Duck Creek Recreation Area offers primitive campsites positioned on a hilltop with panoramic views across the Peru bottomlands, while designated RV sites include electrical hookups for $12 per night plus a park permit fee. The recreation area sits at approximately 940 feet elevation in the rolling hills of southeast Nebraska, where summer temperatures typically range from 75-95°F during camping season. Winter camping remains available but with reduced amenities.
What to do
Fishing from shore: Duck Creek Recreation Area provides accessible bank fishing with a paved path to a fishing jetty. A camper notes, "Fishing is great right off the bank. NRD permit required."
Hiking the Loess Hills: Waubonsie State Park Campground offers multiple trail difficulties through unique loess soil formations. A visitor shares, "We took one of the more scenic trails and took us over the top of some of those beautiful Loess Hills."
Kayaking and canoeing: The small lakes in the area prohibit motorized boats beyond trolling motors, making them perfect for paddling. At Duck Creek, one reviewer mentioned, "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."
Winter hiking: For off-season visitors, the trails remain open with fewer crowds. According to a camper at Waubonsie State Park, "Had the campground to ourselves... Wasn't perfectly flat and had some overlooks. Very much enjoyed!"
What campers like
Well-maintained facilities: The newer amenities at Duck Creek Recreation Area receive consistent praise. A visitor mentions, "The picnic tables, vault toilets, paved walking trails, playground equipment are all new and well laid out."
Wildlife viewing opportunities: The lakes and wetlands attract diverse bird species. One camper observed, "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."
Family-friendly recreation: Big Lake State Park Campground offers activities beyond camping. A visitor notes, "They have really nice little cabins for rent is camping isn't your strong suit! Lots of flat roads for biking though!"
Budget-friendly options: Basic sites near the water at Big Lake State Park provide affordable glamping close to Nemaha, Nebraska. A camper explains, "There are basic sites up against the lake and the rest are electric. Basic sites are large and some of the electric are also."
What you should know
Seasonal flooding concerns: River proximity means flood risk. At Brownville Riverside Park, a local reported, "Unfortunately, the river has flooded it out as of June 28, 2024 and it will likely be unusable for at least the remainder of this season."
Limited amenities at primitive sites: Some locations offer minimal facilities. At Brownville, a camper noted, "We were not told there are no tables, or fire rings... there pretty much isn't anything other than land."
Insect preparation necessary: The riverine environment means insects are prevalent. One visitor at Brownville Riverside Park warned, "There were also an unbelievable amount of gnats, but that is probably due to the proximity to the river."
Permit requirements: Several recreation areas require day or annual permits. At Duck Creek, a visitor explained, "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."
Tips for camping with families
Playgrounds and recreational facilities: For glamping close to Nemaha with children, Duck Creek offers multiple play areas. A parent shares, "We love Duck Creek! It has everything you would need in a campground! Excellent playgrounds for kids, swimming and beach area."
Wildlife education opportunities: Turn wildlife sightings into learning experiences. At Weeping Water, the quiet setting allows for nature observation. A visitor described it as "honestly one of the quietest spots I've camped."
Beware of wildlife encounters: Some campgrounds have active wildlife. At Waubonsie State Park, a camper warned, "There are signs in the bathrooms warning of the raccoons. These signs are not exaggerating. We had a raccoon at our campsite trying to steal our food while we were there."
Tips from RVers
Limited big rig access: Many local campgrounds have space constraints. At Rock Port RiversEdge Campground, however, a visitor noted, "30 & 50 amp hookups and water for a great price."
Dump station logistics: Plan your departure timing carefully. At Big Lake State Park, a camper advised, "All roads are narrow one way with the dumpstation at the back end of park with trash dumpsters there. So on a sunday you will get stuck in the dumpstation line to drop off your trash even if you don't need to dump."
Level sites available: Most RV sites in the area are relatively flat. A visitor to Big Lake State Park noted, "Easy to reserve online and nice, level, shaded gravel sites, and primitive sites right by the lake."
