Waterloo, Nebraska offers multiple pet-friendly camping options alongside the Platte River at an elevation of 1,158 feet. The area features sandy soil with cottonwood groves providing natural shade at many campsites. Summer temperatures typically range from 65-90°F with afternoon thunderstorms common in July and August.
What to do
Fishing opportunities: Lake Cunningham provides stocked fishing areas and boat rentals when the lake is open. "I like to run in the morning and take my son in stroller for a few miles in the afternoon and the well groomed & paved trails were perfect," notes one visitor at Walnut Creek Lake & Recreation Area.
Water activities: When conditions permit, wade in the Platte River or rent paddleboards. "This lake is one of the very few in Omaha that offers camping. They also offered rental boats for the lake, a really nice walking trail, and fishing," shares a camper at Walnut Creek.
Hiking trails: Platte River State Park offers varied terrain for all skill levels. "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," mentions a camper at Platte River State Park Campground.
Train watching: While train noise is a consideration, train enthusiasts might enjoy watching from a distance. "The tracks run right get along the park. You are right on the edge of the town of Louisville which is nice if you need something you forgot," notes one visitor to Louisville State Recreation Area.
What campers like
Riverside sites: Cottonwood campground provides direct river access. "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," shares a visitor to Cottonwood — Two Rivers SRA.
Spacious campsites: Many campgrounds offer room between sites. "This campground is fine, but just fine. The best thing about it is the sites are pretty large and flat," notes a visitor to Goldenrod Campground.
Breakfast options: Two Rivers has on-site food services. "There is a convenience store ran by a very nice family and they make a great breakfast for a low cost. We like to get up early and walk across the park to breakfast and then walk back to our campsite," shares a camper at Riverside Campground.
Affordable camping: Area campgrounds offer good value. "Great back-in site w/30 amp electrical plug in, no water at site. Site is overlooking a small lake. Very quiet, dump station. All for $20 a night," notes a visitor to Walnut Creek.
What you should know
Train noise: Several campgrounds near Louisville have nearby train tracks. "Train noise all night," warns one camper about Louisville State Recreation Area, while another notes, "the train tracks are a bit noisy."
Water access varies: Not all campsites have water hookups. "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."
Reservation system: Two Rivers uses a unique system for walk-up sites. "The walk up process is a little strange. You get put on a waiting list and have to return to main office at 3. Then they start at beginning of list and people start choosing so get on waiting list early."
Limited bathroom facilities: Some campgrounds have minimal restrooms. "The amenities leave something to be desired; the dump station is hard to find, the bathrooms are in short supply, and the swimming beach is pretty gross," notes a camper at Goldenrod Campground.
Tips for camping with families
Playground options: Multiple dog-friendly campgrounds near Waterloo feature play areas. "This site is great for any size family. The range of different camping options and amenities is incredible," shares a visitor to West Omaha / NE Lincoln KOA Holiday.
Swimming alternatives: Several options exist beyond Two Rivers. "This campground had amazing staff, was clean, and had great amenities. The sites are very small however, and to do anything besides swim and play on the playground you need to drive," notes a KOA visitor.
Organized activities: Some parks offer scheduled events. "We went to our local KOA for the first time in a few years and we had a blast. Tons of activities (most were free, some with a small cost) and just what we needed," shares another KOA visitor.
Shade considerations: Some sites lack tree cover. "Open campsites with not much shade. Easy setup for our campsite," warns a Walnut Creek visitor, while another mentions "A lot of them have absolutely no shade whatsoever, so be mindful of that."
Tips from RVers
Electric hookup options: Note the amperage differences between campgrounds. "Site is overlooking a small lake. Very quiet, dump station. All for $20 a night," shares a Walnut Creek camper.
Site selection caution: Reserve carefully, as not all sites match online descriptions. "The campground layout is not accurate on the website when reserving spot," warns a visitor to Cottonwood campground.
RV-friendly parks: Eugene T. Mahoney State Park Campground offers full facilities. "Modern restrooms with showers and power are available," notes one visitor, while another mentions "RV sites are stacked on top of each other and are always packed!"
