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Best Campgrounds in Nebraska

2,124 Reviews

Nebraska's camping scene spans from established state parks to scenic lakeside areas. Eugene T. Mahoney State Park Campground offers year-round accommodations including tent sites, RV hookups, and cabin rentals, while Platte River State Park provides additional options with yurts and glamping facilities. Branched Oak Lake State Recreation Area features tent and RV sites with primitive to full-hookup options across multiple campgrounds. The region includes several KOA locations with family-friendly amenities and a range of state recreation areas with waterfront access.

Most Nebraska campgrounds provide electric hookups, drinking water, and fire rings, though availability varies seasonally. "Most sites have laundry and showers, but some parks lock bathrooms in the off-season," noted one camper. Lake Wanahoo State Recreation Area and other locations maintain shower facilities and dump stations for RVs. Winter camping remains available at select locations including Camp A Way and West Omaha KOA Holiday, which operate year-round. During summer, temperatures can reach into the 90s°F, making water access particularly valuable. Many state recreation areas require park permits, and developed campgrounds typically charge $20-65 per night depending on hookup level and season.

State park campgrounds receive consistently high ratings for cleanliness and maintenance. Campers particularly appreciate Louisville State Recreation Area and Fort Kearny State Recreation Area for their accessibility and well-maintained grounds. Based on reviews from The Dyrt, visitors value the peaceful settings at lakeside campgrounds like Lake Ogallala State Recreation Area, which offers boat-in camping options. Urban-adjacent options such as Camp A Way Campground in Lincoln provide convenient access to city amenities while maintaining a camping atmosphere. One visitor mentioned that "Maskenthine Lake Recreation Area is one of our favorites with clean restrooms and showers, plus great trails for hiking or mountain biking." Train noise affects some campgrounds near rail lines, particularly those in smaller towns that offer municipal camping areas.

Best Camping Sites in Nebraska (523)

    1. Eugene T. Mahoney State Park Campground

    48 Reviews
    Ashland, NE
    Website
    +1 (402) 944-2523

    $25 - $485 / night

    "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."

    2. Grand Island KOA

    36 Reviews
    Doniphan, NE
    Website
    +1 (402) 886-2249

    "This campground is situated near interstate 80 and surrounded by cornfields, surprise surprise for Nebraska. Nice people, clean bathrooms and well kept property."

    "The location is great and feels tucked away every though it isn't far from the highway. The staff were very helpful. I would definitely recommend!"

    3. Streeter Park Campground

    34 Reviews
    Marquette, NE
    Website
    +1 (402) 694-6992

    "Nice city park trail through the trees for a good morning walk. "

    "There's a playground nearby and several walking paths as well as a restroom. these cell service was great and the camp even has free wi-fi provided by the city."

    4. Camp A Way Campground

    32 Reviews
    Lincoln, NE
    Website
    +1 (402) 476-2282

    $35 - $67 / night

    "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"

    5. Platte River State Park Campground

    31 Reviews
    South Bend, NE
    Website
    +1 (402) 234-2217

    $35 - $340 / night

    "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."

    "Short walk in but a wagon is provided to help unload equipment. Picnic and fire pit near the teepee."

    6. Fort Kearny State Recreation Area

    33 Reviews
    Kearney, NE
    Website
    +1 (308) 865-5305

    $15 - $30 / night

    "Nice camp ground with helpful gate attendants, this Nebraska park represents the conundrum of many public campgrounds."

    "Very nice stop, close but not too close to I-80. Quiet. Nice lakeside setting."

    7. Lake Ogallala State Recreation Area Campground

    32 Reviews
    Ogallala, NE
    Website
    +1 (308) 284-8800

    $10 - $30 / night

    "I stopped at this campsite on a cross country road trip from NY to NV, as I didn’t know anyone who resided in the great state of Nebraska. Talk about a total hidden gem!!"

    "Easy access to campsites, clean shower houses, fun walking trails with great views of the lake! Fun boating and atv activities or beach day with the family!"

    8. West Omaha / NE Lincoln KOA Holiday

    29 Reviews
    Gretna, NE
    Website
    +1 (402) 332-3010

    "Very close to the Nebraska crossing outlet mall! 😊"

    "The campground itself was fine and very convenient in location to vIsIt famIly."

    9. Louisville State Recreation Area Campground

    30 Reviews
    Louisville, NE
    Website
    +1 (402) 234-6855

    $15 - $35 / night

    "A HUGE campground with around 250 total sites, with options ranging from walk-in camping tent-only sites to RV areas. There is a 3 decent-size lakes spread evenly across the grounds."

    "I am sorry 😔 but I have nut yet been to any of Nebraska's Camping grounds your's well be the first."

    10. Branched Oak Lake State Rec Area

    28 Reviews
    Malcolm, NE
    Website
    +1 (402) 783-3400

    $25 - $35 / night

    "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."

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Recent Reviews in Nebraska

2124 Reviews of 523 Nebraska Campgrounds

  • Rick C.The Dyrt Pro User
    Sep. 24, 2026

    Timber Point Lake

    "No Gravel" sign means "Dangerous Mud"!

    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)

  • Max 😛.The Dyrt Pro User
    Sep. 23, 2026

    Smiths Creek Recreational Area

    Free Camping!!

    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.

  • BThe Dyrt Pro User
    Sep. 22, 2026

    Big Alkali Lake State Wildlife Area

    Beautiful Spot in Western Nebraska

    This small, remote campground has electric hookups 20, 30 & 50 amp, super clean vault toilets, is first come first serve, and is free. It's a state recreation area. The gravel road leading to the campground presented no problems for our Promaster van.

  • Travis A.The Dyrt Pro User
    Sep. 17, 2026

    Mulberry Bend Wildlife Management Area

    Good for an over nighter

    This is my 2nd time at this spot. Looks like two senior homeless people have set up shop. The pit toilet is in bad shape. Toilet seat is hanging on by one hinge, the other is broken. It needs to be emptied. Small trash can, no dumpster or water. The great thing about this spot is you are only 15mins or so from Vermillion. There is a county park camping grounds with water, restrooms, dumpster and dumpstation.

  • GThe Dyrt Pro User
    Sep. 16, 2026

    Creekside RV Park

    Nice place for the night

    The management is nice enough. $30 cash or check. Clean bathrooms, and showers, loads of hot water. However, the train runs all night and is loud!!

  • Matthew G.The Dyrt Pro User
    Sep. 16, 2026

    Blue Hole Wildlife Management Area

    Great stop for the night!

    Semi hidden gravel drive. Very close to the highway and easy to get to. Gravel is fairly smooth for all vehicle types. Good stop for the night. Pretty quiet and plenty of spots for car or van.

  • Cindy C.The Dyrt Pro User
    Sep. 16, 2026

    Chadron State Park Campground

    Nice campground

    Beautiful campground, however if you want to take a shower at their facility it's $1 for 4 min. And if you stay Friday night you have to pay for Sat, Sun as well. Nice spots. Great shade trees.

  • TThe Dyrt Pro User
    Sep. 15, 2026

    East Campground — Smith Falls State Park

    A Hidden Gem

    This campground is a hidden gem in Nebraska!

    The waterfall(s)are beautiful and have nice newer ADA walkways built to it. Steps lead right down into the water at the base of the large waterfall.

    The campsites have a lot of sites right next to the river, all of them are very well maintained and covered with grass.

    Showers are ADA and have good hot water. Heads up because you need quarters to pay for the showers! And never trust the change machine to work.

    The tent camping area is large, many sites along the river. Fire rings at each campsite.

    There are two large group pavilions that make great space for families and picnics.

    No electric at any camp sites.

    Smaller trailers and campers can fit into most of the “RV” sites. All sites are mostly level or only need a little bit of leveling when setting up a trailer or small RV.

    A lot of different wildlife in the park.

    I was here in Mid September and only 3 sites were being used! Super quiet and calm campgrounds!

    The Township DIRT road (about 3 miles) has EXTREME washboard! Plan on driving no more than 2 miles per hour! When you get to the State Park road it gets much better.

    At this time of year the office is not open on Mondays and Tuesday, self pay and check in.

    The river is flowing faster, for an experienced kayaking crew it would be okay to play on.

    I will definitely be coming back to this Gem of a campground!

  • TThe Dyrt Pro User
    Sep. 14, 2026

    Soldier Creek Campground — Fort Robinson State Park

    Well maintained park

    I was mainly interested in visiting where Chief Crazy Horse was killed. I am impressed at how well the grounds have been maintained.I stayed in Soldier Creek campground and there are two other campgrounds on site. This campground has large cottonwood trees for good shade.

    The bathrooms and showers are clean. Take note SHOWERS take quarters so be sure to bring quarters along with you because the change machine is not dependable!

    North of the park is Toadstool Park and it looks like you are in a totally different planet!

    There are A LOT of trails hiking.

    The reason I didn’t give it 5 stars is because I was here after Labor Day and most buildings are locked up, restaurant is closed, jeep tours etc are all shut down for the year. This also has a flip side, the campground is very calm and slow paced this time of year.

    Cell phone service was usable but not enough to do some remote work with.

    Sites 44,45,46 will be where I will try to camp next time. They have electric and are away from the showers/bathrooms and more peaceful area.

    Red Cloud campground has full hookups.

Guide to Nebraska

Camping in Nebraska offers a unique experience with its beautiful landscapes and diverse campgrounds. Whether you're looking for a peaceful retreat or an adventurous getaway, there's something for everyone.

What to do

  • Explore the trails: Many campgrounds, like Bessey Recreation Complex Campground, have walking, Jeep, and ATV trails. One camper mentioned, “Have walking, Jeep, ATV trails all over.”
  • Fishing: Campgrounds such as Long Pine State Rec Area offer great fishing spots. A review noted, “Good trout fishing from the stream.”
  • Enjoy water activities: At Calamus Reservoir, you can rent boats and jet skis. One visitor shared, “Can rent boats and jet skies. Nice swimming and fishing spots.”

What campers like

  • Clean facilities: Campers appreciate well-maintained restrooms and showers. One reviewer at Victoria Springs State Rec Area said, “The restrooms and showers are very clean and accessible.”
  • Spacious sites: Many campgrounds, like Valley View Flat Campground, offer roomy sites. A happy camper remarked, “Nice big sites, you’re not packed in.”
  • Natural beauty: Campers love the scenic views and natural surroundings. A visitor at [Long Pine State Rec Area] noted, “There are some fantastic trails to hike here, some great scenery.”

What you should know

  • Noise levels: Some campgrounds can be noisy due to nearby activities. One camper at Bessey Recreation Complex Campground mentioned, “A little noisy during the day with all the ATV traffic.”
  • Limited amenities: Not all campgrounds have extensive facilities. A reviewer at Keller Park State Rec Area pointed out, “This park isn’t manned by the State and it’s self-check-in.”
  • Bring your supplies: Some areas are remote, so it’s wise to pack everything you need. A camper at Victoria Springs State Rec Area advised, “Make sure to bring whatever you need with you because there isn’t much in Thedford or Halsey.”

Tips for camping with families

  • Choose family-friendly campgrounds: Look for places with activities for kids, like Bessey Recreation Complex Campground, which has a pond for fishing. A family shared, “Nice little pond to catch a few fish.”
  • Plan for bugs: Be prepared for mosquitoes, especially in wooded areas. One camper at Victoria Springs State Rec Area noted, “It was very quiet other than the hum of the mosquitos!”
  • Bring games and outdoor gear: Campgrounds often have space for activities. A visitor at Long Pine State Rec Area mentioned, “Lots of tall trees surround the camping sites.”

Tips from RVers

  • Check site accessibility: Some campgrounds have tricky access for larger RVs. A reviewer at Long Pine State Rec Area said, “They are hard to get an RV into because of the slope and angle of the drives.”
  • Look for electric hookups: Many RVers prefer sites with electric options. A camper at Keller Park State Rec Area mentioned, “This campground is in a decent valley. Thus, no signal.”
  • Be ready for self-check-in: Some campgrounds operate on a self-check-in basis, so have your plans ready. A visitor at Calamus Reservoir noted, “All sites are electrical only.”

Camping in Nebraska can be a fantastic experience if you know what to expect and plan accordingly. Enjoy the great outdoors!

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the best tent camping locations in Nebraska?

Nebraska offers excellent tent camping options across the state. Branched Oak Lake State Rec Area is highly recommended with lakeside sites providing great swimming access. COE Harlan County Lake Hunter Cove Park features dedicated tent-only sites on Nebraska's second-largest lake, making it perfect for water enthusiasts. The park offers amenities like showers, toilets, playgrounds, and a boat ramp. For those seeking a more primitive experience, South Outlet Camping provides dispersed tent sites with basic amenities like pit toilets and fire rings in a peaceful setting below the dam. Look for sites with shade trees to help with Nebraska's summer heat, and consider locations near water features for recreation opportunities.

How much does it cost to camp at private campgrounds in Nebraska?

Private campground rates in Nebraska vary based on location, amenities, and season. Grand Island KOA offers full hookup sites at competitive rates with clean facilities and a mix of shaded and non-shaded sites. Lake North provides electric hookups with lakeside sites at reasonable prices, plus access to nearby convenience stores. Generally, private campgrounds in Nebraska range from $25-45 per night for basic sites and $35-60 for full hookup sites. Many offer weekly or monthly discounts for extended stays. KOAs and other chain campgrounds tend to be at the higher end of the price spectrum but provide more amenities like WiFi, laundry facilities, and organized activities.

When is the best season for camping in Nebraska?

Late spring through early fall (May to September) offers the most pleasant camping conditions in Nebraska. Many campgrounds like South Outlet Camping operate seasonally from mid-May through mid-September. Nebraska summers can be quite hot, making electric hookups valuable for RV air conditioning, as noted by campers at Karrer Park. Spring brings beautiful wildflowers but can be rainy, while fall offers cooler temperatures and changing foliage. Summer provides the most reliable weather for water activities on Nebraska's lakes and rivers. Winter camping is limited, with many facilities closing or reducing services. For the best balance of comfortable temperatures and full facility access, aim for the shoulder seasons of late May/early June or September.

Are there any state park campgrounds in Nebraska with full amenities?

Soldier Creek Campground — Fort Robinson State Park offers comprehensive amenities in northwestern Nebraska. This activity-packed park features hookups, shower facilities, and access to numerous recreational opportunities, though note that daily entry permits ($12/day) are required in addition to camping fees. Eugene T. Mahoney State Park Campground near Ashland is another excellent option with full hookups, modern restrooms, showers, and numerous recreational facilities. Many Nebraska state parks feature electric hookups, which are particularly valuable during hot summer months. State park campgrounds typically offer water access, well-maintained facilities, and recreation options like hiking trails, fishing, and boating access points.

Keep Exploring

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