Branched Oak Lake State Rec Area
Great getaway weekend
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.
74 campgrounds · Check availability for any dates.
Dead Timber State Recreation Area permits camping with pets across its drive-in and walk-in access sites for both tent and RV campers. Located near Scribner, Nebraska, this campground provides fire rings at designated campsites while maintaining clean restroom facilities with flush toilets. Recent visitors note the area offers a quiet retreat with minimal crowds, making it ideal for pets who need peaceful surroundings. All pets must be leashed when outside vehicles or tents. Water access provides opportunities for dogs to swim or cool off during hot summer months. Electric hookups are available at designated campsites, though the recreation area doesn't offer shower facilities or a sanitary dump station.
Several pet-friendly campgrounds within 30 minutes of Scribner provide additional options for camping with dogs. Summit Lake State Recreation Area features year-round camping with pet-accessible hiking trails and spacious sites near water. Neligh Park Campground offers concrete pads with electric hookups at reasonable rates ($15 per night), giving dog owners a budget-friendly option with adequate space for pets. Oakland City Park maintains six paved spots with electric and water hookups plus a dump station nearby, offering well-manicured grounds and quiet surroundings ideal for pets sensitive to noise. The campgrounds enforce standard pet policies including leash requirements, waste cleanup responsibilities, and expectations that pets remain supervised at all times to ensure a positive experience for all campers.
"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."
"Dead Timber SRA is located between an oxbow lake and the Elkhorn River. It has a small number of both 30 amp electric RV pads along with basic tent camping spots."
"The sites do not offer much shade as the trees planted around them are still small. The campground is in a quiet part of town. The city park is adjacent to the campground."
"We had sites 210 and 211 right on Victory Lake. The fishing was great and we had a lot of kayaking to do. There are a ton of available sites here right on the water."
"There are playgrounds, day use areas, picnic shelters,concessions, restaurant/shop, fishing pier along with many small fishing lakes."
from $15 - $30 / night
Check Availability"Adjacent to a golf course. Dump station in park. Great little town with grocery store (lots of Swedish specialties) and Dollar General."
"There are six paved spots first come first serve with electric and water and a dump station close by. There's also a nice hot shower and clean restroom. "
"Lots of walking and bike riding. Very woodsy feeling through the whole park and a nice bicycle trail that leaves the park and winds out to Hormel Park on the Platte River."
"The lake was awesome, not much shade on most tent sites. make sure you ask when they dredged the lakes that you want to stay on."
from $10 - $15 / night
Check Availability"Pros Water/Electricity/Dump station
-Public restroom
-Near a gas station and convenience mart
-Free will donation for firewood
-Flat camping spots
-Park nearby
-Fire Rings
Cons
-"
"Plenty of swimming beaches, one near the campground store, which has almost everything you need or forgot."
from $25 - $30 / night
Check Availability"Pros: Quiet, walking trails, lake, bar nearby, clean showers and bathroom, building a new playground as of 10/2022 Cons: Dump station is on a noticeable uphill slope, so you won't be able to completely"
"Summit is a great lake just west of Tekamah, and less than a hour from Omaha."
from $30 / night
Check Availability"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."
"Dogs welcome but must be leashed. May be difficult parking for larger rigs (35ft+) due to the one way entrance and curvature of the campground."
from $18 / night
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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 sites are large with space, electric only,ok bath and shower. A large fenced dog park. Great stop for a night or two. Host very helpful.
This small campground is right off the interstate, easy to get to. It’s right by a small truck stop, but the noise was not bothersome at all. There is a small dog park for the pups. Bathrooms and showers are clean. One of our party is in a wheelchair and had no problem accessing the showers or bathroom. Hosts are very friendly. Sites are close, but for a one night stay that was just fine.
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.
This camping area has open sites close to the edge of the lake. Electric hookups, toilets, and convenience store close by.
The lake is artificial and has steep metal walls like a reservoir, which was probably what it was. Next to the reservoir is a large wetland teaming with wildlife. There is a long paved trail that skirts the lake.
Columbus Nebraska has a lot going on including a rather mammoth waterpark.
This is easily the coolest state park I’ve ever visited. On a walk from my campsite, I went by the marina, disc golf course, conservatory, activity center, stables and ropes course. It’s a bit pricey for camping and, my biggest pet peeve of a campsite, I can hear the interstate from my tent. But, overall, it’s a nice site, and I’d probably return.
Oh, bring bug spray!!!!!
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.
This campground is not really designed as an actual campground. It is for fair workers to hook up to during the county fair but is available for use by the general public at all other times. It gets 4 stars not because of any amenities, but because it is a safe uncrowded overnight location that is perfect to stay at with fuel and food nearby and a large area to walk pets.
Pros: Easy to move rigs in and out of, 30&50amp hookups, perfect for an overnight stop right off the highway if you don't want to stay in a Walmart parking lot. Pretty flat spots
Cons: Not built for actual camping (no fire rings/picnic tables/paved sites/bathrooms), sewer dump on location but unavailable for general population use, if you plug into the 30 amp receptacle it is $20 a night, if you plug into the 50amp receptacle it is $25 a night, each pedestal has both plugs. Some may say that is steep for a place like this, but it helps keep it maintained.
This is a nice campground located on the edge of Papillion, Nebraska. There are several trails nearby, some paved and others grass. The main trailhead is easily accessible from the park road.
The campground is fairly quiet and well maintained, with plenty of space between sites. Most sites are level, making setup easy. There is a bathhouse available, but no showers. A boat ramp is located within the park, and you’ll often see fishing boats out on the water if you head over to the lake.
While the park itself can be fairly busy, the campground is set away from the main traffic areas, so it still feels quiet and relaxed.
There is a camp host on site. Cell service good here.
Dead Timber State Recreation Area sits on relatively flat terrain along the Elkhorn River at approximately 1,240 feet elevation. Located 2 miles west of Scribner, Nebraska, the area maintains consistent spring through fall camping conditions with average summer temperatures between 75-85°F. Spring camping often requires preparation for muddy conditions after winter thaw.
Fishing opportunities: Victory Lake Campground provides multiple fishing spots with well-stocked lakes. "There are a bunch of lakes and a bar in the park. The bathrooms are gross, but they flush and there are showers," notes Jordan H., who recommends this location for more social campers.
Kayaking: Czechland Lake Recreation Area allows only non-motorized boats, creating ideal conditions for peaceful paddling. "There is a water fill and lake to kayak and use non-motorized boats," writes Stacy D., who highlights the affordability at $20 per night for electric hookups.
Hiking with dogs: Summit Lake State Recreation Area offers 2 miles of dog-friendly trails surrounding the 190-acre lake. "This thing is surrounded by hills and creates a valley or bowl. This hills seem to offer a form of wind block as well as 2 miles of hiking and biking trails," explains Tony B., who found the area excellent for kayaking as well.
Water access: Fremont Lakes State Recreation Area provides multiple swimming beaches and fishing areas across numerous small lakes. "Impressive recreation area. Campsites on and off of the water, all very nice. Lots of walking and bike riding. Very woodsy feeling through the whole park," notes Anji L.
Clean facilities: Fremont Lakes maintains exceptionally clean restrooms. "Facilities were very clean. Cleanest I have ever seen in a campground," reports Alyssa E., though she warns about train noise disrupting sleep even with earplugs.
Affordable rates: Howells Community Park offers budget-friendly camping with electric hookups at reasonable rates. "Daily, weekly, and even monthly rates. RV dump and flush toilets. Showers at the pool can be used for free," mentions Charles C., who notes its convenient location near recreation amenities.
Reservations recommended: Some campgrounds fill quickly, especially on weekends. "When we got here on Saturday we were lucky enough to get the last spot. I would definitely call ahead to reserve a spot if going for the weekend," advises Shannon G. about Victory Lake Campground.
Site levelness varies: Many sites require leveling equipment. "The gravel pads are fairly level, but there is a 3' rise between sites in this area of the park," reports John A. about Summit Lake, noting that sites closer to the lake are more level.
Dump station challenges: Oakland City Park provides a convenient dump station, but other locations may have issues. "Dump station is on a noticeable uphill slope, so you won't be able to completely empty a tank if your setup is the wrong way," warns Chris A. about Czechland Lake.
Swimming options: Several dog-friendly campgrounds near Scribner offer swimming access. "There is a beach, and swimming area near the dock," mentions Tony B. about Summit Lake, making it suitable for families with children and pets who enjoy water.
Playgrounds: Oakland City Park provides family amenities including play areas. "There are hundreds of mature trees and flower beds, public pool, disc golf course, sand vb courts, playgrounds, picnic shelters, benches," reports Joy C., who appreciates the peaceful setting.
Busy vs. quiet areas: Choose campground sections based on family needs. "There are 2 separate sections, and the North campground is not reservable, but it's much quieter," advises Karen W. about Pathfinder Campground, helping families find suitable camping environments.
Hook-up availability: Electric service varies between campgrounds with most dog-friendly campgrounds near Scribner offering at least basic connections. "Concrete pads with 20/30/50amp service," notes D S. about Neligh Park Campground, where reasonable $15 rates make it attractive for overnight stays.
Space considerations: Site spacing affects comfort for those traveling with pets. "Nice big spots with plenty of room," reports Lynn M. about Victory Lake Campground, which provides waterfront sites spacious enough for RVs with pets.
Water access planning: Not all sites have direct water connections. "No water hookups at sites," warns Chris A. about Summit Lake, though he notes that some sites like #28 have "a convenient water spigot right next to it if you want to fill your freshwater tank without moving your rig."
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular dog-friendly campsite near Scribner, NE?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular dog-friendly campground near Scribner, NE is Dead Timber State Rec Area with a 5-star rating from 4 reviews.
What is the best site to find dog-friendly camping near Scribner, NE?
TheDyrt.com has all 74 dog-friendly camping locations near Scribner, NE, with real photos and reviews from campers.
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