State recreation areas and developed campgrounds surround Ralston, Nebraska, providing varied camping experiences within a 30-minute drive. Walnut Creek Lake & Recreation Area in nearby Papillion offers year-round camping with both tent and RV sites, featuring electric hookups, picnic tables, and shower facilities. Just west of Ralston, the West Omaha/NE Lincoln KOA Holiday in Gretna provides full-service camping with cabins and glamping options. Eugene T. Mahoney State Park, approximately 25 miles southwest, offers a more developed experience with cabin rentals alongside traditional camping areas. Louisville State Recreation Area features a large campground with approximately 250 sites spread across multiple areas near lakes and the North Platte River.
Nebraska state parks require entrance permits for vehicles, with additional fees for non-Nebraska plates. Most campgrounds in the region operate year-round, though some facilities like Lake Cunningham Campground (north of Ralston) have seasonal operations from April to October. Summer brings hot, humid conditions as noted by one visitor: "It was crazy hot and humid when we arrived." Train noise affects several campgrounds, particularly Louisville SRA, where one camper reported: "Packing earplugs is a must, but it won't completely help you. There is a train that goes very near the grounds and it needs to use its horn while passing through, which happens A LOT." Reservations are recommended for weekend camping, especially at waterfront sites during summer months.
Water access stands out as a primary attraction at many campgrounds near Ralston. Several state recreation areas feature lakes with swimming beaches, fishing docks, and boating opportunities. Campers frequently mention lakeside sites as preferred locations, with one noting: "I was right next to the lake, great swimming access." Facilities vary considerably between locations, from primitive sites with vault toilets to fully developed campgrounds with shower houses and electrical hookups. Family-friendly amenities are common at the larger recreation areas, including playgrounds, picnic shelters, and hiking trails. Noise levels can be a concern at campgrounds near highways or railroad tracks, with several reviewers mentioning this as a drawback to otherwise well-maintained facilities.
$20 / night
"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."
"Very close to the Nebraska crossing outlet mall! 😊"
"The campground itself was fine and very convenient in location to vIsIt famIly."
$25 - $485 / night
"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."
$10 - $50 / night
"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."
$15 - $35 / night
"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."
$35 - $340 / night
"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."
$20 - $40 / night
"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."
$15 - $40 / night
"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!"
"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."
$40 - $50 / night
"Very convenient location close to lots of shopping and the convention center."
TravelerBeautiful city owned campground. 50 and/or 30 amp electric at all sites. No water hookups, but spigots are located throughout the park. No shower house, only pit toilets. However, at $20 a night a steal!
GuidePreparation Canyon has multiple hike-in sites available, in different distances (1/4 to 1 mile) from the trail head. The sites are each provided with a picnic table and fire ring, and are situated a little distance back from the main trail. I camped for three nights around site #4 which was secluded and had great privacy from those hiking nearby. The site seemed well maintained and was mostly level.
Lots of wildlife to view and spots to explore. If hiking in the area remember to bring bug spray, the flies and mosquitoes were thick at my camp spot! I think it was the result of the standing water in the creek, which is the result of a small dam.
GuideGood hiking. Slightly over grown in areas, lots of ticks, pulled at least 20 off my dog.
GuideThis is a nice city maintained campground, with level grass pads, electric hookups, shower house, fresh water fill, and dump station. There is also a new playground for the kids and a large picnic shelter as well. Could be a hidden gem, there was only one other camper present on Memorial Weekend! Lots to do in the area, especially with the State Forests nearby. Be warned however, the showers are cold water only, so don't expect a hot shower at the end of the day! Prices are $10 a night for non-electric and $20 for electric.
GuideDid some backcountry camping at the Badger Ridge location, overall the stay was great! The park has multiple hike-in backcountry locations, tent camping spots near the road, RV pads with water and electric, as well as a few small cabins. The scenery is amazing! The shower house was also clean and well maintained.
TravelerThis is actually the Windsor Cove Campground within Haworth Park in Belleview, Nebraska. It is an older campground but near the river, walking trails, and close to all the amenities of Nearby Omaha (aprox. 25 minutes to downtown). I visited in Mid May and the park was about 25 percent full. The camp host is great and I would definitely visit again.
GuideWe stayed 1 night in our way to Utah. We got a nice spot right next to the river with a cemented area and a newer picnic area. Met the park ranger on our way in who was so thankful we picked there to stay. The Elf and Buffalo were fun to watch. Only downside was a train at 1 in the morning and no showers at the south campsite. Highly recommend this spot!!
LegendDodge County Fairgrounds has four or five spaces on grass. The ground is fairly level, but it is bumpy and rutted. When I visited in May, the grass was not mowed and was very tall. It was so bad that I was itchy after leaving.
There are bathrooms on site, but they were locked when I tried them. It wasn't clear how to pay for your site, I did not see a sign with instructions or a drop box. The nightly rate, according to the website is $30 which seems high to me for this location.
There are two playgrounds available, including a modern one and a really old one. There is a pool located nearby, but it was not open in May and I am not sure when it opens for the season. The fairgrounds is located next to highway 275 so there is some road noise, but I didn't find it so much to be bothersome. I had a very good Verizon signal here with 200 Mbps download on 5G.
There's really nothing within walking distance, maybe a gas station about 10 minutes away. I would stay here if I need a place to park overnight while traveling, but other than that I would skip it.
LegendI stopped by this campground and found it was nearly empty, with only one other camper in the lot. The entire area is one giant gravel parking lot with no shade. The spots are located very close together, but it's rarely full (except during events at the Main Arena next door) so you'll have room to spread out. Each site has electric and water hookups. I read somewhere that there is a dump station here but I didn't see it.
There are no showers or flush toilets. The only bathrooms available are port-a-potties located in the middle of the lot. There is some kind of agriculture equipment nearby that creates a constant humming sound which some might find annoying. The campground is very close to the airport, but I did not notice any airport noise.
While there is nothing within walking distance, there are several commercial restaurants and stores that are an easy drive from this location.
I would only stay here if I needed an overnight spot while traveling.
Camping options near Ralston, Nebraska range from basic tent sites to full-service RV parks within the eastern Nebraska prairie landscape. Sitting at approximately 1,099 feet of elevation, this area experiences hot summers with temperatures frequently reaching the 90s and cold winters dropping well below freezing. Summer camping typically sees high humidity levels and occasional thunderstorms, with rainfall averaging 30-35 inches annually in this region.
Hiking in the Loess Hills: At Hitchcock County Nature Center just north of Council Bluffs, trails traverse the rare loess soil formations. "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," notes Aaron A. The park features hillier terrain than typical for the region.
Water recreation options: Several lakes offer non-motorized boating opportunities within 30 minutes of Ralston. "The fishing is always as well as the kayaking is as well, (especially novice like myself). The birdwatching as well as the wildlife is abundant," reports Tony B. about Walnut Creek Lake. Rental equipment is available at several parks during summer months.
Archery practice: Hitchcock Nature Center maintains an archery range open to campers. "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!" explains Pat V., highlighting one of the more unique outdoor activities in the area.
Educational programming: The Loess Hills area hosts nature education events throughout camping season. "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," shares Lynn G. about Hitchcock Nature Center.
Variety of tent camping options: Platte River State Park Campground offers everything from traditional campsites to teepees. "I love Platte River State Park; there are accommodations for every type of camper - cabins, RV, privative - hell they even have teepees!" writes Jared J. The park also maintains hike-in sites that provide more privacy.
Easy access to waterways: Several campers mention lake proximity as a key feature. "I was right next to the lake, great swimming access," notes a reviewer at Lake Cunningham Campground. The campground reopened in 2022 after being closed for renovations with improved amenities.
Affordability compared to hotels: RV sites near Ralston provide economical accommodations for visitors. "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," reports Jim & Karen A. about Walnut Creek Lake, highlighting the value compared to area hotels.
Clean facilities: Multiple reviewers praise the maintenance of bathroom facilities. "The East end shower facility was very clean, as the host camper was cleaning it at 6 am," notes Ryan A. about Louisville State Recreation Area Campground, where the larger campground requires regular upkeep.
Train noise affects multiple campgrounds: Particularly at Louisville State Recreation Area, railroad tracks border the southern edge of the campgrounds. "The harsh part of being located here is if you are looking for any kind of spot that accommodates a flat plot, like sites 206 - 236, you are butted up against the train tracks and that train is LOUD!" warns Daniel B. Select sites far from tracks when possible.
Seasonal availability varies: Lake Cunningham only operates from April to October. "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," reports MickandKarla W. about Lake Manawa State Park Campground, noting the structured access system.
State park permits required: Nebraska state parks charge entrance fees in addition to camping fees, especially for out-of-state vehicles. Permits can be purchased at park offices or online in advance.
Campground flooding concerns: Sites near rivers occasionally experience flooding issues. "This park is right off the Missouri river, and everytime there is flooding this places gets shelled," explains Tony B. about Haworth City Park, which has faced repeated closures due to high water.
Look for playground access: Many area campgrounds feature dedicated children's areas. "This site is great for any size family. The range of different camping options and amenities is incredible," mentions Sandra O. about West Omaha / NE Lincoln KOA Holiday, highlighting its family-oriented facilities.
Consider water activities: Lakes with swimming areas provide built-in entertainment. "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 Rebekah S. about the KOA.
Pack for variable weather: Summer storms can develop quickly in eastern Nebraska, so bring rain gear and extra clothing. Shade can be limited at some newer campgrounds like Lake Manawa where one camper notes, "Not great for tents...with blaring Omaha heat and no trees, the heat here is absolutely brutal."
Try unique accommodations: Several parks offer alternatives to traditional camping. "We stayed in a tepee which was set up on a platform before our arrival. Our kids very much enjoy hiking along and through the rocky creek in the middle of the park," shares Sarah H. about her experience at Platte River State Park.
Reserve concrete pad sites: Lake Cunningham's renovated campground offers modern amenities. "Nice 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," advises Alana R.
Check hook-up configurations: Some parks have limited services at each site. "Tiered campground with open spaces, convenient to Omaha attractions. Nestled in a local city park that has hiking, biking, fishing and boating. Reasonable rates," writes Bob T. about Walnut Creek Lake & Recreation Area.
Watch for site size limitations: Ensure your rig fits assigned spaces. "We were given an inappropriate size space for the rig we stated, super narrow and we stuck over the road by 2 feet. They had larger sites all around us but were told we could not change," cautions Stacy M. about the West Omaha KOA.
Consider stay duration: Several campgrounds impose length-of-stay restrictions. "I was only going to stay for a week but extended to the 2 week max," mentions Jake C. about Walnut Creek, where the extended stay option proved valuable for travelers spending more time in the Ralston area.
Frequently Asked Questions
What camping is available near Ralston, NE?
According to TheDyrt.com, Ralston, NE offers a wide range of camping options, with 109 campgrounds and RV parks near Ralston, NE and 1 free dispersed camping spot.
Which is the most popular campground near Ralston, NE?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Ralston, NE is Walnut Creek Lake & Recreation Area with a 4.5-star rating from 21 reviews.
Where can I find free dispersed camping near Ralston, NE?
According to TheDyrt.com, there is 1 free dispersed camping spot near Ralston, NE.
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