Tent camping near Malcolm, Nebraska offers access to several bodies of water with varying amenities and surroundings. The camping options range from developed state recreation areas to primitive sites with basic facilities. Winter temperatures can drop to the teens, with one camper recording a low of 19°F during late October camping at Area Three.
What to do
Fishing opportunities: Two Rivers State Recreation Area provides river access for fishing and water recreation. According to Michael M., "A short drive from Omaha, two rivers offers generally clean TV and tent camping sites across multiple campgrounds. I camped right by the river."
Beach activities: When water levels permit at Two Rivers, visitors can enjoy unique shoreline features. As Robin E. notes, "When the river is low, you can go play on the beach. We've even walked through the water to go play on the 'islands'."
Archery practice: Wirth Brothers Lake includes an archery range among its recreational offerings. Shannon G. mentions, "There is drinking water, bathrooms, playground, archery, and a swimming beach" at this primitive camping area.
Canal fishing: The Loup Power Canal at Powerhouse Park provides productive fishing spots. Charles C. reports, "Good fishing in the canal. Close to town yet far enough away."
What campers like
Secluded tent sites: Wirth Brothers Lake features camping areas with more privacy than typical campgrounds. Becky D. appreciated that "It is off the beaten path and has camping spots that offer some seclusion from other people."
Affordable options: Several locations offer economical camping alternatives. At Powerhouse Park, campers find "Free tent camping" with amenities including "Nice playground, picnic tables, and charcoal grills. Clean restroom," according to Charles C.
Walking opportunities: Fremont Lakes State Recreation Area offers extensive trails and natural areas for exploration. Anji L. notes, "Lots of walking and bike riding. Very woodsy feeling through the whole park and a nice bicycle trail that leaves the park and winds out to Hormel Park on the Platte River."
Clean facilities: Campground maintenance varies, but some locations maintain exceptional standards. At Fremont Lakes, Alyssa E. found "Facilities were very clean. Cleanest I have ever seen in a campground."
What you should know
Train noise: Some campgrounds experience significant noise issues. At Fremont Lakes, Alyssa E. warns, "There is a very busy set of train tracks that run about every 20 minutes all day and all night. Didn't get any sleep, even with earplugs."
Pricing considerations: Fees vary widely across campgrounds. At Area Three Campground, Chelsea K. noted cost concerns: "$12 for out of state plates and $15 for a site without amenities is steep."
Maintenance inconsistencies: Facility upkeep varies between locations. At Wirth Brothers Lake, Becky D. mentioned, "The campground was designed by boys scouts—only downfall is the outhouses could be kept up better."
Early morning disturbances: Maintenance operations may disrupt sleep. Chelsea K. reported at Area Three Campground: "We were also by the dumpster, and they came by to empty it around 7am. Probably a Monday morning problem, but still worth mentioning."
Tips for camping with families
Breakfast options: Some campgrounds offer convenient dining. At Two Rivers, Robin E. recommends, "There is a convenience store ran by a very nice family and they make a great breakfast for a low cost. We like to get up early and walk across the park to breakfast and then walk back to our campsite."
Badge opportunities: Saunders County Fairgrounds Campground offers a convenient base near Wahoo. Lucian F. notes, "Located near downtown Wahoo. $20 per night for full hookup. Appear to be approximately 40 sites."
Nature education: Two Rivers SRA includes educational facilities. Robin E. explains, "The park has many, many opportunities to earn badges. You can even take a short hike into a little outdoor nature classroom."
Wildlife viewing: The area supports diverse wildlife. Robin E. observed at Two Rivers: "The park has deer and turkey and many birds. There is also fishing."
Tips from RVers
Tent-focused amenities: Many campgrounds in the area primarily serve tent campers with limited RV facilities. At Area Three, Charles C. explains, "This is primitive camping on the peninsula of Branched Oak, so you get close access to Disc Golf, nice beach, and Showers just up the road."
Site selection factors: When choosing a campsite, consider shade availability. At Fremont Lakes, Molly M. advises, "The lake was awesome, not much shade on most tent sites. Make sure you ask when they dredged the lakes that you want to stay on."
Multiple camping zones: Some recreation areas have distinct camping sections with different atmospheres. Alyssa E. recommends at Fremont Lakes, "I tent camped in the old lakes part of the campgrounds. There are at least a dozen small lakes part of the grounds. The new lakes are busy and full of RVs. If you want a less busy area, find the older section."
