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Lake Cunningham Campground offers pet-friendly camping with concrete pad sites in Omaha. Dogs are permitted throughout the campground area and accompanying hiking trails that circle the lake. The campground features full hookup RV sites with water, sewer, and electric connections, as well as primitive tent camping areas where pets are also welcome. The entire park is well maintained with paved campsites that are nicely spaced apart from each other. Pets must be leashed and supervised at all times, and owners are expected to clean up after their animals. Walnut Creek Lake & Recreation Area in nearby Papillion provides another quality option for pet owners, with clean facilities and access to fishing areas where dogs can join their owners.
Multiple walking trails surround the lakes at these campgrounds, giving pet owners plenty of opportunities for exercise with their dogs. The 10 miles of paved bike trails at Lake Cunningham are particularly popular for dog walking, providing enough space that pets and owners don't feel crowded. Both locations offer nearby water access where pets can cool off during summer months. Camping with pets requires preparation for weather conditions, especially during Nebraska's hot summers and cold winters. The campgrounds remain accessible year-round, though Lake Cunningham's main season runs April through October. Visitors note that despite being within city limits, these areas provide enough natural space and wildlife viewing that camping with pets feels like a genuine outdoor experience without having to travel far from Omaha.
"The trails are well marked and easy to follow. I was very impressed on the hike in campsites. They already have a nice flat spot for your tent, although I'm a hammock camper."
"If you are in the Omaha metro you should head across the river and checkout Hitchcock Nature Center just North of Council Bluffs. This is one of my favorite places to camp."
from $10 - $50 / night
Check Availability"This lake in Papillion, Nebraska is a great little lake. Probably one of the best in metro area of Omaha. The fishing is always as well as the kayaking is as well, (especially novice like myself)."
"There is a large paved path that goes all the way around the lake, while also connecting to the greater trail system in the Omaha metro area. There are singletrack trails available too. "
from $20 / night
Check Availability"Lake Cunningham is a fun destination for getting outside if you only have an afternoon to escape! The lake itself is great for kayaking, paddle boarding, and sailing!"
"The lake is right there, with a nice bike path that comes all the way around."
from $15 - $40 / night
Check Availability"It's the perfect distance for us to overnight before moving on. Clean campground, showers/bathroom. Courteous employees. Lots of activities for the kids."
"Sometimes you just want to camp, and when you have the option of the West Omaha KOA just 15 minutes away, you use it!"
"On a walk from my campsite, I went by the marina, disc golf course, conservatory, activity center, stables and ropes course."
"As full-time campers we stay at Mahoney quite often as it is close to the Omaha-metro and there are so many things to do within the park: swimming, golf, zip lines, arts & crafts, trails, nature, horses"
from $25 - $485 / night
Check Availability"Lakeside locations are quite well spaced with a panoramic Lake view. small restroom and shower pair with unisex entry. Quite spartan, but relatively clean."
"Our confirmation email included precise directions from I-29, with an interstate sign confirming the turn for Lake Manawa State Park, and provided the gate code for access."
from $20 - $40 / night
Check Availability"A nice closed off area for swimming, but not area allows pets to swim. Very polite employees. Showers are kinda expensive and expect to hear the tracks right behind the camping area."
"South of Omaha, on the Platte River. 200+ rv and tent sites. $30/night with electrical."
from $15 - $35 / night
Check Availability"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."
"There are playgrounds and a splash pad for the kids, canoe rentals, and plenty of trails to hike or bike. Sites are concrete pads with full hookups and include a fire ring and picnic table."
from $35 - $340 / night
Check Availability"Essentially a parking lot with electric and water hookups, but only 9 minutes from downtown Omaha. Check-in at security window at Horseshoe. $40 weekday rate and $50 weekend rate."
"Never pass through Omaha without a visit there. Great way to end the night."
from $40 - $50 / night
Check Availability"This is actually the Windsor Cove Campground within Haworth Park in Belleview, Nebraska."
"Nice quiet campground away from the hustle and bustle yet close to city for anything forgotten."
GuideA 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.
LegendThis is another NRD lake, and pretty well maintained. However unlike Wanhoo you don't need a pass or permit. Also the tent camping is free, and electrical is 18. From what I heard the fishing is good and the lake itself is beautiful. Not to mention there is the little town of Prague and the lake itself is in the Bohemian alps of Nebraska. It is also quiet and peaceful. The few down falls I can see is the lake is not simply accessible from the rvs. Also the trees in the tent area, that are close to the lake, and could cause issues with mosquitoes. So if your looking for something different, but not a ling drive from Omaha or Lincoln area, I would tell you to give it a try.
GuidePark has easy access from Highway. Nice mix pull-through and back-in sites. Pet friendly with large dog park and plenty of green space with mature trees.
LegendThis is my second review, because second time is a charm. Even though the campsites are closer together than I am use to. We actually took 2 sites, one for us and one for my oldest sons site. This worked out and gave a little more space needed. This also gave us time to really explore those trails I was drooling over. We took one of the more scenic trails and took us over the top of some of those beautiful Loess Hills. I still believe it us a great hiking park, and is only a hour away from Omaha for us.
GuideWe were coming into town for the College World Series and intended to stay at Arrowhead. I called ahead and talked to a kind gentleman who let me know that Arrowhead would likely be full, but the fairgrounds would surely have space. With 24-hour self check-in, it was a perfect solution. Twenty-five minutes from Omaha and full, pull-through hook ups made this a solid stop over.
ScoutMy first time camping in Nebraska. Ive been to several throughout the US. Loved the spot, I was right next to the lake, great swimming access. Downside drinking water access was difficult.
GuideStayed here for a week over 4th of July, 2020 amid COVID19 restrictions. Lots of shade, though some sites are full sun. Great dog park: large, secure and shaded. Play ground, basketball, pool, family activities. Very clean restrooms. Good camp store with decent prices. Easy access to Omaha.
TravelerDead Timber is a quiet and fairly out of the way, yet still accessible state recreation area. It is an hour or so, depending on how you drive, from Omaha, near Scribner, Nebraska. The roads from the highway are paved up to the entrance, but the rec area is all dirt/gravel. The area has not been "upgraded" like so many of the state recreation areas have in the past few years and it feels like a good thing.
There is a small oxbow lake that all of the campsites, both electric (17) and primitive (4), are on one side of it. Unlike so many Nebraska recreation areas you will not typically hear trains or road noise, another good thing. A cell signal was present for me on Verizon, but insufficient for streaming without a booster. Tree coverage varies within the small camping area, but most sites will have enough of an open view of the sky for Starlink.
Dead Timber is my normal go to spot when I need a quick camping trip that is relaxing and not challenging. Or if I have a piece of equipment that I want to test the functionality of. I have camped here in summer (hot muggy a bit buggy), fall (generally my favorite especially in October), and winter (about what you would expect) and aside from Halloween it has usually been very open. Halloween there was a decorating contest and the place was completely full. The pictures I am including are from my mid October 2025, trip. In February there were no leaves and the lake was frozen but those were the only real differences since there is no running water in the camping area.
LegendSummit is a great lake just west of Tekamah, and less than a hour from Omaha. Turning the corner off the highway to go to the park, the first thing we see are 2 eagles soaring over the area and lake. You come around the last bend or turn and there it is this 190 acre beauty. You come into the road on the other side of the campground and there is a day use area. Then on the other side of the road is a restaurant. Then you get to the other side of the lake, and there is the campgrounds. The big thing that separates Summit from some of the other lakes in this area, is the abounds of trees and more shade. There is a few fishing accesses, as well as a dock. This lake is one of the better kayaking lakes I have been to. This thing is surrounded by hills and creates a valley or bowl. This hills seem to offer a form of wind block as well as 2 miles of hiking and biking trails. There is a beach, and swimming area near the dock. There are basic restrooms as well as shower house available in the campground. The fishing appears to be good as well, but I did not fish yet. This is a campground that I am definitely going back to again and spend more time at.
Camping near Omaha provides access to diverse habitats where the eastern woodlands meet the Great Plains prairie ecosystem. The region experiences significant seasonal temperature variations with summer highs averaging 86°F and winter lows often below freezing. Most campgrounds within 30 miles of Omaha operate from April through October, though several remain open year-round with reduced amenities during winter months.
Archery practice at Hitchcock: Access the dedicated archery range at Hitchcock County Nature Center just outside Omaha. "As a family we go to Hitchcock a few times a year for the hiking and the archery range they have on-site. Both are excellent and a nice escape from the city!" notes Pat V.
Hiking Loess Hills: Explore unique hill formations at Hitchcock County Nature Center where trails accommodate all skill levels. "The hiking is fantastic and offers something for every skill level. There are absolutely gorgeous views of the Missouri River valley below. All trails are marked and there are multiple different trailheads," shares Pat V.
Water recreation options: Rent kayaks, paddle boats and other non-motorized watercraft at Louisville State Recreation Area. The campground features three lakes for water activities. "There are several lakes to choose from to fish, or nonpower boats. There is a swimming area, beach, and play inflatables for kids in the water," explains Tony B.
Winter snow activities: Visit Eugene T. Mahoney State Park during winter for seasonal activities. "This place has it all....but books up months in advance and the crowds can get a bit annoying! Hiking trails, frisbee golf, horseback riding, driving range, fishing, tennis courts, river views, cabins!" says Charlie B.
Concrete camping pads: Walnut Creek Lake & Recreation Area offers well-maintained campsites with sturdy surfaces. "Great back-in site w/30 amp electrical pulg in, no water at site. Site is overlooking a small lake. Very quiet, dump station. All for $20 a night," shares Jim & Karen A.
Hawk watching opportunities: Visit the observation tower at Hitchcock County Nature Center during migration seasons. "Great hiking in Loess Hills, great Nature Center especially with programming of 'Hawk Watch'," explains James M. The center focuses on hawk conservation and education.
Boardwalk accessibility: Hitchcock Nature Center offers an accessible trail option for those with mobility concerns. "There's even a 1 mile hike on a boardwalk that's very easy. There's all levels of hikes. They have a hawkwatch tower. Lots of information about Hawks and nature conservation," says Karen W.
Full hookup sites: Lake Cunningham Campground provides complete services for campers seeking amenities. "Outstanding Campground! This is one of the most beautiful campgrounds we have ever encountered! On a beautiful lake with many recreational possibilities - kayaking, sailing non power boating - some for rent. 10 miles of paved bike trails and ALL paved campsites level and clean!" states Steve D.
Seasonal water shutoff: Winter campers should plan for limited water access at most campgrounds. "We only stayed the night, but as I was walking my dogs I saw the camp. Everywhere you turn there was something to do. Good fun," shares Adriana G. about West Omaha / NE Lincoln KOA Holiday.
Train noise concerns: Several campgrounds near Omaha experience significant train noise. "We liked everything about this area but the train tracks! Be selective on where you pitch the tent. It can get loud.... River, ponds, swimming area, playground, nearby hiking," advises Chrisne E. about Louisville State Recreation Area.
Interstate highway sounds: Noise from nearby highways affects some camping areas. "This campground is crowded with significant interstate noise. However there are many activities for kids including paddleboating, a wave pool, horse riding, ziplining, and playgrounds," notes Jennifer M.
Limited shade at some locations: Several campgrounds lack substantial tree cover. "Open campsites with not much shade. Easy setup for our campsite. Just passing through," reports Aaron W. about Walnut Creek Lake & Recreation Area.
Water activities for children: Platte River State Park Campground offers family-friendly water features. "This park offers a lot of nature activities. You can hike the many hiking trails to the mini waterfall, or Platte river. They have paddle boat and Kayak rentals. There is a splash park, shooting, archer ranges, horseback riding," explains Tony B.
Educational programs: Hitchcock Nature Center provides learning opportunities for kids. "When I think of 'nature center' I think of a stuffy little cabin with taxidermy. This site is far far more than that, with hiking trails, educational programs, a museum, event halls, and of course camping. Make sure to look at their events calendar, they have exceptional programs for all ages (and especially kids)," shares Lynn G.
Family campground selection: Choose sites away from highways and train tracks for better sleep with children. "The entire park is well maintained with paved campsites that are nicely spaced apart from each other," explains a camper about Lake Cunningham facilities.
Playground options: Several campgrounds feature play areas designed for children. "The Dreamland playground, which draws families with young kids to that side of the CG next time, we'd choose a site farther from the playground for more quiet," advises MickandKarla W.
Dump station locations: Access the dump station at Walnut Creek for waste disposal. "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," notes Trav S.
Site spacing awareness: Check site dimensions and spacing before booking. "The sites have concrete pads with power, but no water or sewer. There is a fill station on the way in. You can pay $1 for a hot shower in the comfort station, which is very clean," reports Alana R. about Lake Cunningham.
Level sites available: Lake Manawa State Park Campground provides level camping areas for larger rigs. "Our confirmation email included precise directions from I-29, with an interstate sign confirming the turn for Lake Manawa State Park, and provided the gate code for access. We proceeded to back-in site 28 with full hookups; the back-in was easy, and the site was level," shares MickandKarla W.
Dog friendly campgrounds near Omaha: Most area campgrounds welcome pets with standard leash requirements. "We stopped late after a long 12 hour drive. I loved the simple self service process. We picked an open spot, paid, and parked. The facilities were impressively clean and well maintained," mentions Abby W. about the pet-friendly Hitchcock Nature Center.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular dog-friendly campsite near Omaha, NE?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular dog-friendly campground near Omaha, NE is Hitchcock County Nature Center with a 4.6-star rating from 33 reviews.
What is the best site to find dog-friendly camping near Omaha, NE?
TheDyrt.com has all 90 dog-friendly camping locations near Omaha, NE, with real photos and reviews from campers.
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