Top Tent Camping near Valparaiso, NE

Are you planning a tent camping trip to Valparaiso? We've got you covered. Find the best information on tent campgrounds near Valparaiso, including sites, reviews, and tips. Each spot offers quick access to one or more of Valparaiso, Nebraska's most popular destinations.

Best Tent Sites Near Valparaiso, NE (7)


Recent Tent Reviews In Valparaiso

433 Reviews of 7 Valparaiso Campgrounds


  • O
    Camper-submitted photo from Little Rivers Edge
    Oct. 10, 2024

    Little Rivers Edge

    Amazing stay!

    Had a great night here, the area is beautiful. Had to stop to admire the corn fields in the sunrise on the way out. Owner is lovely and kind. Electrical amenities are prime for anyone with an RV, but as a tent camper, I enjoyed our stay!

  • Pat V.
    Camper-submitted photo from Branched Oak Lake State Rec Area
    Oct. 7, 2024

    Branched Oak Lake State Rec Area

    Decent Place that needs Updating

    We stayed here for a mountain bike race weekend. Nighttime is great for stargazing and they have pretty stellar sunrises. We enjoyed the archery range and took plenty of walks. The shower facilities need a lot of updating and the RV spots are pretty dated with narrow roads. We were glad it wasn’t a weekend with a full campground and we think it would be pretty hectic during their peak season.

  • Pat V.
    Camper-submitted photo from Lake Wanahoo State Recreation Area
    Oct. 4, 2024

    Lake Wanahoo State Recreation Area

    Quiet and relaxed weekend

    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.

    I was able to fish at the lake, we used the trails for walking and biking. Being close to town allowed us to have a great anniversary dinner at a steakhouse!

    We are definitely going to be using it more!

  • Lynn J.
    Camper-submitted photo from Syracuse City
    Oct. 3, 2024

    Syracuse City

    Perfect for a traveling camper

    We stayed the first week in October. We were the only campers in the campground. We found 30 and 50 amp power pedestals. We stayed beside a pavilion with a water hydrant. The pavilion has several picnic tables and 20 amp outlets. It's in a treed area with a nice playground. The whole area is very flat. Leveling was a breeze. The entrance was a little bit confusing. There is a pay box at the edge of the parking box. The bathrooms were locked, but being self contained, we wouldn't have used them. I'm sure we will be staying here again.

  • K
    Camper-submitted photo from Platte River State Park
    Sep. 16, 2024

    Platte River State Park

    Just one night

    If you don’t mind lugging your stuff to your tent spot, it’s primitive, no frills camping at its finest! We chose the closest spot to the vault toilets. There are only 4. It’s a bit off the beaten path but we got to enjoy the beautiful horses. Bonus!

  • Jason G.
    Camper-submitted photo from Military Park Camp Ashland Campground
    Sep. 14, 2024

    Military Park Camp Ashland Campground

    Unimpressed

    I planned an event at this military installation because of pricing and being a gated community.  The prices are good and the overall area is clean but the reason for the rating given is below:

    Due to this being a military site with a managed gate, ID or authorization roster is required...I submitted and got my roster approved within the allotted time only to find out that it was not shared with the gate guards so no one was being let in.  The keys for each facility had issues like broken locks or no pin code given for the key system to even get the keys.  The cabins are nice but not very well cleaned and the emergency phone number that is provided is a great feature although no one answered it. 

    If you find yourself looking for a venue for your event, pass on this one.  Too much hassle for the money saved.  I wish the state of Nebraska could figure out how to hire competent people to manage their facilities.

  • Cindi
    Camper-submitted photo from Wildwood Lake
    Aug. 29, 2024

    Wildwood Lake

    Goose haven

    This lake and campground are inundated with geese. We kayaked and I noticed “things” floating everywhere in the water. Goose poop. It was gross. Someone had also smeared (likely) human poo all over the walls and floor of the outhouse. I’m not going back.

  • S
    Camper-submitted photo from Wagon Train State Recreation Area
    Aug. 24, 2024

    Wagon Train State Recreation Area

    Noisy and insane bugs

    We are avid campers, we are no strangers to all the things that come with camping including bugs. That said, the amount of mosquitoes here made any amount of time outside unbearable.

    There was a lot of traffic through the campsite, not even people stopping to camp but literally just driving through, music blaring at 11pm.

    And the GPS coordinates were wrong. They are closer to 40.63093° N, 96.57335° W

  • MickandKarla W.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Double Nickel Campground
    Aug. 1, 2024

    Double Nickel Campground

    Well Run Campground with Exceptional Service

    We’d passed through this area a few years ago when traveling I-80 and noticed there was a campground(CG) and golf course here in Waco, NE. We added this CG to our list and finally got a chance to stay here. The CG is a little ways off I-80 and easy to get to. Check-in was quick and easy and we were led to pull through site 303 with FHUs. There are separate prices for weekdays and weekends. The utilities were at the center of the long gravel pad. Water pressure was okay at around 40 psi. We got 2 bars on Verizon. The sites here are decently spaced especially for a private CG. The CG was clean and well-maintained. If there were long-term residents, you could not tell. We were here over a weekend, so there were families and a lot of kids using the swimming pool, mini golf, and the large playground area. Each site, along with a picnic table and fire pit has a bench swing. There’s a decent-sized dog park on the south side and larger one on the north side. The CG has its own tornado siren plus an underground tornado shelter. There’s one cabin for rent. They also have a well-kept laundry room with 2 washers and 2 dryers. York has your main amenities such as Walmart. The golf course right next door is a deceptively tough 9-hole course.

  • Eric P.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Double Nickel Campground
    Jul. 29, 2024

    Double Nickel Campground

    Good facilities and family friendly

    Really nice staff. Bathhouse is nice and clean. There are all sorts of games: Basketball, volleyball, miniature golf, Large Jenga, etc... Nice pool. Only issue: road noise. It's just off the expressway. It's not too bad though.

  • AThe Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Lancaster Event Center
    Jul. 22, 2024

    Lancaster Event Center

    Nice quick stop-close to 80

    Pulled in late off of 80 looking for somewhere to sleep for a few hours. Quick, easy, mostly quiet as long as you don’t mind trains. Didn’t use electric but it was there. Happy to see 10-20 other campers, but not at all crowded.

  • W
    Camper-submitted photo from Memphis Lake  State Rec Area
    Jul. 17, 2024

    Memphis Lake State Rec Area

    Nice simple campground

    Don’t forget the day use fee it’s $14 a day for out of state and seven dollars in state A decent number of mosquitoes on my visit in July in the evening

  • Maya H.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Smiths Creek Recreational Area
    Jul. 8, 2024

    Smiths Creek Recreational Area

    Safe and perfect for travelers using 80

    About 3 turns off the highway via dirt road. Very pretty, clean toilets, potable water, has picnic tables and grills. Definitely staying again on my way back east

  • Donner N.
    Camper-submitted photo from Smith Creek Recreation Area
    Jul. 3, 2024

    Smith Creek Recreation Area

    Second Year Camping Here

    Camped here previous year, and it was nice to come back to. Bathroom and lots of spots to set up. Also looks like it might be getting an update with the pavilion

  • C
    Camper-submitted photo from Eugene T. Mahoney State Park
    Jun. 20, 2024

    Eugene T. Mahoney State Park

    Great stay passing through

    Populated but spacious. Friendly staff. Lots of greenery and trees. Only stayed one night but the list of activities seemed great. Safe, relaxing place. Bathrooms and showers could use some work but I was happy for a warm shower after traveling so long. Highway and trains can be heard from a distance but I found it soothing.

  • AUDREY S.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Weeping Water
    Jun. 18, 2024

    Weeping Water

    Stopped for RV dump only

    Did not stop to Camp!!, only dumped my tanks and filled up water. Wish I would’ve stayed. Looks like a very well done out-of-the-way and quaint park. $20 for dumping, or camping and dumping, seven dollars for tent campers.

  • Timothy K.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Smith Creek Recreation Area
    Jun. 16, 2024

    Smith Creek Recreation Area

    Free camping right off the expressway

    Great little spot right off the expressway.  Seems to be used mostly for RV's but has space for tents.  Tent spaces are not marked but there are fire pits to give you a general idea of where to camp.  Also, looks like they are constructing a picnic/gazebo area.

  • Michael M.
    Camper-submitted photo from Two Rivers State Recreation Area
    Jun. 9, 2024

    Two Rivers State Recreation Area

    Quick getaway to nature

    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. Fun and quick trip if you’re in the Omaha area. My boys (4&7) loved it.

  • Jennifer T.
    Camper-submitted photo from Branched Oak Lake State Rec Area
    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

  • Gabriel H.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Timber Point Wetland
    May. 11, 2024

    Timber Point Wetland

    Good for what it is

    Small park with only 3 campsites. It has a hiking trail and a pond to do some fishing. Stayed for two days and would come back. Be wary though that there is limited availability

  • Elizabeth B.
    Camper-submitted photo from Pawnee State Recreation Area
    May. 10, 2024

    Pawnee State Recreation Area

    Expensive and Dirty Bathrooms

    Nebraska campgrounds are never that stellar in my opinion often right by the freeway, but this one was the worst. The location is beautiful but the restrooms were the worst I’ve ever seen. It costs nearly as much as a site in a national park with the out-of-state permit, and music was played at all hours by people without any recourse. The cherry on top was our vehicle being pelted with rocks when the person next to us started mowing at 7am.

  • C
    Camper-submitted photo from Czechland Lake Recreation Area
    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

  • kThe Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Smith Creek Recreation Area
    Apr. 22, 2024

    Smith Creek Recreation Area

    First BLM Camping

    Great place clean facilities..heard a dog barking but.. kids ..dogs no issues here.. Nothing to stop wind so be prepared if your thinking of hanging out for a while Gravel road from highway to camp so keep dust in mind..

    But for me it was all wonderful!!!!

  • Tony G.
    Camper-submitted photo from Double Nickel Campground
    Apr. 16, 2024

    Double Nickel Campground

    Pleasantly Surprised W/ owners that really care for your stay.

    Stayed here a few years ago and was pleasantly surprised. Many kid activities with even a Saturday movie night the park put on for the kids. You will not find better service anywhere. Also, next to a golf course that you can literally walk to from your site to play if you like this sort of thing. If you run low on wood, just simply call up to the office and they will bring you more. Will be back there very soon.



Guide to Valparaiso

Camping near Valparaiso, NE, offers a great mix of outdoor fun and relaxation. With several campgrounds nearby, you can find the perfect spot to enjoy nature and make lasting memories.

What to do:

  • Hiking and Trails: Explore the beautiful trails at Eugene T. Mahoney State Park Campground. One visitor mentioned, "Nice walking trails and facilities. Lots to do for the entire family."
  • Water Activities: At Platte River State Park Campground, you can rent paddle boats and kayaks. A camper shared, "There is a small lake with paddle boats and kayaks for rent."
  • Wildlife Watching: Campers at Branched Oak Lake State Rec Area enjoy spotting wildlife. One reviewer noted, "We saw a couple of white-tailed deer wandering through in the early morning hours."

What campers like:

  • Clean Facilities: Many campers appreciate the cleanliness of the restrooms and showers. A visitor at Camp A Way Campground said, "Everyone that works here is so friendly. They have nice shower and bathrooms along with laundry facilities."
  • Friendly Staff: Campers often mention the helpfulness of the staff. One reviewer at Prairie Oasis Campground & Cabins remarked, "Owners are real friendly and informative."
  • Family-Friendly Activities: Many campgrounds offer activities for kids. A parent at West Omaha / NE Lincoln KOA Holiday noted, "Looked like a lot to do for the kids."

What you should know:

  • Noise Levels: Some campgrounds are close to highways or train tracks. A camper at Louisville State Recreation Area mentioned, "With a large amount of active train tracks... this place is the opposite of peaceful."
  • Park Fees: Be prepared for additional fees. One visitor at Pawnee State Recreation Area said, "Charging out of state people double for a daily pass seems a little unfriendly."
  • Site Proximity: Campsites can be close together, which might not suit everyone. A reviewer at Platte River State Park Campground noted, "The sites are very close together which I thought would be more of an issue than it was."

Tips for camping with families:

  • Choose the Right Campground: Look for family-friendly options like Camp A Way Campground, which has activities for kids. One parent said, "Tons of fun activities for the kids!"
  • Pack for Activities: Bring along gear for swimming or hiking. A camper at Eugene T. Mahoney State Park Campground mentioned, "The list of activities seemed great."
  • Plan for Meals: Consider cooking at your campsite. A visitor at Prairie Oasis Campground & Cabins noted, "Everything works as it should."

Tips from RVers:

  • Check Hookups: Ensure your site has the necessary hookups. A reviewer at Branched Oak Lake State Rec Area mentioned, "The sites in general are spaced so you are not right on top of your neighbor."
  • Be Prepared for Weather: Wind can be strong in some areas. One camper at Eugene T. Mahoney State Park Campground said, "The wind coming across the lake was mighty fierce."
  • Use Reservations: Popular spots can fill up quickly, so make reservations in advance. A visitor at Platte River State Park Campground noted, "We ended up leaving at 4am."

Camping near Valparaiso, NE, has something for everyone, whether you're looking for a peaceful retreat or a fun family adventure.

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 7 tent camping locations near Valparaiso, NE, with real photos and reviews from campers.