Tent campsites near Raymond, Nebraska cluster around several small lakes and river areas within a 30-mile radius. Winter temperatures can drop below 20°F, requiring proper cold-weather gear during late fall and winter camping seasons. Most primitive sites lack hookups but provide direct water access, making them suitable for anglers and paddlers seeking quick access to recreational waters.
What to do
Fishing opportunities: Powerhouse Park offers free tent camping with good fishing in the adjacent canal. "Nice playground, picnic tables, and charcoal grills. Clean restroom. Free tent camping. good fishing in the canal. Close to town yet far enough away," notes Charles C.
Disc golf access: Area Three Campground provides tent campers with convenient access to disc golf courses. "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," explains Charles C.
River activities: When water levels permit at Riverside Campground, campers can wade to sandbars. "When the river is low, you can go play on the beach. We've even walked through the water to go play on the 'islands'," shares Robin E. The river also supports tubing during summer months.
What campers like
Waterfront site selection: At Fremont Lakes State Recreation Area, tent campers appreciate the multiple lake options. "I tent camped in the old lakes part of the campgrounds. There are at least a dozen small lakes part of the grounds. The new lakes are busy and full of RVs. If you want a less busy area, find the older section," recommends Alyssa E.
Clean facilities: Several campers note the well-maintained bathrooms at Fremont Lakes. "Facilities were very clean. Cleanest I have ever seen in a campground," reports Alyssa E. This contrasts with some other parks in the region where maintenance issues exist.
Secluded spots: Wirth Brothers Lake offers more privacy than many other campgrounds. "It is off the beaten path and has camping spots that offer some seclusion from other people," writes Becky D., noting the campground's thoughtful design.
What you should know
Noise considerations: Train tracks impact sleep quality at some sites. At Fremont Lakes, "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," warns Alyssa E.
Price-to-amenity ratio: Many campers find primitive sites overpriced for what they offer. At Area Three Campground, one camper noted: "Cost- $12 for out of state plates and $15 for a site without amenities is steep." Another added, "For $15 you can do better in Nebraska."
Facility maintenance: Outhouses receive minimal attention at some locations. At Wirth Brothers Lake, campers report that "the only downfall is the outhouses could be kept up better," though the grounds themselves remain well-maintained.
Tips for camping with families
Morning routines: Riverside Campground offers breakfast options within walking distance. "There is a convenience store ran by a very nice family and they make a great breakfast for a low cost. We like to get up early and walk across the park to breakfast and then walk back to our campsite," shares Robin E.
Badge opportunities: Two Rivers SRA features educational activities for scout groups. "The park has many, many opportunities to earn badges. You can even take a short hike into a little outdoor nature classroom," explains Robin E., who has organized Cub Scout campouts in the area.
Playground access: Multiple campgrounds feature playground equipment. Michael M. notes that Riverside Campground offers convenient access: "I camped right by the river. Also a short walk to the outhouse and playground. Fun and quick trip if you're in the Omaha area. My boys (4&7) loved it."
Tips from RVers
Fairgrounds alternative: The Saunders County Fairgrounds Campground offers affordable full hookup sites. "Located near downtown Wahoo. $20 per night for full hookup. Appear to be approximately 40 sites," reports Lucian F., giving the location five stars.
Lake selection: When booking at Fremont Lakes, ask about recent dredging. "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," advises Molly M., suggesting this can impact water quality and recreational potential.
Campsite timing: Weekday visits offer significantly more privacy. "There were not any other campers but I could see it getting pretty busy on the weekends," notes Emily M. about Riverside Campground, echoing sentiments shared by campers at other parks in the region.
