Best Campgrounds near Bennington, NE

Campgrounds near Bennington, Nebraska provide a mix of primitive and developed camping options within an hour's drive of Omaha. Several established sites like Lake Cunningham Campground and Elkhorn Crossing Recreational Area accommodate tent camping, RV sites, and cabin rentals. The campgrounds typically feature concrete pads for RVs, picnic tables, and fire rings, with many offering electrical hookups. Some locations like West Omaha KOA Holiday and Eugene T. Mahoney State Park provide year-round access with full hookup options for larger recreational vehicles.

Access to these mixed-use campgrounds varies seasonally, with some facilities closing during winter months while others remain operational year-round. Flooding along the Missouri River has affected several campgrounds in recent years, particularly Wilson Island State Recreation Area. According to one visitor, "This park had been closed part of 2018 and all of 2019 Season due to flooding of the Missouri River." Most campgrounds require advance reservations during peak summer months from May through September. Water availability can be limited at certain locations, with some offering drinking water and others providing only basic facilities. Road conditions generally remain good throughout the area, with most campgrounds accessible via paved roads.

The camping experience in this region centers around water recreation, with several sites situated near lakes and rivers. Many campgrounds feature fishing access, trails, and boating opportunities. Lake Cunningham receives consistent praise from campers for its amenities. A review mentioned it as "one of the most beautiful campgrounds we have ever encountered! On a beautiful lake with many recreational possibilities - kayaking, sailing non power boating - some for rent." For those seeking more seclusion, Elkhorn Crossing provides a quieter experience away from crowds, though with fewer amenities. Campers should note that site spacing varies considerably between locations, with some campgrounds placing sites close together while others offer more privacy. Public lands in the area support diverse wildlife viewing and hiking opportunities in addition to water-based activities.

Best Camping Sites Near Bennington, Nebraska (109)

    1. Hitchcock County Nature Center

    30 Reviews
    Honey Creek, IA
    16 miles
    Website
    +1 (712) 328-5833

    $10 - $50 / night

    "We camp all the time at different locations, and I 100% recommend this campground! The hosts are so polite and helpful and they keep the place immaculate."

    "The sites for tent camping are okay pretty close together and down a hill, no parking next to your site. There are also pack in sites available and depending on location very nice."

    2. Lake Cunningham Campground

    10 Reviews
    Omaha, NE
    6 miles
    Website
    +1 (531) 201-5754

    $15 - $40 / night

    "The lake is right there, with a nice bike path that comes all the way around."

    "Lake Cunningham is a fun destination for getting outside if you only have an afternoon to escape! The lake itself is great for kayaking, paddle boarding, and sailing!"

    3. 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."

    4. Walnut Creek Lake & Recreation Area

    19 Reviews
    Papillion, NE
    17 miles
    Website
    +1 (402) 592-8877

    $20 / night

    "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."

    "This lake in Papillion, Nebraska is a great little lake. Probably one of the best in metro area of Omaha. The fishing is always as well as the kayaking is as well, (especially novice like myself)."

    5. Eugene T. Mahoney State Park Campground

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

    $25 - $333 / 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."

    6. Cunningham Lake Dam Site 11 Campground

    5 Reviews
    Omaha, NE
    7 miles
    Website

    "Great location, not too close to the lake so not a lot of bugs to bother."

    "Each site is equipped with a fire ring and many of the locations have a picnic table. There are a couple of the spots right along side the lake."

    7. Wilson Island State Recreation Area Campground

    7 Reviews
    Fort Calhoun, NE
    12 miles
    Website
    +1 (712) 642-2069

    $15 - $23 / night

    "It is true that the campground is a big open space with little tree cover, but it is part of the DeSoto National Wildlife Refuge, and there is a ton of trees, trails, and wildlife around the refuge."

    "Nice smaller park with good tent sites on Missouri River and next to DeSoto National Wildlife Refuge."

    8. Elkhorn Crossing Recreational Area

    3 Reviews
    Valley, NE
    8 miles
    Website
    +1 (402) 444-6222

    $10 / night

    9. Union Pacific Cabooses — Two Rivers SRA

    8 Reviews
    Waterloo, NE
    14 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."

    10. Platte River State Park Campground

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

    $25 - $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."

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Recent Reviews near Bennington, NE

557 Reviews of 109 Bennington 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.

  • V
    Sep. 30, 2025

    loess hills state forest

    Loess Hills State Forest

    Really impressed with this location. Incredible hiking just outside your door.

  • 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/

  • EThe Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 24, 2025

    Onawa-Blue Lake KOA

    Convenient and quiet

    Conveniently located approximately 2.5 miles West of I29 and on the Eastern edge of Lewis and Clark state park which makes this KOA very quiet.

  • 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.


Guide to Bennington

Camping near Bennington, Nebraska, offers a variety of experiences for outdoor enthusiasts. Whether you're looking for a peaceful retreat or a fun-filled family adventure, there are several campgrounds to explore.

What to do:

  • Hiking and Trails: Many campgrounds, like Eugene T. Mahoney State Park Campground, feature beautiful walking trails. 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 enjoy paddle boating and swimming. A camper shared, "We went paddle boating, swimming, and horseback riding."
  • Wildlife Watching: Campers at Branched Oak Lake State Rec Area often spot deer and other wildlife. One reviewer noted, "We saw a couple of white-tailed deer wandering through in the early morning hours."

What campers like:

  • Clean Facilities: Campers appreciate well-maintained restrooms and showers. A visitor at Camp A Way Campground said, "They have nice shower and bathrooms along with laundry facilities."
  • Friendly Staff: Many campgrounds have helpful staff. One camper at West Omaha / NE Lincoln KOA Holiday mentioned, "Super friendly staff. Pizza and wings at the office, delivered to your site."
  • Family-Friendly Activities: Campgrounds like Platte River State Park Campground offer plenty of activities for kids. A reviewer stated, "Tons of trails and many of them tailored to mountain biking."

What you should know:

  • Noise Levels: Some campgrounds are near busy roads or train tracks. A camper at Louisville State Recreation Area warned, "With a large amount of active train tracks... this place is the opposite of peaceful."
  • Site Proximity: Campsites can be close together, especially at places like Camp A Way Campground. One visitor remarked, "It feels like this might be a spot where Husker fans camp on home game weekends."
  • Fees: Be prepared for additional fees, such as park entry fees. A camper at Pawnee State Recreation Area mentioned, "Charging out of state people double for a daily pass seems a little unfriendly."

Tips for camping with families:

  • Playgrounds: Look for campgrounds with playgrounds for kids to enjoy. One camper at Platte River State Park Campground highlighted, "The playgrounds are the nicest I have ever seen!"
  • Activities for All Ages: Choose campgrounds that offer diverse activities. A visitor at Eugene T. Mahoney State Park Campground noted, "The list of activities seemed great."
  • Safety First: Always keep an eye on younger kids, especially near water. A camper at Branched Oak Lake State Rec Area advised, "The river is decently safe and a good place to tube."

Tips from RVers:

  • Level Sites: Look for campgrounds with level sites for easier setup. A reviewer at West Omaha / NE Lincoln KOA Holiday mentioned, "Our back-in site had a patio, fire pit, and nice patio furniture."
  • Full Hookups: Choose campgrounds that offer full hookups for convenience. A camper at Camp A Way Campground said, "Very nice campground. Kiddo's friendly. Good internet."
  • Plan for Noise: Be aware of potential noise from highways or other campers. A visitor at Pawnee State Recreation Area noted, "Music was played at all hours by people without any recourse."

Camping near Bennington, Nebraska, has something for everyone, from families to RVers. Just be sure to check out the campgrounds that fit your needs!

Frequently Asked Questions

What camping is available near Bennington, NE?

According to TheDyrt.com, Bennington, NE offers a wide range of camping options, with 109 campgrounds and RV parks near Bennington, NE and 1 free dispersed camping spot.

Which is the most popular campground near Bennington, NE?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Bennington, NE is Hitchcock County Nature Center with a 4.7-star rating from 30 reviews.

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

According to TheDyrt.com, there is 1 free dispersed camping spot near Bennington, NE.