Lake Wanahoo State Recreation Area sits at an elevation of 1,175 feet near Wahoo, Nebraska, approximately 33 miles from Scribner. The recreation area includes a 662-acre reservoir constructed as part of a flood control project completed in 2012. During summer months, temperatures typically range from 60-90°F with higher humidity levels, while spring and fall offer more moderate conditions for outdoor activities.
What to do
Fishing opportunities: At Lake Wanahoo State Recreation Area, the 662-acre reservoir provides ample fishing options. "Great Lake, but young with no mature trees. Not much hiking available. Established fishery which gets pressure. You will have company here," notes one visitor. The lake is regularly stocked and attracts anglers year-round.
Biking trails: Explore paved pathways that connect campgrounds to scenic viewpoints. "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," shares a regular visitor. The trail forms a complete loop of approximately three miles around the lake.
Kayaking and paddleboarding: Rent equipment or bring your own to explore calm waters. At Glenn Cunningham Lake Campground, "Beautiful place to bird watch and fish" with "kayaking, sailing, non-power boating - some for rent." The recreational lakes near Scribner provide protected areas for paddlers of all skill levels.
Historical exploration: Visit Lewis and Clark exhibits within driving distance. "They have a great visitor center with amazing displays and exhibits that mark the history of Lewis and Clark and their travels around the area," explains a camper who visited the historical sites near the glamping destinations.
What campers like
Spacious campsites: Many glamping sites near Scribner provide generous spacing. At Cottonwood — Two Rivers SRA, "The Cottonwood camp area lays right on the Platte River and it is beautiful watching the sunset over the water." Sites typically measure 20-30 feet wide, giving adequate room for setup.
Clean facilities: Visitors consistently mention well-maintained bathrooms and shower houses. "Showers are new, updated and warm! Very friendly people and a wonderful convenient store/shack/breakfast store!" notes a Two Rivers visitor. Most campgrounds offer shower facilities with hot water available.
River views: Several locations feature campsites directly overlooking waterways. "The tent camping area is huge and there always seems to be plenty of availability. We were the only tent in the entire area. The tiered tent area allows you to have a great view of the lake from wherever you setup," reports a Lake Wanahoo visitor.
Quiet off-season camping: For a more secluded experience, consider spring or fall visits. "Quiet, even with the storm. Off-season campout, perfect place to throw down a tent," mentions a March visitor to Lake Wanahoo. Shoulder seasons typically see 30-50% lower occupancy rates at most glamping locations near Scribner.
What you should know
Reservation requirements: Most premium sites require advance booking, especially for weekend stays. "I prefer the ones along the water but you have to book early to get one. A special permit is required to camp there. That is a bit of a bummer because you used to not need that," explains a Lake Wanahoo visitor.
Limited shade: Newer campgrounds near Scribner lack mature trees. At Branched Oak Lake State Rec Area, campers note: "We stayed here for a mountain bike race weekend. Nighttime is great for stargazing and they have pretty stellar sunrises." Many sites have minimal natural shade, so bring canopies during summer months.
Weekend crowds: Popular water-based recreation areas fill quickly during peak season. "Middle Oak Creek campground has a row of 10-12 electrical spots that are perfect for shore fishing, kayak launch, lakeside views! Be warned: VERY BUSY campground as it is super close to a highly populated city. Plan ahead and reserve a spot or go early in the week otherwise you won't get a pad!!!"
Water access points: Different camping loops offer varying proximity to shorelines. "There is a place by the day use area where they could make a swimming area, but so far they haven't. The campsites are clean and quite large, and they are all fairly close to the jettys where you can fish," notes a Lake Wanahoo visitor.
Tips for camping with families
Playground access: Select sites near play equipment for convenience with young children. At Lewis and Clark State Park Campground, "We were able to reserve an electric unit (#30) right off the lake and across the road from the large playground (~5 setups for different age groups). We could watch the kids play while getting food ready or preparing a line to throw in the water."
Swimming options: Several recreation areas offer designated swimming areas. "There's a swimming pond at this campground as well. The roads are paved, great for long boarding," explains a visitor to Two Rivers. Most swimming areas are open from Memorial Day through Labor Day, weather permitting.
Educational opportunities: Choose glamping close to Scribner, Nebraska with nature programs. "The nature Center is a nice place to cool down the summer and learn about the loess hills," reports a visitor to nearby Hitchcock County Nature Center. Many locations offer weekend ranger programs during summer months.
Safety considerations: Select sites away from water edges for families with small children. "If you want to get some hiking in that's not just all flat walking this is a great place in this area. The views show you the vast farmland here and are great for sunrise and sunset! Leashed dog friendly," notes a day visitor to Hitchcock Nature Center.
Tips from RVers
Full hookup availability: Identify campgrounds with complete utilities to maximize comfort. At West Omaha / NE Lincoln KOA Holiday, "We needed an overnight stop on our way to Kansas and this KOA was perfect. We pulled into a very large pull through on the west side of the campground (site 16). The KOA was pretty full but everyone was respectful and we didn't hear much noise. We had full hookups & the site we were in was spacious with a picnic table and fire ring with grate."
Dump station locations: Note that some campgrounds have inconveniently placed facilities. "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," explains a Lake Wanahoo visitor.
Site dimensions: Verify pad sizes before booking, especially for larger rigs. "Only thing I would hope they change for the future is keeping their customers current with severe weather cause most of us were from out of state," notes a visitor who experienced a storm at West Omaha KOA. Most glamping sites near Scribner can accommodate RVs up to 40 feet, but specific campgrounds may have limitations.
Accessibility concerns: Consider terrain when booking for those with mobility issues. "One of our party is in a wheelchair and had no problem accessing the showers or bathroom," shares a visitor to a nearby RV park, highlighting the importance of checking facility accessibility before arrival.
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