Cabin camping near Valley, Nebraska provides access to outdoor recreation along the Platte River system, where the floodplain creates a unique ecosystem that attracts migratory birds and wildlife. The region sits at approximately 1,200 feet elevation, with relatively flat terrain punctuated by river valleys and scattered woodlands. Most cabin accommodations require advance reservations, particularly during summer months when temperatures typically range from 70-90°F.
What to Do
Horseback riding: Available at Platte River State Park, which offers trails suitable for beginners and intermediate riders. "There is a lot of nature activities. 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," notes a visitor at Platte River State Park.
Fishing lakes: Two Rivers State Recreation Area contains multiple fishing spots with stocked lakes. "This park offers tent, and rv camping either off the lakes or river. They have a day use area for the river where you can go and visit in the day or picnic. They also have old remodeled Union Pacific caboose you can stay in," explains a reviewer of Cottonwood — Two Rivers SRA.
Hiking trails: Memphis Lake SRA offers quieter trail options away from interstate noise. "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," according to a camper at Memphis Lake.
Water activities: Beyond fishing, several parks offer paddling options. "We hiked here one morning and there weren't very defined trails, but the park is small enough where you won't get lost. Nice views of the river. It was fun to wander around the trails for a few hours," shares a visitor to Eugene T. Mahoney State Park.
What Campers Like
Unique accommodations: The caboose cabins at Two Rivers SRA stand out as distinctive lodging options. "They offer tent, and rv camping either off the lakes or river. They have a day use area for the river where you can go and visit in the day or picnic. They also have old remodeled Union Pacific caboose you can stay in," notes a visitor about these converted train cars.
Quiet camping areas: Memphis Lake SRA offers a more secluded experience compared to busier parks. "This lake has great fishing and has peace, and quiet. The lake is a no wake zone, so kayaks, and canoes are great. The campsites have plenty of shade, and a few electrical hook ups," states a camper at Memphis Lake State Rec Area.
Kid-friendly amenities: Multiple playgrounds and swimming areas cater to families. "This campground had amazing staff, was clean, and had great amenities. The sites are very small however, and to do anything besides swim and play on the playground you need to drive. It's a great place to stay when visiting family!" reports a guest at West Omaha / NE Lincoln KOA Holiday.
Nature education: Some parks offer interpretive programs. "This site is far far more than that, with hiking trails, educational programs, a museum, event halls, and of course camping. Local friends told us about it, otherwise we would have never found it," explains a visitor about Hitchcock Nature Center.
What You Should Know
Reservation systems: Some campgrounds use a waiting list system for non-reserved sites. "The walk up process is a little strange. You get put on a waiting list and have to return to main office at 3. Then they start at beginning of list and people start choosing so get on waiting list early," explains a camper at Goldenrod Campground — Two Rivers SRA.
Highway noise: Several campgrounds sit near Interstate 80, affecting the camping experience. "This campground is crowded with significant interstate noise. However there are many activities for kids including paddleboating, a wave pool, horse riding, ziplining, and playgrounds," reports a Eugene T. Mahoney State Park visitor.
Campsite selection: Sites vary significantly in size, shade, and privacy. "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," advises a camper at Lake Wanahoo.
Weather preparedness: Nebraska storms can impact camping experiences. "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," notes a KOA Holiday visitor.
Tips for Camping with Families
Activity planning: Balance natural and built recreation options. "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!" advises a visitor to Eugene T. Mahoney State Park Campground.
Swimming options: Know the conditions of swimming areas before promising kids. "I picked this campground as a stopping point on the way to Yellowstone primarily for the pool for the kids. The pool is awesome. It was, however, expensive. $10 for adults (even as a non swimmer) and $8 for kids plus $3 to rent a tube for the wave pool," notes a Mahoney State Park camper.
Educational opportunities: Combine recreation with learning. "This is one of our favorite places to camp. It's beautiful and there's plenty of hiking. The campgrounds are a little way away from the road and more secluded so they're very quiet. With the nature Center there is plenty for the kids to do. There's even a 1 mile hike on a boardwalk that's very easy," shares a visitor to Hitchcock County Nature Center.
Tips from RVers
Site specifications: Know your RV dimensions before booking. "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 so I recommend patience on this section. What the 'but' is, is that we were given an inappropriate size space for the rig we stated, super narrow and we stuck over the road by 2 feet," cautions a KOA Holiday visitor.
Utilities access: Water fill and dump station locations vary by campground. "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 camper.
Seasonal planning: Weather impacts RV camping comfort significantly. "Unfortunately when the lake and campground were built they planted saplings, so during the hot months there is no shade to be found," warns a Lake Wanahoo visitor about summer conditions.
