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Best Tent Camping near Valparaiso, NE

502 Reviews

Eastern Nebraska offers several tent camping options within driving distance of Valparaiso, with Area Three Campground at Branched Oak Lake and Riverside Campground at Two Rivers State Recreation Area providing dedicated tent campsites. Tent-only camping areas at Fremont Lakes State Recreation Area feature waterfront sites approximately 25 miles north of Valparaiso. Primitive tent camping is available at Powerhouse Park in Columbus, offering free sites with basic amenities. The region's public lands support various tent camping experiences ranging from established campgrounds with amenities to more secluded primitive sites.

Most tent campgrounds in the Valparaiso region feature flat terrain with minimal site preparation. Area Three Campground provides primitive tent sites with picnic tables and fire rings but limited additional amenities. Campers should note that fees range from free at Powerhouse Park to $15-20 at more developed sites. Riverside Campground at Two Rivers SRA offers tent sites along the river with access to drinking water, toilets, and showers. Seasonal considerations include potential early spring flooding at riverside locations and busy summer weekends. Tent campers frequently encounter train noise at Fremont Lakes, with one visitor reporting trains passing "every 20 minutes all day and night."

Walk-in tent sites by the water are particularly valued in this region. At Riverside Campground, tent campers can set up directly beside the river, creating opportunities for fishing, tubing, and wildlife observation. According to reviews, the older section of Fremont Lakes provides more seclusion for tent camping away from RV areas, though most sites lack shade. One camper noted that Area Three Campground becomes particularly quiet in fall, reporting "we seemed to be the only souls in the place" during late October camping. Centennial Park Campground near Columbus offers tent campsites with walking trails around a small lake, providing a peaceful setting surrounded by small towns. Backcountry tent camping options are limited in this region, with most sites being established campgrounds rather than remote wilderness areas.

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Best Tent Sites Near Valparaiso, Nebraska (9)

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Recent Tent Camping Photos near Valparaiso, NE

5 Photos of 9 Valparaiso Campgrounds

Tent Camping Reviews near Valparaiso, NE

502 Reviews of 9 Valparaiso Campgrounds

  • Joe R.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jul. 1, 2018

    Wagon Train Primitive sites

    Wagon Train easy going camping

    This SRA about 25 minutes Southeast of Lincoln Nebraska is a favorite go to for me and my boys. Wagon Train is far enough from major roads that all you’ll hear is nature and the crackle of your fire. There are 28 pad/powered sites and 80 non powered, non pad sites for basic tent camping. If you want a sad spot reserve early. This SRA experienced a tornado a few years ago and many trees were lost. Those trees are in a pile near the non pad sites though, so claiming free fire wood is easy if you have a saw. Potable water is available and vaulted toilets are a short walk from the non powered sites. If you RV you’ll also have access to a dump station. There is a short hiking trail but nothing to write home about. Your camp sites will all have fire rings and picnic tables. I think the best part of this lake is the sand beach swimming area which is near a large covered picnic area. As with many Southeast Nebraska lakes, you can boat but there is a 5mph speed limit. If you don’t make reservations online you can show up and self register at the camp entrance. For me Wagon Train isn’t the prettiest lake in the area be a long shot but I love how quite it is and you’ll love the dark starry skies at night.

  • Charles C.The Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 14, 2018

    Timber Point Wetland

    Free Camping close to Hiking, Biking, Equestrian Trail

    This free camping area is low on amenities, but os well kept and close to the Oak Creek Trail which extends from Valparaiso to Brainard Nebraska.

    The Lake is lovely with such good trails it is often used as a cross-country race site. This NRD lake has 3 gravel slabs close to a vault toilet and water hydrant. It is just up the hill from the boat ramp.

  • 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

  • Jennifer T.
    May. 28, 2024

    Branched Oak Lake State Rec Area

    Beautiful spot

    We spent Memorial weekend here in 2022. We had to park in a designated parking spot and walk in to set our tent. The site was shady and came with a picnic table, fire ring and We were right on the shores of the lake. It was a beautiful and very relaxing to hear the waves, although the wind coming across the lake was mighty fierce and destroyed the canopy that we had over the picnic table. And the beating of the tent all night long was a little hard to get some decent sleep. But the area was nice and close to the restrooms and spacious campsites

  • Shelly S.The Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 16, 2018

    Lakeview Campground — Pawnee State Recreation Area

    Roomy but not

    Pawnee Lake State Recreation Area was within 30 minutes of Lincoln, NE . Try to make sure all essentials are packed to enjoy your stay without frequent trips to town. This is one of those spots where you can easily park the car and use other means of transportation for your whole visit.(ie, feet, bike, boat, horse, etc.)

    There are options to where you camp. RV sites and tent in three different areas. This is not my favorite sort of tent camping, you have to park and walk everything to your site. Some tent sites are located right on the lake which is nice, you can easily park your watercraft nearby. However if it’s busy your neighbors are going to be very nearby. Not much privacy in that case. We however were completely alone when we visited, the crappy weather played a part I’m sure. Shade, which we didn’t need and picnic tables. If you have a hammock you may have an issue with getting it hung, bring alternate means of suspension.

    The trails are multi-use so pay attention. We were hiking in the rain so did not see anyone but the trail apples were fresh. Were we hiked it was grassy and mostly level, there was an area where hikers had trails to themselves and a few benches to sit on.

    The lake looked nice but I didn’t see anyone on it. I didn’t see any algae signs but the weather may have been a factor too. We overnighted so I didn’t get to completely explore the entire area. It was pretty quiet, some motor noises but they were more of a background noise. Worth an extended stay as long as the lake is open.

  • 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!

  • 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.

  • R
    Sep. 7, 2018

    Beaver Crossing City Park

    Water and Electric in easy to find City Park.

    Room for about 4 RV’s on a grassy area. Covered picnic tables shared by rv’s with a shared fire ring. Clean flush restrooms within walking distance. when I first arrived and saw the ballfields and pool I thought it might be noisy but by 8:30 pm all was quite. Donation suggested. One small gas station but no groceries.

Guide to Valparaiso

Tent camping near Valparaiso, Nebraska, offers a variety of experiences for outdoor enthusiasts, from serene lakeside spots to well-equipped facilities.

Some prices for tent camping range from $12 to $20

Tent campers like these nearby activities

  • Enjoy disc golf and beach access at Area Three Campground, which is located near Branched Oak Lake.
  • Fishing and walking paths are available at Johnson Park, a lovely city park that offers scenic views.
  • Centennial Park Campground features a beautiful trail around a small lake, ideal for leisurely strolls.

Local attractions to explore while camping

Frequently Asked Questions

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

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular tent campground near Valparaiso, NE is Area Three Campground with a 3-star rating from 2 reviews.

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

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

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