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Tent Camping near Ralston, NE

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    Tent camping options near Ralston, Nebraska include established campgrounds within a 30-mile radius, offering various amenities for tent campers. Riverside Campground at Two Rivers State Recreation Area provides tent sites along the riverfront, while Fremont Lakes State Recreation Area features tent-specific camping areas. Both locations maintain basic amenities for primitive tent camping experiences within an hour's drive of Ralston.

    Most tent campsites in the Ralston area feature flat terrain with minimal grading, typically situated on grass or dirt surfaces. Riverside Campground offers sites directly along the water, providing both scenic views and water access. Fremont Lakes' tent campsites include picnic tables and fire rings, though campers report limited shade at many sites. Both locations provide toilets and drinking water, but primitive tent camping enthusiasts should note that train noise can disrupt the experience at Fremont Lakes. Park entry permits are required at state recreation areas, and weekend reservations are recommended during summer months.

    For those seeking more secluded primitive tent camping opportunities, Preparation Canyon State Park provides walk-in backcountry tent sites approximately 60 miles northeast of Ralston. These hike-in only tent campsites offer greater solitude and natural settings with picnic tables and fire rings but minimal facilities. Sites are dispersed throughout the park, providing privacy for tent campers exploring the unique Loess Hills landscape. According to one visitor, "Sites are dispersed around the area so camping is always private," making this an excellent option for those willing to hike to their campsite. Area Three Campground offers another primitive tent camping alternative with lakeside sites, though reviews indicate the $15 fee for basic amenities may seem steep for the minimal facilities provided.

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    Best Tent Campgrounds near Ralston (11)

    Filters    Tent onlyRVCabinGlampingPetsEquestrian

      1. Riverside Campground — Two Rivers SRA

      3.8(5)17mi from Ralston22 sitesTents

      "Our favorite campground is Riverside for tent camping. There are spots where you can tent camp right by the river."

      "A 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."

      from $15 / night

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      2. Mineola Trailhead Campground

      3.0(1)18mi from RalstonTents

      from $10 - $20 / night

      3. Fremont Lakes State Recreation Area Tent Campsites

      4.0(3)31mi from Ralston57 sitesTents

      "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."

      "Lots of walking and bike riding. Very woodsy feeling through the whole park and a nice bicycle trail that leaves the park and winds out to Hormel Park on the Platte River."

      from $10 - $15 / night

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      4. Saunders County Fairgrounds Campground

      5.0(1)30mi from RalstonTents

      "Located near downtown Wahoo. $20 per night for full hookup. Appear to be approximately 40 sites."

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      5. Johnson Park

      1.0(1)27mi from RalstonTents
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      6. Preparation Canyon State Park Campground

      4.6(8)48mi from RalstonTents

      "Preparation Canyon has multiple hike-in sites available, in different distances (1/4 to 1 mile) from the trail head."

      "I chose the closest walk-in spot, less than a mile in. It was great! Near a little creek if you need water, and really nicely secluded. Picnic table and fire ring included."

      from $9 / night

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      7. Luther Hormel Memorial Park

      Be the first to review29mi from RalstonTents

      8. Loess Hills Hideaway

      5.0(1)47mi from RalstonTents, Cabins
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      9. Area Three Campground

      3.0(2)47mi from RalstonTents

      "Late October tent camping- low around 19f... we seemed to be the only souls in the place. Our site was a few hundred yards from the lake, and we had a great morning walk."

      10. Pelican Point State Rec Area

      1.5(2)44mi from RalstonTents

      from $15 / night

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    Recent Tent Camping Photos near Ralston, NE

    6 Photos of 11 Ralston Campgrounds

    Tent Camping Reviews near Ralston, NE

    590 Reviews of 11 Ralston Campgrounds

    • Joe R.The Dyrt PRO User
      Jul. 1, 2018

      Wagon Train Primitive sites

      Wagon Train easy going camping

      This SRA about 25 minutes Southeast of Lincoln Nebraska is a favorite go to for me and my boys. Wagon Train is far enough from major roads that all you’ll hear is nature and the crackle of your fire. There are 28 pad/powered sites and 80 non powered, non pad sites for basic tent camping. If you want a sad spot reserve early. This SRA experienced a tornado a few years ago and many trees were lost. Those trees are in a pile near the non pad sites though, so claiming free fire wood is easy if you have a saw. Potable water is available and vaulted toilets are a short walk from the non powered sites. If you RV you’ll also have access to a dump station. There is a short hiking trail but nothing to write home about. Your camp sites will all have fire rings and picnic tables. I think the best part of this lake is the sand beach swimming area which is near a large covered picnic area. As with many Southeast Nebraska lakes, you can boat but there is a 5mph speed limit. If you don’t make reservations online you can show up and self register at the camp entrance. For me Wagon Train isn’t the prettiest lake in the area be a long shot but I love how quite it is and you’ll love the dark starry skies at night.

    • S
      May. 1, 2026

      Dead Timber State Rec Area

      Peaceful RV Spot

      Dead Timber SRA is located between an oxbow lake and the Elkhorn River. It has a small number of both 30 amp electric RV pads along with basic tent camping spots. RV pads are either gravel or grass, while tent camping sites are located on a mowed area along the lake. Plenty of space between sites.

      The area is peaceful and seems like a bit of a a hidden gem not too far from Lincoln, Columbus or Fremont. The lake is nice for kayaking and fishing, plus there is a lot of wildlife to view in the area.

      Vault toilets are available, but there are no shower facilities, 50 amp hookups, or dump stations. The only water hydrant I could find seemed to be in use by the campground hosts, so plan on filling your water tank somewhere before arriving.

    • J
      Aug. 28, 2020

      Arrowhead Park Campground

      Peaceful Serenity

      I arrived just in time to see the beautiful sunset over the small lake near the primitive campground closest to the Park Office. It only cost $10 for tent camping and $3 for a vehicle pass. Campground and vault toilets were pretty clean. There is a fire ring and picnic table at each tent campsite and there are plenty to choose from near the water. You can bring your own kayak or canoe and even fish here. We had a nice encounter from the campground employee who explained how to put the stake out to claim our campsite. Right away, I saw abundant wildlife, including turkey, deer, black squirrels, woodpeckers, geese, ducks and bats. Come prepared for the mosquitoes but overall I would highly recommend this place!

    • Tarrah C.
      Apr. 5, 2023

      Waubonsie State Park Campground

      Nice Trails

      This is a great weekend spot not much to do around the park. The campsites are nice but close with not much space in between. There are 2 campgrounds, the one north of the highway is a horse campground but required. There are nice trails in this area. The campground on the south is more of a tent site. There are vault toliets, no showers. A lot of great trails o this side. All campsites include a picnic table and fire ring.

    • D
      Sep. 16, 2020

      Memphis Lake State Rec Area

      Camping Right on the Lake

      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. Each site has a picnic table and fire ring.

    • S
      Mar. 1, 2026

      Pony Creek Co Park

      Tent Camping

      A quiet county owned campground not too far from I-29. The area has a few tent sites with tables/fire rings along with four gravel RV pads with 50 amp hook ups. There is a single water spigot in the middle of the RV area. Also available are two large cabins that can be rented via the Mills County website. A few vault toilets are scattered around the park, but there are no shower facilities. Nearby is a small lake along with a nature center. Park is within a valley with lots of shade trees. Overall an enjoyable place to relax for a couple days.

    • C
      May. 5, 2024

      Czechland Lake Recreation Area

      Great first come first serve campground

      This is a nice small campground that is well taken care of. We stayed at site number 8 which may be one of the more unlevel spots. The passenger side of our 5th wheel was about 7" lower than driver side and rear of fifth wheel was about 3" lower than front before we levelled out. 

      Pros:

      -Well maintained walking trails that are perfect for dogs

      -Most sites have 30 and 50 amp hookups

      -Fire rings and picnic tables at most sites

      -$18 a night for electric hookups

      -Quiet

      Cons:

      -Some sites are very unlevel  

      -No water or dump station

    • Jennifer T.
      May. 28, 2024

      Branched Oak Lake State Rec Area

      Beautiful spot

      We spent Memorial weekend here in 2022. We had to park in a designated parking spot and walk in to set our tent. The site was shady and came with a picnic table, fire ring and We were right on the shores of the lake. It was a beautiful and very relaxing to hear the waves, although the wind coming across the lake was mighty fierce and destroyed the canopy that we had over the picnic table. And the beating of the tent all night long was a little hard to get some decent sleep. But the area was nice and close to the restrooms and spacious campsites

    • Kyla B.
      Sep. 19, 2025

      Czechland Lake Recreation Area

      Peaceful

      Has fishing, kayaking, hiking, 3 covered picnic areas with electricity, wildlife watching, no-wake boating, 11 (50 amp) RV/tent pads/sites at $20 per night, 3 free non-electrical RV/tent pads/sites, & free tent camping area by the dock. No park permit required. Can pay for pads/sites with cash or with mobile phone. Sites have trash cans, picnic tables and fire rings. Primitive bathrooms available. Water spigots available and working. No dumpsite. Dogs welcome but must be leashed.

      May be difficult parking for larger rigs (35ft+) due to the one way entrance and curvature of the campground. Also note that you will need to bring leveling blocks for nearly every site since the campground is build on a hill.

      https://lpnnrd.org/outdoor-recreation/czechland-lake-recreation-area/

    Guide to Ralston

    Tent camping options around Ralston, Nebraska include several established campgrounds within a short drive. Riverside Campground at Two Rivers State Recreation Area offers tent sites by the river, while Fremont Lakes State Recreation Area provides tent-specific campsites with varying amenities. Both locations are within 30 miles of Ralston and feature designated primitive tent setups alongside more developed options.

    Most tent campsites in the Ralston vicinity require park permits and have fire restrictions that vary seasonally. Riverside Campground provides picnic tables and allows fires with designated fire rings, though campers should bring their own firewood as it's not always available for purchase. Fremont Lakes offers more amenities for tent campers, including drinking water, electric hookups, showers, and toilets. Sites typically have little shade, especially at Fremont Lakes where reviews mention "not much shade on most tent sites." The terrain is generally flat with minimal natural screening between campsites.

    The proximity to water creates popular tent camping destinations for weekend getaways. At Riverside, tent sites are situated along the Platte River, providing direct water access for recreation. For those seeking more seclusion and primitive tent camping experiences, Preparation Canyon State Park offers walk-in tent sites approximately 45 miles northeast of Ralston. These backcountry sites feature picnic tables and fire rings but no drinking water or modern facilities. According to one visitor, "If you're looking for a relaxing backcountry retreat for a little backpacking adventure then this is a great weekend option." Tent campers should note that trains frequently pass near Fremont Lakes, with one reviewer stating they "didn't get any sleep, even with earplugs" due to trains running "about every 20 minutes all day and all night."

    Frequently Asked Questions

    Which is the most popular tent campsite near Ralston, NE?

    According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular tent campground near Ralston, NE is Riverside Campground — Two Rivers SRA with a 3.8-star rating from 5 reviews.

    What is the best site to find tent camping near Ralston, NE?

    TheDyrt.com has all 11 tent camping locations near Ralston, NE, with real photos and reviews from campers.

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