch, lakeside views," notes Jen K. The lake supports multiple fish species and offers dedicated fishing areas.
Kayaking in no-wake zones: The extensive no-wake areas on Branched Oak Lake create ideal conditions for paddlers. "There's a huge no-wake area of the lake for kayaking and paddle boarding. They also offer boat rentals," writes Jordan H. First-time paddlers can rent equipment on-site rather than bringing their own.
Archery practice: Multiple recreation areas maintain archery ranges for target practice. "We enjoyed the archery range and took plenty of walks," reports Pat V. about their stay at Branched Oak Lake. The ranges typically include multiple target distances and are accessible with a park permit.
Stargazing: The rural setting provides excellent night sky viewing opportunities. "Nighttime is great for stargazing and they have pretty stellar sunrises," according to Pat V. Light pollution is minimal, especially at campgrounds away from Lincoln.
Lake proximity: Camp A Way Campground and other area sites offer direct water access. "The camp sites are forked out like the cul-de-sac properties, each facing the road and having a large portion of the lake or greens to themselves on the back," explains Patheeka about Branched Oak Lake. This layout maximizes privacy while maintaining water views.
Clean facilities: Area campgrounds maintain well-kept restrooms and shower facilities. "The bathrooms were super clean and have locks with code to keep them safe," notes Heather A. about Camp A Way. Most campgrounds provide shower facilities, though some require quarters for operation.
Wildlife viewing: The natural areas around Malcolm support diverse bird populations. "It was truly the most diverse symphony of bird calls I have ever woken up to," shares Tommy S. about Wildwood Lake. Early mornings provide the best wildlife viewing opportunities.
Playground access: Multiple campgrounds feature playground equipment for children. "Nice playgrounds at both camp areas," mentions Jen K. about Branched Oak Lake's facilities. These areas provide recreation options when families need a break from water activities.
Highway noise: Some campgrounds sit close to major roadways. "The highway is so close you can see the cars going by. Its extremely loud and constant highway sounds," reports Heather A. about Camp A Way. Eugene T. Mahoney State Park Campground experiences similar issues, with one reviewer noting their child "was unable to fall asleep" due to interstate noise.
Water hookups: Many campsites lack direct water connections. "Downside drinking water access was difficult," notes Jennifer T. about Branched Oak Lake. Campers should fill tanks beforehand or locate communal water spigots upon arrival.
Weekend crowds: Popular areas become congested during peak times. "VERY BUSY campground as it is super close to a highly populated city. Plan ahead and reserve a spot or go early in the week otherwise you won't get a pad," advises Jen K. about Branched Oak Lake.
Shower operations: Pay showers require quarters at some locations. "The shower rates (bring quarters) are reasonable. $.50 for 3 minutes and every $.25 gives another 90 seconds," explains Kyle S. about Pawnee State Recreation Area.
Quieter areas for nervous children: Area 3 Campground at Pawnee offers a more secluded setting. "We had a great weekend in Area 3 of the Pawnee Recreational Area. Big spots, good working power for 30 and 50 amp," notes Russ G. The campground's distance from main recreation areas reduces noise levels.
Playground facilities: Multiple locations feature updated play equipment. "This place has tons for kids to do. There is a hand-built playground, basketball court, slip n slide, dog park, bounce stuff for kids," writes Heather A. about Camp A Way.
Swimming beaches: Designated swimming areas provide safer water access. "They have a swimming beach which is nice," mentions Kwin K. about Branched Oak Lake. Beaches typically include roped-off sections with gradual entry points suitable for younger swimmers.
Age restrictions: Some amenities have age limitations. "We booked hoping we could use the spa, only to find out when we got here, no kids under 5 can use it," reports Heather A. Check facility rules before promising specific activities to children.
Site positioning: Smith Creek Recreation Area and other campgrounds offer strategic parking options. "There are a couple spots you could park in the lot and camp from a van or camper," explains Abby M. about Smith Creek. Consider sun exposure when selecting a site, as shade can be limited.
Road conditions: Access roads vary significantly in quality. "The road in is typical gravel country road that can get a bit muddy with rain," notes Ron O. about Smith Creek. Heavy rain can create challenging conditions, particularly for larger rigs.
Parking surface quality: Site conditions impact leveling and stability. "My drive in spot was on the lake shore, no gravel so got quite muddy after the rain storm that blew through. Nebraska clay very slippery sticky and heavy," warns Ron O.
Site width considerations: Older campgrounds may have narrower access roads. "The shower facilities need a lot of updating and the RV spots are pretty dated with narrow roads," explains Pat V. about Branched Oak Lake, adding they "were glad it wasn't a weekend with a full campground."
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular dog-friendly campsite near Malcolm, NE?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular dog-friendly campground near Malcolm, NE is Branched Oak Lake State Rec Area with a 4.1-star rating from 28 reviews.
What is the best site to find dog-friendly camping near Malcolm, NE?
TheDyrt.com has all 76 dog-friendly camping locations near Malcolm, NE, with real photos and reviews from campers.
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