Branched Oak Lake State Rec Area
Great getaway weekend
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.
88 campgrounds · Check availability for any dates.
Lake Wanahoo State Recreation Area maintains pet-friendly accommodations including tent sites, RV spaces, cabins, and glamping options within minutes of downtown Wahoo. Dogs must be leashed throughout the campground with no off-leash areas available. Campsites feature picnic tables and fire rings where pets can join their owners during meals and evening gatherings. The large grassy tent camping area provides ample space for walking dogs, though the campground lacks mature trees for shade during hot summer months. The paved trail circling the entire lake creates an ideal walking route for campers with dogs, covering approximately three miles with multiple access points from camping areas.
Memphis Lake State Recreation Area offers a more primitive pet-friendly camping experience with numerous shaded sites situated along the northern shore of the lake. Campsites include fire rings and picnic tables with plenty of mature trees providing natural shade for pets during summer heat. The no-wake zone designation makes this lake particularly suitable for dogs who enjoy calm water activities such as swimming or kayaking alongside their owners. Czechland Lake Recreation Area presents another pet-friendly option with walking trails specifically noted as perfect for dogs by recent visitors. Both locations maintain clean, well-maintained grounds with affordable rates—tent camping at Czechland Lake is free while electrical hookups cost $18 per night. Camping areas throughout the region implement standard pet policies requiring leashes, proper waste disposal, and adherence to quiet hours to prevent excessive barking.
"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."
from $8 - $40 / night
Check Availability"On a walk from my campsite, I went by the marina, disc golf course, conservatory, activity center, stables and ropes course."
"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."
from $25 - $485 / night
Check Availability"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."
from $10 - $35 / night
Check Availability"Very close to the Nebraska crossing outlet mall! 😊"
"I only stayed the night, but as I was walking my dogs I saw the camp. Everywhere you turn there was something to do. Good fun."
"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."
from $25 - $35 / night
Check Availability"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."
from $100 / night
Check Availability"Great dog park: large, secure and shaded. Play ground, basketball, pool, family activities. Very clean restrooms. Good camp store with decent prices. Easy access to Omaha."
"Clean laundry facilities and they even have a dog park."
from $35 - $67 / night
Check Availability"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."
"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."
from $18 / night
Check Availability"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."
"There are playgrounds and a splash pad for the kids, canoe rentals, and plenty of trails to hike or bike. Sites are concrete pads with full hookups and include a fire ring and picnic table."
from $35 - $340 / night
Check Availability"We've even walked through the water to go play on the "islands". There is a convenience store ran by a very nice family and they make a great breakfast for a low cost."
"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."
from $15 / night
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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.
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. We only stayed one night but enjoyed the walk to the small waterfall in the park. There is a large dog park, clean restrooms and nice trails for walking.
Stayed here for a week over 4th of July, 2020 amid COVID19 restrictions. Lots of shade, though some sites are full sun. Great dog park: large, secure and shaded. Play ground, basketball, pool, family activities. Very clean restrooms. Good camp store with decent prices. Easy access to Omaha.
This was a great location to explore different areas but it is a very crowded location. Some people like that and visiting with everyone. That is not for me. The campground is well maintained, the staff is friendly and our dogs enjoyed the dog park on the property.
Very nice campground. Kid friendly with tons of activities. Nice pool & hot tub. Clean laundry facilities and they even have a dog park.
The park is well kept, the sites have plenty of space to them so you don’t feel like you’re on top of someone else’s camper. There’s playgrounds and a pool, a dog park, basketball court and disc golf. The nicest park we’ve stayed at for sure.
Platte River State Park is a beautiful, full service park with plenty of amenities. There are playgrounds and a splash pad for the kids, canoe rentals, and plenty of trails to hike or bike. Sites are concrete pads with full hookups and include a fire ring and picnic table. The campground also has a bathroom and dog park. 5 bars of AT&T @ 120Mbps!
This lake is a Nrd controlled lake that is relatively new, and requires a daily pass or annual pass. I believe it opened 2012. This lake sits just out side of the Northside of Wahoo, and sits off a relatively busy highway. So as you would expect there is some traffic noise. Also with the age of this lake there is no mature trees around the lake. So as you would expect it will make tent camping difficult for some on hot days. There is tent camping, and rvs, as well as a couple little cabins for rent. The fishing is pretty darn good on this lake. There are several online articles that will back that claim up, as well as myself. This is also a good kayaking lake. There is also a trail, or path that goes around this lake for biking, jogging, or just simply walking. The whole area and restrooms are clean, and well maintained. I thing it's a beautiful clean lake that the city of Wahoo should be proud to be next to. I believe this lake will get better with age.
This is our first camping trip in a tent. We love the energy here. You can tell the owners keep everything impeccable. The bathrooms were super clean and have locks with code to keep them safe. The shower head could use replacing, but it was a hot shower, so we appreciate it. This place has tons for kids to do. There is a hand-built playground, basketball court, slip n slide, dog park, bounce stuff for kids. We booked hoping we could use the spa, only to find out when we got here, no kids under 5 can use it. We have a 3 year old, so we had to pass. The trees are really pretty and their are cute squirrels running around. Its pretty quiet at night from other campers HOWEVER the highway is so close you can see the cars going by. Its extremely loud and constant highway sounds. If you are in a camper or RV, it probably doesn't make much difference, but in a tent, it took away a bit of the magic of camping for us. Obviously this is nothing the owners can change.
All in all 4 out of 5 because it was a beautiful and well kept campground.
Eugene T. Mahoney State Park Campground offers year-round camping within a 30-minute drive from Wahoo, Nebraska. The park sits at approximately 1,080 feet elevation along the Platte River valley, creating a diverse landscape of wooded areas and river access points. Summer temperatures typically range from 75-90°F with winter lows averaging 15-30°F, making seasonal preparation essential for campers in this region.
Hiking and outdoor activities: Eugene T. Mahoney State Park provides several hiking trails through wooded areas. "We hiked here one morning and there weren't very defined trails, but the park is small enough where you wont get last. Nice views of the river. It was fun to wander around the trails for a few hours, but that's about all you can get out of it," notes Zak L.
Water recreation: Branched Oak Lake State Rec Area features extensive water access for boating and fishing. "This is the best lake in Nebraska for camping! They are tent sites right by the lake. The bathrooms are pretty clean. There's a huge no-wake area of the lake for kayaking and paddle boarding," explains Jordan H.
Frisbee golf and sports: Several campgrounds offer recreational activities beyond standard camping. Charlie B. mentions that Mahoney State Park "has it all....frisbee golf, horseback riding, driving range, fishing, tennis courts, river views, cabins!"
Privacy and natural features: Memphis Lake State Rec Area receives praise for its secluded camping options. "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," says Jordan H.
Kid-friendly amenities: Camp A Way Campground excels at providing family entertainment. "This destination was so fun! Sites are shaded and spacious. Awesome playground, pool, water slide and more! Super cute place to stay with family," shares Samantha S.
Pet-friendly trails: Czechland Lake Recreation Area offers excellent pet walking opportunities. "Well maintained walking trails that are perfect for dogs," notes Chris A., highlighting why this location is considered ideal for pet friendly camping near Wahoo.
Weather preparedness: Severe weather can impact camping experiences. At West Omaha / NE Lincoln KOA Holiday, Eileen H. reports, "there was a major storm that rolled though and upon arriving I asked about the weather... We'll e his in the bathroom when it hit. No one was hurt and everyone property that I was was okay."
Site selection considerations: Campground layouts vary significantly. At the KOA, Stacy M. shares, "we were given an inappropriate size space for the rig we stated, super narrow and we stuck over the road by 2 feet. They had larger sites all around us but were told we could not change."
Reservation requirements: Popular campgrounds fill quickly during peak seasons. Jen K. notes about Branched Oak Lake: "This One of our favorite places to 'get away' to for fishing, camping, etc. Be warned: 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!!!"
Multi-activity options: Platte River State Park Campground provides numerous options for keeping children engaged. Tony B. explains, "This park offers a lot of nature activities. You can hike the many hiking trails to the mini waterfall, or Platte river. They have paddle boat and Kayak rentals. There is a splash park, shooting, archer ranges, horseback riding."
Swimming opportunities: Several parks offer dedicated swimming areas for families. Camden O. recommends Mahoney State Park because "There are so many activities from your typical hiking experience to spending the day at the water park to being able to take the family mini golfing."
Budget considerations: Pet-friendly camping near Wahoo, Nebraska includes options at various price points. At Czechland Lake, Pat V. notes the value: "tent camping is free, and electrical is 18 [dollars]." This makes the location budget-friendly for families with pets.
Hookup availability: RV campers should verify utility connections before arrival. At Memphis Lake, Tony B. reports, "The lake is a no wake zone, so kayaks, and canoes are great. The campsites have plenty of shade, and a few electrical hook ups."
Ease of access: Some campgrounds provide better access than others. At Camp A Way, Jan S. notes it's a "Great one night traveling campground. Very clean. Helpful friendly staff. Huge, clean dog run shaded with locust trees. Best dog run we have seen this trip."
Leveling challenges: Site terrain varies significantly between campgrounds. Chris A. warns about Czechland Lake: "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."
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular dog-friendly campsite near Wahoo, NE?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular dog-friendly campground near Wahoo, NE is Lake Wanahoo State Recreation Area with a 3.3-star rating from 13 reviews.
What is the best site to find dog-friendly camping near Wahoo, NE?
TheDyrt.com has all 88 dog-friendly camping locations near Wahoo, NE, with real photos and reviews from campers.
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