Campgrounds near Union, Nebraska cluster along the Missouri River and surrounding lakes, providing a mix of developed facilities and more rustic options. Victorian Acres RV Park in Nebraska City offers full hookups for RVs and tent sites with amenities including showers, drinking water, and sanitary dump stations. Within a 30-minute drive, Louisville State Recreation Area features multiple camping areas spread across three lakes with options for tent camping, RV sites with electrical hookups, and walk-in primitive sites. Several state parks in the region, including Platte River and Eugene T. Mahoney, provide cabin accommodations alongside traditional camping areas.
Nebraska state recreation areas typically require entrance permits for vehicles, with additional fees for non-Nebraska residents. Most campgrounds in the region remain open year-round, though services may be limited during winter months. The proximity to the Missouri River creates opportunities for fishing, boating, and water recreation at many sites. Train noise affects several campgrounds in the area, particularly Louisville State Recreation Area where tracks run along the southern edge of the property. Cell service is generally reliable throughout the region, and most developed campgrounds offer electrical hookups with 30-50 amp service. As one camper noted, "Louisville SRA is a HUGE campground with around 250 total sites, with options ranging from walk-in camping tent-only sites to RV areas."
Several visitors highlight the water recreation opportunities as a primary draw for camping in the area. Lakes at Louisville State Recreation Area support kayaking, canoeing, and fishing, with rental equipment available at some locations. Platte River State Park receives positive reviews for its hiking trails and small waterfall. Campers seeking more solitude might prefer the eastern section of Louisville SRA, where one visitor mentioned having "a river-side view to a nice sunset." The region's campgrounds generally feature clean facilities and well-maintained grounds, though some reviewers note that sites can be close together with limited privacy. Train noise is frequently mentioned as a drawback at several locations, with one camper reporting that "there is a train that goes very near the grounds and it needs to use its horn while passing through, which happens A LOT."
"Coming from MO, Nebraska is usually just a one night stop for us (as we head onto bigger and cooler states). We were happy to find this clean RV park near Nebraska City. Big, but quiet."
"Centrally located and walkable. There is a small lake close by that we walked the dogs too. Also 20 minute bike ride to GSR Casino. I appreciated the free filtered water dispenser in the office."
$35 - $340 / night
"We were passing through Nebraska and opted to stay the night here. The campground is new and will be even nicer when the trees are big enough to provide shade."
"Short walk in but a wagon is provided to help unload equipment. Picnic and fire pit near the teepee."
$15 - $35 / night
"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."
"I am sorry 😔 but I have nut yet been to any of Nebraska's Camping grounds your's well be the first."
$25 - $485 / night
"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."
"We used to stop here as a midway point when driving to Colorado. We always stayed at the lodge for a night and had a pleasant time exploring the area."
$15 - $110 / night
"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."
"The hiking trails are not for bikes, and they have several different levels or skills levels. The look out was pretty cool as well. We will return, and do some more hiking."
$50 - $70 / night
"It’s awesome how you can get so close to the river there. There was also a covered table we were able to eat at and enjoy. It’s close to an area where you can put in at if you have a boat."
$35 - $60 / night
"The location is perfect as it is near the river and several other attractions. Check them out and make sure to review your stay on the Dyrt!"
"This was a great place to stop over, easy on and off the highway. The pad was flat and there is FHU available. The neighbors are very friendly and helpful."
$20 / night
"This is a nice campground located on the edge of Papillion, Nebraska. There are several trails nearby, some paved and others grass. The main trailhead is easily accessible from the park road."
"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."
"No more than a 1/2 mile outside the city, but still feels isolated. Great Lewis and Clark interactive museum and hiking about a 5 min drive away."
"Very close to the Nebraska crossing outlet mall! 😊"
"The campground itself was fine and very convenient in location to vIsIt famIly."
ScoutIf you love back packing and hiking this is definitely for you! I feel as if I was a little misinformed about this camping spot. You have to hike kind of a long way to get to your campsite, there are no bathrooms near the campsite and its definitely not family friendly. I definitely should have done more research about this location. The view was beautiful though!
TravelerWe were skeptical about this place but for the most part it was ok. Beautiful sites along the lake. No one there when we got there and no maps to know where to go. Took a while but found the site we had reserved online. Were disappointed by the road noise- there is a major road going down other side of lake and nothing to block the noise. Also no star gazing here as the area across the lake has lots of very bright lights. We went to the toilets and found the vault toilets with just sanitizer and someone else said, but we had also read there was a shower house. Walked around trying to find it (a map would have helped!). Could not find it but luckily there was a person outside there camper that we asked (the place was practically deserted) and they pointed it out to us. Luckily it was only a slightly longer walk than the vaulted toilets. Showers have to be paid for and timed. No hot water in sink, not much place to put towel or toiletries. 4 family rooms. Noticed they were never cleaned while we were there- dirty and bugs.
TravelerVerdon Lake is a basic campground next to a small lake. Tent campsites are scattered along the lake's edge and each has a picnic table and fire ring. The area however has little parking and does not appear to be easily used by RVs or trailers. Grounds are well maintained and the vault toilet was clean and stocked. No trash receptacles, so be prepared to haul everything out. Cheap firewood is available nearby at the Verdon Fire Department. Can be a little noisy at night with highway traffic and nearby railroad tracks.
RangerTried this place twice. Horrible both times. They failed to mention this last time that the campground was going to become a parking lot for a nearby event at 0600.
ScoutStaff is very friendly, going out of their way to help and the site was gorgeous; very close to the water. Thank you!
GuideStayed here mid April during the week, lake is almost totally dried up. Lots of fun birds! A few bugs but quiet. We didn’t have a fire because it was windy and things are so dry already.
RangerThis is a nice and well maintained park, though some amenities were still closed for winter in mid-April. It is a popular spot for locals to fish and hang-out, which means there is a lot of noise at all hours. Most of the tent sites are near a large gravel parking lot, so it gets inconvenient. Otherwise, it is a nice place for the price - when everything is available.
RangerThis is a nice campground located on the edge of Papillion, Nebraska. There are several trails nearby, some paved and others grass. The main trailhead is easily accessible from the park road.
The campground is fairly quiet and well maintained, with plenty of space between sites. Most sites are level, making setup easy. There is a bathhouse available, but no showers. A boat ramp is located within the park, and you’ll often see fishing boats out on the water if you head over to the lake.
While the park itself can be fairly busy, the campground is set away from the main traffic areas, so it still feels quiet and relaxed.
There is a camp host on site. Cell service good here.
TravelerState boat launch with good size flat area. No open fires allowed.
Campgrounds near Union, Nebraska stretch along the Missouri River valley, primarily clustered within a 30-minute drive. The region features flat river bottomlands contrasted with steep loess hills. This eastern Nebraska area receives moderate rainfall of 30-35 inches annually, creating green spring and summer camping conditions. Summer temperatures typically range from 65-90°F with moderate humidity.
Hiking options: Platte River State Park offers some of the best trails in southeast Nebraska with varied terrain. "There are a wealth of amazing hiking / biking trails that traverse through some amazing scenery. Just like the camping, you can pick between the less intensive paved walkways or you can walk along the hilly bluffs that contour the Platte River," notes one visitor to Platte River State Park.
Paddleboating and kayaking: Several lakes provide water recreation opportunities with rental equipment. A camper at Louisville State Recreation Area mentions that near 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."
Children's activities: Many campgrounds cater to families with dedicated facilities. At Eugene T. Mahoney State Park, "there are many activities from your typical hiking experience to spending the day at the water park to being able to take the family mini golfing." The park also features horseback riding, a driving range, and various sports courts.
Well-maintained grounds: Campgrounds in the region generally receive positive reviews for cleanliness. At Victorian Acres RV Park, a camper remarked, "This one was the nicest and cleanest campground we have been to yet. Everything was freshly manicured on the grounds. Everything was very clean and no trash whatsoever anywhere."
River access: The proximity to the Platte and Missouri Rivers creates opportunities for scenic views and water activities. A visitor to Riverview Marina State Rec Area appreciated how "we camped right be the river and woke up to a beautiful sunrise. No more than a 1/2 mile outside the city, but still feels isolated."
Overnight convenience: The region serves as a practical stopping point for travelers crossing Nebraska. One camper at Victorian Acres noted, "Coming from MO, Nebraska is usually just a one night stop for us (as we head onto bigger and cooler states). We were happy to find this clean RV park near Nebraska City. Big, but quiet. Friendly staff. Homey. Green space."
Train noise: Multiple campgrounds in the region experience significant railroad disturbances. At Louisville State Recreation Area, a camper warns: "Train noise all night." Another visitor elaborates, "The harsh part of being located here is if you are looking for any kind of spot that accommodates a flat plot, like sites 206 - 236, you are butted up against the train tracks and that train is LOUD!"
Interstate noise: Some campgrounds are affected by highway sounds. At Eugene T. Mahoney State Park, a visitor mentioned, "This campground is crowded with significant interstate noise."
Site spacing: Campsite proximity varies considerably between parks. One camper at Waubonsie State Park observed, "For me this is not the greatest camping area. The sites just are to close for me as a tent camper. The could almost use some of the day use picnic area as primitive sites."
Water activities: Look for parks with built-in water features. Eugene T. Mahoney State Park offers "a wave pool" according to reviews, while Louisville State Recreation Area features "a swim area along the beach of Lake 2" and "play inflatables for kids in the water."
Playground access: Several campgrounds have dedicated play areas. At West Omaha/NE Lincoln KOA Holiday, a visitor appreciated that "neighbors are close not much of your own space but there is a play ground for the kids that's wonderful!!!!!"
Educational opportunities: Combine camping with learning experiences. Near Riverview Marina, one camper noted: "Great Lewis and Clark interactive museum and hiking about a 5 min drive away."
Site selection: Choose the right site size and location for your needs. One RVer at West Omaha/NE Lincoln KOA Holiday warned, "We were given an inappropriate size space for the rig we stated, super narrow and we stuck over the road by 2 feet... do not stay here in sites 34 - 70 if you have a rig over 30' and dont want to touch your neighbors camper."
Accessibility: Some campgrounds provide easier access than others. At Waubonsie State Park, one RVer reported, "The road was when we visited. The workers were not the most helpful either... The campground was basic, grill, fire ring, picnic table, electric on designated sites. Needed some clean up and graveling on the pads."
Leveling challenges: Be prepared for uneven sites at some parks. A visitor to Victorian Acres RV Park found: "Sites are nice with trees and vegetation but not very level. Dog park is nice though."
Frequently Asked Questions
What camping is available near Union, NE?
According to TheDyrt.com, Union, NE offers a wide range of camping options, with 97 campgrounds and RV parks near Union, NE and 2 free dispersed camping spots.
Which is the most popular campground near Union, NE?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Union, NE is Victorian Acres RV Park & Campground with a 4.1-star rating from 21 reviews.
Where can I find free dispersed camping near Union, NE?
According to TheDyrt.com, there are 2 free dispersed camping spots near Union, NE.
Keep Exploring
