Andy T.
Scout
ScoutSyracuse City
Great little find
Ten dollars a night for a electrical hookup, green grass and peace of mind. Perfect, just pull in, find a vacant pedestal and make yourself at home. 510 Midland Street
Camping near Papillion, NE
112 campgrounds · Check availability for any dates.
Search destinations
Add dates
Papillion, Nebraska provides convenient camping options for travelers seeking outdoor experiences near Omaha. Walnut Creek Lake & Recreation Area serves as a primary camping destination in the immediate vicinity, offering electric hookups for RVs on cement pads with spacious sites. Several campgrounds within a 30-minute drive expand options, including Eugene T. Mahoney State Park, Platte River State Park, and Louisville State Recreation Area. Most locations accommodate both tent and RV camping, while some parks like Mahoney and Hitchcock Nature Center also feature cabin rentals for those seeking more amenities.
Camping in the Papillion area remains accessible year-round at most developed sites, though seasonal operations affect some facilities from April through October. Walnut Creek operates on a first-come, first-served basis with no reservations accepted, making weekday arrivals recommended during peak summer months. Most campgrounds provide electric hookups with limited water access at communal spigots rather than individual sites. Dump stations are typically available for RVs, though some parks charge additional fees for this service. "We arrived on a Monday and were lucky to secure one of the last spots. Get there early, even during the week, if you want a spot," noted one camper about Walnut Creek.
The region's campgrounds offer varied experiences despite their proximity to urban areas. Walnut Creek receives consistently positive reviews for its spacious sites, trail access, and affordability at $20 per night with discounts for weekly stays. Campers appreciate the paved path circling the lake and connections to the greater Omaha trail system. While many sites lack substantial shade, the open setting provides good stargazing opportunities. Several reviewers mentioned feeling surprisingly removed from city life despite the suburban location. Papillion area campsites provide convenient access to lake activities, including fishing and kayaking, at multiple parks in the area. Wildlife viewing opportunities include deer, various bird species, and fireflies during summer evenings.
Best Campgrounds near Papillion (112)
1. Walnut Creek Lake & Recreation Area
"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."
from $20 / night
Check Availability2. Eugene T. Mahoney State Park Campground
"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."
from $25 - $485 / night
Check Availability3. West Omaha / NE Lincoln KOA Holiday
"Very close to the Nebraska crossing outlet mall! 😊"
"The campground itself was fine and very convenient in location to vIsIt famIly."
4. Louisville State Recreation Area Campground
"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."
from $15 - $35 / night
Check Availability5. Platte River State Park Campground
"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."
from $35 - $340 / night
Check Availability6. Lake Manawa State Park Campground
"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 Availability7. Hitchcock County Nature Center
"We camp all the time at different locations, and I 100% recommend this campground! The hosts are so polite and helpful and they keep the place immaculate."
"The sites for tent camping are okay pretty close together and down a hill, no parking next to your site. There are also pack in sites available and depending on location very nice."
from $10 - $50 / night
Check Availability8. Haworth City Park
"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."
9. Lake Cunningham Campground
"The lake is right there, with a nice bike path that comes all the way around."
"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!"
from $15 - $40 / night
Check Availability10. Bluffs Run RV Park at Horseshoe Casino
"Very convenient location close to lots of shopping and the convention center."
from $40 - $50 / night
Check Availability
Drive Time
- 14 min from Omaha, NE
- 41 min from Lincoln, NE
- 1 hr 33 min from Sioux City, IA
- 1 hr 50 min from St. Joseph, MO
Recent Camping Photos near Papillion, NE
95 Photos of 112 Papillion Campgrounds • uploaded by The Dyrt campers
Haworth City Park
West Omaha / NE Lincoln KOA HolidayS
Tentrr State Park Site - Nebraska Louisville SRA Riverview D Single Camp
Louisville State Recreation Area Campground
Pacific Providence FarmT
Tentrr State Park Site - Nebraska Louisville SRA - Riverview C - Single Camp
Lake Cunningham Campground
Platte River State Park Campground
Pony Creek Co Park
Union Pacific Cabooses — Two Rivers SRA
Riverside Campground — Two Rivers SRA
Eugene T. Mahoney State Park Campground
Recent Reviews near Papillion, NE
649 Reviews of 112 Papillion Campgrounds
Gerard E.
LegendEugene T. Mahoney State Park Campground
August 31, 2026
Little Creek section site 42, August 31, 2026, 85 degrees at 7pm. Pad was asphalt and level, good angle for backing in. 20/30amp, T-Mobile 5G was great. Green grass everywhere, we saw deer , squirrels and turkeys. CG was empty, showers and toilets are in the same building, older but nice.
All of the sites were paved and level, the grass may not be level and the tables and pits were fine.
Some noise at night from the highway, but the frogs, crickets and peepers were louder than the road noise. Loud trains at night.
Trash and water spigot were close to site. All of the ADA compatible campsites were brand new concrete very nice
- BBRIAN F.
GuideConestoga State Recreation Area
Under renovation
Half the campsites are gone as there’s a renovation underway. Those that remain are somewhat overgrown. Campground is still FFS and costs $25 for a site with electric hook up. Didn’t see any sites with water available. You also need a NE parks sticker to stay there. You can buy a 1 day pass for $14 so a non-NE resident pays $39 for a nights stay…cash only. Vault toilet near campground is pretty bad…short walk to vault toilet near lake which is much better. Should be a nice spot when renovations are complete. Plenty of grass to walk a dog.
- SSherri B.Guide
Pathfinder Campground — Fremont Lakes State Recreation Area
Family friendly
Active on weekends with families. Activities include swimming, fishing, boating, jet skiing, and more. Roads and campsites are paved. The bathhouse has coin operated showers with private stalls. Restaurant with bar on premises. Campground located along lake with active railroad tracks on other side of lake.
A E.Guidetwin lakes WMA Nebraska
Permit Required
I don't remember any of the other reviews mentioning this, but a permit is required to enter the park, so technically it is not free dispersed camping.
- SShelby A.
TravelerRiverside Campground — Two Rivers SRA
Good, but could get crowded
Campsites are grassy and mostly level, though there were a few that had standing water from a thunderstorm earlier that morning. There is not any privacy between campsites and sites are right next to each other. We were lucky to come on a weekend that wasn’t very busy, and I could easily see this campsite get very crowded around holidays. The pit toilets needed a good clean, but other facilities seem maintained.
Amy K.Scoutloess hills state forest
A serene spot
A nice private camp, no other campers on a Fri night in July. We camped just as you pull in, right next to drive that goes into the cemetery. The upper field to the right was quite overgrown.
Ron G.ScoutCarol Joy Holling Camp Family Campground
Very quiet and plenty of room
Easy check in ,and plenty of room, water and electric. Plenty of things to do in the area
- EEthan O.Scout
Wildwood Lake
Wildwood
I love how quite it is and how little to no one that is here it’s the best experience
Guide to Papillion
Papillion camping offers options within a 30-minute drive from Omaha, with access to several state parks and recreation areas. The region sits at approximately 1,200 feet above sea level in the rolling hills of eastern Nebraska, characterized by prairie landscapes interspersed with wooded creek valleys. Seasonal temperatures range from winter lows around 10°F to summer highs in the 90s, with most campers visiting from April through October.
What to do
Birdwatching at Hitchcock Nature Center: Located 30 minutes from Papillion in the Loess Hills, this center offers exceptional hawk watching from their observation tower. "This is one of our favorite places to camp. It's beautiful and there's plenty of hiking. The campgrounds are a little way away from the road and more secluded so they're very quiet," notes Karen W. about Hitchcock County Nature Center.
Kayaking at Lake Cunningham: This urban lake offers rentals for kayaks and paddleboards, perfect for beginners. "The lake itself is great for kayaking, paddle boarding, and sailing! People do swim near the beach area but it is technically not allowed. I like the beach for letting my dog swim!" shares Kwin K. about Lake Cunningham Campground.
Splash park and activities: Eugene T. Mahoney State Park offers multiple recreation options beyond typical camping. "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," says Jennifer M. about the family-friendly amenities at the park.
What campers like
Clean facilities: Many campers mention the well-maintained restrooms and shower facilities. "Wednesday at 3pm there were 8 sites open. Nice city park. Electric hookups. Water spigot about the park. Dump station by the entrance. Playground and vault toilet on top of the hill. All grounds are clean. Very friendly camp host," reports Robert L. about Walnut Creek Lake & Recreation Area.
Affordable pricing: Several campgrounds offer reasonable rates for their amenities. "Great back-in site w/30 amp electrical pulg in, no water at site. Site is overlooking a small lake. Very quiet, dump statio. All for $20 a night," writes Jim & Karen A. about their stay at Walnut Creek.
Hiking options: The region offers varied terrain for hiking. "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 the a multiple different trailheads," explains Pat V. about Hitchcock Nature Center.
What you should know
Train noise: Louisville State Recreation Area sits near active train tracks, affecting sleep quality. "Train noise all night," reports Bill M. in his review of Louisville State Recreation Area Campground. Multiple reviewers mention this disruption as a significant drawback.
Limited shade: Many sites lack substantial tree cover. "Open campsites with not much shade. Easy setup for our campsite. Just passing through," notes Aaron W. about Walnut Creek Lake & Recreation Area.
Reservations essential: Popular parks fill quickly, especially on weekends and holidays. "We always stop here when we're traveling on I-80. It's the perfect distance for us to overnight before moving on. Clean campground, showers/bathroom. Courteous employees. We've stopped on a couple of holidays & a reservation is a must! They are very busy!" advises Cynthia K. about her experiences at KOA campgrounds in the area.
Tips for camping with families
Look for playgrounds: Several campgrounds feature play areas for children. "This site is great for any size family. The range of different camping options and amenities is incredible. The facilities are well maintained, the staff is friendly and helpful," recommends Sandra O. about the West Omaha / NE Lincoln KOA Holiday.
Consider cabin options: For families new to camping, cabins provide comfort with outdoor access. "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," shares Erik M. about Platte River State Park Campground, which offers various accommodation types.
Plan for swimming: Several parks feature swimming areas that appeal to families with children. "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. about Platte River State Park.
Tips from RVers
Dump station access: Most campgrounds provide dump stations, though availability varies. "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," advises Trav S. about Walnut Creek Lake & Recreation Area.
Site selection for large rigs: Choose campgrounds that can accommodate your vehicle size. "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," notes Alana R. about Lake Cunningham Campground.
Arrival timing: During peak season, weekday arrivals improve your chances of securing a spot. "We needed an overnight stop on our way to Kansas and this KOA was perfect. We pulled in just after dark and there was a note on the door stating staff was limited due to Covid. We pulled into a very large pull through on the west side of the campground," shares Glenda D. about her experience at West Omaha / NE Lincoln KOA.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where can I find the best tent camping areas near Papillion, Nebraska?
Where can I find the best tent camping areas near Papillion, Nebraska?
For excellent tent camping near Papillion, check out Wagon Train Primitive sites, located about 30 minutes away. This recreation area offers 80 non-powered, non-pad sites perfect for basic tent camping in a natural setting where you'll hear nothing but nature and your campfire. Another great option is Conestoga State Recreation Area, which underwent major renovations in 2018 and features improved facilities. This walk-in campground provides a more primitive tent camping experience with updated amenities including new picnic tables and restrooms. Both locations offer peaceful settings and are close enough to Papillion for convenient access while still providing an authentic outdoor experience.
What campgrounds near Papillion offer fire pits or fire rings?
What campgrounds near Papillion offer fire pits or fire rings?
Branched Oak Lake State Rec Area provides fire rings at their campsites, allowing you to enjoy evenings by the fire while camping next to one of Nebraska's finest lakes. Area 2 offers pull-through sites with amenities, making it suitable for both tent campers and RVers who want to enjoy campfires. Louisville State Recreation Area Campground also features fire rings at their campsites throughout this expansive recreation area. This huge campground has multiple camping areas with fire facilities where you can relax after enjoying the many amenities and activities available. Remember that fire bans may be in effect during dry seasons, so always check current restrictions before your visit.
Are there any quiet, secluded camping options around Papillion for a peaceful getaway?
Are there any quiet, secluded camping options around Papillion for a peaceful getaway?
For a tranquil escape near Papillion, Duck Creek Recreation Area offers a peaceful setting around a beautiful lake where you can spot wildlife like white pelicans, blue herons, hawks, owls, and eagles. This newer park managed by the Nemaha Natural Resource District provides a serene environment away from the bustle of city life. Another excellent option for solitude is Little Rivers Edge, which is conveniently located near Nebraska's major cities but far enough away to truly disconnect. This private campground strikes the perfect balance between accessibility and seclusion, making it ideal for those seeking a peaceful retreat without venturing too far from Papillion.
Where can I find boondocking or free camping opportunities near Papillion?
Where can I find boondocking or free camping opportunities near Papillion?
Free camping options near Papillion are limited, but Walnut Creek Lake & Recreation Area in Papillion offers day-use areas that some visitors use for activities, though overnight camping may not be permitted. For true boondocking, you'll need to venture further from the Papillion area. Riverview Marina State Rec Area near Nebraska City has camping options along the Missouri River, though a state park permit is required. While not free, many state recreation areas around Papillion offer more affordable camping compared to private campgrounds. Always check with local authorities about overnight parking regulations, as unauthorized camping can result in fines. Consider purchasing an annual Nebraska state park pass if you plan to camp frequently at state recreation areas.
Keep Exploring