Tent camping options near Pleasant Dale, Nebraska range from rustic waterfront sites to more developed recreation areas with varying amenities. The region experiences hot summers with temperatures regularly exceeding 90°F from June through August, making water-adjacent camping particularly appealing. Winter camping is possible but limited, with temperatures frequently dropping below freezing from November through March and facilities often closing seasonally.
What to do
Fishing at multiple lakes: Wirth Brothers Lake provides primitive camping with good fishing access. According to a camper, "It has a few fire rings, and raised grills. There is drinking water, bathrooms, playground, archery, and a swimming beach. $5 a day or $15 for annual permit."
River tubing and swimming: Riverside Campground at Two Rivers SRA offers waterfront recreation. A visitor notes, "The river is decently safe and a good place to tube. There were not any other campers but I could see it getting pretty busy on the weekends. Definitely for relaxing on the river but not much else."
Wildlife watching: Wildlife is abundant throughout the region's camping areas. Bruning Dam Recreation Area provides primitive sites ideal for nature observation. One camper described it as "Best suited for an outdoorsman that's hunting or fishing."
What campers like
Secluded spots: Wirth Brothers Lake offers more privacy than many area campgrounds. A visitor mentioned, "It is off the beaten path and has camping spots that offer some seclusion from other people. The campground was designed by boy scouts."
Quick access from urban areas: Many campers appreciate the proximity to Omaha and Lincoln. At Two Rivers SRA, one camper shared, "A short drive from Omaha, two rivers offers generally clean RV and tent camping sites across multiple campgrounds. Fun and quick trip if you're in the Omaha area."
Budget-friendly options: Several campgrounds offer affordable camping. Saunders County Fairgrounds Campground provides exceptional value according to one visitor: "Located near downtown Wahoo. $20 per night for full hookup. Appear to be approximately 40 sites."
What you should know
Limited shade coverage: Many tent sites lack adequate shade protection. At Fremont Lakes State Recreation Area, a camper warned, "The lake was awesome, not much shade on most tent sites. Make sure you ask when they dredged the lakes that you want to stay on."
Noise considerations: Some campgrounds experience significant noise disruption. At Fremont Lakes, a camper reported, "There is a very busy set of train tracks that run about every 20 minutes all day and all night. Didn't get any sleep, even with earplugs. Plus, it's right next to a busy highway."
Cost variations for out-of-state visitors: Non-Nebraska residents often pay premium rates. At Area Three Campground, a camper noted, "Cost- $12 for out of state plates and $15 for a site without amenities is steep."
Tips for camping with families
Look for playground access: Several campgrounds offer kid-friendly amenities. One parent at Riverside Campground shared, "I camped right by the river. Also a short walk to the outhouse and playground. My boys (4&7) loved it."
Consider weekday visits: For a quieter family experience with fewer crowds, camp Sunday through Thursday. A visitor at Bruning Dam Recreation Area noted there are "Only two small sites and one appears to have sewage. There's a bathroom available."
Educational opportunities: Some sites offer nature programming. At Two Rivers SRA, a Scout leader mentioned, "The park has many, many opportunities to earn badges. You can even take a short hike into a little outdoor nature classroom."
Tips from RVers
Fairground alternatives: When seeking full hookups near Pleasant Dale, consider county fairgrounds. At Saunders County Fairgrounds Campground, a reviewer rated it highly: "Great Find. Located near downtown Wahoo. $20 per night for full hookup."
Check facility maintenance: Bathroom and shower facilities vary significantly between campgrounds. At Fremont Lakes, a camper was impressed: "Facilities were very clean. Cleanest I have ever seen in a campground."
Value assessment: Consider amenities versus cost carefully. Regarding Area Three Campground, one RVer advised, "This is primitive camping on the peninsula of Branched Oak, so you get close access to Disc Golf, nice beach, and Showers just up the road. For $15 you can do better in Nebraska."
