Syracuse City
Great for an overnight stay.
A nice little area to park our RV for the night as we were passing through. Just put your $10 in the donation box. Yes, there is a train that blows its whistle, but it doesn’t come through too often.
103 campgrounds · Check availability for any dates.
Camping near Raymond, Nebraska ranges from developed campgrounds with electric hookups to primitive tent sites, with Branched Oak Lake State Recreation Area serving as the primary destination. Located about 10 miles northwest of Lincoln, this recreation area features multiple camping zones with varying levels of amenities. The campground accommodates tent camping, RV sites with electric hookups, and some areas designated for equestrian use. Camp A Way Campground in nearby Lincoln provides additional options with full hookup RV sites and cabin rentals. Several smaller recreation areas like Pawnee State Recreation Area and Conestoga State Recreation Area expand the camping possibilities within a 20-mile radius of Raymond.
Camping in the Raymond area remains available year-round, though amenities and accessibility vary by season. Most developed campgrounds offer electric hookups, drinking water, and toilet facilities, while primitive areas typically provide only basic amenities like fire rings and picnic tables. "The camp sites are forked out like cul-de-sac properties, each facing the road and having a large portion of the lake or greens to themselves on the back," noted one visitor to Branched Oak Lake. Reservations are recommended for electric sites during summer weekends and holidays, while primitive camping areas often operate on a first-come, first-served basis. Nebraska state park permits are required for entry, with additional fees for non-Nebraska residents.
Water access represents a significant draw for campers in the Raymond area, with several campgrounds offering lakeside sites. Branched Oak Lake features multiple camping areas with boat ramps, fishing docks, and swimming beaches. Campers frequently mention the quality of fishing and boating opportunities as highlights of their stay. Train noise affects some campgrounds in the region, particularly those closest to railroad tracks. A camper observed that "if you want to avoid camper cities and crowded camp sites within 30 minutes of Lincoln Nebraska," the more primitive recreation areas provide better options. The mixed-use nature of these recreation areas means campers share space with day users, particularly during summer weekends when beaches and boat ramps see increased activity.
"A fun pass is require and costa about $10 but kids get ice cream, Slushies, water balloons for water wars included with that plus access to trampoline basketball, a nice jump pad, pool, indoor hot tub,"
"Next to highway. You can hear highway but that doesn’t bother me"
from $35 - $67 / night
Check Availability"My first time camping in Nebraska. Ive been to several throughout the US. Loved the spot, I was right next to the lake, great swimming access. Downside drinking water access was difficult."
"The area is well known for being the equestrian camping area at one of the finest lakes in Nebraska. Pull through sites with full hookups, equestrian trails, and corals."
from $25 - $35 / night
Check Availability"Pawnee SRA is a well maintained family friendly SRA North West of Lincoln Nebraska. You’ll find powered and primative sites accommodating RV’s to tents."
"The change machine was either broken or out of change but that seems to be the norm this year at Nebraska parks."
from $30 / night
Check Availability"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 Availability"Branched Oak-Area One Campground is 2 1/2 miles north of Malcom Nebraska. There are many different areas offering over 330 pads and tons of primitive camping."
"Branched Oak is not the luxury park that Mahoney is but it is one of the premiere campgrounds at Branched Oak which is one of the premiere parks of Nebraska."
"Fun hiking trail around the whole place. It's probably good fishing if you have a boat but a very weed heavy lake."
"Conestoga is entirely walk up with no reservations."
"Sites with electric hook ups available, dump station on location. Will definitely stay here again when in the area."
"Good for an overnight stay when passing through, would be nice for multiple days if you want to visit the lake."
"Lots of hiking trails, very nice weekend!"
from $30 / night
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A nice little area to park our RV for the night as we were passing through. Just put your $10 in the donation box. Yes, there is a train that blows its whistle, but it doesn’t come through too often.
I tried to drive out to the Timber Point campground on Road 29 on September 21, 2026, and got dangerously stuck in the mud! There were two signs at the end of the maintained section of this dirt road, which said "NO GRAVEL" and "MINIMUM MAINTENANCE ROAD". There should be a "ROAD CLOSED WHEN MUDDY" sign!
Just beyond these signs, the road descends, somewhat steeply, about fifty vertical feet, over about two hundred foot horizontal distance. If you start down that hill in any vehicle when it is muddy, you are likely to start sliding, as I did in our 22' RV, completely lose control of steering, and get stuck in the mud at the bottom of the hill. See the accompanying pictures as proof...
We later found a rickety 'ROAD CLOSED' sign in the grass by the side of the road near the two above signs, which we put back up...after we got towed out. I highly recommend LTR Towing in Lincoln, NB for their towing expertise! (see ltrtowing.com)
We pulled into this camp site around 9pm for some overnight car camping. First of all, completely free which is amazing. There are toilets, but no running water. Near a standing lake, so there are a good number of flies around. We unfortunately did not end up staying the night as planned due to one of the other nearby campers, who unsettled both myself and my partner, but I believe it would have been a lovely campsite if not for that individual.
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
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
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.
I don’t know what else someone could want from free camping. Lake side, good vibes, decent pit toilets, picnic tables. Super nice spot. Only down side, it’s August and the flies are terrible
I loved this site!!! My only real complaint is the flies. When I was there, they were absolutely horrific. I wanted to stay for 2 weeks, but I left after 2 nights instead. Nice park with families coming by to play in the water, and people bring their dogs here to play. Wonderful vibes. If the flies were not unbearable, I would have loved to have stayed.
They may have been worse from the rain, but I think there just aren't enough other animals around to eat them.
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.
Camping near Raymond, Nebraska offers a mix of primitive and electric sites across several recreation areas. The land around Raymond features gently rolling prairie hills with elevations ranging from 1,100 to 1,300 feet. Weather conditions vary dramatically by season with winter temperatures often dropping below freezing while summer highs frequently exceed 90°F with high humidity.
Water activities: lakes for all ages: The Lakeview Campground — Pawnee State Recreation Area provides ample opportunity for water recreation. One visitor noted, "We've spent so much time here. The location is great, lake is great, and the people have always been awesome! We love boating, swimming, camping. Family favorite!"
Disc golf: free 9-hole course: Several recreation areas feature disc golf courses for campers looking for land-based activities. "There's some mowed/natural trails to hike and Area 1 has a fun 9-hole disc golf course. There's a swimming beach at Area 1 as well but it's too cold this time of year," shared a camper at Pawnee.
Archery range: practice your skills: Branched Oak Lake State Rec Area includes an archery range for visitors interested in target practice. "I love the whole park - especially the archery range!!" exclaimed one regular camper, adding a different activity option beyond the typical water sports.
Spacious lakeside camping: room to spread out: Many campers praise the generous site sizes at Area One Campground. One review mentioned, "We love camping on the south shore. Can kayak right by your campsite. Lots of room between sites to play catch or yard games."
Fishing opportunities: multiple access points: The numerous fishing docks and access points make this region attractive to anglers. A visitor to Conestoga State Recreation Area shared, "If you enjoy dock fishing this is the lake for you. They have several individual docks to fish off of. The catfish will come right up to them at night."
Stargazing: minimal light pollution: The relative distance from urban areas creates good conditions for night sky viewing. One camper noted, "Nighttime is great for stargazing and they have pretty stellar sunrises. We enjoyed the archery range and took plenty of walks."
Reservation challenges: plan ahead: Most electric sites require reservations well in advance, especially during summer. "Middle Oak Creek campground has a row of 10-12 electrical spots that are perfect for shore fishing, kayak launch, lakeside views! This One of our favorite places to 'get away' to for fishing, camping, etc. Be warned: VERY BUSY campground as it is super close to a highly populated city. Plan ahead and reserve a spot or go early in the week otherwise you won't get a pad!!!"
Water access: limited in some areas: Drinking water availability varies significantly between campgrounds. One camper at Area 3 Campground — Pawnee State Recreation Area pointed out, "This park is beautiful, the only water supply is by hand pump on the way to your site so that is a negative. Good for an overnight stay when passing through, would be nice for multiple days if you want to visit the lake."
Weekend crowds: expectation management: During summer weekends, expect high visitor numbers at all recreation areas. "I've been coming to Branched Oak since I was a kid. I love the vibe of the park. It's usually packed and the beach's are always full but it's always a really good time," noted one regular visitor.
Kid-friendly amenities: playground access: Camp A Way Campground in nearby Lincoln offers extensive facilities for children. As one parent described, "This place has tons for kids to do. There is a hand-built playground, basketball court, slip n slide, dog park, bounce stuff for kids."
Safety precautions: storm planning: Nebraska weather can change rapidly, making storm preparation important. "There was a camp host who made sure we knew where the storm shelter was on the night of our stay. We nearly needed to use it as we experienced a severe thunder storm," recounted a camper at Conestoga.
Swimming options: designated beach areas: Several recreation areas feature swimming beaches with varying amenities. A visitor mentioned, "This lake is a great place for boats! If you're looking to take ou a tube or just power around this area is good as it is larger than most lakes around Lincoln/Omaha. There is also a swimming beach which is nice."
Hookup limitations: prepare accordingly: Many campsites offer electric hookups only, requiring RVers to fill fresh water tanks before arrival. A camper at Eugene T. Mahoney State Park Campground shared, "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. Modern restrooms with showers and power are available."
Site terrain: varied options: RV campers will find different terrain options depending on the recreation area. "Gravel road and sites in the rv section with electric only so fill up with fresh water before setting up. All sites are first come first serve with self check-in. Most are 30A like ours, site 46, but there are a couple with 50A," noted a visitor to Conestoga State Recreation Area.
Dump station locations: plan for services: Not all campgrounds have on-site dump stations. "The nice dump station is located a couple of miles down the road near the Park Office. There are a couple of day use areas located on the lake also with boat ramps," advised an RVer at Pawnee.
Frequently Asked Questions
What camping is available near Raymond, NE?
According to TheDyrt.com, Raymond, NE offers a wide range of camping options, with 103 campgrounds and RV parks near Raymond, NE and 3 free dispersed camping spots.
Which is the most popular campground near Raymond, NE?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Raymond, NE is Camp A Way Campground with a 4.6-star rating from 32 reviews.
Where can I find free dispersed camping near Raymond, NE?
According to TheDyrt.com, there are 3 free dispersed camping spots near Raymond, NE.
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