Cabin options near Valparaiso, Nebraska range from rustic to modern across several state recreation areas within a 30-mile radius. This southeastern Nebraska region features rolling hills with an average elevation of 1,200 feet and experiences four distinct seasons. Winter temperatures can drop below freezing while summer months typically see temperatures in the 80s with occasional thunderstorms.
What to do
Fishing opportunities: Lake Wanahoo State Recreation Area offers multiple fishing spots along its shoreline. According to one visitor, "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."
Water activities: Memphis Lake State Rec Area provides a peaceful setting for kayaking and canoeing. "This is such a nice and clean campground! 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," notes a visitor who stayed in spring.
Hiking trails: Platte River State Park Campground features numerous hiking paths with varying difficulty levels. A reviewer mentioned, "I love Platte River State Park; there are accommodations for every type of camper - cabins, RV, privative - hell they even have teepees! On top of the excellent camping offered, they have a wealth of amazing hiking / biking trails that traverse through some amazing scenery."
What campers like
Quiet atmosphere: Campers appreciate the peaceful environment at Memphis Lake. One visitor noted, "The game warden drove around often checking to see if anyone needed anything and people were following the rules. The reason I didn't give it 5 stars is because there weren't any scenic walking trails that I found, but there was fishing and a small playground if you have children."
Kid-friendly amenities: Camp A Way Campground receives praise for its family facilities. According to a visitor, "This destination was so fun! Sites are shaded and spacious. Awesome playground, pool, water slide and more! Super cute place to stay with family."
Unique accommodations: Union Pacific Cabooses — Two Rivers SRA offers converted train cabooses as lodging. A visitor explained, "They also have old remodeled Union Pacific caboose you can stay in. It's always clean, and quiet in frequent visits we have had."
What you should know
Reservation timing: Peak season at several parks requires planning ahead. For Eugene T. Mahoney State Park Campground, a visitor advised, "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!"
Highway noise: Some campgrounds are affected by nearby roads. A camper at Camp A Way noted, "The trees are really pretty and their are cute squirrels running around. Its pretty quiet at night from other campers HOWEVER the highway is so close you can see the cars going by. Its extremely loud and constant highway sounds."
Weather considerations: Storms can occur suddenly in this region. One camper reported, "We ended up in the bathroom when it hit. No one was hurt and everyone property that I was was okay. After the storm they all look shocked it hit but we're in top of checking with everyone and getting clean up started."
Tips for camping with families
Swimming options: Two Rivers SRA features a designated swimming area. "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. Or swimming in the swimming area, or wading in the Platte River. I have alway felt at home at this park," shared a regular visitor.
Playground access: Several campgrounds feature play equipment. At Camp A Way, a reviewer observed, "This is a very nice campground right off I-80 at the Lincoln downtown exit. My son and I stayed here for a week until he could move into his apartment. It was very clean and well kept. There were so many things for younger kids to do."
Educational opportunities: Nature programs run seasonally at larger parks. "This is our first camping trip in a tent. We love the energy here. You can tell the owners keep everything impeccable. The bathrooms were super clean and have locks with code to keep them safe," noted a family at Camp A Way.
Tips for RVers
Hookup availability: Goldenrod Campground — Two Rivers SRA offers varied site options. A camper explained, "Goldenrod is one of 6 campgrounds at Twin Rivers State Park. Half of this campground has electric and half has none. It is right next to lake 4 with some beach access."
Site selection: Choose carefully when booking. "This campground is fine, but just fine. The best thing about it is the sites are pretty large and flat. A lot of them have absolutely no shade whatsoever, so be mindful of that," advised an RVer at Goldenrod Campground.
Dump station access: Plan for potential waiting times. As one visitor noted, "It is near the road and the dump station is in view. There is sometimes a line of campers at the dump station. I prefer bigger campgrounds but would stay there if things were full."
