Best Cabin Camping near Waterloo, NE

She’s not pretty, wooded, or even that quiet. But, she’s convenient! We needed an overnight spot with full hookups on a drive across country. This fit the bill. It does have a small off-leash area for dogs, but be careful with the little pups, they could easily slip out under the gates or any number of places along the fence. It made is very nervous since this place is REALLY close to I-80 and 180. We didn’t use the pool, but it looked nice enough. It had a hot tub too, but it was literally 102 degrees when we pulled in. No hot tub for us. It feels like this might be a spot where Husker fans camp on home game weekends. For us it was just a stop.

Our family and another family shared a primitive tent site near the back of the park. We were first and foremost impressed with the freedom we had in choosing our site. Tent camping here is non-reservable, but once you enter the park, you may choose from any spots containing a fire pit outside of RV loops. Tent sites range from lake-front, to playground side, to more private sites on the outer rim of the park. We chose a large, private site at the back of the park. This site was well maintained and had enough space to easily accommodate two families of four. We even had a picnic shelter all to ourselves. Our site was lined by woods and farmland and had a good view of a small pond. The night was full of exciting animal noises from both the nearby farm and pond. Vault toilets were a short walk away with clean shower facilities just a few loops away. The kids enjoyed riding bikes up and down gravel roads, looking for frogs, and playing on the playground. Canoe and paddle boat rental is extremely reasonable. Hiking trails near the park entrance are rugged. The staff was incredibly kind and easy-going, yet attentive. Just a short drive from neighboring towns, this is a good starter campground for families with younger kids. We hope to return in winter to check out the camping cabins.

So much for the kids to do. 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, times water slide and timed barrel train ride. There’s basketball, fields to play in and gem mining for a fee. We splurged for their fanciest patio site and had a huge site. New patio furniture, a swing, camp fire, charcoal grill and full hook ups for less than $80 for the night.

Down sides - grass is dry - it’s summer - I’d rather everyone conserve on water than water the grass anyway so not such a down side - just noted. By a busy road and what looks like a highway support facility - but it’s super easy to get to and right off the highway… so it’s a plus and an obvious road noise kind of situation. We sleep thru everything so didn’t mind at all - just don’t expect it to be out in the middle of a field. Super close to Lincoln! We could see the city from the exit.

If you are looking for a place to stop for a night of for a few nights with family or traveling alone along I-80 don’t miss Eugene T. Mahoney State Park. There are challenging trails overlooking the Platte River and railroad line. Bring your camera. Visit the horseback riding area ($), water park ($), nature center, and newly added Zipline and treeline obstacle course ($$). There is a nice place to eat at the clubhouse. The staff are friendly and helpful. Cabins for rent can facilitate even large families or get togethers. Book cabins well in advance for holidays. Fishing and kayaking opportunities also exist. Visit the Marina for paddle boat rentals also. The only downside to this park is its proximity to I-80. You will hear interstate road noise at night but if you’ve camped right you will be too tired to care.

We stayed in the recently renovated Owen #4. The renovations really updated it and they need to update the pictures they have on the web, with what it looks like now. New appliances, new furniture, fixtures, new bunk beds, etc. The cabin was very clean and organized upon arrival. They supply most everything thing you need i.e. dishes, cookware, etc. The one thing it does need is a corkscrew! We forgot ours and went without the wine we brought for dinner. With that bombshell though, it was beyond worth the getaway. The winter hiking was fantastic and it was quiet except for the wildlife, but that is why we went out there!