Best Dog-Friendly Camping near Waterloo, NE

Two Rivers State Recreation Area offers multiple pet-friendly campgrounds including Cottonwood, Goldenrod, and Riverside, all located near Waterloo, Nebraska. Dogs are welcome at all 6 campgrounds within the park, with most requiring pets to remain on leash. Each campsite provides ample space between spots with picnic tables and fire pits. Riverside Campground features tent sites along the river with more remote locations depending on site selection. Eugene T. Mahoney State Park Campground and Platte River State Park Campground also permit pets at their campsites and cabins. Sites fill quickly during summer weekends, with weekdays offering quieter experiences and better availability. The campgrounds maintain clean facilities with modern showers and toilets.

The Platte River provides excellent recreational opportunities for visitors with pets. Campers can enjoy fishing in the seven lakes throughout Two Rivers SRA or wade with dogs in the river when water levels are appropriate. Riverside tent sites offer direct water access, while Goldenrod Campground provides some beach access next to lake 4. Paved roads throughout the recreation area create excellent paths for walking dogs. The park features updated playground equipment for families traveling with both children and pets. Wildlife is abundant, so keeping dogs leashed is important for their safety and the protection of local fauna. Cottonwood campground offers magnificent panoramic views of the river and is especially popular with pet owners seeking scenic camping locations.

Best Dog-Friendly Sites Near Waterloo, Nebraska (88)

    1. West Omaha / NE Lincoln KOA Holiday

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

    "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."

    2. Eugene T. Mahoney State Park Campground

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

    $25 - $475 / night

    "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."

    3. Walnut Creek Lake & Recreation Area

    19 Reviews
    Papillion, NE
    15 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)."

    4. Union Pacific Cabooses — Two Rivers SRA

    8 Reviews
    Waterloo, NE
    6 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."

    5. Platte River State Park Campground

    31 Reviews
    South Bend, NE
    21 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."

    "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."

    6. Louisville State Recreation Area Campground

    29 Reviews
    Louisville, NE
    20 miles
    Website
    +1 (402) 234-6855

    $15 - $35 / night

    "A nice closed off area for swimming, but not area allows pets to swim. Very polite employees. Showers are kinda expensive and expect to hear the tracks right behind the camping area."

    "A HUGE campground with around 250 total sites, with options ranging from walk-in camping tent-only sites to RV areas. There is a 3 decent-size lakes spread evenly across the grounds."

    7. Lake Cunningham Campground

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

    $15 - $40 / night

    "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!"

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

    8. Riverside Campground — Two Rivers SRA

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

    $15 / night

    "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."

    9. Goldenrod Campground — Two Rivers SRA

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

    $30 / night

    "It is right next to lake 4 with some beach access. There are both reservable and walk up sites here. The walk up process is a little strange."

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

    10. 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."

    "River and small lake fishing as well. No wifi, good T-Mobile cell service"

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Dog-Friendly Camping Reviews near Waterloo, NE

576 Reviews of 88 Waterloo Campgrounds


  • PThe Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 7, 2021

    Victorian Acres RV Park & Campground

    Comfortable and Convenient

    Park has easy access from Highway. Nice mix pull-through and back-in sites. Pet friendly with large dog park and plenty of green space with mature trees.

  • J
    Jun. 1, 2022

    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.

  • Lynn A.
    Sep. 4, 2020

    Victorian Acres RV Park & Campground

    Trippin’ thru Nebraska

    Coming from MO, Nebraska is usually just a one night stop for us (as we head onto bigger and cooler states). We were happy to find this clean RV park near Nebraska City. Big, but quiet. Friendly staff. Homey. Green space. Great dog park.

  • J
    Jun. 9, 2022

    Platte River State Park Campground

    Pleasant Surprise!

    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.

  • MThe Dyrt PRO User
    Jul. 20, 2025

    Victorian Acres RV Park & Campground

    Nice campground but neighbors noisy

    Just stopped for one night. Some highway and train noise whenever outside. Neighbor playing music outside late at night (after 10pm) which was annoying. Came after hours and name was left on board with check in info: Sites are nice with trees and vegetation but not very level. Dog park is nice though

    Would recommend for a stopover

  • K
    Jul. 9, 2020

    Camp A Way Campground

    Nice park

    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.

  • Barry M.
    Oct. 30, 2020

    Camp A Way Campground

    Great Location... Very Crowded!

    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.

  • Tracy A.
    Aug. 28, 2019

    Camp A Way Campground

    Very nice!

    Very nice campground. Kid friendly with tons of activities. Nice pool & hot tub. Clean laundry facilities and they even have a dog park.

  • E
    Aug. 17, 2022

    Victorian Acres RV Park & Campground

    Great place!

    We only stayed here one night but would have gladly stayed longer. We didn't use everything but it seems to have all the amenities you might need - full hookups, propane, showers, laundry, dog park, play space for kids.

    We were pretty close to our neighbors but not so close that it felt uncomfortable. Staff accommodated our need for a late check-in and even called to make sure we knew how to get to our site.

    Really beautiful surrounding landscape and not too much road noise. Not sure if that might change depending on the site.

    All in all, a good experience!


Guide to Waterloo

If you're looking for pet-friendly camping options near Waterloo, Nebraska, there are several great spots where you and your furry friends can enjoy the great outdoors together.

Pet owners like the amenities offered at these campgrounds

Tips for camping with dogs near Waterloo

Pet-friendly campgrounds include these popular spots

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is the most popular dog-friendly campsite near Waterloo, NE?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular dog-friendly 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 dog-friendly camping near Waterloo, NE?

TheDyrt.com has all 88 dog-friendly camping locations near Waterloo, NE, with real photos and reviews from campers.