Camping options near Martell, Nebraska include privately-owned campgrounds and state recreation areas within a 30-mile radius. The terrain features gently rolling hills with elevations ranging from 1,200 to 1,400 feet. Summer temperatures typically reach 80-90°F with humidity levels of 60-80%, while spring and fall offer milder camping conditions with daytime temperatures between 60-75°F.
What to do
Boating and kayaking: Pawnee State Recreation Area maintains a 740-acre lake with designated swimming areas and boat ramps. "We've spent so much time here. The location is great, lake is great, and the people have always been awesome! We love boating, swimming, camping. Family favorite!" according to a camper at Lakeview Campground — Pawnee State Recreation Area.
Disc golf and trails: Several campgrounds feature recreational opportunities beyond water activities. "There's some mowed/natural trails to hike and Area 1 has a fun 9-hole disc golf course," notes a visitor to Pawnee State Recreation Area. Walking paths vary from paved park roads to natural surface trails.
Downtown explorations: Camp locations provide access to nearby small towns and attractions. The Ashland RV Campground sits within walking distance of downtown amenities. A reviewer mentions, "Brand new clean quiet campground walking distance from downtown. Site wasn't level front to back and the host offered to move us."
What campers like
Pool and recreation amenities: Families appreciate sites with built-in entertainment options. A Pine Grove RV Park & Campground visitor noted, "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."
Convenient highway access: RVers value locations that balance natural settings with accessibility. "Close (but not too close) to I-80, we stayed here as a way point cruising across Wyoming/Nebraska/Iowa. Clean facilities, quiet vibe, it was just what we needed after a long day of driving," shared a Pine Grove camper.
Shaded sites: Tree cover remains important during hot Nebraska summers. At Victorian Acres RV Park & Campground, campers appreciate the landscaping: "Large sites, many with trees. Well landscaped with lots of green space. A little Highway noise but not too bad. A nice spot to stay if you are in the area."
What you should know
Cell service reliability: Most campgrounds near Martell provide adequate connectivity. At Camp A Way Campground in Lincoln, visitors report consistent service for all major carriers, enabling remote work or emergency communications.
Off-season pricing and availability: State recreation areas operate differently during cooler months. "During the off season. $25.00 for electric. $14.00 entry fee for a vehicle. More than I was expecting. No water hook up at the camp sites. They have water you can fill up your fresh water tank," reported a visitor to Area One Campground.
Highway noise levels: Traffic sounds affect certain campgrounds more than others. "You can tell the owners keep everything impeccable. The bathrooms were super clean and have locks with code to keep them safe. This place has tons for kids to do. However the highway is so close you can see the cars going by. Its extremely loud and constant highway sounds," notes a Camp A Way Campground review.
Tips for camping with families
Kid-friendly amenities: Look for campgrounds with dedicated play areas and activities. "Very nice campground. Kid friendly with tons of activities. Nice pool & hot tub. Clean laundry facilities and they even have a dog park," reports a Camp A Way Campground visitor.
Swimming options: Several locations offer swimming beaches or pools during summer months. At Bluestem State Rec Area, visitors note the "swim beach" among amenities. The lake provides "decent fishing, decent kayaking, and a swim beach" according to campers.
Restroom facilities: Bathroom quality varies significantly between locations. Victorian Acres RV Park receives praise: "The amenities such as showers and bathrooms were clean and decorated cute. It was quiet and relaxing. We were able to get a good nights rest before hitting the road again."
Tips from RVers
Site levelness: RV sites near Martell vary in grading quality. At Ashland RV Campground, a visitor noted: "Sites are nice with trees and vegetation but not very level. Dog park is nice though." Bringing leveling blocks is recommended for most area campgrounds.
Dump station locations: Most but not all campgrounds offer sanitary disposal. "The nice dump station is located a couple of miles down the road near the Park Office" notes a Pawnee State Recreation Area visitor, highlighting that facilities may not be directly at campsites.
Seasonal closures: Water systems at many rv sites near Martell, Nebraska shut down during colder months. "A good water spigot is located just as you enter the camping area and a few others are dispersed in the campground," explains a Pawnee Lake camper, indicating that water access requires planning during winter stays.
