Branched Oak Lake State Rec Area
Great getaway weekend
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.
77 campgrounds · Check availability for any dates.
Branched Oak Lake State Recreation Area permits dogs throughout its multiple camping areas including Area One Campground, widely considered one of Nebraska's premier camping destinations. Leashed pets are allowed at all tent and RV sites with many campers preferring the waterfront spots for easy lake access with their animals. The electric hookup sites include paved pads with nearby picnic tables and fire rings, allowing comfortable setups for campers with pets. Several campgrounds within the recreation area feature shower houses and restroom facilities, though the distance from pet-friendly tent sites to these amenities varies considerably. While no dedicated dog parks exist within the grounds, the extensive shoreline and grassy areas provide ample space for exercising leashed pets. The primitive tent sites along South Shore offer direct lake access where dogs can swim alongside their owners away from the designated human swimming beaches. Middle Oak Creek campground's row of electrical spots provides excellent shore fishing opportunities while accommodating pets.
Dog owners frequently utilize the equestrian trails for walking their pets, with multiple trail systems accessible throughout the 1,800-acre property. The lake's extensive shoreline provides numerous spots for dogs to splash and cool off during summer months when temperatures regularly exceed 90 degrees. Pet owners should note that weekend crowds significantly increase during peak season (May-September), potentially creating more challenging conditions for managing dogs. The campground does not offer dedicated pet waste stations, so campers should bring bags and properly dispose of waste in provided trash receptacles. Wildlife encounters are possible, particularly with coyotes that can be heard howling at night, so keeping pets secured is essential. Many visitors appreciate that dogs are permitted at the lakefront tent sites where public beaches typically prohibit them. Nearby Malcolm offers services including a veterinary clinic approximately 2.5 miles from the main campground entrance.
"Great dog park: large, secure and shaded. Play ground, basketball, pool, family activities. Very clean restrooms. Good camp store with decent prices. Easy access to Omaha."
"Clean laundry facilities and they even have a dog park."
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"Doesn’t look like the northern campground at Pawnee Lake comes up in a search on this app, very specific to note my review is for the Lake View area that is on the north side of the lake."
"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."
from $30 / 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."
"On a walk from my campsite, I went by the marina, disc golf course, conservatory, activity center, stables and ropes course."
"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."
from $25 - $485 / night
Check Availability"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
Check Availability"If you want to get away in Nebraska, this is the place. There’s no electricity or running water. The outhouses are kinda gross. There’s an awesome bar right outside the park, too."
"Great little stocked fishing lake with sites all fairly close to the long northern shore of the lake. Redwing blackbirds, geese, and lightning bugs tucked in between the corn fields."
from $10 - $35 / night
Check Availability"Great fishing and kayaking lake! Bike path goes all the way around the lake. Sites are large and spaced out. I prefer the ones along the water but you have to book early to get one."
"Lake Wanahoo is a fairly new lake in Saunders county Nebraska. The lake is part of the local NRD and was originally managed by the state parks department."
from $8 - $40 / night
Check Availability"Very close to the Nebraska crossing outlet mall! 😊"
"I only stayed the night, but as I was walking my dogs I saw the camp. Everywhere you turn there was something to do. Good fun."












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.
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. We only stayed one night but enjoyed the walk to the small waterfall in the park. There is a large dog park, clean restrooms and nice trails for walking.
Stayed here for a week over 4th of July, 2020 amid COVID19 restrictions. Lots of shade, though some sites are full sun. Great dog park: large, secure and shaded. Play ground, basketball, pool, family activities. Very clean restrooms. Good camp store with decent prices. Easy access to Omaha.
This was a great location to explore different areas but it is a very crowded location. Some people like that and visiting with everyone. That is not for me. The campground is well maintained, the staff is friendly and our dogs enjoyed the dog park on the property.
Very nice campground. Kid friendly with tons of activities. Nice pool & hot tub. Clean laundry facilities and they even have a dog park.
Popped in for a quick one night stay on our way west. Chose this place based on reviews on The Dyrt. It is mid week in October but it's so quiet, which we really like. Great pull through spaces with full hook ups and fantastic WiFi which allowed me to get some much needed work in. When I told the owner we had two dogs he put us directly across from the dog park which our pups really liked. Super cute touches around the place including bench swings at all the sites. Looks like the place could be great for families in the summer.
It is directly adjacent to the highway so there is some noise but it's not too bad. We actually felt it was quiet and relaxing.
The staff is incredible! Super friendly and accommodating! The full hookups were great. Nice little dog park, putt putt golf and a good size pool.
The park is well kept, the sites have plenty of space to them so you don’t feel like you’re on top of someone else’s camper. There’s playgrounds and a pool, a dog park, basketball court and disc golf. The nicest park we’ve stayed at for sure.
Platte River State Park is a beautiful, full service park with plenty of amenities. There are playgrounds and a splash pad for the kids, canoe rentals, and plenty of trails to hike or bike. Sites are concrete pads with full hookups and include a fire ring and picnic table. The campground also has a bathroom and dog park. 5 bars of AT&T @ 120Mbps!
Branched Oak Lake State Recreation Area offers multiple camping options near Raymond, Nebraska. The campground provides 330 pads plus primitive camping areas across 1,800 acres. Located approximately 2.5 miles north of Malcolm, this recreation area maintains separate camping sections with varying proximity to facilities. Primitive tent sites along the south shore provide direct waterfront access while electric hookup areas feature paved pads.
Fishing opportunities: The extensive shoreline at Branched Oak Lake State Rec Area provides numerous fishing spots with various access points. "Middle Oak Creek campground has a row of 10-12 electrical spots that are perfect for shore fishing, kayak launch, lakeside views," notes camper Jen K. The lake supports multiple fishing locations with different shore access options.
Hiking and archery: Several trail networks wind through the recreation areas around Raymond. At Pawnee Lake State Recreation Area, visitors can access hiking trails plus an archery range. Longtime camper Debra B. comments, "I love the whole park - especially the archery range!!" The trails provide options for both casual walks and exercise.
Water recreation: Kayaking and paddle sports remain popular during summer months. "There's a huge no-wake area of the lake for kayaking and paddle boarding. They also offer boat rentals," reports Jordan H. about Branched Oak Lake. Many campers bring their own equipment to explore the quieter coves away from motorized watercraft areas.
Lakeside sites: The waterfront camping locations rank consistently high among visitor preferences. "We love camping on the south shore. Can kayak right by your campsite. Lots of room between sites to play catch or yard games," says Steph S. about Area One Campground. These sites typically fill quickly during peak season.
Stargazing opportunities: The relative distance from urban areas creates better night sky viewing conditions. Pat V. noted about their stay at Branched Oak Lake State Rec: "Nighttime is great for stargazing and they have pretty stellar sunrises." Many campers appreciate the reduced light pollution compared to sites closer to Lincoln.
Wildlife viewing: The natural setting attracts various bird species and small animals. "It was very beautiful and open. We went in the off season so we had a lot of space to ourselves," shares Jayden K. Morning hours typically provide the best wildlife observation opportunities, especially around the shoreline areas.
Off-season benefits: Visiting during weekdays or non-summer months significantly changes the camping experience. "It's great for overnighters in the middle of the week," advises Brian C. about Lakeview Campground. The campgrounds become much less crowded and quieter outside peak summer weekends.
Shower facilities: Bathroom and shower conditions vary considerably between campground sections. Kevin A. notes from his experience: "5 night stay in late June. 2 days after damaging storm. Lots of broken branches and one totalled 5th wheel but still a very pretty park. Negatives are disgusting showers; felt like I was in prison as you must pull on a chain to get water."
Site spacing: Many campers comment on the variable spacing between sites. Jen K. observed that "South Shore campground sits lakeside but at a higher elevation so water access is trickier." Waterfront sites tend to be more congested during peak season compared to the more elevated camping areas.
Playground access: Several camping areas include play structures for children. "Nice playgrounds at both camp areas. Free showers are a great amenity as well," mentions Jen K. about Middle Oak Creek and South Shore campgrounds. These facilities provide alternative activities when water recreation isn't feasible.
Swimming areas: The designated swimming areas offer safer water recreation for families. According to Tony B., Memphis Lake State Rec Area "has great fishing and has peace, and quiet. The lake is a no wake zone, so kayaks, and canoes are great." Many families appreciate the no-wake zones for safer swimming conditions.
Weather preparedness: Summer thunderstorms can develop quickly in the area. Blake M. recommends: "Was on a cross country road trip. Site was clean and very open for me to play frisbee with the dog. Fire pits with grilling add ons seemed new. Lake was clean." Having backup indoor activities prepared helps manage unexpected weather changes.
Filling water tanks: Most electric sites lack direct water connections at individual campsites. Russ G. shares this practical advice about Area 3 Campground: "We had a great weekend in Area 3 of the Pawnee Recreational Area. Big spots, good working power for 30 and 50 amp, but no water at the sites. The camp host had 200 feet of hose and we filled the clear tank from that."
Sanitation facilities: RV campers should note dump station locations when planning stays. "The nice dump station is located a couple of miles down the road near the Park Office," advises Bran P. about their experience at Pawnee Dam. Planning ahead for these services helps manage longer stays without leaving the recreation area.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular dog-friendly campsite near Raymond, NE?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular dog-friendly campground near Raymond, NE is Camp A Way Campground with a 4.6-star rating from 31 reviews.
What is the best site to find dog-friendly camping near Raymond, NE?
TheDyrt.com has all 77 dog-friendly camping locations near Raymond, NE, with real photos and reviews from campers.
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