Best Tent Camping near Tekamah, NE

Tent camping options near Tekamah, Nebraska include several primitive sites with varying amenities and natural settings. Pelican Point State Recreation Area offers two primitive tent campsites located at a boat ramp on the Missouri River for $15 per night. Preparation Canyon State Park, located in neighboring Iowa, provides backcountry tent camping with eight hike-in sites, each equipped with a fire ring and picnic table.

Most tent campsites in the Tekamah area feature basic amenities with limited services. Pelican Point's primitive sites have recently mowed grass but rough access paths, with only vault toilets available. No drinking water is provided at these sites, requiring campers to bring their own supplies. Preparation Canyon State Park offers a more remote backcountry camping experience with walk-in only access. The park's tent sites are dispersed throughout 340 acres with nearly 8 miles of trails, providing privacy and seclusion for tent campers. A small creek runs through the park and can serve as a water source, though treatment is necessary.

The tent camping experience near Tekamah varies significantly between locations. At Preparation Canyon State Park, one visitor noted that "there are about 8 sites dispersed around the area so camping is always private." The park's unique Loess Hills landscape offers distinctive terrain not commonly found elsewhere in North America, with scenic hiking trails and excellent stargazing opportunities from higher elevation sites. Site 3 is particularly noted for its views across the area. Pelican Point provides a more utilitarian experience for tent campers seeking river access, though the campground is described as "not really much" beyond the boat ramp and parking lot. For tent campers seeking more amenities, Fremont Lakes State Recreation Area is located approximately 40 miles southwest of Tekamah, offering tent-specific campsites with access to multiple small lakes, though train noise can be disruptive.

Best Tent Sites Near Tekamah, Nebraska (9)

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Tent Camping Reviews near Tekamah, NE

349 Reviews of 9 Tekamah Campgrounds


  • J
    Aug. 28, 2020

    Arrowhead Park Campground

    Peaceful Serenity

    I arrived just in time to see the beautiful sunset over the small lake near the primitive campground closest to the Park Office. It only cost $10 for tent camping and $3 for a vehicle pass. Campground and vault toilets were pretty clean. There is a fire ring and picnic table at each tent campsite and there are plenty to choose from near the water. You can bring your own kayak or canoe and even fish here. We had a nice encounter from the campground employee who explained how to put the stake out to claim our campsite. Right away, I saw abundant wildlife, including turkey, deer, black squirrels, woodpeckers, geese, ducks and bats. Come prepared for the mosquitoes but overall I would highly recommend this place!

  • D
    Sep. 16, 2020

    Memphis Lake State Rec Area

    Camping Right on the Lake

    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. Each site has a picnic table and fire ring.

  • C
    May. 5, 2024

    Czechland Lake Recreation Area

    Great first come first serve campground

    This is a nice small campground that is well taken care of. We stayed at site number 8 which may be one of the more unlevel spots. The passenger side of our 5th wheel was about 7" lower than driver side and rear of fifth wheel was about 3" lower than front before we levelled out. 

    Pros:

    -Well maintained walking trails that are perfect for dogs

    -Most sites have 30 and 50 amp hookups

    -Fire rings and picnic tables at most sites

    -$18 a night for electric hookups

    -Quiet

    Cons:

    -Some sites are very unlevel  

    -No water or dump station

  • Sarah H.
    Aug. 7, 2016

    Arrowhead Park Campground

    Easy Family Camping Near Omaha

    Our family and another family shared a primitive tent site near the back of the park. We were first and foremost impressed with the freedom we had in choosing our site. Tent camping here is non-reservable, but once you enter the park, you may choose from any spots containing a fire pit outside of RV loops. Tent sites range from lake-front, to playground side, to more private sites on the outer rim of the park. We chose a large, private site at the back of the park. This site was well maintained and had enough space to easily accommodate two families of four. We even had a picnic shelter all to ourselves. Our site was lined by woods and farmland and had a good view of a small pond. The night was full of exciting animal noises from both the nearby farm and pond. Vault toilets were a short walk away with clean shower facilities just a few loops away. The kids enjoyed riding bikes up and down gravel roads, looking for frogs, and playing on the playground. Canoe and paddle boat rental is extremely reasonable. Hiking trails near the park entrance are rugged. The staff was incredibly kind and easy-going, yet attentive. Just a short drive from neighboring towns, this is a good starter campground for families with younger kids. We hope to return in winter to check out the camping cabins.

  • Pat V.
    Sep. 7, 2019

    Lake Wanahoo State Recreation Area

    Really nice campground that is missing shade

    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. You used to be able to use your state park permit to gain entry, but now you need to either buy a day pass or a yearly pass from the NRD.

    There are plenty of places to camp here including gravel pads and grass pads for RV’s. While most people seem to prefer the gravel pads closer to the lake, we actually prefer grass pads because they are 2-3 larger, so you have more room to setup.

    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. Unfortunately when the lake and campground were built they planted saplings, so during the hot months there is no shade to be found.

    The is still plenty to do at the lake from getting the fishing boat out, using their three wide boat ramp or fishing from the shore using bank or using a jetty. There is a gravel trail that goes all the way around the lake, which provides about a three mile loop. The trail also leads down into the town of Wahoo. There are two large play areas for kids. One is in the campground and one is across the lake in the day use area.

    No matter where you go you are not far from a restroom. There are nice clean vault toilets available all around the lake. There is also a large bathroom/shower house in the campground. The shower house does have a change machine on the outside of the build to get change for the showers. These are kept very clean and tidy.

    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. These were just installed a couple years ago. They are nice and level, but just add a bit of driving to get to them.

    All-in-all this is a nice place and in a few more years of tree growth, it could be even better!

  • TThe Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 5, 2021

    Hitchcock County Nature Center

    Nice and peaceful

    Great spot for an overnight! Restroom is clean w/ pit toilet and tp. Wifi is only accessible in the upper area of the grounds. Site number 13 is the most cozy as there’s no one next to your rig. Firewood is at the right of the entrance. Potable water available!

  • Jerry B.
    Sep. 3, 2019

    Memphis Lake State Rec Area

    One of my favorites

    Tent camping sites. No electrical hookups but you can still camp in campers if you want. Beautiful Campground with lots of trees and shade. Very nice Lake with fishing available. 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. I’ve kayaked the lake! So much fun.

  • Allison J.
    Jul. 8, 2016

    Hitchcock County Nature Center

    Loess hills getawayg

    The park has cabins, rv sites, tent camping and backcountry hike in camping. The nature center is a nice place to cool down the the summer and learn about the loess hills. The backcountry campsite have pads with pea gravel for tents and fire rings. Nice and quiet.

  • Kyla B.
    Jul. 21, 2024

    Dead Timber State Rec Area

    Quiet retreat

    There are areas dedicated for daily use, primitive camping and electric sites. Great Lake for kayaking or a small jon boat. Has restrooms available, no showers. No dumpsite. Fire pit and picnic table available at sites.

    Appears to be a quiet retreat with minimal campers.


Guide to Tekamah

Dispersed camping opportunities near Tekamah, Nebraska offer outdoor experiences in the Missouri River valley region. Located in northeastern Nebraska, Tekamah sits at approximately 1,060 feet elevation with a humid continental climate featuring hot summers and cold winters. The camping season typically runs from April through October, with summer temperatures averaging 86°F during daytime hours and spring/fall bringing milder conditions.

What to do

Fishing access points: Riverside Campground at Two Rivers SRA provides tent sites along the river where campers can enjoy fishing. "When the river is low, you can go play on the beach. We've even walked through the water to go play on the 'islands'," notes Robin E.

Explore unique geology: The Loess Hills formation near Tekamah offers distinctive landscapes not found in many other parts of North America. "If you have not visited this area, put it high on your to-do list," writes Christopher S. about Preparation Canyon State Park.

Water recreation: Several small lakes provide boating and swimming options southwest of Tekamah. "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," advises Molly M. about Fremont Lakes.

What campers like

Secluded sites: Many campers appreciate the privacy offered at certain campgrounds. "I chose the closest walk-in spot, less than a mile in. It was great! Near a little creek if you need water, and really nicely secluded," writes Alison D. about her experience in Preparation Canyon State Park.

Budget-friendly options: Several campgrounds offer economical camping near Tekamah. "Located near downtown Wahoo. $20 per night for full hookup. Appear to be approximately 40 sites," reports Lucian F. about Saunders County Fairgrounds Campground.

Stargazing opportunities: Higher elevation sites provide excellent night sky viewing. "Site 3 seems to be the crown jewel. It is a small trek up a hillside and looks out across the general area, with a phenomenal star gazing opportunity," notes a visitor to Preparation Canyon State Park.

What you should know

Limited amenities: Most campgrounds in the Tekamah area offer basic facilities. "This campground is conveniently located at a boat ramp. It has 2 primitive campsites and a vault toilet. The campsites had signs that said $15," reports John A. about Pelican Point.

Water sources: Plan to bring your own drinking water as many sites lack potable water. "The creek just to the North was still flowing and provided our water source," mentions a camper at Preparation Canyon, indicating treatment would be necessary.

Weather considerations: The region experiences temperature extremes. "The weekend was blistering hot at 95° F and a 9/10 UV index," notes one camper about summer conditions, suggesting spring and fall might offer more comfortable camping weather.

Tips for camping with families

Beginner-friendly trails: Some areas offer easier hiking options suitable for children. "Beginner to intermediate level trails that are good for the whole family. 340 acres with nearly 8 miles of trails to explore," writes Tony M. about Preparation Canyon State Park.

Short getaways: The area works well for quick family trips. "A short drive from Omaha, two rivers offers generally clean TV and tent camping sites across multiple campgrounds. I camped right by the river. Also a short walk to the outhouse and playground. Fun and quick trip if you're in the Omaha area. My boys (4&7) loved it," shares Michael M.

Educational opportunities: Some parks offer nature education features. "The park has many, many opportunities to earn badges. You can even take a short hike into a little outdoor nature classroom," explains a visitor regarding Two Rivers SRA.

Tips from RVers

Noise considerations: Be prepared for transportation noise at some campgrounds. "There is a very busy set of train tracks that run about every 20 minutes all day and all night. Didn't get any sleep, even with earplugs. Plus, it's right next to a busy highway," warns Alyssa E. about Fremont Lakes.

Campground cleanliness: Facility maintenance varies by location. "Facilities were very clean. Cleanest I have ever seen in a campground," notes a visitor about Fremont Lakes State Recreation Area.

RV facilities: When full hookups are needed, check county fairgrounds. "Great Find. Located near downtown Wahoo. $20 per night for full hookup," states a review of Saunders County Fairgrounds, noting approximately 40 sites available.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is the most popular tent campsite near Tekamah, NE?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular tent campground near Tekamah, NE is Preparation Canyon State Park Campground with a 4.5-star rating from 6 reviews.

What is the best site to find tent camping near Tekamah, NE?

TheDyrt.com has all 9 tent camping locations near Tekamah, NE, with real photos and reviews from campers.