Best Campgrounds near Martell, NE

The Dyrt is here to help plan your best camping near Martell. Discover secluded campsites where you can reconnect with nature. Or maybe you like to bring your family and friends along. Either way, there are Martell campgrounds just for you. Find the best campgrounds near Martell, NE. Read helpful reviews and tips to find the perfect camping option for you and your crew.

Best Camping Sites Near Martell, Nebraska (91)

    1. Camp A Way Campground

    31 Reviews
    Lincoln, NE
    15 miles
    Website
    +1 (402) 476-2282

    $35 - $67 / night

    "A fun pass is require and costa about $10 but kids get ice cream, Slushies, water balloons for water wars included with that plus access to trampoline basketball, a nice jump pad, pool, indoor hot tub,"

    "Next to highway. You can hear highway but that doesn’t bother me"

    2. Lakeview Campground — Pawnee State Recreation Area

    25 Reviews
    Malcolm, NE
    16 miles
    Website
    +1 (402) 796-2362

    $30 / night

    "Pawnee SRA is a well maintained family friendly SRA North West of Lincoln Nebraska. You’ll find powered and primative sites accommodating RV’s to tents."

    "The change machine was either broken or out of change but that seems to be the norm this year at Nebraska parks."

    3. Bluestem State Rec Area

    6 Reviews
    Martell, NE
    2 miles
    Website
    +1 (402) 471-5545

    "Check out Blustem if you like to get away from RV heavy camps like I do. You’ll find clean raised toilets, trails, and archery range, boating, fishing and hunting here."

    4. Stagecoach Dam-Site 9 Park

    4 Reviews
    Hickman, NE
    6 miles
    Website

    "There are a bunch of campsites close to the lake but if you keep going there is a parking area and a short trail through the woods that leads to an open area right by the lake."

    "Great little lake. Fun to explore and hike in the wooded areas, and some of the best camping spots are a little hidden."

    5. Conestoga State Recreation Area

    6 Reviews
    Denton, NE
    10 miles
    Website

    "Conestoga is entirely walk up with no reservations."

    "Sites with electric hook ups available, dump station on location. Will definitely stay here again when in the area."

    6. Yankee hill wildlife management area

    3 Reviews
    Denton, NE
    7 miles

    "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."

    7. Olive Creek Lake State Recreation Area

    3 Reviews
    Martell, NE
    6 miles
    Website
    +1 (402) 796-2362

    $10 - $25 / night

    8. Wagon Train Primitive sites

    4 Reviews
    Hickman, NE
    9 miles
    Website

    "This SRA about 25 minutes Southeast of Lincoln Nebraska is a favorite go to for me and my boys."

    "The walk to the lake is quiet, and the sunsets are beautiful on the water! We will definitely be going back again."

    9. Branched Oak Lake State Rec Area

    28 Reviews
    Malcolm, NE
    24 miles
    Website
    +1 (402) 783-3400

    $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."

    "The area is well known for being the equestrian camping area at one of the finest lakes in Nebraska. Pull through sites with full hookups, equestrian trails, and corals."

    10. Wagon Train State Recreation Area

    4 Reviews
    Hickman, NE
    10 miles
    Website
    +1 (402) 471-5566
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Recent Reviews near Martell, NE

506 Reviews of 91 Martell Campgrounds


  • Trav S.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 10, 2025

    Walnut Creek Lake & Recreation Area

    Sewer Dump Available

    This is a very cool park in Papillion, Nebraska!

    It also has a sewer dump site for $5 (if you're not camping). See the camp host to pay.

  • Allen B.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 9, 2025

    Crystal Springs Lake

    Crystal lake

    Staying one night almost no one else here. Bathroom & shower are clean but no towels to dry hands with. Most sites are sunny. Friendly camp host small lake to kayak. Level sites with fire ring & picnic table.

  • Travis A.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 3, 2025

    Yankee hill wildlife management area

    Good over night spot

    Situated in the middle of corn fields. The WMA has a large marshy, stagnant pond, so bring mosquito repellent. The parking area is clean. There is a dumpster and vault toilet. I didnt inspect it, I'll leave that up to you. No potable water, but Lincoln Nebraska is only 17 miles away.

  • wThe Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 25, 2025

    Smiths Creek Recreational Area

    Perfect

    It was not far off the highway but no road noise. Great place for a free overnight camp.

  • JThe Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 24, 2025

    Smith Creek Recreation Area

    Quick overnight stay

    We had a quick one night stay as a van camper. Parked in the stone parking area adjacent to the toilets. A single bright light lit the entire parking lot. We arrived at 9:00 and quickly set up for sleeping. It was dark, our interior car lights immediately attracted numerous bugs. Late in the evening, a vehicle can't in and did a couple of "doughnuts" in the parking lot. It was a nice place overall for a single night.

  • MThe Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 22, 2025

    Wagon Train State Recreation Area

    Pricey!

    Nice campground with reasonable camp fees, however, they require day use fees as well, which makes it pricey. The lake does not have any water in it either. Only stayed 1 nite, but would probably not stay again.

  • Allison B.
    Aug. 20, 2025

    Pine Grove RV Park & Campground

    Fantastic campground in ideal location

    We have camped here for the past three summers and will continue to come back for as long as we can.  Word to the wise: ignore any reviews prior to July 2023. That's when the new owners took over and have been making updates and improvements from day 1. We love the friendly staff, the onsite cafe, and the beautiful pool.  The owners take great care of the pool, so our grandkids come out and swim with us whenever they can.  So. many campground pools are a bit scary, but not this one.  

    We also love the front row seat to fabulous sunsets.  Some people complain about the I-80 noise, but it really varies. We never hear it when we are inside our motorhome.  Some evenings it is pretty loud outside and others we can barely hear it. It's worth it either way because we can hop on the interstate so quickly and be in Lincoln or Omaha in a snap.  

    Love this place!

  • Austin B.The Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 15, 2025

    Area 5 Campground

    Simple and quiet

    Features:

    • self service
    • primitive camp sites
    • fire pits
    • picnic tables
    • vault toilets
    • plenty of shade
    • hand pump well water drinking fountain
    • a very dry lake
    • a boat ramp that leads to a dry lake bed overtaken by weeds
    • bugs bugs bugs
    • okay night skies

    This little spot is well maintained with mowed camping sections that each have numbered picnic tables and a fire pit. The picnic tables have a little placard to display your camping permit, which is just gotten from a board at the entrance to the campground. There are vault toilets that are definitely not the worst I've seen. And there's a cute little hand pump well water drinking fountain that I wouldn't trust drinking from, but it was fun to pump the water out for a minute or two! The lake was, unfortunately, extremely dry during my visit. There was no direct path to the water bank without cutting through a jungle of a dry lake bed covered in, likely tick infested, weeds. But at least the boat ramp would've served as a great foot/wheelchair ramp to walk down to the water...if there was a path through all the weeds. Lastly, bugs and mosquitoes were torture, but that's to be expected in Nebraska in August. Just be sure to bring your bug spray, and maybe wait to come by until some year when the lake is full.


Guide to Martell

Camping near Martell, Nebraska, offers a variety of experiences for outdoor lovers. Whether you're looking for a peaceful retreat or a family-friendly adventure, there are several campgrounds to explore.

What to do

  • Hiking and Trails: Many campgrounds have great walking trails. For instance, at Eugene T. Mahoney State Park Campground, visitors enjoy "nice walking trails and facilities" that cater to families.
  • Water Activities: If you love water sports, check out Platte River State Park Campground. Campers can rent paddle boats and kayaks, making it a fun spot for a day on the water.
  • Wildlife Watching: At Branched Oak Lake State Rec Area, you might spot deer and other wildlife. One camper mentioned, "We saw a couple of white-tailed deer wandering through in the early morning hours."

What campers like

  • Clean Facilities: Campers appreciate well-maintained restrooms and showers. A review for Camp A Way Campground noted, "Everyone that works here is so friendly. They have nice shower and bathrooms along with laundry facilities."
  • Family-Friendly Activities: Many campgrounds offer activities for kids. At Platte River State Park Campground, one reviewer said, "Tons of trails and many of them tailored to mountain biking," making it a hit for families.
  • Scenic Views: Campers love the beautiful surroundings. A visitor at Branched Oak Lake State Rec Area described it as "a beautiful and very relaxing to hear the waves."

What you should know

  • Noise Levels: Some campgrounds are near busy roads. For example, Eugene T. Mahoney State Park Campground is close to the interstate, which can be noisy. One camper mentioned, "The highway and trains can be heard from a distance but I found it soothing."
  • Fees: Be prepared for additional fees. At Pawnee Lake State Recreation Area, a reviewer pointed out, "It costs nearly as much as a site in a national park with the out-of-state permit."
  • Site Conditions: Some sites may not be as clean as expected. A visitor at Platte River State Park Campground noted, "Although it offers a lot to do, it wasn’t the cleanest."

Tips for camping with families

  • Choose Campgrounds with Amenities: Look for places with playgrounds and family activities. Camp A Way Campground is noted for being "kiddo's friendly" with "tons of fun activities for the kids!"
  • Plan for Mosquitoes: If you're camping in the summer, be ready for bugs. A camper at Memphis Lake State Rec Area mentioned, "A decent number of mosquitoes on my visit in July in the evening."
  • Bring Entertainment: Keep kids engaged with games or outdoor activities. One family at Pawnee Lake State Recreation Area enjoyed playing frisbee, saying, "Site was clean and very open for me to play frisbee with the dog."

Tips from RVers

  • Check Hookups: Make sure your campground has the right hookups for your RV. Camp A Way Campground offers "full hookups," which is a big plus for RV travelers.
  • Be Mindful of Location: Some campgrounds are near highways, which can be noisy. A reviewer at Conestoga State Recreation Area noted, "This is not relatively quiet campground but it is popular."
  • Plan for Space: Look for campgrounds with spacious sites. At Branched Oak Lake State Rec Area, a camper appreciated that "the sites in general are spaced so you are not right on top of your neighbor."

Camping near Martell, Nebraska, has something for everyone, from families to RV enthusiasts. Just remember to check the specific amenities and conditions of each campground to ensure a great experience!

Frequently Asked Questions

What camping is available near Martell, NE?

According to TheDyrt.com, Martell, NE offers a wide range of camping options, with 91 campgrounds and RV parks near Martell, NE and 2 free dispersed camping spots.

Which is the most popular campground near Martell, NE?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Martell, NE is Camp A Way Campground with a 4.6-star rating from 31 reviews.

Where can I find free dispersed camping near Martell, NE?

According to TheDyrt.com, there are 2 free dispersed camping spots near Martell, NE.