Best Campgrounds near Wahoo, NE

Camping options near Wahoo, Nebraska primarily center around Lake Wanahoo State Recreation Area, located on the northern edge of town. This developed recreation area provides electric hookups for RVs, primitive tent sites, and several cabin rentals. Other nearby options include the Saunders County Fairgrounds Campground offering full hookups within town limits, Memphis Lake State Recreation Area about 15 miles south, and Czechland Lake Recreation Area approximately 15 miles northwest. Most campgrounds in this region accommodate both tent and RV camping, with several offering waterfront sites for enhanced fishing access.

Nebraska state parks and recreation areas in the region require entrance permits, with Lake Wanahoo specifically requiring an NRD (Natural Resources District) permit rather than the standard state park permit. "Lake Wanahoo is a NRD controlled lake that requires a daily pass or annual pass," noted one camper who frequently visits the area. Seasonal considerations affect site availability, with summer weekends filling quickly at the more popular lakes. Most developed campgrounds remain open year-round, though services may be reduced during winter months. Reservations are recommended during peak summer season, particularly for electric sites and cabin rentals, while some primitive areas operate on a first-come, first-served basis.

Waterfront camping represents a significant draw in the Wahoo region, with fishing opportunities frequently mentioned in visitor feedback. Lake Wanahoo receives particular praise for its fishing quality despite being relatively new (opened in 2012). "Great fishing and can camp right along the water," shared one visitor who secured a lakefront tent site. Memphis Lake State Recreation Area offers more shade from mature trees compared to the newer Lake Wanahoo, where trees are still developing. Campers seeking quieter experiences often prefer Czechland Lake Recreation Area, which requires no entrance permit for tent camping and charges modest fees ($18/night) for electric sites. RV travelers appreciate the full hookups available at Saunders County Fairgrounds, with one visitor noting it provides "approximately 40 sites" with "full hookup for $20 per night" in a convenient downtown location.

Best Camping Sites Near Wahoo, Nebraska (106)

    1. Eugene T. Mahoney State Park Campground

    47 Reviews
    Ashland, NE
    20 miles
    Website
    +1 (402) 944-2523

    $25 - $475 / night

    "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."

    2. Lake Wanahoo State Recreation Area

    11 Reviews
    Wahoo, NE
    2 miles
    Website
    +1 (402) 443-4675

    $8 - $40 / night

    "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."

    "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."

    3. Memphis Lake State Rec Area

    11 Reviews
    Ashland, NE
    12 miles
    Website
    +1 (402) 471-5566

    $10 - $35 / night

    "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."

    4. West Omaha / NE Lincoln KOA Holiday

    29 Reviews
    Gretna, NE
    20 miles
    Website
    +1 (402) 332-3010

    "Very close to the Nebraska crossing outlet mall! 😊"

    "The campground itself was fine and very convenient in location to vIsIt famIly."

    5. Branched Oak Lake State Rec Area

    28 Reviews
    Malcolm, NE
    22 miles
    Website
    +1 (402) 783-3400

    $25 - $35 / night

    "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."

    "The area is well known for being the equestrian camping area at one of the finest lakes in Nebraska. Pull through sites with full hookups, equestrian trails, and corals."

    6. Union Pacific Cabooses — Two Rivers SRA

    8 Reviews
    Waterloo, NE
    13 miles
    Website
    +1 (402) 359-5165

    $80 / night

    "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."

    7. Camp A Way Campground

    31 Reviews
    Lincoln, NE
    25 miles
    Website
    +1 (402) 476-2282

    $35 - $67 / night

    "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,"

    "Next to highway. You can hear highway but that doesn’t bother me"

    8. Czechland Lake Recreation Area

    6 Reviews
    Wahoo, NE
    13 miles
    Website

    $18 / night

    "This is another NRD lake, and pretty well maintained. However unlike Wanhoo you don't need a pass or permit. Also the tent camping is free, and electrical is 18."

    "May be difficult parking for larger rigs (35ft+) due to the one way entrance and curvature of the campground."

    9. Platte River State Park Campground

    31 Reviews
    South Bend, NE
    26 miles
    Website
    +1 (402) 234-2217

    $330 / night

    "We were passing through Nebraska and opted to stay the night here. The campground is new and will be even nicer when the trees are big enough to provide shade."

    "Short walk in but a wagon is provided to help unload equipment. Picnic and fire pit near the teepee."

    10. Saunders County Fairgrounds Campground

    1 Review
    Wahoo, NE
    1 mile
    Website
    +1 (402) 443-5822

    "Located near downtown Wahoo. $20 per night for full hookup. Appear to be approximately 40 sites."

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Recent Reviews near Wahoo, NE

561 Reviews of 106 Wahoo Campgrounds


  • Donna H.The Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 11, 2025

    Wilson Island State Recreation Area Campground

    Mosquitos and undrinkable water.

    Mosquitos are a given in a wetland refuge, but since this was just an overnight stay, I wasn't especially concerned. What DID concern me was:

    1. The camp host was present, but not at all helpful. A bad storm was moving in, and so I asked about tornado shelters in the area...he said there were none. Funny as the ranger station was within walking distance, but nobody was attending.

    2. It's a state park, and so the water stations are sprinkled throughout the camping areas. I was going to fill my kettle and was stopped by one of the campers who said that the water was bad and that if I needed water, she had extra. The camp host didn't mention the contamination issue, nor were the spigots marked. I did see a weathered "boil notice" on the door to the showers that evening. 

    It has the potential to be a nice park, but is unkept and all but neglected by the camp host.

  • Fire S.
    Sep. 25, 2025

    Red Cedar Lake

    Peaceful Getaway with Beautiful Views

    Red Cedar Lake is a hidden gem if you’re looking for quiet, simple camping. The scenery is beautiful, with open skies and plenty of wildlife around. It’s free camping, so amenities are limited—bring your own supplies and expect rustic conditions. The fishing was great, and the sunsets over the water were stunning. Perfect spot if you want to unplug, relax, and enjoy nature close to the road.https://kukasoittia.fi/

  • Kyla B.
    Sep. 19, 2025

    Czechland Lake Recreation Area

    Peaceful

    Has fishing, kayaking, hiking, 3 covered picnic areas with electricity, wildlife watching, no-wake boating, 11 (50 amp) RV/tent pads/sites at $20 per night, 3 free non-electrical RV/tent pads/sites, & free tent camping area by the dock. No park permit required. Can pay for pads/sites with cash or with mobile phone. Sites have trash cans, picnic tables and fire rings. Primitive bathrooms available. Water spigots available and working. No dumpsite. Dogs welcome but must be leashed.

    May be difficult parking for larger rigs (35ft+) due to the one way entrance and curvature of the campground. Also note that you will need to bring leveling blocks for nearly every site since the campground is build on a hill.

    https://lpnnrd.org/outdoor-recreation/czechland-lake-recreation-area/

  • Susan W.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 13, 2025

    Bluffs Run RV Park at Horseshoe Casino

    Road to Mackinac

    Just an overnight on our way to Michigan. Yeah it's a parking lot! Visited family just in the NE side of the river. Water and electric, not a bad price. Interstate was RIGHT THERE..... but the noise of our AC downed it out! 😎 Showers were low pressure and could have been better maintained.

  • LThe Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 11, 2025

    Lake Manawa State Park Campground

    Nice metro campground

    Large concrete pads with patio and permanently mounted mesh steel picnic table with a fire pit grill on the corner.. Lakeside locations are quite well spaced with a panoramic Lake view. small restroom and shower pair with unisex entry. Quite spartan, but relatively clean. Trees surround the campground, but none provide any campground shade. Entry gate code required, which provides some security. all amenities are available within a limited distance. Some lake activity noises during the day, and depending upon wind, some aircraft traffic, otherwise very quiet.

  • AThe Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 11, 2025

    Fremont Lakes State Recreation Area Tent Campsites

    Great state rec area

    Impressive recreation area. Campsites on and off of the water, all very nice. Lots of walking and bike riding. Very woodsy feeling through the whole park and a nice bicycle trail that leaves the park and winds out to Hormel Park on the Platte River.

  • Trav S.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 10, 2025

    Walnut Creek Lake & Recreation Area

    Sewer Dump Available

    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.

  • Travis A.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 3, 2025

    Yankee hill wildlife management area

    Good over night spot

    Situated in the middle of corn fields. The WMA has a large marshy, stagnant pond, so bring mosquito repellent. The parking area is clean. There is a dumpster and vault toilet. I didnt inspect it, I'll leave that up to you. No potable water, but Lincoln Nebraska is only 17 miles away.

  • wThe Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 25, 2025

    Smiths Creek Recreational Area

    Perfect

    It was not far off the highway but no road noise. Great place for a free overnight camp.


Guide to Wahoo

Camping spots near Wahoo, Nebraska range from serene lakeside settings to family-focused recreation areas. The region features rolling hills and prairie landscapes with elevations between 1,100-1,300 feet. Summer temperatures typically reach 85-90°F with moderate humidity, while spring and fall camping offers milder conditions with overnight temperatures that can drop into the 40s.

What to do

Hiking trails and biking paths: At Platte River State Park Campground, visitors can access numerous trails of varying difficulty. "You can hike the many hiking trails to the mini waterfall, or Platte River. They have paddle boat and Kayak rentals," notes Tony B. The park offers both paved walkways and more challenging terrain along the river bluffs.

Fishing opportunities: Memphis Lake State Rec Area provides quality fishing in a quieter setting than some larger lakes. "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," reports David L. The lake is stocked with several fish species and maintains a no-wake zone policy, making it ideal for fishing from shore or small watercraft.

Water recreation: Beyond fishing, the region offers various water activities. At Branched Oak Lake, one camper notes, "Free showers are a great amenity as well. This is one of our favorite places to 'get away' to for fishing, camping, etc." The lake features dedicated swimming beaches and boat launch facilities across multiple areas of the park.

What campers like

Uncrowded camping options: Czechland Lake Recreation Area offers a more tranquil alternative to busier sites. "This is another NRD lake, and pretty well maintained. However unlike Wanhoo you don't need a pass or permit. Also the tent camping is free, and electrical is $18," explains Tony B. The lake's peaceful atmosphere makes it popular with those seeking quieter camping experiences.

Budget-friendly pricing: Several campgrounds in the region offer affordable camping options. Saunders County Fairgrounds provides "$20 per night for full hookup" with "approximately 40 sites," according to Lucian F. Similarly, Czechland Lake has free tent camping and $18 electric sites, significantly less than many state parks in the area.

Diverse accommodation styles: West Omaha / NE Lincoln KOA Holiday offers a range of camping options beyond traditional tent and RV sites. "This site is great for any size family. The range of different camping options and amenities is incredible," reports Sandra O. Their cabins provide alternative accommodations for those without camping equipment.

What you should know

Weather preparedness: Sudden storms can affect the region with limited warning. One camper at the KOA noted, "We stayed for only a night while passing through. The campgrounds were very clean, sites well maintained... Only complaint I have is there was a major storm that rolled through." Always monitor weather forecasts independently when camping in the area.

Reservation requirements: During peak season (May-September), campsite availability becomes limited, especially at popular spots. "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 camper at Branched Oak Lake.

Site variations: Branched Oak Lake State Rec Area features significant differences between camping areas. "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," observes one visitor. Research specific campsite locations before booking to ensure the experience matches expectations.

Tips for camping with families

Activities for children: Eugene T. Mahoney State Park offers extensive facilities for family activities. "I highly recommend the campground though if you have kids...or still like to play like a big kid!" shares Angie G. The park features mini-golf, water attractions, and playgrounds designed specifically for younger campers.

Swimming options: Several camping areas provide swimming facilities, though quality varies. At Camp A Way Campground, a visitor noted, "This destination was so fun! Sites are shaded and spacious. Awesome playground, pool, water slide and more!" Swimming areas often get crowded during summer weekends, so weekday visits may provide a better experience.

Educational experiences: When staying near the area, consider visiting nearby educational attractions. "Be sure to check out Arbor Day farms and Lied Lodge in Nebraska city only a short drive away. Learn the history of Morton salt and Arbor day itself—amazing grounds to wander, great hands-on stuff for the kids," recommends Ashley Y. regarding activities when staying at Mahoney State Park.

Tips from RVers

Levelness considerations: At Lake Wanahoo State Recreation Area, site selection affects comfort significantly. "We actually prefer grass pads because they are 2-3 larger, so you have more room to setup," shares Pat V. The campground offers both gravel and grass sites, with different advantages for each.

Utilities access: When staying at Wanahoo, note the infrastructure layout. "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," explains a reviewer. Plan accordingly when arriving with tanks that need filling or emptying.

Site spacing: At Czechland Lake, a camper notes, "This is a nice small campground that is well taken care of... Most sites have 30 and 50 amp hookups." However, they caution about uneven sites: "Some sites are very unlevel... No water or dump station." Bringing leveling blocks is recommended at most area campgrounds.

Frequently Asked Questions

What camping is available near Wahoo, NE?

According to TheDyrt.com, Wahoo, NE offers a wide range of camping options, with 106 campgrounds and RV parks near Wahoo, NE and 2 free dispersed camping spots.

Which is the most popular campground near Wahoo, NE?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Wahoo, NE is Eugene T. Mahoney State Park Campground with a 4.2-star rating from 47 reviews.

Where can I find free dispersed camping near Wahoo, NE?

According to TheDyrt.com, there are 2 free dispersed camping spots near Wahoo, NE.