Cabins near Papillion, Nebraska offer access to the Missouri River valley and the unique Loess Hills formations, which are found only here and in China. The area sits at approximately 1,000-1,200 feet elevation with humidity levels that can reach 70-80% during summer months. Most cabin accommodations are concentrated in state recreation areas within 30 minutes of Papillion, with several offering both lakeside and riverside options.
What to do
Hiking trails: Hitchcock Nature Center offers extensive trail systems with varying difficulty levels. "The trails are well marked and easy to follow. The small waterfall was a nice surprise as well!!" notes a visitor about the center's well-maintained paths. The center also features an accessible boardwalk trail for those with mobility concerns.
Water activities: Two Rivers State Recreation Area provides multiple water-based recreation options. "It's flat and easy for young kids to bike around all the different lakes(ponds). Plus the Platte river is right there too that adds a great ambient sound," writes one camper. The area includes trout fishing in designated lakes.
Archery range: Hitchcock Nature Center maintains an on-site archery facility. "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!" shares one visitor. The range accommodates beginners and experienced archers.
What campers like
Hawk watching: Hitchcock Nature Center's observation tower provides bird watching opportunities. "When your done with your hiking, climb up to the top of the towering platform and bring your binoculars to checkout the visiting hawks and occasional eagle," recommends one visitor. The center is known for its "Hawk Watch" program during migration seasons.
Unique accommodations: Eugene T. Mahoney State Park provides year-round cabins. "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!" explains one camper about the diverse amenities.
Converted cabooses: Two Rivers offers distinctive overnight accommodations. "If you enjoy some extra comforts, rent one of the train cabooses which feature a small kitchen, bathroom, AC and beds with mattresses," writes a visitor. These converted Union Pacific cabooses provide a unique alternative to standard cabins near Papillion.
What you should know
Reservation timing: Platte River State Park cabins require advance planning. "This place has a lot to offer anyone. They have Nature education events, archery range, a handicapped accessible boardwalk trail, hiking trails, camping, etc." notes a visitor about the park's popularity requiring early reservations.
Noise considerations: Some campgrounds experience significant traffic noise. "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," reports one camper about Eugene T. Mahoney State Park.
Facility maintenance: Bathroom facilities vary considerably between locations. "The only not so good thing about camping in this park is that it is so close to the interstate. My son was unable to fall asleep. We ended up leaving at 4am. Thankfully, we live close to this place. Overall, it's a nice campground. It's serene but not quiet," shares a visitor about the interstate noise.
Tips for camping with families
Multiple activities: West Omaha/NE Lincoln KOA Holiday offers numerous family-friendly features. "This campground had amazing staff, was clean, and had great amenities. The sites are very small however, and to do anything besides swim and play on the playground you need to drive," notes one camper about the facilities.
Waterpark access: Eugene T. Mahoney State Park includes water recreation. "I picked this campground as a stopping point on the way to Yellowstone primarily for the pool for the kids. The pool is awesome. It was, however, expensive. $10 for adults (even as a non swimmer) and $8 for kids plus $3 to rent a tube for the wave pool," explains a visitor about the additional costs.
Educational programs: Hitchcock Nature Center provides learning opportunities. "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," remarks one visitor about the facilities suitable for children.
Tips from RVers
Site selection: Memphis Lake State Recreation Area offers varied camping options. "It is a nice spot a bit off of the main roads. Many of the tent sites allow you to camp right next to the lake. It's generally pretty quiet and people respect the 10 pm quiet hours rule," shares a visitor about the campsite layout and atmosphere.
Site spacing: West Omaha KOA has tightly arranged campsites. "The entrance/exit is difficult and it looks like it's not their fault as they have been trying to get permits to fix it but the NE transportation is not being cooperative so I recommend patience on this section," explains one RVer about navigating the campground with larger vehicles.
Hook-up availability: Cottonwood campground at Two Rivers provides partial hook-ups. "Two rivers is my favorite Nebraska hidden gem! The state Rec Park is by both the Elkhorn and Platte rivers, thus it's name, Two Rivers... Cottonwood camp area lays right on the Platte River and it is beautiful watching the sunset over the water," notes a camper about the riverside sites.
