Best Glamping near South Bend, NE

Platte River State Park campgrounds house exceptional glamping options, with spacious teepee accommodations set on raised platforms for comfort and convenience. These distinctive canvas structures provide a unique blend of rustic charm and modern comforts, situated within easy access to the park's extensive trail network. The teepee area features approximately eight units, each with its own picnic area and fire pit for evening relaxation. Glamping enthusiasts will find additional options at nearby locations including Two Rivers State Recreation Area, which offers yurt accommodations with modern amenities. For those seeking more upscale experiences, the park's recently renovated cabins provide full amenities including new appliances, furniture, and fixtures for a true boutique camping experience. "We stayed in a teepee which was a first for us. The teepee area has about 8 teepees, each on a platform. Short walk in but a wagon is provided to help unload equipment."

Hiking trails throughout Platte River State Park connect glamping accommodations to scenic viewpoints, including observation towers overlooking the Platte River and surrounding landscapes. Seasonal activities enhance the glamping experience with paddle boat and kayak rentals available for $10 per half-hour, perfect for exploring the park's waterways. During summer months, guests can enjoy the splash pad ($3 per person, children under 3 free) and horseback riding excursions along designated trails. The strategic hillside location provides ideal bird watching opportunities from various vantage points throughout the park. Winter visitors appreciate the quieter atmosphere and heated accommodations. According to one visitor, "This park is on a strategic upper ground to give you a birdseye view of the flat Platte river. It is also a resourceful place for bird-watching. There are numerous camping sites and picnic shelters."

Best Glamping Sites Near South Bend, Nebraska (17)

    1. Platte River State Park Campground

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

    $330 / night

    "Tents, cabins and RV camping. Toilets, showers, fire rings. There is a small lake with paddle boats and kayaks for rent. They have a pool and dining hall for rent."

    "New appliances, new furniture, fixtures, new bunk beds, etc. The cabin was very clean and organized upon arrival. They supply most everything thing you need i.e. dishes, cookware, etc."

    2. West Omaha / NE Lincoln KOA Holiday

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

    "Very friendly and helpful staff. The bathrooms & laundry room are clean,a little outdated. The pull through sites seem to be all gravel/stone."

    "Not only was it paved, but also had a huge patio with a table and Adirondack chairs, and a fire pit with additional seating."

    3. Pine Grove RV Park & Campground

    7 Reviews
    Ashland, NE
    8 miles
    Website
    +1 (402) 944-3550

    $27 - $55 / night

    "We love the friendly staff, the onsite cafe, and the beautiful pool.  The owners take great care of the pool, so our grandkids come out and swim with us whenever they can. "

    "Convenient location right off the highway, but with that you do get the noise. Has a playground and pool as will as a convenience store. Bathrooms and showers were clean."

    4. Camp A Way Campground

    31 Reviews
    Lincoln, NE
    26 miles
    Website
    +1 (402) 476-2282

    $35 - $67 / night

    "Helpful friendly staff. Huge, clean dog run shaded with locust trees. Best dog run we have seen this trip. Located 3 miles fromHistoric Haymarket in Lincolon. Clean laundry facilities."

    "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,"

    5. Weeping Water

    3 Reviews
    Louisville, NE
    10 miles
    Website
    +1 (402) 267-5152

    $7 - $15 / night

    "Large lake , walking trail . Seems that some site are “ reserved “ by placing the picnic table on the concrete pad. We were able to find 1 open space."

    6. Cottonwood — Two Rivers SRA

    4 Reviews
    Waterloo, NE
    16 miles
    +1 (402) 359-5165

    $25 / night

    "Two rivers is my favorite Nebraska hidden gem! The state Rec Park is by both the Elkhorn and Platte rivers, thus it’s name, Two Rivers."

    "There's also a cute concession store with a great breakfast. Last time I was here, there was a drunk buffoon loudly carrying on late into the night."

    7. Haworth City Park

    8 Reviews
    Bellevue, NE
    21 miles
    Website
    +1 (402) 293-3122

    "Well,, it was alright, loud because of the toll bridge next to park, sites were close together, level, fire pits, picnic tables, electric, water and a dump station, stayed 3 days to visit family,, $20"

    "Currently flooded, but should be ready for 2019"

    8. Hitchcock County Nature Center

    30 Reviews
    Honey Creek, IA
    35 miles
    Website
    +1 (712) 328-5833

    $10 - $50 / night

    "Bathroom was clean, lit, and stocked - even had hand sanitizer! RV loops had flush toilets and showers, but we didn’t stay long enough to make the trek worth it."

    "Best campground shower I've ever had in my life, both in water pressure, heat and cleanliness of facilities. Be aware that it's first come first served."

    9. Branched Oak Lake State Rec Area

    28 Reviews
    Malcolm, NE
    34 miles
    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."

    "Always a good place for a group (you have neighbors, but it's secluded enough to listen to loud music and easily entertain a rowdy group of 10)."

    10. Lake Wanahoo State Recreation Area

    11 Reviews
    Wahoo, NE
    26 miles
    Website
    +1 (402) 443-4675

    $8 - $40 / night

    "Lake Wanahoo is a fairly new lake in Saunders county Nebraska. The lake is part of the local NRD and was originally managed by the state parks department."

    "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!"

Show More
Showing results 1-10 of 17 campgrounds

2025 Detourist Giveaway

Presented byToyota Trucks

Review Campgrounds. Win Prizes.

Enter to Win


Recent Glamping Photos near South Bend, NE

2 Photos of 17 South Bend Campgrounds


Glamping Reviews near South Bend, NE

218 Reviews of 17 South Bend Campgrounds


  • Tarrah C.
    Apr. 5, 2023

    Platte River State Park Campground

    Great for a family get away

    Tents, cabins and RV camping. Toilets, showers, fire rings. There is a small lake with paddle boats and kayaks for rent. They have a pool and dining hall for rent. Tons od trails and many of them a taylored to mountain biking. There are 2 types of cabins, basic that has a bed amd refrigerator. Then there are luxury glamping cabins.

  • J
    Jun. 1, 2022

    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.

  • Steve B.The Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 12, 2022

    West Omaha / NE Lincoln KOA Holiday

    Great pizza.

    Very friendly and helpful staff. The bathrooms & laundry room are clean,a little outdated. The pull through sites seem to be all gravel/stone. Our back in site had a patio, fire pit and nice patio furniture. Looked like a lot to do for the kids. The camp store is well stocked with RV supplies and parts. After driving all day, then doing laundry it was nice to get a pizza and relax.

  • BThe Dyrt PRO User
    Jun. 5, 2022

    West Omaha / NE Lincoln KOA Holiday

    The Premium Sites are FANTASTIC

    We stayed here overnight on our way out west, so we didn't have big expectations. We are fairly new to pulling a 5th wheel, so we wanted an easy pull-through site plus we wanted it to be paved. Well there are 2 premium sites - we stayed in site# 89. It was HEAVEN! Not only was it paved, but also had a huge patio with a table and Adirondack chairs, and a fire pit with additional seating. The site was situated such that our "good side" was facing the trees, away from the rest of the campground. We have a 43' 5th Wheel plus our truck, and there was plenty of space. That is the best setup we've had so far. We didn't have time to use any of the amenities, and are not traveling with kids, so I can't speak for how good it was in that regard.

  • M
    Jul. 14, 2016

    Branched Oak Lake State Rec Area

    Graduation Party

    Always a good place for a group (you have neighbors, but it's secluded enough to listen to loud music and easily entertain a rowdy group of 10). Aestheically, Branched Oak is your typical campground. Very pretty in some spots, but on average... lake, trees, and a designated fire area. Fire pit/grill could use some love, and picnic tables are present but oddly placed at times. Always come here a few weekends a year... close drive.

  • Shelby H.
    Jun. 21, 2020

    Branched Oak Lake State Rec Area

    South Shore T-4

    Pros 

    - Own Beach Front! -- I can not express how amazing this perk is!!! 

    - No "dogs not allowed" signs like the public beaches! 

    - Plenty of trees for shade (and hammocks) 

    - Close parking

    - The breeze off of the lake helped so much with bugs

    - Price $15/night

    - Mowed grass trail nearby.. no clue where it leads - the bugs were too bad!

    - Shower houses within driving distance, or longish walk (not currently open.. Covid)

    - Stars are amazing at night 

    - Fire Pits & Grate  & Picnic Table included

    Cons

    - No Water hydrants

    - Bathrooms are not nearby (maybe 6-7 minute walk?)

    - These sites fill up FAST.. Go out on a Friday at 3 pm.. there will not be sites left

    ---- We went on a Tuesday and got there around noon and there were only 3 sites available. 

    - Minimal tent sites (I think 8 total?) -- at south shore

    - Can hear vehicles driving on the nearby highway

    - Can get crowded with visiting boaters during the weekends

  • Charles C.The Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 1, 2018

    Duck Creek Recreation Area

    New Campground by Secluded Lake

    This park is a beautiful lake. We saw white pelicans and blue herons on this visit but it is not uncommon to see hawks, owls, and eagles in the area. This is a new park dedicated this year by the Nemaha NRD: sort of a multi-county natural resource agency found exclusively in Nebraska.

    The picnic tables, vault toilets, paved walking trails, playground equipment are all new and well laid out. Gravel slabs with electrical hookup are only $12 a night but that is deceiving because you need to purchase a $5 day pass or $15 annual pass to come to the park. Yet even the some of the primitive sites have slabs for a pop-up and did not appear to cost anything beyond your vehicle pass.

    The lake is too small for any boat with more than a trolling motor (there is a boat ramp) and should be outstanding for a kayak or canoe. Fishing should be great here. Paved trail and wide gravel slabs with raised fire pits should make this a great rustic getaway for handicapped campers. There is even a paved path to the end of a jetty of fishing in the lake.

    This park is close to the Steamboat Trace Hiking/Biking Trail which is a 26-mile trail following the bluffs and coming within spitting distance of the Missouri River. Peru Nebraska is close, home of one of the oldest colleges this side of the Mississippi. Peru is also close for limited supplies such as Ice and band-aids. Auburn and Nebraska City are both about 10 miles away, Neb City has a Walmart.

    I think this park is best for a quiet weekend getaway. I recommend you contact the NRD for an annual pass and take advantage of the other parks they operate. You could hike or Bike the Trace and tent camp for free!

  • Pat V.
    Feb. 3, 2019

    Platte River State Park Campground

    Winter Getaway

    We stayed in the recently renovated Owen #4. The renovations really updated it and they need to update the pictures they have on the web, with what it looks like now. New appliances, new furniture, fixtures, new bunk beds, etc. The cabin was very clean and organized upon arrival. They supply most everything thing you need i.e. dishes, cookware, etc. The one thing it does need is a corkscrew! We forgot ours and went without the wine we brought for dinner. With that bombshell though, it was beyond worth the getaway. The winter hiking was fantastic and it was quiet except for the wildlife, but that is why we went out there!

  • Jan S.
    Aug. 16, 2021

    Camp A Way Campground

    Great one night traveling campground

    Very clean. Helpful friendly staff. Huge, clean dog run shaded with locust trees. Best dog run we have seen this trip. Located 3 miles fromHistoric Haymarket in Lincolon. Clean laundry facilities. They also have large washer and dryer if you need to do bed covers. Camp store is pretty well stocked with food and camp gear. Looked like they had frozen pizza that they wood cook for you( didn't try it). Highly recommend if you need an overnight site with laundry and short drive for a few beers and good meal downtown. A little pricey but worth it. Stayed in pull thru site.


Guide to South Bend

Platte River State Park offers diverse camping options beyond its popular teepees. The park sits at approximately 1,200 feet elevation in the rolling hills between Lincoln and Omaha. Unlike the teepee area described elsewhere, the park contains primitive tent sites and family cabins that provide different experiences for overnight visitors. For glamping close to South Bend, Nebraska, several nearby parks offer unique accommodations with varying levels of amenities and natural surroundings.

What to do

Hiking trails with elevation: Hitchcock Nature Center provides challenging terrain with significant elevation changes. "I love Platte River State Park; there are accommodations for every type of camper... On top of the excellent camping offered, they have a wealth of amazing hiking / biking trails that traverse through some amazing scenery. Just like the camping, you can pick between the less intensive paved walkways or you can walk along the hilly bluffs that contour the Platte River," notes Jared J. from Platte River State Park.

Archery practice: Several parks maintain archery ranges for visitors to practice their skills. "They have Nature education events, archery range, a handicapped accessible boardwalk trail, hiking trails, camping, etc. There are miles of trail available with backcountry camping available for $10 per night," explains Pat V. about Hitchcock Nature Center.

Fishing opportunities: Multiple lakes and river access points provide fishing options. "There are many many campsites here but they are all very nice and it's a very quiet place to relax. They have a few ponds with great fishing and access to the river for fishing and boat launching," reports Kylie C. about Platte River State Park.

What campers like

Secluded tent sites: For those seeking more privacy than the teepee area, other camping options exist. "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," shares Erik M. about Platte River State Park.

Lake views from campsites: Some parks offer direct water access from campsites. "Middle Oak Creek campground has a row of 10-12 electrical spots that are perfect for shore fishing, kayak launch, lakeside views! South Shore campground sits lakeside but at a higher elevation so water access is trickier," explains Jen K. about Branched Oak Lake State Rec Area.

Evening relaxation: Campgrounds provide spaces for unwinding after a day of activities. "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. All RV and tent spots have picnic tables and fire rings," reports Pat V. about Lake Wanahoo.

What you should know

Noise levels vary: Some campgrounds experience highway noise due to proximity to major roads. "Close (but not too close) to I-80, we stayed here as a way point cruising across Wyoming/Nebraska/Iowa. Clean facilities, quiet vibe, it was just what we needed after a long day of driving," notes Jessica about Pine Grove RV Park.

Weather monitoring: Severe storms can occur in this region, especially during summer months. "We stayed for only a night while passing though. The campgrounds were very clean, sites well maintained bathroom and showers were clean as well. Only complaint I have is there was a major storm that rolled though and upon arriving I asked about the weather," reports Eileen H. about West Omaha KOA Holiday.

Limited shade: Newer campgrounds lack mature trees for shade. "Lake Wanahoo is a fairly new lake in Saunders county Nebraska. Unfortunately when the lake and campground were built they planted saplings, so during the hot months there is no shade to be found," mentions Pat V. about Lake Wanahoo.

Tips for camping with families

Playgrounds and activities: Many campgrounds offer extensive facilities for children. "This destination was so fun! Sites are shaded and spacious. Awesome playground, pool, water slide and more! Super cute place to stay with family," shares Samantha S. about Camp A Way Campground.

Educational opportunities: Nature centers provide learning experiences. "When I think of 'nature center' I think of a stuffy little cabin with taxidermy. This site is far far more than that, with hiking trails, educational programs, a museum, event halls, and of course camping. Make sure to look at their events calendar, they have exceptional programs for all ages (and especially kids)," recommends Lynn G. about Hitchcock Nature Center.

Swimming options: Lakes and pools provide cooling opportunities during hot summers. "This lake is a great place for boats! If you're looking to take ou a tube or just power around this area is good as it is larger than most lakes around Lincoln/Omaha. There is also a swimming beach which is nice," notes Kwin K. about Branched Oak Lake.

Tips from RVers

Site selection considerations: Campground layout affects the RV experience. "We needed an overnight stop on our way to Kansas and this KOA was perfect. We pulled in just after dark and there was a note on the door stating staff was limited due to Covid. We pulled into a very large pull through on the west side of the campground (site 16)," shares Glenda D. about West Omaha KOA Holiday.

Seasonal changes: Different seasons provide varied camping experiences. "We have camped here for the past three summers and will continue to come back for as long as we can. We also love the front row seat to fabulous sunsets. Some people complain about the I-80 noise, but it really varies. We never hear it when we are inside our motorhome," reports Allison B. about Pine Grove RV Park.

Dump station access: Facilities for waste disposal vary by location. "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," advises Pat V. about Lake Wanahoo.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is the most popular glamping campsite near South Bend, NE?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular glamping campground near South Bend, NE is Platte River State Park Campground with a 4.4-star rating from 31 reviews.

What is the best site to find glamping camping near South Bend, NE?

TheDyrt.com has all 17 glamping camping locations near South Bend, NE, with real photos and reviews from campers.