B
Bob B.
Guide
GuideHitchcock County Nature Center
A Hidden Gem
Camp spots are close together and not private. But it's a beautiful spot with lots of hiking trails. Bathrooms are spotless and the host is super nice.
Camping near Valley, NE
109 campgrounds · Check availability for any dates.
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State recreation areas and natural resource district (NRD) lands dominate the camping landscape around Valley, Nebraska, situated along the Elkhorn River. Elkhorn Crossing Recreational Area offers secluded riverside camping with RV pads for $10 per night and allows stays up to seven days. Within a 30-minute drive, campers can access Two Rivers State Recreation Area in Waterloo with multiple campgrounds including Riverside, Cottonwood, Goldenrod, and Fawn Meadows, all offering various accommodation types from tent sites to cabins and unique options like Union Pacific Cabooses. Further options include West Omaha/NE Lincoln KOA Holiday in Gretna and Eugene T. Mahoney State Park in Ashland, both providing year-round camping with full amenities for families and RV travelers.
Nebraska state parks require entrance permits, with additional fees for non-Nebraska vehicles. As one reviewer noted about Elkhorn Crossing, "This is a secluded campsite near the town Valley, NE. It is clean and offers access to the Elkhorn for airboats and other flotation vehicles." Many campgrounds in the region experience seasonal crowding, particularly during summer weekends when water recreation is popular. Summer brings hot, humid conditions with occasional severe thunderstorms requiring weather awareness. Reservations are recommended for developed sites, especially at popular destinations like Eugene T. Mahoney State Park, while some areas like Elkhorn Crossing operate on a first-come basis.
Water access represents a significant draw for campers in the Valley region. Lakes and rivers provide opportunities for fishing, kayaking, and swimming, though many lakes enforce 5 mph speed limits for boats. Louisville State Recreation Area, about 30 minutes south, features three lakes with swimming beaches and boat rentals. A reviewer described it as "a HUGE campground with around 250 total sites, with options ranging from walk-in camping tent-only sites to RV areas." Shade availability varies significantly between campgrounds, with newer recreation areas like Lake Wanahoo having fewer mature trees. Train noise affects some campgrounds, particularly Louisville SRA, where reviewers recommend earplugs. Family-friendly amenities are common at larger state parks, with Eugene T. Mahoney offering "an aquatic center, indoor gardens, zip lines, horseback riding, cabins and even a hotel on site."
Best Campgrounds near Valley (109)
1. West Omaha / NE Lincoln KOA Holiday
"Very close to the Nebraska crossing outlet mall! 😊"
"The campground itself was fine and very convenient in location to vIsIt famIly."
2. Eugene T. Mahoney State Park Campground
"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."
from $25 - $485 / night
Check Availability3. Union Pacific Cabooses — Two Rivers SRA
"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."
from $100 / night
Check Availability4. Walnut Creek Lake & Recreation Area
"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."
from $20 / night
Check Availability5. Lake Wanahoo State Recreation Area
"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."
"It’s been a few years since we stayed at Lake Wanahoo, but we decided to stay there over our anniversary weekend. The place is still great, and this time of year it was very quiet and peaceful."
from $8 - $40 / night
Check Availability6. Riverside Campground — Two Rivers SRA
"We've even walked through the water to go play on the "islands". There is a convenience store ran by a very nice family and they make a great breakfast for a low cost."
"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."
from $15 / night
Check Availability7. Cottonwood — Two Rivers SRA
"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."
"River and small lake fishing as well. No wifi, good T-Mobile cell service"
from $30 / night
Check Availability8. Goldenrod Campground — Two Rivers SRA
"It is right next to lake 4 with some beach access. There are both reservable and walk up sites here. The walk up process is a little strange."
"Very nice camp sites and playgrounds for children nice clean fishing lakes and river access."
from $30 / night
Check Availability9. Memphis Lake State Rec Area
"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."
from $10 - $35 / night
Check Availability10. Fawn Meadows — Two Rivers SRA
"This is a small campground a little ways before you get to lakeside campground. These spots are electric with fire pits and picnic tables. It is near the road and the dump station is in view."
"Take your pick, river or lakeside. Some areas are more modern than others but all are nice. A few have water hookups"
from $35 / night
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Drive Time
- 16 min from Omaha, NE
- 52 min from Lincoln, NE
- 1 hr 24 min from Sioux City, IA
- 1 hr 58 min from Grand Island, NE
Recent Camping Photos near Valley, NE
91 Photos of 109 Valley Campgrounds
Shannon G.
Cottonwood — Two Rivers SRA
Jeff L.
Riverside Campground — Two Rivers SRA
Rick J.
Union Pacific Cabooses — Two Rivers SRA
Molly M.
Fremont Lakes State Recreation Area Tent Campsites
A H.
Lake Wanahoo State Recreation Area
Pat V.
Memphis Lake State Rec Area
Cynthia K.
West Omaha / NE Lincoln KOA Holiday
Steve D.
Lake Cunningham Campground
Kristin B.
Eugene T. Mahoney State Park Campground
The Dyrt
Tentrr State Park Site - Nebraska Louisville SRA Riverview D Single Camp
The Dyrt
Tentrr State Park Site - Nebraska Louisville SRA - Riverview C - Single Camp
Rebekah S.
Louisville State Recreation Area Campground
Recent Reviews near Valley, NE
587 Reviews of 109 Valley Campgrounds
Kathy B.
LegendLake Manawa State Park Campground
Needs some Shade!
I was here on a very hot June day. Grateful for the electricity so I could run my A/C. Would have been much nicer if there were some actual trees for shade. No privacy between sites.
You need a code to get inside the park. I saw camp hosts drive by in golf carts, but did not interact with them.
All the pads look like they're very new. Cement and level.
While this park is right on the lake, there is no easy access to the lake from the campground. A few of the sites back up to the lake, but even those you'd have to bushwack to get to the water. I did find a spot that I had to practically trespass on another camper's site to get to. It was a small opening between weeds and down some treacherous rocks to launch my paddleboard.
There's a beach a few hundred yards down the path that you have to pay $5 to enter.
The lake does not look very clean. I wouldn't swim in it.
The shower was one of those push button ones and it was fine. Lots of kids running around and being loud past 11pm. Looks like people come here to spend the night and spend the day someplace else.
- EErica H.
ScoutPine Grove RV Park & Campground
BLUE COLLAR WORKERS BEWARE
•Turned of my water off in the winter time while it was in the negatives outside which froze my water and busted my water heater.
•quiet time is after 9 but we’re trying to make guests leave before 6
•their water line busted and they refused to reimburse multiple people for the 5 days we all went without water
•You can’t sit your trash out AT ALL, not even in the bed of your truck cause the dozens of stray cats will rip it apart and scatter it everywhere. They will also tear up your camper underneath looking for warmth
•owner saw me taking the trash out one day and offered to take it then turned around and told me I was to lazy to take it
•had 2 friends and their 3 kids come join us for a cookout and the owners pulled up in their golf cart, freaking out about how loud our “party” was and that the our new neighbors complained. Went to go apologize the next day and the neighbors said they didn’t even hear us.
•kept trying to up charge me on rent and electricity, one month my electric was $53 and the next month it was over $300 (the same month I wasn’t even there for 2 weeks)
•multiple blue collar workers left because the owners were treating them the same way
•they have a nice pool. If you want to invite anybody make sure you got extra money cause they’ll charge you whatever they feel like charging you that day. Went from $3 a person to $5 a person in just 2 days
•claim they’re Christians but refuse to you help in any way and will try to get as much money from you as they can
•••••••CHECK YOUR METER••••••••• when I left they tried saying my electric bill was higher than my deposit of $300 but when I told them I took a picture of the meter and how their price didn’t match the amount of kilowatts I had used (15 cents per kw) they sent me my deposit back
All this coming from someone who stayed here for 6 months and finally had enough
- Dani P.Guide
Walnut Creek Lake & Recreation Area
Well maintained campground
This was a beautiful little spot in town. All the spots were decently spaced out so you had your privacy, and it was surprisingly quiet. It is on the edge a housing area, so you can see people's porches across the street, but it wasnt bad. The price is very reasonable especially if you're just spending the night while driving through. Its very green, well maintained and pretty, we even saw some fireflies! It has electric hook ups and a dump station as well.
- Boyd A.Scout
Island Park Campground - Lyons City Park
Great RV Park
New pads. Grills. Fishing Lake. Tennis Courts. Basketball. Sand Volleyball. Pool.
- SStacey M.Scout
Eugene T. Mahoney State Park Campground
So much to offer!
This park offers something for everyone! Although the campsites are average this big beautiful park makes up for it in other ways. From the aquatic park, to the stables, hiking and biking trails, a small marina with fishing and paddle boats, and a nature center, you won’t have to leave to be entertained. Recommend staying at the lakeside campground for better views.
Heather P.ScoutBluffs Run RV Park at Horseshoe Casino
No longer at the hotel - closed
I called because there was no link to book and the RV park has closed. There is RV parking if you want to stay in the hotel, but the park with hookups is closed.
- WWayne F.
TravelerWalnut Creek Lake & Recreation Area
Great Little Campground!
Beautiful city owned campground. 50 and/or 30 amp electric at all sites. No water hookups, but spigots are located throughout the park. No shower house, only pit toilets. However, at $20 a night a steal!
- SSean J.Guide
Preparation Canyon State Park Campground
Secluded Hike-In Camping
Preparation Canyon has multiple hike-in sites available, in different distances (1/4 to 1 mile) from the trail head. The sites are each provided with a picnic table and fire ring, and are situated a little distance back from the main trail. I camped for three nights around site #4 which was secluded and had great privacy from those hiking nearby. The site seemed well maintained and was mostly level.
Lots of wildlife to view and spots to explore. If hiking in the area remember to bring bug spray, the flies and mosquitoes were thick at my camp spot! I think it was the result of the standing water in the creek, which is the result of a small dam.
Guide to Valley
Camping sites near Valley, Nebraska sit in the Platte River watershed, characterized by riparian forests and prairie landscapes. The region averages 31 inches of precipitation annually, with primary camping season running from April through October. Most campgrounds in the area sit below 1,200 feet elevation, creating distinct microclimates in river valleys compared to surrounding plains.
What to do
Fishing opportunities: Lake Wanahoo State Recreation Area offers a stocked lake with multiple fishing jetties accessible from campsites. "Great fishing and kayaking lake! Bike path goes all the way around the lake. Sites are large and spaced out. I prefer the ones along the water but you have to book early to get one," notes one camper at Lake Wanahoo State Recreation Area.
Kayaking and canoeing: Memphis Lake State Recreation Area provides no-wake zones perfect for paddling. "This lake has great fishing and has peace, and quiet. The lake is a no wake zone, so kayaks, and canoes are great," explains a visitor at Memphis Lake State Rec Area.
Hiking and biking: A 3-mile gravel trail circles Lake Wanahoo, connecting to additional paths. "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," shares a reviewer.
What campers like
Secluded riverside sites: Riverside Campground at Two Rivers SRA features tent sites directly adjacent to the Platte River. "For the tent sites I wish there were more amenities but the one we stayed at was in a nice location. The river is decently safe and a good place to tube," reports one camper at Riverside Campground — Two Rivers SRA.
Natural amenities: Memphis Lake provides mature shade trees and lakeside camping options. "There were lots of mature trees to camp under, and we were also close to the water. Our campsite came with a picnic table and fire ring," shares a visitor.
Clean facilities: Walnut Creek Lake & Recreation Area maintains well-kept camping areas and bathroom facilities. "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 reviewer at Walnut Creek Lake & Recreation Area.
What you should know
Campsite reservation systems: Two Rivers SRA uses a waiting list system for walk-up 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 the start at beginning of list and people start choosing so get on waiting list early," explains a camper at Goldenrod Campground — Two Rivers SRA.
Shade availability: Lake Wanahoo lacks mature trees. "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."
Weather preparedness: Severe storms can develop quickly in the region. "There was a major storm that rolled though and upon arriving I asked about the weather, which I was watching closely at the radar. They didn't seem concert about it however news reports were saying other wise of his very storm system producing 90-100mph winds."
Tips for camping with families
Playground access: Multiple campgrounds feature dedicated play areas for children. "This site is great for any size family. The range of different camping options and amenities is incredible. The facilities are well maintained, the staff is friendly and helpful. Everything is nicely spread out on the grounds," reports a visitor at West Omaha / NE Lincoln KOA Holiday.
Family fishing spots: Two Rivers SRA offers dedicated trout fishing areas. "This is a great campground for camping and fishing with kids. 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."
Budget considerations: Many areas require both camping fees and park entry permits. "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."
Tips from RVers
Site selection strategy: Cottonwood at Two Rivers SRA offers river views for RVs. "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 are several camping areas, divided into 'sub sections', my favorite place is the cottonwood division," shares a visitor at Cottonwood — Two Rivers SRA.
Water and dump stations: Lake Wanahoo has inconvenient water fill locations. "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."
Site spacing: Consider requesting larger sites when available. "We were given an inappropriate size space for the rig we stated, super narrow and we stuck over the road by 2 feet. They had larger sites all around us but were told we could not change."
Frequently Asked Questions
What camping is available near Valley, NE?
What camping is available near Valley, NE?
According to TheDyrt.com, Valley, NE offers a wide range of camping options, with 109 campgrounds and RV parks near Valley, NE and 2 free dispersed camping spots.
Which is the most popular campground near Valley, NE?
Which is the most popular campground near Valley, NE?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Valley, NE is West Omaha / NE Lincoln KOA Holiday with a 4.1-star rating from 29 reviews.
Where can I find free dispersed camping near Valley, NE?
Where can I find free dispersed camping near Valley, NE?
According to TheDyrt.com, there are 2 free dispersed camping spots near Valley, NE.
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