Best Campgrounds near Martell, NE

Campgrounds near Martell, Nebraska include several state recreation areas with a mix of primitive and developed sites. Bluestem State Recreation Area, Stagecoach State Recreation Area, and Wagon Train State Recreation Area provide camping options within 20 miles of Lincoln. Most areas accommodate tent and RV camping, with Camp A Way Campground offering cabin rentals. Yankee Hill Wildlife Management Area provides free dispersed camping with a three-day maximum stay. These camping areas range from lakeside locations with fishing access to more secluded spots in wooded settings.

Primitive tent sites dominate the landscape at many of these recreation areas, with varying levels of amenities. "If you want to avoid camper cities and crowded camp sites within 30 minutes of Lincoln Nebraska, Olive Creek is a good choice," notes one camper about the primitive camping options. Several campgrounds require Nebraska state park permits, available through self-registration at entrance kiosks. Most areas remain open year-round, though winter camping offers quieter experiences with fewer visitors. Water access becomes limited in dry seasons, with reviews mentioning "extremely dry" conditions at Bluestem Lake during summer months. Vault toilets are standard at most primitive sites, while developed campgrounds offer electric hookups and shower facilities.

The state recreation areas near Martell feature lakeside camping popular with anglers and paddlers. Campers report Branched Oak Lake State Recreation Area and Camp A Way as the highest-rated developed campgrounds, offering amenities like showers, electric hookups, and sewer connections. Primitive camping areas receive mixed reviews, with Wagon Train described as having "a small area for tent camping that is quite open to other sites - not for campers hoping to get privacy." Wildlife viewing opportunities exist at several locations, particularly Yankee Hill Wildlife Management Area, though a review mentioned "a large marshy, stagnant pond, so bring mosquito repellent." Many camping areas provide fire rings and picnic tables at designated sites, with swimming beaches available at certain lakes during summer months.

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

511 Reviews of 91 Martell Campgrounds


  • AThe Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 3, 2025

    Riverside Park

    Quiet night

    Better than I expected. Camp host was friendly and helpful. Bathroom was clean although stalls have no doors. I did not use the showers but I looked in and they were clean. There is a nice paved walk/bike path along the river. It was quiet once it got dark. Slept with my windows open and heard no traffic or trains.

  • PThe Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 2, 2025

    Double Nickel Campground

    Amazing

    Very friendly & helpful lady, guided Us to Our site and spotted Us on it. That was after She gave Us a free upgrade, discount, and took several of Our calls. After having a really terrible day She gave a breath of encouragement back into Us. It looked like all the sites were pull through's, had fire pit (saw her delivering wood), never saw this before (each site has a porch swing). It is clean and taken care of nicely. It is most definitely a place to stay at.

  • Fire S.
    Sep. 25, 2025

    Red Cedar Lake

    Peaceful Getaway with Beautiful Views

    Red Cedar Lake is a hidden gem if you’re looking for quiet, simple camping. The scenery is beautiful, with open skies and plenty of wildlife around. It’s free camping, so amenities are limited—bring your own supplies and expect rustic conditions. The fishing was great, and the sunsets over the water were stunning. Perfect spot if you want to unplug, relax, and enjoy nature close to the road.https://kukasoittia.fi/

  • Kyla B.
    Sep. 19, 2025

    Czechland Lake Recreation Area

    Peaceful

    Has fishing, kayaking, hiking, 3 covered picnic areas with electricity, wildlife watching, no-wake boating, 11 (50 amp) RV/tent pads/sites at $20 per night, 3 free non-electrical RV/tent pads/sites, & free tent camping area by the dock. No park permit required. Can pay for pads/sites with cash or with mobile phone. Sites have trash cans, picnic tables and fire rings. Primitive bathrooms available. Water spigots available and working. No dumpsite. Dogs welcome but must be leashed.

    May be difficult parking for larger rigs (35ft+) due to the one way entrance and curvature of the campground. Also note that you will need to bring leveling blocks for nearly every site since the campground is build on a hill.

    https://lpnnrd.org/outdoor-recreation/czechland-lake-recreation-area/

  • Krystal T.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 15, 2025

    York Kampground

    Quick overnight stay

    This campground was perfect for what we needed. Which was a place to rest on a longer journey. The host was super helpful and friendly when we needed to switch spots and answer some questions. The bathhouse was clean and the neighbors were kind and respectful. Very close to fast food and gas stations! Would definitely stay again.

  • 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.


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.