Best Tent Camping near Nebraska City, NE

Grew up camping and hiking here. Not many amenities but the bathrooms are clean and the trails are fantastic. The view is great from the side bluff train. Close to Nebraska city. Tent sites are not too close together. Can get pretty busy on weekends in the summer.

Tent camped at one of the many sites there are. Tent is $15 per nite and Electric os $30-$25 per nite depending on voltage. The eletric sites are all on one area with showers and in door plumbing. The tent sites have an area with showers and in door plumbing but there are also many tent sites speckled around the park, some have vault toliets and others are primitive. There are also some pack in sites. There is also equestrian campsites as well. Great historical areas and wonderfully well maintained trails. There is also a boat ramp to access the river. You do have to pay a daily park fee on top of the camping price if you do not have a NE State Park Pass those are $30

I surprised my husband for a mini birthday trip in August of 2015. Yes...we went tent camping in August! The tent campgrounds were pretty empty and we were able to find a nice spot off the road. When we went they were resurfacing the road all the way down to the cave so if you wanted to see the Indian Cave it was about a 2mile hike, which we didn’t mind, aside from the Nebraska, August heat! We loved the hiking trails through the trees and difficult terrain. This camping trip will be another one to complete...maybe in September or October next time 😃

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.

We had two problems with our stay here. 1. The tent sites seem to have been an afterthought of the planning they have little to no shade/shade, no privacy and a very busy roadway quite close to them with nothing to separate them. There also is pretty much no flat ground.

2. My second problem was their security staff. They ride around on their golf carts and were rude and a little aggressive for no reason. They told us off for driving around the campground looking for the showers. The showers and bathrooms were fairly clean and were pretty nice and the shop had lots of food and goods. For RV camping it might have been fine, but do not go if you are tent camping.

There really is so much to do, from putt putt to iceskating, climbing, the water park, this place has it all. It can be pricey depending on what you're looking for. Cabins are cute and spacious but book up very quickly. Tent camp sites are open more often than not. It is always super busy is the only real downfall.

I camp here maybe once or twice a year, small area for tent camping that is quite open to other sites - not for campers hoping to get privacy or who can’t handle some late night parties. The area is set back quite a ways from the lake but the lake is still easy to access.

Note that if you are at the swimming beach area and wanting to grill out, be prepared to haul your items from your parked car nearby, not from back at the tent sites. It is less convenient than other campground set ups.

Make sure you come prepared with your pass and camping pass - unlike a majority of other campgrounds, I have noticed the park rangers won’t wait the first hour to let you get set up and squared away.

I stay here to enjoy kayaking, but have also ridden my bike out or just come out to gril and swim with friends. Top lake within a 60 minute drive and for those wanting to stay close to Lincoln.

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!

We stopped for a night in our camper van. In order to avoid paying the RV fee, we used a tent site. Level parking for the tent sites (which are in a grassy field—no tent pads) was limited, but as we were the only vehicle using those, it was fine. It’s a lovely spot, with lots of water fowl, fireflies, and a frog chorus.

Louisville Lakes has a decent beach area. Not too many amenities but the bathrooms are clean. The tent sites are close together but usually are not full, RV sites ARE full often. Some tent sites are on the river side and I'd consider very pretty. I like Louisville Lakes atmosphere but it can get pretty busy depending on the summer weekend.

I have only ever used Tent sites by the river. For the tent sites I wish there were more amenities but the one we stayed at was in a nice location. The river is decently safe and a good place to tube. There were not any other campers but I could see it getting pretty busy on the weekends. Definitely for relaxing on the river but not much else.

Enjoy the 4 tent sites. They are spread apart enough that your not on top of each other. Lots of wood to find on the ground

The tent sites are small and depending on your location you may have to haul your stuff to your site. The hiking was nice only 5 miles though.

It's a nice park with lots of RV sites for $25-$30 and tent sites for $15. This cost is in addition to the $6/ day in state or $12/ day out of state vehicle charge. We stopped at the closest tent area from the park entrance. It has flush toilets and showers (.50/3 minutes). There were about 20 individual tent sites in this area, some of which are level, but most aren't. As we were the only ones there, we took a level spot right near the bathrooms. We chased off several raccoons, but they eventually gave up and went back to their trash can rummaging. We had no further issues with them, and were careful to keep all food locked up in the car. There are some nice views and hiking trails and the park was clean.

A short drive from Omaha, two rivers offers generally clean TV and tent camping sites across multiple campgrounds. I camped right by the river. Also a short walk to the outhouse and playground. Fun and quick trip if you’re in the Omaha area. My boys (4&7) loved it.

The little creek campground in the Eugene T. Mahoney State Park is nicely kept and has showers. It is mostly quiet but you can hear the background drone of the Interstate highway. The park has a vehicle pass fee ($8) and a camping fee. I am tent camping and the least expensive site was $25.

Due to all the flooding along the Missouri River the campgrounds are still in great shape. Even most of the tent sites are usable. Could still get to the cave, (yes I know it’s not an actual cave) and to other parts of the park as well.

RV and tent campers only $15 a night with hookup. TENT CAMPING IS FREE! 10-night maximum. Dumping station. Water and electrical. The restrooms are quite a ways away. No showers available.

The town has some decent shopping, such as the Catholic thrift store which is so well set up it could be mistaken for a decent antique store, and a local clothing store with unique items.

The disc golf course in town is challenging and well laid out.

It’s nice this site is near the river but it’s just your basic campground. you’ll find a pretty flat area with access to the river and basic amenities. I’ve only been to tent sites. I would suggest brining your own wood because whenwe were there, they were out.

We tent camped with 3 kids last week. Tons of fun hiking and exploring. Would have been nice to have trails closer to camp area, but drives were short and the air conditioner felt great after hiking. The kids were a little disappointed with the cave, they thought they could go inside. Over all it was very clean and tons of fun. We would definitely go back!

This is a highly developed state park boasting an aquatic center, indoor gardens, zip lines, horseback riding, cabins and even a hotel on site. Popular for family reunions due to the amount of space and accessibility. There is a wonderful lookout tower that allows people to take in views of the Platte River. Nestled between two major cities in Nebraska, you're never far away from anything you may want to do or see. RV and tent camping is obviously available with limited privacy. This is also a great event venue with multiple large buildings available for reservations. This is not the 'roughing it' kind of camping, but rather a fun experience for the whole family.

Campground Review

I stayed in this Louisville Rec area a few nights, moving around to three different areas of this HUGE campground are nestled in Nebraska. My plan was to spend a few days taking advantage of the many amenities and activity options this area appeared to have, and I since this is a popular destination option many are considering, I sought to provide a review of the grounds from the perspective of someone who is considering staying in the west, central, or east area of the grounds. This review is for the central area.

General Info on this overall campground

This is a state-funded park, so non-Nebraska plated cars have an additional fee. A HUGE campground with around 250 total sites, with options ranging from walk-in camping tent-only sites to RV areas. There is a 3 decent-size lakes spread evenly across the grounds. Near the central lake ("Lake 2") there is a small shop which has a market where basic kick knacks and firewood are available. This is also where you can rent boats like canoes, kayaks, and stand up paddleboards for hrs, half and daily rates. There is a trail in the woods running parallel to the North Platte River. The path is in a heavily wooded area, so no lakeside views, just a nice, quiet hike with the very occasional hummm of a mosquito. There is a swim area along the beach of Lake 2. There is canoe access at the far west side of the park. In summer, it was common to see people wading across the river as it was neither a fast moving current nor deep. This is a Rec area, so day use is also an option. There are numerous locations for picnics, including Grills, and for fishing in the lakes from some roof-covered docks. Coin-operated showers (takes quarters, change machines take $1 and $5 bills) and full-service, ADA-friendly bathrooms scatter the park as well. There is a play area in the center which has a basic jungle gym. Each site has at least a picnic table and a fire pit. All tent sites are park and walk. If you want to have your car next to your picnic table, you need a padded spot. Each area of the park has these options, as well as electrical, then RV. Most sites are reservable and there are some allocated for first come, first serve. Gates will close at 10pm so make sure your road trip stops before they do. Also, packing earplugs is a must, but it won't completely help you. There is a train that goes very near the grounds - the track basically borders the south side of the campgrounds - and it needs to use its horn while passing through, which happens A LOT.

Central location-specific Info

I would avoid this area if you are tent camping and look to the east/west grounds. The park managers called tent sites 260-267 "bug alley". If there's any rain this area this area is highly susceptible to pooling, which brings out the bugs! There was a storm the night before I arrived and people were being relocated. This area has closest access to the most amenities in the park. The jungle gym is here, as well as the market, and the biggest lake with the beach and swim area.

Ranger Review

As a Ranger for The Dyrt, I am given product to test from time to time. For the better part of 2 weeks I've been snacking on products from Wild Zora. I bought the meat and veggie bar sample pack and some Paleo-Friendly To-Go Meals.

• You can watch the video review below.

This company specializes in making healthy, allergen-friendly food for the outdoors. I found their meat bars delicious and so far have loved the Caldera Chicken Curry dinner and Butte Cacao Banana breakfast. Really good food!

The freeze dried meals weren't chalky and the ingredients are so healthy. By being paleo-friendly, they are gluten, grain, milk, soy free and shelf stable, and protein-rich. Most are also nut free. These ingredients will raise the cost up to a price above conventional free-dried meals, but the taste is well worth the upgrade.

I found the veggie bars to be delicious as well. I had some while hiking in Rocky Mountain National Park and some more while just sitting in my car along a road trip. Either way, it was curbing my hunger, gave me an energy boost, and I wasn't left with any digestive issues. I am lactose intolerant and have a tree nut allergy, and these bars are allergen friendly. They contain no added sugar, hormones, antibiotics or chemical additives. Easily compare to price to the tough, nitrate-rich jerky so I HIGHLY recommend this as a healthier alternative.

Overall Pros:

• Lots of flavor options
• Everything tasted really good
• Great ingredients make this brand a healthy, allergy-friendly food option

Overall Cons:

• None really. Their packaging and menu are being updated with the freeze dried to-go meals so some of the flavors may get discontinued