Best Cabin Camping near Waterloo, NE

Rustic cabins near Waterloo, Nebraska include unique options like the Union Pacific Cabooses at Two Rivers State Recreation Area, which feature small kitchens, bathrooms, air conditioning, and beds with mattresses. "If you enjoy some extra comforts, rent one of the train cabooses which feature a small kitchen, bathroom, AC and beds with mattresses. Our kids loved the lofted full sized bed," notes one visitor. Eugene T. Mahoney State Park offers both basic and luxury cabin accommodations with varying amenities, while Platte River State Park provides recently renovated cabins with updated appliances, furniture, and fixtures.

Reservations are essential for cabin stays, particularly during summer months when facilities book up quickly. The renovated cabins at Platte River State Park require advance planning but come well-equipped. "The cabin was very clean and organized upon arrival. They supply most everything thing you need i.e. dishes, cookware, etc." Basic cabins typically include beds and refrigerators, while luxury options offer more amenities. Hitchcock County Nature Center in nearby Iowa provides cabin rentals as part of its outdoor recreation area. Most cabins allow pets, though specific policies vary by location.

Most cabin accommodations provide basic furnishings but require guests to bring their own linens, towels, and toiletries. Kitchen facilities vary significantly between locations—from the fully equipped kitchens in the caboose rentals to more basic setups in standard cabins. On-site camp stores at locations like West Omaha KOA Holiday offer essential supplies, though selection is limited. Firewood is available for purchase at several locations, including Memphis Lake State Recreation Area. For longer stays, the nearby towns of Gretna and Ashland provide more extensive shopping options for groceries and camping supplies.

Best Cabin Sites Near Waterloo, Nebraska (18)

    1. West Omaha / NE Lincoln KOA Holiday

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

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

    "Not only was it paved, but also had a huge patio with a table and Adirondack chairs, and a fire pit with additional seating."

    2. Eugene T. Mahoney State Park Campground

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

    $25 - $475 / night

    "Picked up our pull-behind and drove straight here on a recommendation from the dealer. Great location, pretty grounds."

    "Mahoney State Park. There are challenging trails overlooking the Platte River and railroad line. Bring your camera."

    3. Union Pacific Cabooses — Two Rivers SRA

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

    $80 / night

    "It’s flat and easy for young kids to bike around all the different lakes(ponds). Plus the Platte river is right there too that adds a great ambient sound. Lots of cottonwood trees for shade."

    "Playgrounds are old, but kids had a blast"

    4. Platte River State Park Campground

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

    $25 - $330 / night

    "Tents, cabins and RV camping. Toilets, showers, fire rings. There is a small lake with paddle boats and kayaks for rent. They have a pool and dining hall for rent."

    "Love Platte River State park. Lots to do, especially fun for kids. Cute cabins. Camp sites are decent and bathrooms are clean."

    5. Goldenrod Campground — Two Rivers SRA

    4 Reviews
    Waterloo, NE
    5 miles
    +1 (402) 359-5165

    $30 / night

    "Goldenrod is one of 6 campgrounds at Twin Rivers State Park. Half of this campground has electric and half has none. It is right next to lake 4 with some beach access."

    "Very nice camp sites and playgrounds for children nice clean fishing lakes and river access."

    6. Cottonwood — Two Rivers SRA

    4 Reviews
    Waterloo, NE
    6 miles
    +1 (402) 359-5165

    $30 / night

    "Two rivers is my favorite Nebraska hidden gem! The state Rec Park is by both the Elkhorn and Platte rivers, thus it’s name, Two Rivers."

    "State park with many amenities! River and small lake fishing as well. No wifi, good T-Mobile cell service"

    7. Memphis Lake State Rec Area

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

    $10 - $35 / night

    "Many of the tent sites allow you to camp right next to the lake. It's generally pretty quiet and people respect the 10 pm quiet hours rule. Each site has a picnic table and fire ring."

    "No electrical hookups but you can still camp in campers if you want. Beautiful Campground with lots of trees and shade. Very nice Lake with fishing available."

    8. Fawn Meadows — Two Rivers SRA

    4 Reviews
    Waterloo, NE
    6 miles
    +1 (402) 359-5165

    $35 / night

    "This is a small campground a little ways before you get to lakeside campground. These spots are electric with fire pits and picnic tables. It is near the road and the dump station is in view."

    "Great spot but no wifi"

    9. Hitchcock County Nature Center

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

    $10 - $50 / night

    "The tent campsites are close together in the campground all of them have fire rings with grates. There is a vault toliet just up from the site."

    "Hitchcock Nature Center is north of Crescent, IA and just let outside Omaha, NE. A short drive from the city and you are in the Loess Hills that were explored by Lewis and Clark on their trek west."

    10. Lake Wanahoo State Recreation Area

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

    $8 - $40 / night

    "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."

    "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."

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Recent Cabin Photos near Waterloo, NE

1 Photos of 18 Waterloo Campgrounds


Cabin Reviews near Waterloo, NE

237 Reviews of 18 Waterloo Campgrounds


  • Tarrah C.
    Apr. 5, 2023

    Platte River State Park Campground

    Great for a family get away

    Tents, cabins and RV camping. Toilets, showers, fire rings. There is a small lake with paddle boats and kayaks for rent. They have a pool and dining hall for rent. Tons od trails and many of them a taylored to mountain biking. There are 2 types of cabins, basic that has a bed amd refrigerator. Then there are luxury glamping cabins.

  • Sarah H.
    Aug. 7, 2016

    Arrowhead Park Campground

    Easy Family Camping Near Omaha

    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.

  • Emily M.
    Apr. 20, 2021

    Platte River State Park Campground

    Wonderful and Fun

    Love Platte River State park. Lots to do, especially fun for kids. Cute cabins. Camp sites are decent and bathrooms are clean. Lots of hiking on well maintained trails, the pool is usually pretty busy on weekends.

  • Carla D.
    Aug. 26, 2016

    Union Pacific Cabooses — Two Rivers SRA

    Fun place to take the kids

    If you enjoy some extra comforts, rent one of the train cabooses which feature a small kitchen, bathroom, AC and beds with mattresses. Our kids loved the lofted full sized bed (but we kicked them to the bunk beds). There are charcoal grills outside, a close by swimming area, and lots of space to wander.

  • D
    Sep. 16, 2020

    Memphis Lake State Rec Area

    Camping Right on the Lake

    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. It's generally pretty quiet and people respect the 10 pm quiet hours rule. Each site has a picnic table and fire ring.

  • Jason F.
    May. 13, 2022

    Platte River State Park Campground

    Perfect spot to explore Omaha and the Great Plains

    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!

  • Tarrah C.
    Apr. 5, 2023

    Hitchcock County Nature Center

    Beautiful Area

    The tent campsites are close together in the campground all of them have fire rings with grates. There is a vault toliet just up from the site. There are also a lot of hike in sites that are equiped with a fire ring, no bathrooms though. Tons of hiking trails ranging from hard to easy. Plenty of RV spots and they have cabins

  • Pat V.
    Sep. 14, 2019

    Hitchcock County Nature Center

    Great outdoors close to the city!

    Hitchcock Nature Center is north of Crescent, IA and just let outside Omaha, NE. A short drive from the city and you are in the Loess Hills that were explored by Lewis and Clark on their trek west. The is a $3 day use pass or a $20 yearly pass available.

    This place has a lot to offer anyone. They have Nature education events, archery range, a handicapped accessible boardwalk trail, hiking trails, camping, etc. There are miles of trail available with backcountry camping available for $10 per night. RV camping is also available for $15 per night with electric, showers/bathrooms, picnic tables, fire rings, etc. They also offer a couple cabins for rent.

    The hiking is fantastic and offers something for every skill level. There are absolutely gorgeous views of the Missouri River valley below. All trails are marked and the a multiple different trailheads, many which start around the visitors center/tower Overlook. During the winter they even over snowshoeing events. It is really a nice place to get outdoors anytime of the year.

  • Jerry B.
    Sep. 3, 2019

    Memphis Lake State Rec Area

    One of my favorites

    Tent camping sites. No electrical hookups but you can still camp in campers if you want. Beautiful Campground with lots of trees and shade. Very nice Lake with fishing available. There appears to be an option for canoe rentals available. Boat ramp and dock. Multiple bathroom locations within the campground. Picnic tables near the water. I’ve kayaked the lake! So much fun.


Guide to Waterloo

Cabin camping near Waterloo, Nebraska offers a perfect blend of nature and comfort, making it an ideal getaway for families and outdoor enthusiasts alike.

Explore Scenic Trails and Outdoor Adventures

Cabin Campers Appreciate These Amenities

Enjoy Local Attractions and Activities

  • Visit the nearby attractions while staying at Goldenrod Campground, which is close to local dining options and shopping in Waterloo.
  • Experience the charm of the local area with a stay at Fawn Meadows - Two Rivers SRA, where you can enjoy fishing and nature watching right from your cabin.
  • Take advantage of the amenities at West Omaha / NE Lincoln KOA Holiday, which offers a range of activities for kids, including a playground and organized events.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is the most popular cabin campsite near Waterloo, NE?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular cabin campground near Waterloo, NE is West Omaha / NE Lincoln KOA Holiday with a 4.1-star rating from 29 reviews.

What is the best site to find cabin camping near Waterloo, NE?

TheDyrt.com has all 18 cabin camping locations near Waterloo, NE, with real photos and reviews from campers.