Top Tent Camping near Waterloo, NE
Searching for the perfect place to pitch your tent near Waterloo? Find the best tent camping sites near Waterloo. Each tent site offers quick access to one or more of Waterloo, Nebraska's most popular destinations.
Best Tent Sites Near Waterloo, NE (9)
3. Preparation Canyon State Park
6 Reviews•44 Photos•62 SavesTen hike-in camp sites, each with table and fireplace, are provided in the eastern half of the park. Registration for the isolated and secluded sites are obtained by self-registration at the east parking area. Camping Fees are to be paid at the registration area.
- Pets
- Fires
- Phone Service
- Tents
- Dispersed
- Picnic Table
$9 / night
6. Pelican Point State Rec Area
2 Reviews•1 Save- Pets
- Tents
- Standard (Tent/RV)
- Trash
- Picnic Table
- Toilets
$15 / night
7. Loess Hills Hideaway
1 Review•9 Saves- Pets
- Fires
- Tents
- Cabins
- Standard (Tent/RV)
- Picnic Table
9. Lyons Park
Be the first to review!- Tents
- Drinking Water
Recent Tent Reviews In Waterloo
471 Reviews of 9 Waterloo Campgrounds
- R
Roberto G.
Traveler
Jones Pond
Hidden Gem
Very quiet and peaceful place I have been there few times and I never see anyone else around. There is no bathroom or drinking water so make sure you are ready for that. October is a very colorful time of the year very peaceful the pond for what I heard isn’t a good place for fishing but just a mile away there is a hunting park highly recommend it
- OOlivia B.Traveler
Little Rivers Edge
Amazing stay!
Had a great night here, the area is beautiful. Had to stop to admire the corn fields in the sunrise on the way out. Owner is lovely and kind. Electrical amenities are prime for anyone with an RV, but as a tent camper, I enjoyed our stay!
Pat V.
Ranger
Branched Oak Lake State Rec Area
Decent Place that needs Updating
We stayed here for a mountain bike race weekend. Nighttime is great for stargazing and they have pretty stellar sunrises. We enjoyed the archery range and took plenty of walks. The shower facilities need a lot of updating and the RV spots are pretty dated with narrow roads. We were glad it wasn’t a weekend with a full campground and we think it would be pretty hectic during their peak season.
- Pat V.Ranger
Lake Wanahoo State Recreation Area
Quiet and relaxed weekend
It’s been a few years since we stayed at Lake Wanahoo, but we decided to stay there over our anniversary weekend. The place is still great, and this time of year it was very quiet and peaceful.
I was able to fish at the lake, we used the trails for walking and biking. Being close to town allowed us to have a great anniversary dinner at a steakhouse!
We are definitely going to be using it more!
Lynn J.
Scout
Syracuse City
Perfect for a traveling camper
We stayed the first week in October. We were the only campers in the campground. We found 30 and 50 amp power pedestals. We stayed beside a pavilion with a water hydrant. The pavilion has several picnic tables and 20 amp outlets. It's in a treed area with a nice playground. The whole area is very flat. Leveling was a breeze. The entrance was a little bit confusing. There is a pay box at the edge of the parking box. The bathrooms were locked, but being self contained, we wouldn't have used them. I'm sure we will be staying here again.
- BB S.Traveler
Hitchcock County Nature Center
Meh, for tent camping
Stopped overnight in late August. Did not want to drag our gear up/down a hill to the tent campsites in the lower loop. Paid more to stay in the upper RV loop where we listened to a neighbor's generator all night. Pretty buggy. Showers/toilets okay. Note there are at least 2 railroads running nearby in the wee hours of the morning. Also, this is on the flight path for jets leaving (I assume) the Omaha airport. Not a restful night--won't be back.
- KKaren J.Scout
Platte River State Park
Just one night
If you don’t mind lugging your stuff to your tent spot, it’s primitive, no frills camping at its finest! We chose the closest spot to the vault toilets. There are only 4. It’s a bit off the beaten path but we got to enjoy the beautiful horses. Bonus!
Jason G.ScoutMilitary Park Camp Ashland Campground
Unimpressed
I planned an event at this military installation because of pricing and being a gated community. The prices are good and the overall area is clean but the reason for the rating given is below:
Due to this being a military site with a managed gate, ID or authorization roster is required...I submitted and got my roster approved within the allotted time only to find out that it was not shared with the gate guards so no one was being let in. The keys for each facility had issues like broken locks or no pin code given for the key system to even get the keys. The cabins are nice but not very well cleaned and the emergency phone number that is provided is a great feature although no one answered it.
If you find yourself looking for a venue for your event, pass on this one. Too much hassle for the money saved. I wish the state of Nebraska could figure out how to hire competent people to manage their facilities.
- CindiScout
Wildwood Lake
Goose haven
This lake and campground are inundated with geese. We kayaked and I noticed “things” floating everywhere in the water. Goose poop. It was gross. Someone had also smeared (likely) human poo all over the walls and floor of the outhouse. I’m not going back.
- SSarah Y.Scout
Wagon Train State Recreation Area
Noisy and insane bugs
We are avid campers, we are no strangers to all the things that come with camping including bugs. That said, the amount of mosquitoes here made any amount of time outside unbearable.
There was a lot of traffic through the campsite, not even people stopping to camp but literally just driving through, music blaring at 11pm.
And the GPS coordinates were wrong. They are closer to 40.63093° N, 96.57335° W
Wanda E.Scout
Victorian Acres RV Park & Campground
Great Place to Stay
We arrived later in the day finding our spot was easy. The camp ground staff were very nice and friendly. The grounds were beautifully groomed. They amenities such as showers and bathrooms were clean and decorated cute. It was quiet and relaxing. We were able to get a good nights rest before hitting the road again. We would highly recommend.
- CColleen L.Scout
![Camper-submitted photo from Lake Manawa State Park [Permanently CLOSED]](https://photos.thedyrt.com/photo/1260662/media/iowa-lake-manawa-state-park_b8602e60-0ab6-4481-9a70-3bd4837b30b4.jpg?width=327&height=200&fit=crop&crop=smart&format=auto)
Lake Manawa State Park [Permanently CLOSED]
Not great for tents
This campsite seems nice, but with blaring Omaha heat and no trees, the heat here is absolutely brutal. It was mid July and still 96 degrees at 7:00pm, so I ended up leaving knowing it would be too hot for a comfortable night sleep. Beautiful view of the lake and short walk to the swimming beach.
- AAmy S.Scout
Lancaster Event Center
Nice quick stop-close to 80
Pulled in late off of 80 looking for somewhere to sleep for a few hours. Quick, easy, mostly quiet as long as you don’t mind trains. Didn’t use electric but it was there. Happy to see 10-20 other campers, but not at all crowded.
Randall K.Ranger
Bluffs Run RV Park at Horseshoe Casino
Simple, easy and free
Great spot! Easy on/off. Was $45 for overnight with amenities.
We opted for the free stay which was great. Nice, flat parking lot with other rv’s and tractor trailers off to the side.
Slept great. Used the casino bathrooms and really liked it for a free overnight. Casino is fun too!
Would def stay here again. Felt very safe and well lit. Noise was minimal and only came from the tractor trailers. If I had parked at the other end I wouldn’t have even heard it.
Got take out from Modern Love to bring back. Molo is amazing - all vegan and most GF too. Never pass through Omaha without a visit there. Great way to end the night.
- WWes S.Scout
Memphis Lake State Rec Area
Nice simple campground
Don’t forget the day use fee it’s $14 a day for out of state and seven dollars in state A decent number of mosquitoes on my visit in July in the evening
- MMills C.Scout
Pony Creek Co Park
NOT affiliated with DYRT
Do not pay Dyrt to use this campground. They are not affiliated.
- SSabrina E.
GuideHitchcock County Nature Center
Amazing!!
We camp all the time at different locations, and I 100% recommend this campground! The hosts are so polite and helpful and they keep the place immaculate. Even the pit toilets were spotless and didn’t smell. The hosts went around several times a day collecting trash and even mopping the pit bathrooms. Camping here also gives you access to the playground and nature trails into some beautiful countryside. The only downside is bring several bottles of bugspray, the mosquitos are terrible!
Madison H.Scout
Arrowhead Park Pottawattamie County Park
10 out of 10
This was the perfect place for us — just passing through on our way out to Wyoming. This camp ground is awesome all around — especially for tent campers. Absolutely beautiful views of the lake and so many open camp sites even on the 4th of July. I wish we could have spent more time here.
- CC D.Scout
Eugene T. Mahoney State Park
Great stay passing through
Populated but spacious. Friendly staff. Lots of greenery and trees. Only stayed one night but the list of activities seemed great. Safe, relaxing place. Bathrooms and showers could use some work but I was happy for a warm shower after traveling so long. Highway and trains can be heard from a distance but I found it soothing.
AUDREY S.Scout
Weeping Water
Stopped for RV dump only
Did not stop to Camp!!, only dumped my tanks and filled up water. Wish I would’ve stayed. Looks like a very well done out-of-the-way and quaint park. $20 for dumping, or camping and dumping, seven dollars for tent campers.
- aalex R.Scout
Arrowhead Park Pottawattamie County Park
Perfect getaway
Perfect place to get away for the weekend. Grounds are clean bathrooms are clean. Shout out to Dave the park ranger for being very generous. We drove from Davenport to stay here for Father’s Day weekend and we will definitely be back. You also can tent camp right next to the water as well. Love it!
Michael M.Guide
Two Rivers State Recreation Area
Quick getaway to nature
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. Fun and quick trip if you’re in the Omaha area. My boys (4&7) loved it.
Jennifer T.TravelerBranched Oak Lake State Rec Area
Beautiful spot
We spent Memorial weekend here in 2022. We had to park in a designated parking spot and walk in to set our tent. The site was shady and came with a picnic table, fire ring and We were right on the shores of the lake. It was a beautiful and very relaxing to hear the waves, although the wind coming across the lake was mighty fierce and destroyed the canopy that we had over the picnic table. And the beating of the tent all night long was a little hard to get some decent sleep. But the area was nice and close to the restrooms and spacious campsites
Gabriel H.Traveler
Timber Point Wetland
Good for what it is
Small park with only 3 campsites. It has a hiking trail and a pond to do some fishing. Stayed for two days and would come back. Be wary though that there is limited availability
Elizabeth B.Scout
Pawnee State Recreation Area
Expensive and Dirty Bathrooms
Nebraska campgrounds are never that stellar in my opinion often right by the freeway, but this one was the worst. The location is beautiful but the restrooms were the worst I’ve ever seen. It costs nearly as much as a site in a national park with the out-of-state permit, and music was played at all hours by people without any recourse. The cherry on top was our vehicle being pelted with rocks when the person next to us started mowing at 7am.
- CChris A.Guide
Czechland Lake Recreation Area
Great first come first serve campground
This is a nice small campground that is well taken care of. We stayed at site number 8 which may be one of the more unlevel spots. The passenger side of our 5th wheel was about 7" lower than driver side and rear of fifth wheel was about 3" lower than front before we levelled out.
Pros:
-Well maintained walking trails that are perfect for dogs
-Most sites have 30 and 50 amp hookups
-Fire rings and picnic tables at most sites
-$18 a night for electric hookups
-Quiet
Cons:
-Some sites are very unlevel
-No water or dump station
Paula C.ScoutBluffs Run RV Park at Horseshoe Casino
Great Free Stop
We called the casino & they told us we could park in the lot for free. If you want electricity & ahowers, you can pay. We just needed a place to sleep as there are not a lot of campgrounds here. Highway was a bit noisy and a distant train was heard twice through the night. No one bothered us which was all we needed! Got a shower at a nearby truck stop. Big open lot with lots of space. Also had a dumpter I made use of (small bag of car trash).
Guide to Waterloo
Camping near Waterloo, Nebraska, offers a mix of nature, fun activities, and family-friendly environments. Whether you're looking for a peaceful getaway or an adventure-filled weekend, there are several campgrounds to explore.
What to do
- Hiking and Trails: Many campgrounds have great walking trails. For instance, at Eugene T. Mahoney State Park Campground, visitors enjoy “nice walking trails and facilities” that cater to families.
- Water Activities: If you love water, check out Branched Oak Lake State Rec Area. Campers have mentioned, “We were right on the shores of the lake,” making it perfect for swimming or fishing.
- Playgrounds: Kids will love the playgrounds at Platte River State Park Campground. One reviewer said, “The playgrounds are the nicest I have ever seen!”
What campers like
- Clean Facilities: Campers appreciate cleanliness. At Camp A Way Campground, one visitor noted, “The campground was incredibly clean and well landscaped.”
- Friendly Staff: Many campers rave about the helpful staff. A review for West Omaha / NE Lincoln KOA Holiday mentioned, “Super friendly staff. Pizza and wings at the office, delivered to your site.”
- Nature and Wildlife: Campers enjoy the natural surroundings. At Louisville State Recreation Area, one camper said, “The place is amazingly scenic and reasonably priced.”
What you should know
- Noise Levels: Some campgrounds can be noisy. For example, at Pawnee State Recreation Area, a camper mentioned, “With a large amount of active train tracks... this place is the opposite of peaceful.”
- Fees: Be prepared for additional costs. At Platte River State Park Campground, a visitor noted, “There is also a $12 park fee that you have to pay in addition to your camping costs.”
- Site Proximity: Campsites can be close together. A review for Camp A Way Campground mentioned, “It feels like this might be a spot where Husker fans camp on home game weekends.”
Tips for camping with families
- Choose Campgrounds with Play Areas: Look for campgrounds that have playgrounds. At Eugene T. Mahoney State Park Campground, families can enjoy various activities, making it a safe and relaxing place.
- Plan for Mosquitoes: Be ready with bug spray, especially at places like Hitchcock County Nature Center, where one camper warned, “The mosquitos are terrible!”
- Bring Entertainment: Keep kids entertained with games or outdoor activities. A reviewer at Two Rivers State Recreation Area mentioned, “My boys loved it.”
Tips from RVers
- Check Site Size: Make sure your RV fits the site. At West Omaha / NE Lincoln KOA Holiday, one RVer said, “Our back-in site had a patio, fire pit and nice patio furniture.”
- Look for Full Hookups: Many RVers prefer sites with full hookups. At Camp A Way Campground, a visitor noted, “It does have a small off-leash area for dogs.”
- Be Mindful of Noise: If you’re sensitive to noise, consider campgrounds away from highways. A review for Pawnee State Recreation Area mentioned the noise from nearby roads.
Camping near Waterloo, NE, has something for everyone, whether you're looking for a quiet retreat or a fun family adventure.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular tent campsite near Waterloo, NE?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular tent campground near Waterloo, NE is Saunders County Fairgrounds Campground with a 5-star rating from 1 review.
What is the best site to find tent camping near Waterloo, NE?
TheDyrt.com has all 9 tent camping locations near Waterloo, NE, with real photos and reviews from campers.