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Best Campgrounds in Nebraska

1,959 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 (515)

    1. Eugene T. Mahoney State Park Campground

    46 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. Camp A Way Campground

    31 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"

    3. 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."

    4. Streeter Park Campground

    29 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."

    5. Fort Kearny State Recreation Area

    31 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."

    6. Grand Island KOA

    30 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!"

    7. 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."

    8. Lake Ogallala State Recreation Area Campground

    30 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!"

    9. 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."

    10. Hackberry Hollow Campground — Indian Cave State Park

    25 Reviews
    Shubert, NE
    Website
    +1 (402) 883-2575

    $25 - $30 / night

    "This is unlike any other campground in Nebraska. There are plenty of camping sites around the park no matter your style, even spots for horses! I prefer the hike in spots myself."

    "Campsites are very green and there are a lot of hiking trails! It's just that, well, it is in Nebraska."

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Recent Reviews in Nebraska

1959 Reviews of 515 Nebraska Campgrounds

  • William S.
    May. 9, 2026

    Dead Timber State Rec Area

    Quiet Out of the Way Rec Area

    Dead Timber is a quiet and fairly out of the way, yet still accessible state recreation area. It is an hour or so, depending on how you drive, from Omaha, near Scribner, Nebraska. The roads from the highway are paved up to the entrance, but the rec area is all dirt/gravel. The area has not been "upgraded" like so many of the state recreation areas have in the past few years and it feels like a good thing.

    There is a small oxbow lake that all of the campsites, both electric (17) and primitive (4), are on one side of it. Unlike so many Nebraska recreation areas you will not typically hear trains or road noise, another good thing. A cell signal was present for me on Verizon, but insufficient for streaming without a booster. Tree coverage varies within the small camping area, but most sites will have enough of an open view of the sky for Starlink.

    Dead Timber is my normal go to spot when I need a quick camping trip that is relaxing and not challenging. Or if I have a piece of equipment that I want to test the functionality of. I have camped here in summer (hot muggy a bit buggy), fall (generally my favorite especially in October), and winter (about what you would expect) and aside from Halloween it has usually been very open. Halloween there was a decorating contest and the place was completely full. The pictures I am including are from my mid October 2025, trip. In February there were no leaves and the lake was frozen but those were the only real differences since there is no running water in the camping area.

  • MrCopperhead1974 The Dyrt PRO User
    May. 8, 2026

    Bordeaux Wildlife Management Area

    Great for a small rig

    It's a gravel parking area. Big enough for small, medium-sized rigs. Maybe 4 or 5 beautiful countryside. Nice area to walk, not bad for a day or two

  • BThe Dyrt PRO User
    May. 8, 2026

    Oregon Trail RV Campground

    A good overnight stay with basic but clean facilities

    We camped overnight April 27 and arrive early evening to find that we had it all to ourselves. First impressions were that it was a little desolate. There was no attendant there, but shore power was on, the bathroom (toilet, sink, shower) was clean and there was hot water for showering. There was some truck noise during the night and at one point it sounded like a train was going to come through the campsite. Overall, it was adequate, but given the minimal amenities, we thought that it was a little overpriced.

  • elizabeth B.The Dyrt PRO User
    May. 8, 2026

    Ta-Ha-Zouka Park

    Its okay

    Quiet place next to a lake but it costs $30/night and there alis no water hookup. I recommend totally filling your potable water tank on the way in at the little vestibule thing because I ran out at the very end of my shower.

  • elizabeth B.The Dyrt PRO User
    May. 7, 2026

    Humphrey City Park

    City Park

    This is a small city park with a large parking lot for the community center next door. There are no hookups but there appears to be something that may have been a dump station at one time. Might be a good place to pull into and spend the night in a pinch.

  • Taylor D.The Dyrt PRO User
    May. 5, 2026

    West Maxwell WMA

    Easy spot off interstate

    It’s a very small area right next to the interstate. Cute pond though and felt safe. Be wary of ticks during spring though. Both dogs picked up a couple of hitchhikers

  • William S.
    May. 4, 2026

    Natick Campground

    Quiet and Peaceful

    Short version - super peaceful, nice trees, some of the sites are open enough for Starlink connectivity. Fire rings and picnic tables at each site. I would camp there again.

    Stayed 1 night, April 29 to 30. I had the entire campground to myself. There are multiple designated sites (10+) in the campground all are fairly close to each other. No electric, $15 per night, iron ranger, fire ring and picnic table at each site. There is a vault toilet in the campground. This area is designed to be the horse camping area for the national forest/grassland unit.

    The drive to the campground from the main entrance of the NNF is 7-8 miles on a mix of paved and gravel road. The first section of paved road nearest the entrance is in excellent shape while the remainder of the road is gravel, which is in fine condition, and paved road in poor condition. With that said, I expect almost any vehicle could make it to the campground, it just would be slow and uncomfortable in a sedan. No issues in a stock truck or SUV. 

    Natick was not part of the fires a couple of years ago, other sections of the forest and grasslands were. Based on the grass and tree debris in and around the horse corrals I doubt that anyone has had their horses out there yet this year. The only things I heard while there was the wind in the trees, some wildlife, and an occasional airplane.

    I went to the Bessey section of the NNF just to get away from people and drive around the trails. The trails are soft, no surprise in the Sandhills, but are not technical. Just good easy fun. No need to even air down, although you may want to for ride comfort. I kept the tires near 40psi in my 4th Gen Ram. 

    Other than people working at the HQ building, on the bridge leading into Bessey, and planting trees, I saw fewer than a dozen people while I was there. A few people were camping in the area near the entrance (where there is electric) who looked like longer term campers. I saw 2 people, in just 1 of the spots, out at the Whitetail campground. I would have stayed at Whitetail since it is on the Dismal River if it had been empty, but why camp near others when there are other options.

  • RThe Dyrt PRO User
    May. 3, 2026

    Yankee hill wildlife management area

    Good for a night or two

    Small old fishing lake with open area to park and car camp. I’m in a van with another camper in a small travel trailer. Area looks to be left unmaintained and dirty but it does have pit toilets.

  • sThe Dyrt PRO User
    May. 3, 2026

    Kingsley Resort

    Great first night

    Very busy location for a Wednesday. Friendly neighbors. Easy to back in to. Beautiful views of the lake. Easy access right off the highway. Lots of trees so bigger rigs beware.

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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