Best Tent Camping near Nebraska City, NE

Tent campsites near Nebraska City, Nebraska provide a mix of established and primitive camping options along the Missouri River corridor. Brownville Riverside Park offers basic tent camping with riverside access, though recent flooding has affected site conditions. Wirth Brothers Lake, located west of Highway 50, provides more secluded tent camping with basic amenities including picnic tables and fire rings, making it suitable for those seeking primitive tent camping experiences.

Most primitive tent setups in the region require self-sufficiency, as amenities are limited. Campgrounds like Wirth Brothers Lake feature drinking water, picnic tables, and basic toilet facilities, but lack electrical hookups or shower access. Sites are typically set on grass or dirt surfaces with minimal grading. A recent review noted, "It is off the beaten path and has camping spots that offer some seclusion from other people," though visitors should be prepared for outhouses that "could be kept up better." Seasonal flooding can significantly impact site availability, particularly at riverside locations like Brownville, where cleanup from previous floods may still be ongoing.

Tent campgrounds near Nebraska City offer varying levels of isolation and natural experiences. In contrast to the riverside options, Hoot Owl Bend provides more remote tent camping opportunities with clearings suitable for tent setup, though without established amenities like fire pits. The area features mulberry trees and access to water, but requires proper footwear to navigate areas with stinging nettle. Kirkmans Cove Recreation Area Campground offers a more developed experience with electrical sites, mature shade trees, and proximity to a sand beach. As one camper described it, "The camper spots are nice, level, and shaded with mature trees." For tent campers seeking convenient primitive options within driving distance of urban areas, Two Rivers SRA provides riverside tent sites that offer quick nature getaways while remaining close to Omaha.

Best Tent Sites Near Nebraska City, Nebraska (10)

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Recent Tent Camping Photos near Nebraska City, NE

4 Photos of 10 Nebraska City Campgrounds


Tent Camping Reviews near Nebraska City, NE

469 Reviews of 10 Nebraska City Campgrounds


  • Michelle V.
    Aug. 19, 2020

    Hackberry Hollow Campground — Indian Cave State Park

    Great for car camping

    Just car tent camped here with my fiancé and dog over the weekend. We had many camp sites to choose from because it’s back to school time in NE (timing, timing, timing)! Basic tent sights are first come, $15 a night. The park offered firewood ($6) and ice for sale. Lots of hiking trails with different levels of difficulty and elevation. Most drive up camp sites have outhouses nearby. We sometimes drove up to the group tent sites where they have clean bathrooms, running water and showers (need quarters for shower). We had a great time and enjoyed being surrounded by all the lovely trees. Staff were friendly and the park was clean. Only bummer is the steps to the “cave” is still closed.

  • Joe R.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jul. 1, 2018

    Wagon Train Primitive sites

    Wagon Train easy going camping

    This SRA about 25 minutes Southeast of Lincoln Nebraska is a favorite go to for me and my boys. Wagon Train is far enough from major roads that all you’ll hear is nature and the crackle of your fire. There are 28 pad/powered sites and 80 non powered, non pad sites for basic tent camping. If you want a sad spot reserve early. This SRA experienced a tornado a few years ago and many trees were lost. Those trees are in a pile near the non pad sites though, so claiming free fire wood is easy if you have a saw. Potable water is available and vaulted toilets are a short walk from the non powered sites. If you RV you’ll also have access to a dump station. There is a short hiking trail but nothing to write home about. Your camp sites will all have fire rings and picnic tables. I think the best part of this lake is the sand beach swimming area which is near a large covered picnic area. As with many Southeast Nebraska lakes, you can boat but there is a 5mph speed limit. If you don’t make reservations online you can show up and self register at the camp entrance. For me Wagon Train isn’t the prettiest lake in the area be a long shot but I love how quite it is and you’ll love the dark starry skies at night.

  • Sarah H.
    Sep. 19, 2016

    Big Lake State Park Campground

    Clean and Friendly off I-29

    My husband and I tent camped one night at this park. We arrived around 8 pm and even though the office was getting ready to close, the woman behind the counter was very kind and helpful. She helped us with finding our spot and with getting firewood. Our basic tent site was lakeside and had a fire pit and picnic table. The site was so well maintained it was hard to find small sticks for kindling.

    The grounds have private bathrooms with toilets and showers. There are two nice playgrounds and a swimming pool. Most campers were enjoying fishing in the small lake. Kayaks were available to rent for a small fee. Kids enjoyed riding bikes around the flat roads.

    This is a great spot off I-29 to set up camp and have a rest. It's also a good spot to take young kids fishing.

  • Tarrah C.
    Apr. 5, 2023

    Waubonsie State Park Campground

    Nice Trails

    This is a great weekend spot not much to do around the park. The campsites are nice but close with not much space in between. There are 2 campgrounds, the one north of the highway is a horse campground but required. There are nice trails in this area. The campground on the south is more of a tent site. There are vault toliets, no showers. A lot of great trails o this side. All campsites include a picnic table and fire ring.

  • D
    Sep. 16, 2020

    Memphis Lake State Rec Area

    Camping Right on the Lake

    It is a nice spot a bit off of the main roads. Many of the tent sites allow you to camp right next to the lake. It's generally pretty quiet and people respect the 10 pm quiet hours rule. Each site has a picnic table and fire ring.

  • Charles C.The Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 1, 2018

    Duck Creek Recreation Area

    New Campground by Secluded Lake

    This park is a beautiful lake. We saw white pelicans and blue herons on this visit but it is not uncommon to see hawks, owls, and eagles in the area. This is a new park dedicated this year by the Nemaha NRD: sort of a multi-county natural resource agency found exclusively in Nebraska.

    The picnic tables, vault toilets, paved walking trails, playground equipment are all new and well laid out. Gravel slabs with electrical hookup are only $12 a night but that is deceiving because you need to purchase a $5 day pass or $15 annual pass to come to the park. Yet even the some of the primitive sites have slabs for a pop-up and did not appear to cost anything beyond your vehicle pass.

    The lake is too small for any boat with more than a trolling motor (there is a boat ramp) and should be outstanding for a kayak or canoe. Fishing should be great here. Paved trail and wide gravel slabs with raised fire pits should make this a great rustic getaway for handicapped campers. There is even a paved path to the end of a jetty of fishing in the lake.

    This park is close to the Steamboat Trace Hiking/Biking Trail which is a 26-mile trail following the bluffs and coming within spitting distance of the Missouri River. Peru Nebraska is close, home of one of the oldest colleges this side of the Mississippi. Peru is also close for limited supplies such as Ice and band-aids. Auburn and Nebraska City are both about 10 miles away, Neb City has a Walmart.

    I think this park is best for a quiet weekend getaway. I recommend you contact the NRD for an annual pass and take advantage of the other parks they operate. You could hike or Bike the Trace and tent camp for free!

  • LThe Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 11, 2025

    Lake Manawa State Park Campground

    Nice metro campground

    Large concrete pads with patio and permanently mounted mesh steel picnic table with a fire pit grill on the corner.. Lakeside locations are quite well spaced with a panoramic Lake view. small restroom and shower pair with unisex entry. Quite spartan, but relatively clean. Trees surround the campground, but none provide any campground shade. Entry gate code required, which provides some security. all amenities are available within a limited distance. Some lake activity noises during the day, and depending upon wind, some aircraft traffic, otherwise very quiet.

  • Jerry B.
    Sep. 3, 2019

    Memphis Lake State Rec Area

    One of my favorites

    Tent camping sites. No electrical hookups but you can still camp in campers if you want. Beautiful Campground with lots of trees and shade. Very nice Lake with fishing available. There appears to be an option for canoe rentals available. Boat ramp and dock. Multiple bathroom locations within the campground. Picnic tables near the water. I’ve kayaked the lake! So much fun.

  • Shannon G.The Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 30, 2018

    Wirth Brothers Lake

    Primitive camping off highway 50

    Worth Brothers Rec Area is located west off Highway 50 on 733 road on gravel. It is a primitive camping area - no hook ups. It has a few fire rings, and raised grills. There are picnic table and a covered group picnic shelter. There is drinking water, bathrooms, playground, archery, and a swimming beach. $5 a day or $15 for annual permit.


Guide to Nebraska City

Tent camping near Nebraska City, Nebraska offers a variety of options for outdoor enthusiasts looking to enjoy nature and the great outdoors. From well-maintained sites to unique local activities, there’s something for everyone.

Tent campers should check out Brownville Riverside Park

  • This site allows pets and has picnic tables, making it a great spot for families.
  • Fires are permitted, so you can enjoy a cozy evening under the stars.
  • The park is within walking distance of the charming town of Brownville, perfect for exploring local shops and eateries.

Some prices for tent camping range from $5 to $15

Local activities to enjoy while tent camping

  • Explore the scenic trails and natural beauty surrounding Wirth Brothers Lake, which also features a swimming beach and playground.
  • Take a leisurely stroll along the river at Brownville Riverside Park and enjoy the peaceful atmosphere.
  • Visit the nearby town of Brownville for local events and attractions, enhancing your camping experience with a taste of local culture.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is the most popular tent campsite near Nebraska City, NE?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular tent campground near Nebraska City, NE is Brownville Riverside Park with a 2.2-star rating from 5 reviews.

What is the best site to find tent camping near Nebraska City, NE?

TheDyrt.com has all 10 tent camping locations near Nebraska City, NE, with real photos and reviews from campers.