Best Tent Camping near Martell, NE
Tent campgrounds near Martell, Nebraska offer limited but serviceable options for primitive camping experiences. Area Three Campground provides tent camping on the peninsula of Branched Oak Lake with sites near the water, particularly on the eastern end. Riverside Campground at Two Rivers State Recreation Area, located near Waterloo, offers tent sites alongside the river with basic amenities and water access.
Most tent camping areas near Martell provide minimal facilities. Area Three Campground features picnic tables and burn pits but has been described as offering few amenities for the $15 nightly fee charged to campers. Many sites have fire rings or raised grills, though fire restrictions may apply seasonally. Vault toilets are available at most locations, including Riverside Campground and Bruning Dam Recreation Area, but their maintenance varies by location. Wirth Brothers Lake Recreation Area provides drinking water, picnic tables, and bathroom facilities for primitive tent camping at a lower cost of $5 per day.
Sites throughout the region generally offer quiet experiences with varying degrees of seclusion. Wirth Brothers Lake features camping spots designed to provide some separation from other campers, making it suitable for those seeking more isolated backcountry tent camping. The riverside tent sites at Two Rivers SRA provide direct water access, with opportunities for tubing and beach activities when water levels are low. During weekdays, especially in fall and spring, tent campers can expect significantly fewer crowds at most locations. One camper noted that Wirth Brothers Recreation Area is "off the beaten path and has camping spots that offer some seclusion from other people."
