Wahoo, Nebraska, situated at an elevation of 1,171 feet in the eastern portion of the state, experiences hot summers with temperatures reaching into the 90s and cold winters with temperatures often below freezing. The surrounding area features gently rolling hills and farmland with several bodies of water providing recreational opportunities. Spring camping often requires rain gear as thunderstorms can develop quickly in this region, while fall offers cooler temperatures with vibrant foliage changes.
What to do
Morning hikes: Lake Cunningham offers a 10-mile paved trail system circling the lake. "The entire park is well maintained, has a large lake stocked with fish... I was there in September and it was not crowded at all," notes Dana T. The flat terrain makes it suitable for all skill levels.
Kayaking: Branched Oak Lake State Recreation Area features a designated no-wake zone perfect for paddling. "There's a huge no-wake area of the lake for kayaking and paddle boarding. They also offer boat rentals," shares Jordan H. The calm waters make this ideal for beginners and families.
Archery: Hitchcock Nature Center maintains a dedicated archery range for practice. "As a family we go to Hitchcock a few times a year for the hiking and the archery range they have on-site. Both are excellent and a nice escape from the city!" says Pat V. The range is open during regular park hours and requires no reservation.
Trail running: Platte River State Park offers challenging terrain with varied elevation. "Good hiking, horse rides, great hills for trail running," explains Sara B. The trails provide enough difficulty to challenge experienced runners while remaining accessible to determined beginners.
What campers like
Secluded spots: Cottonwood Campground at Two Rivers provides riverside camping with panoramic views. "Two rivers is my favorite Nebraska hidden gem! The Cottonwood camp area lays right on the Platte River and it is beautiful watching the sunset over the water," shares Morgan W. Sites along the water require early booking.
Off-season camping: Lake Wanahoo State Recreation Area provides a more private glamping experience during spring and fall. "Quiet, even with the storm. Off-season campout, perfect place to throw down a tent," notes Frank B. March through early May and September through October typically offer fewer crowds.
Educational opportunities: Hitchcock Nature Center combines outdoor recreation with learning experiences. "When I think of 'nature center' I think of a stuffy little cabin with taxidermy. This site is far far more than that, with hiking trails, educational programs, a museum, event halls, and of course camping," shares Lynn G. Programs change seasonally and may require pre-registration.
Fishing access: Branched Oak Lake provides shore fishing directly from campsite locations. "Middle Oak Creek campground has a row of 10-12 electrical spots that are perfect for shore fishing, kayak launch, lakeside views!" explains Jen K. Nebraska fishing licenses required and available online.
What you should know
Reservation requirements: Camp A Way Campground fills quickly during peak season. "Very kid friendly with tons of activities. Awesome playground, pool, water slide and more!" explains Samantha S. Weekends from Memorial Day through Labor Day require bookings 3-4 months in advance.
Highway noise: Pine Grove RV Park sits adjacent to Interstate 80. "Close (but not too close) to I-80, we stayed here as a way point cruising across Wyoming/Nebraska/Iowa. Clean facilities, quiet vibe, it was just what we needed after a long day of driving," notes Jessica. The proximity provides convenience but impacts the natural experience.
Seasonal variations: Lake Cunningham operations depend on weather conditions. "This lake is one of the very few in Omaha that offers camping. And definitely of all types rv, and tent," shares Tony B. The campsites now feature concrete pads following recent renovations.
Water levels: Cottonwood Campground river access varies by season. "Two rivers has several lakes with a variety of different fishing options... river access when the river is low enough," explains Morgan W. Spring months often have higher water levels while late summer offers better wading opportunities.
Tips for camping with families
Swimming options: Lake Cunningham Campground offers water recreation beyond fishing. "Love the new East lots. Full access with concrete pad. Tons of room between spots. Mini store on the property to buy ice, firewood, and food from. Fishing, paddle board rentals, and a park are a few things to do," Connor S. shares. Paddle board rentals start at $15/hour.
Playground access: Camp A Way features multiple play areas for different age groups. "This destination was so fun! Sites are shaded and spacious. Awesome playground, pool, water slide and more! Super cute place to stay with family," reports Samantha S. The playground equipment suits ages 2-12.
Educational hiking: Hitchcock Nature Center offers accessible nature walks. "There's even a 1 mile hike on a boardwalk that's very easy. There's all levels of hikes. They have a hawkwatch tower. Lots of information about Hawks and nature conservation," Karen W. explains. The visitor center provides field guides specifically designed for children.
Glamping in Wahoo: Lake Wanahoo tent sites provide an entry-level luxury camping experience. "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," shares Pat V. The tiered tent area provides lake views from all locations.
Tips from RVers
Site selection: West Omaha KOA Holiday offers varying site sizes. "We needed an overnight stop on our way to Kansas and this KOA was perfect. We pulled into a very large pull through on the west side of the campground (site 16)," Glenda D. recommends. Sites 15-20 provide the most space for larger rigs.
Level pads: Lake Cunningham features newly renovated concrete sites. "The sites have concrete pads with power, but no water or sewer. There is a fill station on the way in. You can pay $1 for a hot shower in the comfort station, which is very clean," advises Alana R. The east section provides the most recently updated facilities.
Utility placement: Branched Oak Lake requires proper equipment planning. "We stayed here for a mountain bike race weekend. Nighttime is great for stargazing and they have pretty stellar sunrises. The shower facilities need a lot of updating and the RV spots are pretty dated with narrow roads," notes Pat V. Extension cords and longer water hoses may be necessary.
Free overnight options: Valparaiso city park allows limited free camping. "The village of Valparaiso allows camping at the city park at the trailhead to the Oak Creek trail. Camping is free and there are electric hookups and water at the park," Charles C. explains. The stay limit is typically 48 hours for trail users.
