Camping options surrounding Waterloo, Nebraska span across both Nebraska and neighboring Iowa, primarily in the Missouri River valley at elevations around 1,000 feet. The region experiences hot summers with temperatures often exceeding 90°F and cold winters where snow is common. Most campgrounds operate seasonally from April through October, with limited year-round facilities available during winter months.
What to do
Hiking trails: Hitchcock Nature Center offers extensive trail networks through the unique Loess Hills formation. "The trails are well marked and easy to follow. I was very impressed on the hike in campsites. They already have a nice flat spot for your tent, although I'm a hammock camper. The views from the two south east campsites are amazing, looking over the Missouri River valley and the Omaha skyline in the distance," notes Aaron A. at Hitchcock County Nature Center.
Educational programs: Nature centers provide family-friendly learning opportunities. "When I think of 'nature center' I think of a stuffy little cabin with taxidermy. This site is far far more than that, with hiking trails, educational programs, a museum, event halls, and of course camping. Make sure to look at their events calendar, they have exceptional programs for all ages (and especially kids)," shares Lynn G.
Water recreation: Several campgrounds offer access to water activities. "Hitchcock Nature Center is north of Crescent, IA and just 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. This place has a lot to offer anyone. They have Nature education events, archery range, a handicapped accessible boardwalk trail, hiking trails, camping, etc," writes Pat V.
What campers like
Convenient urban access: Campgrounds near Omaha provide proximity to city attractions. "Essentially a parking lot with electric and water hookups, but only 9 minutes from downtown Omaha. Check-in at security window at Horseshoe. $40 weekday rate and $50 weekend rate. There's a building that has bathrooms, showers and laundry," explains Stephanie C. about Bluffs Run RV Park at Horseshoe Casino.
Clean facilities: Campgrounds maintain varying levels of cleanliness. "We stayed here 1 night while passing through. Easy access from the highway. The staff and other campers were very friendly. Large sites, many with trees. Well landscaped with lots of green space. A little Highway noise but not too bad. A nice spot to stay if you are in the area," notes Zach H. about Victorian Acres RV Park & Campground.
Seasonal advantages: Different seasons offer unique camping experiences. "As a family we go to Hitchcock a few times a year for the hiking and the archery range they have on-site. Both are excellent and a nice escape from the city! This spring/summer I am planning to take our boys for a nice hike in camp!" shares Pat V.
What you should know
Highway noise: Interstate proximity creates noise at many campgrounds. "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," explains Lynn A.
Reservation requirements: Some campgrounds don't accept advance bookings. "Yay: well tended and updated campground. You can camp all year (but I think they turn the water off?). Nay: no reservations (but supposedly they don't fill up completely?). Surprise: make sure you talk to the rangers!" advises Lynn G.
Site levelness: Certain campgrounds have uneven sites. "Brand new clean quiet campground walking distance from downtown. Site wasn't level front to back and the host offered to move us. We told her it was ok and after we step up she came back to check again. Very attentive and kind! Our site was the only one with a level issue but we wanted to be in the corner," reports Jen S. about Ashland RV Campground.
Tips for camping with families
Playground access: Some RV campgrounds near Waterloo, Nebraska include play areas. "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. It's a great place to stay when visiting family! We will definitely stay again," recommends Rebekah S. about West Omaha / NE Lincoln KOA Holiday.
Educational opportunities: Nature centers offer children's programming. "This is one of our favorite places to camp. It's beautiful and there's plenty of hiking. The campgrounds are a little way away from the road and more secluded so they're very quiet. You do have to pack your stuff down a bit of a steep hill. with the nature Center there is plenty for the kids to do. There's even a 1 mile hike on a boardwalk that's very easy," notes Karen W.
Swimming options: Pools provide relief during hot summer months. "My family and I have stayed at this great campground five times so far over the last three years. It is close to main street Ashland, which offers gourmet coffee, and a couple of restaurants. To entertain my kids (ages 6-12), there were several geocaches to find within walking distance, and the town has a splash pad and pool during the summer months," shares Andrew D.
Tips from RVers
Hookup variations: RV campgrounds Waterloo, Nebraska and surrounding areas offer different utility options. "This park was a nice find. It had a decent shower house and bathrooms. The park stayed pretty clean. The park was simple nothing fancy. The dump station was free. We made $15 per night. But on some spots it says it $17.50 a night. All camps for 30amps. Only 2 drinkable water fountains," explains Victoria S. about Bob Hardy RV Park.
After-hours arrival: Some campgrounds accommodate late check-ins. "Stopped late after a long 12 hour drive. I loved the simple self service process. We picked an open spot, paid, and parked. The facilities were impressively clean and well maintained," reports Abby W.
Overnight convenience: Several locations serve as transit stops. "This one was the nicest and cleanest campground we have been to yet. Everything was freshly manicured on the grounds. Everything was very clean and no trash whatsoever anywhere. Really nice pull through sites and we came in after hours but called ahead of time and had a note in the night box explains everything in detail on what we needed to do," shares Caleb L.
