Camping sites near Valley, Nebraska sit in the Platte River watershed, characterized by riparian forests and prairie landscapes. The region averages 31 inches of precipitation annually, with primary camping season running from April through October. Most campgrounds in the area sit below 1,200 feet elevation, creating distinct microclimates in river valleys compared to surrounding plains.
What to do
Fishing opportunities: Lake Wanahoo State Recreation Area offers a stocked lake with multiple fishing jetties accessible from campsites. "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," notes one camper at Lake Wanahoo State Recreation Area.
Kayaking and canoeing: Memphis Lake State Recreation Area provides no-wake zones perfect for paddling. "This lake has great fishing and has peace, and quiet. The lake is a no wake zone, so kayaks, and canoes are great," explains a visitor at Memphis Lake State Rec Area.
Hiking and biking: A 3-mile gravel trail circles Lake Wanahoo, connecting to additional paths. "There is a gravel trail that goes all the way around the lake, which provides about a three mile loop. The trail also leads down into the town of Wahoo," shares a reviewer.
What campers like
Secluded riverside sites: Riverside Campground at Two Rivers SRA features tent sites directly adjacent to the Platte River. "For the tent sites I wish there were more amenities but the one we stayed at was in a nice location. The river is decently safe and a good place to tube," reports one camper at Riverside Campground — Two Rivers SRA.
Natural amenities: Memphis Lake provides mature shade trees and lakeside camping options. "There were lots of mature trees to camp under, and we were also close to the water. Our campsite came with a picnic table and fire ring," shares a visitor.
Clean facilities: Walnut Creek Lake & Recreation Area maintains well-kept camping areas and bathroom facilities. "Wednesday at 3pm there were 8 sites open. Nice city park. Electric hookups. Water spigot about the park. Dump station by the entrance. All grounds are clean. Very friendly camp host," notes a reviewer at Walnut Creek Lake & Recreation Area.
What you should know
Campsite reservation systems: Two Rivers SRA uses a waiting list system for walk-up sites. "The walk up process is a little strange. You get put on a waiting list and have to return to main office at 3. Then the start at beginning of list and people start choosing so get on waiting list early," explains a camper at Goldenrod Campground — Two Rivers SRA.
Shade availability: Lake Wanahoo lacks mature trees. "Lake Wanahoo is a fairly new lake in Saunders county Nebraska... Unfortunately when the lake and campground were built they planted saplings, so during the hot months there is no shade to be found."
Weather preparedness: Severe storms can develop quickly in the region. "There was a major storm that rolled though and upon arriving I asked about the weather, which I was watching closely at the radar. They didn't seem concert about it however news reports were saying other wise of his very storm system producing 90-100mph winds."
Tips for camping with families
Playground access: Multiple campgrounds feature dedicated play areas for children. "This site is great for any size family. The range of different camping options and amenities is incredible. The facilities are well maintained, the staff is friendly and helpful. Everything is nicely spread out on the grounds," reports a visitor at West Omaha / NE Lincoln KOA Holiday.
Family fishing spots: Two Rivers SRA offers dedicated trout fishing areas. "This is a great campground for camping and fishing with kids. The fishing is easy in all the lakes and they have a pay fishing trout lake that nearly guarantees success. Our kid and her friends love the swimming beach."
Budget considerations: Many areas require both camping fees and park entry permits. "The pool is awesome. It was, however, expensive. $10 for adults (even as a non swimmer) and $8 for kids plus $3 to rent a tube for the wave pool."
Tips from RVers
Site selection strategy: Cottonwood at Two Rivers SRA offers river views for RVs. "Two rivers is my favorite Nebraska hidden gem! The state Rec Park is by both the Elkhorn and Platte rivers, thus it's name, Two Rivers. There are several camping areas, divided into 'sub sections', my favorite place is the cottonwood division," shares a visitor at Cottonwood — Two Rivers SRA.
Water and dump stations: Lake Wanahoo has inconvenient water fill locations. "When pulling your RV out here the water fill is in an awkward spot in a parking lot of the campground. To get to the dump station you have to leave the campground, get on the highway and drive to the opposite side of the lake to the day use area."
Site spacing: Consider requesting larger sites when available. "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."
