Best Tent Camping near Roca, NE

Recent Tent Reviews near Roca, NE

441 Reviews of 11 Roca Campgrounds

• 

  Cjak118

  Scout

  

  Jun. 12, 2023

  West Omaha / NE Lincoln KOA Holiday

  Do not go here if you are tent camping

  We had two problems with our stay here. 1. The tent sites seem to have been an afterthought of the planning they have little to no shade/shade, no privacy and a very busy roadway quite close to them with nothing to separate them. There also is pretty much no flat ground.

  2. My second problem was their security staff. They ride around on their golf carts and were rude and a little aggressive for no reason. They told us off for driving around the campground looking for the showers. The showers and bathrooms were fairly clean and were pretty nice and the shop had lots of food and goods. For RV camping it might have been fine, but do not go if you are tent camping.
• 

  Emily M.

  Guide

  

  Apr. 20, 2021

  Eugene T. Mahoney State Park Campground

  Fun for All

  There really is so much to do, from putt putt to iceskating, climbing, the water park, this place has it all. It can be pricey depending on what you're looking for. Cabins are cute and spacious but book up very quickly. Tent camp sites are open more often than not. It is always super busy is the only real downfall.

• 

  Lauren T.

  Scout

  

  May. 6, 2018

  Wagon Train Primitive sites

  Good for staying close to Lincoln

  I camp here maybe once or twice a year, small area for tent camping that is quite open to other sites - not for campers hoping to get privacy or who can’t handle some late night parties. The area is set back quite a ways from the lake but the lake is still easy to access.

  Note that if you are at the swimming beach area and wanting to grill out, be prepared to haul your items from your parked car nearby, not from back at the tent sites. It is less convenient than other campground set ups.

  Make sure you come prepared with your pass and camping pass - unlike a majority of other campgrounds, I have noticed the park rangers won’t wait the first hour to let you get set up and squared away.

  I stay here to enjoy kayaking, but have also ridden my bike out or just come out to gril and swim with friends. Top lake within a 60 minute drive and for those wanting to stay close to Lincoln.

• 

  Shelly S.

  Legend

  

  Oct. 16, 2018

  Pawnee State Recreation Area

  Roomy but not

  Pawnee Lake State Recreation Area was within 30 minutes of Lincoln, NE . Try to make sure all essentials are packed to enjoy your stay without frequent trips to town. This is one of those spots where you can easily park the car and use other means of transportation for your whole visit.(ie, feet, bike, boat, horse, etc.)

  There are options to where you camp. RV sites and tent in three different areas. This is not my favorite sort of tent camping, you have to park and walk everything to your site. Some tent sites are located right on the lake which is nice, you can easily park your watercraft nearby. However if it’s busy your neighbors are going to be very nearby. Not much privacy in that case. We however were completely alone when we visited, the crappy weather played a part I’m sure. Shade, which we didn’t need and picnic tables. If you have a hammock you may have an issue with getting it hung, bring alternate means of suspension.

  The trails are multi-use so pay attention. We were hiking in the rain so did not see anyone but the trail apples were fresh. Were we hiked it was grassy and mostly level, there was an area where hikers had trails to themselves and a few benches to sit on.

  The lake looked nice but I didn’t see anyone on it. I didn’t see any algae signs but the weather may have been a factor too. We overnighted so I didn’t get to completely explore the entire area. It was pretty quiet, some motor noises but they were more of a background noise. Worth an extended stay as long as the lake is open.

• 

  Frank H.

  Guide

  

  Sep. 6, 2022

  Double Nickel Campground

  Wonderful campground

  Great tent camping. An oasis in Nebraska. A lot of amenities including swimming pool. Very clean & well appointed bath house.

• 

  Jordan H.

  Guide

  

  May. 31, 2019

  Branched Oak Lake State Rec Area

  Awesome Park

  This is the best lake in Nebraska for camping! They are tent sites right by the lake. The bathrooms are pretty clean. There’s a huge no-wake area of the lake for kayaking and paddle boarding. They also offer boat rentals.

• 

  Sarah G.

  Scout

  

  Jul. 12, 2021

  Stagecoach Lake State Recreation Area

  Sweet spot for a night

  We stopped for a night in our camper van. In order to avoid paying the RV fee, we used a tent site. Level parking for the tent sites (which are in a grassy field—no tent pads) was limited, but as we were the only vehicle using those, it was fine. It’s a lovely spot, with lots of water fowl, fireflies, and a frog chorus.

• 

  Emily M.

  Guide

  

  Apr. 20, 2021

  Louisville State Recreation Area

  Small but Nice

  Louisville Lakes has a decent beach area. Not too many amenities but the bathrooms are clean. The tent sites are close together but usually are not full, RV sites ARE full often. Some tent sites are on the river side and I'd consider very pretty. I like Louisville Lakes atmosphere but it can get pretty busy depending on the summer weekend.

• 

  Emily M.

  Guide

  

  Apr. 20, 2021

  Two Rivers State Recreation Area

  Remote Depending on the Site

  I have only ever used Tent sites by the 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. There were not any other campers but I could see it getting pretty busy on the weekends. Definitely for relaxing on the river but not much else.

• E

  Erik M.

  Traveler

  

  Jan. 13, 2020

  Platte River State Park Campground

  Hike in sites

  Enjoy the 4 tent sites. They are spread apart enough that your not on top of each other. Lots of wood to find on the ground

• 

  Jayden K.

  Guide

  

  Jun. 20, 2022

  Branched Oak Lake State Rec Area

  Beautiful

  There were a lot of day use areas and tent sites. It was very beautiful and open. We went in the off season so we had a lot of space to ourselves.

• 

  Brian C.

  Traveler

  

  Oct. 24, 2019

  Pawnee State Recreation Area

  Close to town lakeside tent camping

  The pros! Lakeside tent camping is always fun. Lots of activities, like boating, swimming, fishing, hiking, etc. And its close to town.

  The cons! Its close to town, so it can be a bit crowded on nicer weekends.

  Its great for overnighters in the middle of the week.

• 

  Matt H.

  Guide

  

  May. 22, 2021

  Lone Star Rec Area

  Quiet and Free! (for tents)

  Change of plans last minute for my little brothers birthday brought us here. At first we couldn't figure out where to set up camp so we asked the camp host who was very friendly. Turns out that you can set up a tent basically anywhere and there's zero cost to tent camp, no fees what so ever!

• 

  Michael M.

  Guide

  

  Jun. 9, 2024

  Two Rivers State Recreation Area

  Quick getaway to nature

  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. Fun and quick trip if you’re in the Omaha area. My boys (4&7) loved it.

• A

  Alexandra J.

  Traveler

  

  Sep. 7, 2022

  Rock Creek Station State Rec Area

  Pretty Good!

  Broadcasting this now because I was not aware when I showed up: there are only two designated tent sites in this entire campground. However, both these sites are clean, beautiful, and located near the trail that takes you to the (honestly very well-presented) adjacent historical park. Out of the two Nebraska state recreation areas I stayed at on my trip through the state, this one is definitely my favorite. I would give it 3.5 stars, but the coin-operated showers knock it down to a 3.

• 

  R A.

  Traveler

  

  Aug. 12, 2021

  Eugene T. Mahoney State Park Campground

  Clean campground.

  The little creek campground in the Eugene T. Mahoney State Park is nicely kept and has showers. It is mostly quiet but you can hear the background drone of the Interstate highway. The park has a vehicle pass fee ($8) and a camping fee. I am tent camping and the least expensive site was $25.

• C

  Carly P.

  Guide

  

  Jul. 10, 2019

  Lake Wanahoo State Recreation Area

  Decent for Short Trips or Fishing

  We primary stop by this site for fishing as the lake is regularly stocked. It's great for kayaking or small boats. There is very little shade available at this campground as it is a man-made area so bring the sunscreen. Fires are allowed and pets must be on leash. RV sites and tent camping site are available.

• D

  David L.

  Guide

  

  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.

• 

  Jerry B.

  Scout

  

  Sep. 3, 2019

  Memphis Lake State Rec Area

  One of my favorites

  Tent camping sites. No electrical hookups but you can still camp in campers if you want. Beautiful Campground with lots of trees and shade. Very nice Lake with fishing available. There appears to be an option for canoe rentals available. Boat ramp and dock. Multiple bathroom locations within the campground. Picnic tables near the water. I’ve kayaked the lake! So much fun.

• 

  Kwin K.

  Guide

  

  Jul. 10, 2018

  Two Rivers State Recreation Area

  Just Basic

  It’s nice this site is near the river but it’s just your basic campground. you’ll find a pretty flat area with access to the river and basic amenities. I’ve only been to tent sites. I would suggest brining your own wood because whenwe were there, they were out.

• 

  James D.

  Guide

  

  Sep. 30, 2016

  Lake Wanahoo State Recreation Area

  Great fishing and can camp right along the water

  We were able to stay here for 2 nights while visiting the city. My wife and I prefer to stay outside and camp most often. This campground not only has a fun name to repeat to family and friends (or try to remember when writing a review! lol) but has a ton of campsites right on the lake. I think we lucked out and got site 128. It was a tent site and was on the water but a few spots North of a peak fishing area. If you are here site 128 is where it is at! It is a stocked lake but I brought in a 32" northern. Had to let it go per regs so no fish dinner that night! It wasn't a skinny snake either. Like all places you need a permit to fish and better follow the regs. The tent sites were very well maintained. Clean pads and great parking. Overall excellent car camping and fishing spot!

• T

  Taylor L.

  Scout

  

  Jun. 21, 2019

  Stagecoach Dam-Site 9 Park

  Great easy getaway

  Went tent camping with 3 kids on a weekday and had the place to ourselves. I really like area 4. There are a bunch of campsites close to the lake but if you keep going there is a parking area and a short trail through the woods that leads to an open area right by the lake. Secluded but still pretty close to the bathroom if needed.

• 

  Tony B.

  Legend

  

  Sep. 6, 2020

  Lake Wanahoo State Recreation Area

  Will get better with age

  This lake is a Nrd controlled lake that is relatively new, and requires a daily pass or annual pass. I believe it opened 2012. This lake sits just out side of the Northside of Wahoo, and sits off a relatively busy highway. So as you would expect there is some traffic noise. Also with the age of this lake there is no mature trees around the lake. So as you would expect it will make tent camping difficult for some on hot days. There is tent camping, and rvs, as well as a couple little cabins for rent. The fishing is pretty darn good on this lake. There are several online articles that will back that claim up, as well as myself. This is also a good kayaking lake. There is also a trail, or path that goes around this lake for biking, jogging, or just simply walking. The whole area and restrooms are clean, and well maintained. I thing it's a beautiful clean lake that the city of Wahoo should be proud to be next to. I believe this lake will get better with age.

• 

  Charles C.

  Legend

  

  Oct. 10, 2018

  Auburn Recreation Complex

  FREE TENT CAMPING- on the edge of town @ the Auburn RV Park

  RV and tent campers only $15 a night with hookup. TENT CAMPING IS FREE! 10-night maximum. Dumping station. Water and electrical. The restrooms are quite a ways away. No showers available.

  The town has some decent shopping, such as the Catholic thrift store which is so well set up it could be mistaken for a decent antique store, and a local clothing store with unique items.

  The disc golf course in town is challenging and well laid out.

• C

  Carly P.

  Guide

  

  Oct. 25, 2018

  Eugene T. Mahoney State Park Campground

  Ultimate in 21st Century Family Camping

  This is a highly developed state park boasting an aquatic center, indoor gardens, zip lines, horseback riding, cabins and even a hotel on site. Popular for family reunions due to the amount of space and accessibility. There is a wonderful lookout tower that allows people to take in views of the Platte River. 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. This is also a great event venue with multiple large buildings available for reservations. This is not the 'roughing it' kind of camping, but rather a fun experience for the whole family.

• 

  Chelsea K.

  Traveler

  

  Oct. 31, 2023

  Area Three Campground

  Happy to be left alone.

  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.

  Downsides:

  Cost- $12 for out of state plates and $15 for a site without amenities is steep.

  We were also by the dumpster, and they came by to empty it around 7am. Probably a Monday morning problem, but still worth mentioning.

• 

  Tony B.

  Legend

  

  Sep. 8, 2020

  Czechland Lake Recreation Area

  Make the trip you might be surprised

  This is another NRD lake, and pretty well maintained. However unlike Wanhoo you don't need a pass or permit. Also the tent camping is free, and electrical is 18. From what I heard the fishing is good and the lake itself is beautiful. Not to mention there is the little town of Prague and the lake itself is in the Bohemian alps of Nebraska. It is also quiet and peaceful. The few down falls I can see is the lake is not simply accessible from the rvs. Also the trees in the tent area, that are close to the lake, and could cause issues with mosquitoes. So if your looking for something different, but not a ling drive from Omaha or Lincoln area, I would tell you to give it a try.