Springfield, Nebraska provides multiple camping options within a 30-minute drive, with facilities ranging from basic tent sites to full-service RV campgrounds with cabin rentals. Walnut Creek Lake & Recreation Area offers electric hookups and spacious sites for RVs, while Louisville State Recreation Area provides over 200 modern campsites across a large property with multiple lakes. Several locations feature cabin accommodations, including Eugene T. Mahoney State Park Campground and Platte River State Park, which also offers glamping options and yurts. Most campgrounds in the area maintain year-round operations, though some seasonal facilities close between October and April.
Campground amenities vary significantly throughout the region, with most established sites providing electric hookups, picnic tables, and fire rings. Water access points are common but not always available at individual sites, particularly at Walnut Creek where campers need to fill tanks at communal spigots. Many campgrounds require advance reservations during peak summer months, while others operate on a first-come, first-served basis. Proximity to transportation infrastructure impacts some camping experiences. A visitor noted, "The train tracks run right along the park. There were trains going by all night long."
Campers consistently mention the open, spacious nature of sites at Walnut Creek, with concrete pads and good spacing between campsites. Several reviewers highlight the value of camping in this region, with Walnut Creek described as "cheap" with rates around $16-20 per night and weekly discounts available. Water features represent a major draw, with fishing opportunities at multiple lakes throughout Louisville State Recreation Area and paddling options on the Platte River. The campground hosts receive numerous positive mentions for their helpfulness and friendliness. While some campgrounds offer abundant shade, others feature more exposed sites. "Open campsites with not much shade. Easy setup for our campsite," reported one camper at Walnut Creek, while others appreciate the area's hiking and biking trails that connect to larger regional systems.
$20 - $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."
$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."
"Very close to the Nebraska crossing outlet mall! 😊"
"The campground itself was fine and very convenient in location to vIsIt famIly."
$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."
$20 / night
"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."
"This is a very cool park in Papillion, Nebraska! It also has a sewer dump site for $5 (if you're not camping). See the camp host to pay."
$10 - $35 / night
"If you want to get away in Nebraska, this is the place. There’s no electricity or running water. The outhouses are kinda gross. There’s an awesome bar right outside the park, too."
"Great little stocked fishing lake with sites all fairly close to the long northern shore of the lake. Redwing blackbirds, geese, and lightning bugs tucked in between the corn fields."
"Lakeside locations are quite well spaced with a panoramic Lake view. small restroom and shower pair with unisex entry. Quite spartan, but relatively clean."
"Our confirmation email included precise directions from I-29, with an interstate sign confirming the turn for Lake Manawa State Park, and provided the gate code for access."
"Nice quiet campground away from the hustle and bustle yet close to city for anything forgotten."
"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"
$100 / night
"The fishing is easy in all the lakes and they have a pay fishing trout lake that nearly guarantees success. Our kid and her friends love the swimming beach."
"Whether I was riding a bike around the paved roads. Fishing in one of the sandpit lakes they have to offer, or the river. Walk around the nature trails, or lakes."
$10 - $50 / night
"We camp all the time at different locations, and I 100% recommend this campground! The hosts are so polite and helpful and they keep the place immaculate."
"The sites for tent camping are okay pretty close together and down a hill, no parking next to your site. There are also pack in sites available and depending on location very nice."
RangerTried this place twice. Horrible both times. They failed to mention this last time that the campground was going to become a parking lot for a nearby event at 0600.
ScoutStaff is very friendly, going out of their way to help and the site was gorgeous; very close to the water. Thank you!
TravelerStayed here mid April during the week, lake is almost totally dried up. Lots of fun birds! A few bugs but quiet. We didn’t have a fire because it was windy and things are so dry already.
RangerThis is a nice and well maintained park, though some amenities were still closed for winter in mid-April. It is a popular spot for locals to fish and hang-out, which means there is a lot of noise at all hours. Most of the tent sites are near a large gravel parking lot, so it gets inconvenient. Otherwise, it is a nice place for the price - when everything is available.
RangerThis 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.
TravelerState boat launch with good size flat area. No open fires allowed.
ScoutThis is by far the worst place to go camping. First off the restrooms have no running water or soap to wash your hands. Only hand sanitizer hung on the wall. No swimming beach for kids. The worker they had was on his high horse for sure gave a lecture and repeated his self. Complained about how we parked said could not back in. I have never had this experience anywhere else. He was so rude would never return. Worst experience we had in long time. Don't go nothing to do for family. Branch oak lake way more fun. And they have showers and running water and soap. Oh they did have a shower house but closed but that is only for campers. Not sure what I'm there. So maybe they have soap but for day visits no running water or soap. They do have pump water. What turned us off the most was the rude kid young adult working very rude like he on a power trip. Very disappointed.
TravelerA quiet county owned campground not too far from I-29. The area has a few tent sites with tables/fire rings along with four gravel RV pads with 50 amp hook ups. There is a single water spigot in the middle of the RV area. Also available are two large cabins that can be rented via the Mills County website. A few vault toilets are scattered around the park, but there are no shower facilities. Nearby is a small lake along with a nature center. Park is within a valley with lots of shade trees. Overall an enjoyable place to relax for a couple days.
TravelerBathroom showers were hot and clean. But if you have a camper van and converted RV of any kind I wouldn’t bother. The cops were kicking anyone off the property if they weren’t in a typical RV or camper (RV/camper year did not matter though luckily).
Camping spots near Springfield, Nebraska range from riverside settings to lake-focused recreation areas across varied terrain. The region experiences distinct seasons with hot, humid summers reaching 90°F and winters dropping below freezing, influencing camping availability at certain locations. Many campgrounds offer primitive tent sites with basic amenities alongside developed options with electrical hookups.
Archery practice: At Hitchcock Nature Center, campers can access dedicated archery facilities alongside hiking trails. "This spring/summer I am planning to take our boys for a nice hike in camp!" notes one visitor who frequents the archery range.
Fishing in no-wake zones: Memphis Lake State Recreation Area provides excellent fishing opportunities in a quieter setting. "This lake has great fishing and has peace, and quiet. The lake is a no-wake zone, so kayaks, and canoes are great," reports a camper who appreciates the tranquility.
Hiking the Loess Hills: The unique geological formations at Hitchcock Nature Center offer rare hiking terrain. "Hitchcock is smack dab in the loess hills which is one of only two places in the world with the hill formations. The other place is in China," explains one hiker who visits regularly.
Paddleboating and swimming: Platte River State Park offers water recreation options beyond just fishing. "You can hike the many hiking trails to the mini waterfall, or Platte river. They have paddle boat and Kayak rentals. There is a splash park, shooting, archer ranges, horseback riding," writes a camper who visits frequently.
Riverfront camping spots: At Louisville State Recreation Area, waterfront sites provide scenic views and quick water access. "We had a river-side view to a nice sunset and sat at my picnic table and watched fireworks go off on the other side of the river," reports one camper who stayed at site 11.
Budget-friendly options: Walnut Creek Lake & Recreation Area offers affordable camping with decent amenities. "Wednesday at 3pm there were 8 sites open. Nice city park. Electric hookups. Water spigot about the park. Dump station by the entrance. All grounds are clean. Very friendly camp host," notes a visitor who found the park to be a good value.
Kid-friendly facilities: Eugene T. Mahoney State Park provides numerous family activities. "This place has it all....but books up months in advance and the crowds can get a bit annoying! Hiking trails, frisbee golf, horseback riding, driving range, fishing, tennis courts, river views, cabins!" writes one enthusiastic camper.
Primitive camping with views: Memphis Lake State Recreation Area offers more secluded options. "It is a nice spot a bit off of the main roads. Many of the tent sites allow you to camp right next to the lake. It's generally pretty quiet and people respect the 10 pm quiet hours rule," explains a tent camper who appreciated the lakeside setting.
Train noise impacts: Louisville State Recreation Area experiences significant railroad disturbances. "Nice park, but... trains always seems to fly through town several times at night," explains one camper who otherwise enjoyed the park's amenities.
Booking requirements: Some campgrounds fill quickly, especially during peak season. "This place has it all....but books up months in advance and the crowds can get a bit annoying!" warns a visitor to Eugene T. Mahoney State Park.
Weather considerations: The KOA Holiday in West Omaha has experienced severe weather events that campers should prepare for. "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," reported a camper who weathered a significant storm.
Site spacing variations: Different campgrounds offer varying levels of privacy and spacing. "This is the Walmart of camping grounds. The campsites are stacked on top of each other and are always packed!" cautions one camper about Eugene T. Mahoney State Park, highlighting the importance of researching specific sites before booking.
Playground access: Lake Manawa State Park features excellent recreational facilities for children. "About 150 yards from our site was the popular Dreamland playground, which draws families with young kids to that side of the CG," notes a family that stayed at the park.
Water activities for kids: Memphis Lake offers calm waters ideal for young ones. "There appears to be an option for canoe rentals available. Boat ramp and dock. Multiple bathroom locations within the campground. Picnic tables near the water," reports a visitor who enjoyed kayaking on the lake.
Educational opportunities: Hitchcock Nature Center provides learning experiences alongside camping. "The nature center is a nice place to cool down in the summer and learn about the loess hills," mentions a camper who appreciates the educational aspects of the park.
Cabin alternatives: For families not interested in tent camping, Two Rivers State Recreation Area offers unique accommodations. "If you enjoy some extra comforts, rent one of the train cabooses which feature a small kitchen, bathroom, AC and beds with mattresses. Our kids loved the lofted full sized bed," suggests a family who enjoyed this alternative camping option.
Site selection strategies: At Louisville State Recreation Area, RVers should research site locations relative to train tracks. "If you want to have any kind of spot that accommodates a flat plot, like sites 206 - 236, you are butted up against the train tracks and that train is LOUD!" advises an RV camper who experienced the noise firsthand.
Hookup availability: Walnut Creek Lake offers RVers important amenities at affordable rates. "Great back-in site w/30 amp electrical plug in, no water at site. Site is overlooking a small lake. Very quiet, dump station. All for $20 a night," reports a satisfied RVer.
Arrival timing: At the KOA Holiday in West Omaha, late arrivals should plan accordingly. "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," shares an RV camper who arrived after office hours.
Access considerations: Some campgrounds have challenging entry points. "The entrance/exit is difficult and it looks like it's not their fault as they have been trying to get permits to fix it but the NE transportation is not being cooperative," explains an RVer about accessing a local campground.
Frequently Asked Questions
What camping is available near Springfield, NE?
According to TheDyrt.com, Springfield, NE offers a wide range of camping options, with 106 campgrounds and RV parks near Springfield, NE and 1 free dispersed camping spot.
Which is the most popular campground near Springfield, NE?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Springfield, NE is Eugene T. Mahoney State Park Campground with a 4.2-star rating from 46 reviews.
Where can I find free dispersed camping near Springfield, NE?
According to TheDyrt.com, there is 1 free dispersed camping spot near Springfield, NE.
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