1 campground with availability next weekend
Branched Oak Lake State Recreation Area and Lake Wanahoo State Recreation Area house the most distinctive glamping options within 30 minutes of Valparaiso, offering campsites with climate-controlled sleeping quarters, electricity, and direct lakeside positioning. These top-rated glamping campgrounds feature canvas structures and modernized yurts equipped with comfortable beds, quality linens, and dedicated sitting areas. According to a camper, "We ended up with a site right on the water with breathtaking views of the lake, making our glamping experience truly memorable." Platte River State Park Campground also offers luxury camping with more upscale amenities including shower facilities, water hookups, and propane availability—perfect for travelers seeking boutique camping without sacrificing comfort.
Water recreation dominates the glamping experience at these Nebraska destinations with direct lake access for swimming, kayaking, and fishing. Branched Oak Lake provides dedicated boat rentals and no-wake zones ideal for paddleboarding, while Lake Wanahoo offers both electric hookups and waterfront views from elevated glamping sites. One visitor noted, "The camp sites are forked out like cul-de-sac properties, each facing the road and having a large portion of the lake to themselves, creating a private resort-style camping experience." Evening amenities include fire rings for stargazing, picnic facilities for outdoor dining, and nearby trails for sunset walks. Most locations remain open year-round with varying seasonal activities and reservation requirements, though booking several weeks in advance is recommended during summer months.
"My first time camping in Nebraska. Ive been to several throughout the US. Loved the spot, I was right next to the lake, great swimming access. Downside drinking water access was difficult."
"Always a good place for a group (you have neighbors, but it's secluded enough to listen to loud music and easily entertain a rowdy group of 10)."
Campground full next weekend
Get a text when availablefrom $20 - $30 / night
"Helpful friendly staff. Huge, clean dog run shaded with locust trees. Best dog run we have seen this trip. Located 3 miles fromHistoric Haymarket in Lincolon. Clean laundry facilities."
"A fun pass is require and costa about $10 but kids get ice cream, Slushies, water balloons for water wars included with that plus access to trampoline basketball, a nice jump pad, pool, indoor hot tub,"
from $35 - $67 / night
"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."
"My wife and I prefer to stay outside and camp most often. This campground not only has a fun name to repeat to family and friends (or try to remember when writing a review!"
from $8 - $40 / night
"Very friendly and helpful staff. The bathrooms & laundry room are clean,a little outdated. The pull through sites seem to be all gravel/stone."
"Not only was it paved, but also had a huge patio with a table and Adirondack chairs, and a fire pit with additional seating."
"Tents, cabins and RV camping. Toilets, showers, fire rings. There is a small lake with paddle boats and kayaks for rent. They have a pool and dining hall for rent."
"New appliances, new furniture, fixtures, new bunk beds, etc. The cabin was very clean and organized upon arrival. They supply most everything thing you need i.e. dishes, cookware, etc."
Available next weekend
from $340 / night
"We love the friendly staff, the onsite cafe, and the beautiful pool. The owners take great care of the pool, so our grandkids come out and swim with us whenever they can. "
"Convenient location right off the highway, but with that you do get the noise. Has a playground and pool as will as a convenience store. Bathrooms and showers were clean."
from $27 - $55 / night
"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's also a cute concession store with a great breakfast. Last time I was here, there was a drunk buffoon loudly carrying on late into the night."
Campground full next weekend
Get a text when availablefrom $25 / night
"The entire park is well maintained, has a large lake stocked with fish, tent sites are close together, but tolerable. Occupancy depends on the time of year. "
"On a beautiful lake with many recreational possibilities - kayaking, sailing non power boating - some for rent. 10 miles of paved bike trails and ALL paved campsites level and clean!"
from $15 - $40 / night
"Large lake , walking trail . Seems that some site are “ reserved “ by placing the picnic table on the concrete pad. We were able to find 1 open space."
from $7 - $15 / night
ScoutWe stayed here March - June this year. The staff was always friendly and helpful, and there have been many upgrades done to the park. Would be happy to stay there again if we’re back in the area.
GuideWe stayed here to attend a Savannah baseball game at Memorial stadium. We really enjoyed the campground with the amenities. Sites have a good size for grass, plenty of room for vehicle, and shaded in many areas. We used Uber to get to and from the stadium and was a cheaper price than parking fees.
Scout•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
TravelerThis is actually the Windsor Cove Campground within Haworth Park in Belleview, Nebraska. It is an older campground but near the river, walking trails, and close to all the amenities of Nearby Omaha (aprox. 25 minutes to downtown). I visited in Mid May and the park was about 25 percent full. The camp host is great and I would definitely visit again.
TravelerWe were skeptical about this place but for the most part it was ok. Beautiful sites along the lake. No one there when we got there and no maps to know where to go. Took a while but found the site we had reserved online. Were disappointed by the road noise- there is a major road going down other side of lake and nothing to block the noise. Also no star gazing here as the area across the lake has lots of very bright lights. We went to the toilets and found the vault toilets with just sanitizer and someone else said, but we had also read there was a shower house. Walked around trying to find it (a map would have helped!). Could not find it but luckily there was a person outside there camper that we asked (the place was practically deserted) and they pointed it out to us. Luckily it was only a slightly longer walk than the vaulted toilets. Showers have to be paid for and timed. No hot water in sink, not much place to put towel or toiletries. 4 family rooms. Noticed they were never cleaned while we were there- dirty and bugs.
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.
GuidePark is very new and does not have fully grown trees yet, however does appear to be very clean and well-maintained. While exploring on a Sunday, I found the camp entrance to be gated off. There was no sign as to when the gates would open again I assume it would be in the spring. The NRD should have posted the dates on the fence. I can’t find the dates on the website either. It is a Nebraska reservoir, so it does lack trails and natural features that would appeal to hikers. My two star rating is given due to the fact most of the park was closed at the time I visited. I will come back in the summer and make another review. Thanks for reading.
ScoutWe have camped here for the past three summers and will continue to come back for as long as we can. Word to the wise: ignore any reviews prior to July 2023. That's when the new owners took over and have been making updates and improvements from day 1. We love the friendly staff, the onsite cafe, and the beautiful pool. The owners take great care of the pool, so our grandkids come out and swim with us whenever they can. So. many campground pools are a bit scary, but not this one.
We also love the front row seat to fabulous sunsets. Some people complain about the I-80 noise, but it really varies. We never hear it when we are inside our motorhome. Some evenings it is pretty loud outside and others we can barely hear it. It's worth it either way because we can hop on the interstate so quickly and be in Lincoln or Omaha in a snap.
Love this place!
LegendWe were here years ago when the kids were all a little younger. They had such fond memories that we made it work to swing thru Lincoln again and they had a blast even as teenagers. So many fun activities for the kids and both times we’ve stayed in the patio sites. Worth it for the swing, bbq and camp fire. Nice staff. There were a lot of kids while we were there mid week and it makes for a fun atmosphere.
Valparaiso camping options encompass diverse terrain across Saunders County, where the flat to gently rolling landscape sits at approximately 1,250 feet elevation. The area experiences four distinct seasons with hot summers reaching 90°F and winters dropping below freezing. Fall camping typically offers mild 60-70°F daytime temperatures with cooler nights, ideal for campfires when permitted at designated sites.
Fishing adventures: Lake Wanahoo offers excellent year-round fishing opportunities with a well-stocked lake. "This lake is primarily a fishing lake that is regularly stocked. It's great for kayaking or small boats," notes a camper at Lake Wanahoo State Recreation Area. The area features multiple jetties and shore fishing access points.
Trail exploration: Hiking and biking trails connect many campgrounds in the area. "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," reports a visitor to Lake Wanahoo. Some trails are paved for easier access while others provide more rugged terrain.
Stargazing sessions: The relatively dark skies outside Lincoln make for good night viewing. "Nighttime is great for stargazing and they have pretty stellar sunrises," says a visitor at Branched Oak Lake State Rec Area. Most campgrounds have minimal light pollution, especially during weeknights and off-season periods.
Lake access: Direct water access ranks high on camper satisfaction. "The camp sites are forked out like the cul-de-sac properties, each facing the road and having a large portion of the lake or greens to themselves on the back," writes a visitor about camping at Branched Oak Lake. Many waterfront sites require advance booking.
Hot shower facilities: Clean bathroom amenities matter to campers. "Free showers are a great amenity as well. This is one of our favorite places to 'get away' to for fishing, camping, etc.," shares a camper at Cottonwood — Two Rivers SRA. Shower availability varies by season and location.
Quiet weekday camping: Off-peak visitation provides more solitude. "Quiet, even with the storm. Off-season campout, perfect place to throw down a tent," explains a March visitor to Lake Wanahoo. Weekday camping typically means fewer neighbors and more campsite options.
Site reservations: Popular campgrounds fill quickly during peak seasons. "Very busy campground as it is super close to a highly populated city. Plan ahead and reserve a spot or go early in the week otherwise you won't get a pad!!!" warns a visitor to Branched Oak Lake. Some sites remain first-come, first-served with different requirements for tent versus RV camping.
Shade availability: Newer campgrounds lack 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," notes a camper at Lake Cunningham Campground. Bring canopies or shade structures during summer months.
Yurt camping options: Yurt accommodations provide alternative shelter. "Nice place with one flaw...the trees are really pretty and there are cute squirrels running around. It's pretty quiet at night from other campers HOWEVER the highway is so close you can see the cars going by," explains a camper about glamping options near Valparaiso. Yurt reservations typically require booking 3-6 months in advance during summer.
Playground access: Multiple campgrounds feature play areas for children. "This place 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," shares a visitor at West Omaha / NE Lincoln KOA Holiday. Kid-friendly sites often book quickest.
Beach activities: Swimming options exist at select locations. "Two rivers has several lakes with a variety of different fishing options... A swimming beach for kids, and river access when the river is low enough," reports a camper at Cottonwood. Not all lakes permit swimming, so check regulations before planning water play.
Yurt camping with kids: Family yurt accommodations near Valparaiso provide structure with outdoor access. "This destination was so fun! Sites are shaded and spacious. Awesome playground, pool, water slide and more! Super cute place to stay with family," writes a visitor about family-friendly glamping options. Yurts typically sleep 4-6 people with varying amenities.
Hookup variations: Electric options differ across campgrounds. "Middle Oak Creek campground has a row of 10-12 electrical spots that are perfect for shore fishing, kayak launch, lakeside views! South Shore campground sits lakeside but at a higher elevation so water access is trickier," explains an RV camper at Branched Oak Lake. Check amperage requirements before booking.
Water access points: Fill stations may be separated from camping areas. "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," notes a visitor at Weeping Water. Plan tank fills accordingly.
Site sizing: RV pad dimensions vary significantly. "Sites were very close together but have been at worse. Pro & Con - right next to the interstate. Since we were site seeing around the area it was convenient instead of the more nature excursion camping trip," shares an RVer at West Omaha / NE Lincoln KOA Holiday. Larger rigs should confirm site dimensions before arrival.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular glamping campsite near Valparaiso, NE?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular glamping campground near Valparaiso, NE is Branched Oak Lake State Rec Area with a 4.1-star rating from 28 reviews.
What is the best site to find glamping camping near Valparaiso, NE?
TheDyrt.com has all 14 glamping camping locations near Valparaiso, NE, with real photos and reviews from campers.
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