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.
52 campgrounds · Check availability for any dates.
Double Nickel Campground's pet-friendly policy welcomes dogs at tent sites, RV spaces, and cabins just minutes from York, Nebraska. Located off Interstate 80 in Waco, this family-owned campground features full hookup sites with picnic tables and fire rings where pets can stay with their owners. Prairie Oasis Campground in nearby Henderson also accommodates pets at all camping areas including their cabin rentals. Most campgrounds in the York area require pets to be leashed at all times when outside vehicles or camping units. Recharge Lake Campground offers budget-friendly tent camping with pets at just $5 per night according to recent visitors, though RV sites with electric hookups cost $14-15.
Camping with pets near York requires planning for practical needs. Clean bathroom facilities exist at most campgrounds, though amenities vary significantly between locations. Double Nickel provides the most amenities including a swimming pool, playground, and mini golf course where leashed pets can accompany their owners around the grounds. Highway noise affects several pet-friendly campgrounds in the area as they're positioned near Interstate 80 for convenient access. The bathrooms at Recharge Lake stay remarkably clean despite the rustic setting, though some campers report issues with biting insects during summer months. When tent camping with pets at Recharge Lake, campers should note that sites require walking in gear a short distance, and not all tent sites include fire pits.
"When I told the owner we had two dogs he put us directly across from the dog park which our pups really liked. Super cute touches around the place including bench swings at all the sites."
"Nice little dog park, putt putt golf and a good size pool."
from $45 - $75 / night
Check Availability"Bathrooms are in great condition, nice large area to walk your dog around to potty, very conveniently off I80 but not annoyingly loud from Highway."
"Close to I-80 but you can’t hear the interstate traffic. Owners are super nice and the dogs had a great time playing in the pond."
from $30 - $41 / night
Check Availability"Weather was pleasant..always windy in Nebraska."
"We stopped here for 1 night on our way through Nebraska."
from $5 - $15 / night
Check Availability"Great place clean facilities..heard a dog barking but.. kids ..dogs no issues here.."
"Nice quiet spot on a creek fed lake. Boat/fishing dock. Newly constructed restrooms on a concrete pad. Only one drive up spot 4 or five spots for tents on grass a short carry from the parking."
"There's a playground nearby and several walking paths as well as a restroom. these cell service was great and the camp even has free wi-fi provided by the city."
"Nice city park trail through the trees for a good morning walk. "
"Not far from the highway but not too loud. Lots of picnic tables and fire pits, space for tents next to the lake and below the dam (walk over the knoll behind the playground)."
"Arrived around 3 and no one here. Quiet, snow on ground. Dirt roads to get here well maintained and easy. Seems like there may be a path around the lake."
"Very close to fast food and gas stations! Would definitely stay again."
"The city park is a quick walk. Wonderful little site, be aware there is train tracks that run next to the park."
"It was a very quiet area next to a nice park. I ended up staying two evenings and I was the only person there for the first night and during the second night of a couple other campers arrived."
"Clean flush restrooms within walking distance. when I first arrived and saw the ballfields and pool I thought it might be noisy but by 8:30 pm all was quite. Donation suggested."
"A little hidden gem of a campground tucked off the interstate. Nice play park, swimming pool, ball fields for families. A few sites with water and electric for RVs."
"Small lake with a couple of paddle boats. Very peaceful and road noise not noticeable inside MH. Very good WiFi."
from $49 - $53 / night
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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.
This campground is set among the corn fields. The staff was super! The pool is cool and tucked away in the back. The store sold single local beers and was open late. They were slinging hot pizza. We stayed in an air conditioned camping cabin. Super close to the pool and bathrooms! 2 of the nicest fenced dog parks of any KOA. I would definitely stay there again if driving through.
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.
Popped in for a quick one night stay on our way west. Chose this place based on reviews on The Dyrt. It is mid week in October but it's so quiet, which we really like. Great pull through spaces with full hook ups and fantastic WiFi which allowed me to get some much needed work in. When I told the owner we had two dogs he put us directly across from the dog park which our pups really liked. Super cute touches around the place including bench swings at all the sites. Looks like the place could be great for families in the summer.
It is directly adjacent to the highway so there is some noise but it's not too bad. We actually felt it was quiet and relaxing.
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.
The staff is incredible! Super friendly and accommodating! The full hookups were great. Nice little dog park, putt putt golf and a good size pool.
Very nice campground. Kid friendly with tons of activities. Nice pool & hot tub. Clean laundry facilities and they even have a dog park.
The park is well kept, the sites have plenty of space to them so you don’t feel like you’re on top of someone else’s camper. There’s playgrounds and a pool, a dog park, basketball court and disc golf. The nicest park we’ve stayed at for sure.
We’d passed through this area a few years ago when traveling I-80 and noticed there was a campground(CG) and golf course here in Waco, NE. We added this CG to our list and finally got a chance to stay here. The CG is a little ways off I-80 and easy to get to. Check-in was quick and easy and we were led to pull through site 303 with FHUs. There are separate prices for weekdays and weekends. The utilities were at the center of the long gravel pad. Water pressure was okay at around 40 psi. We got 2 bars on Verizon. The sites here are decently spaced especially for a private CG. The CG was clean and well-maintained. If there were long-term residents, you could not tell. We were here over a weekend, so there were families and a lot of kids using the swimming pool, mini golf, and the large playground area. Each site, along with a picnic table and fire pit has a bench swing. There’s a decent-sized dog park on the south side and larger one on the north side. The CG has its own tornado siren plus an underground tornado shelter. There’s one cabin for rent. They also have a well-kept laundry room with 2 washers and 2 dryers. York has your main amenities such as Walmart. The golf course right next door is a deceptively tough 9-hole course.
Camping options near York, Nebraska cluster along Interstate 80 with both private and public facilities. Situated in the eastern portion of Nebraska at 1,640 feet elevation, the area experiences hot summers with occasional thunderstorms and cold winters. Most campgrounds remain open from April through October, though some RV parks offer year-round availability with varied amenities depending on the season.
Fish at Smith Creek Recreation Area: This free campground features a stocked lake where anglers catch bluegill and bullheads. "You can fish. Water is murky and seems to only contain bluegill and bullheads. We had a lot of bites but never caught anything," notes Bryan R. from Prairie Oasis Campground & Cabins.
Play disc golf: Buckley Park Campground offers an 18-hole disc golf course among other recreational facilities. "They have an 18 hole disc golf, tennis, volleyball, basketball, pool, and 3 playgrounds. They have really put a lot of work in this park," shares Chris H., who camped there in November.
Paddle boat on property ponds: Several campgrounds provide paddle boats for guests. "The pond has three paddle boats and you can fish," reports a camper at Prairie Oasis, while Shannon G. adds, "We also paddle boated around the pond" during their stay at the same location.
Golf near your campsite: Travelers enjoy convenient access to golf at Double Nickel Campground where Tony G. notes: "Next to a golf course that you can literally walk to from your site to play if you like this sort of thing." Another reviewer confirms it as "a deceptively tough 9-hole course."
Clean facilities: Many campgrounds maintain well-kept bathrooms even with limited amenities. At Recharge Lake Campground, Matt H. observed, "Bathroom was very clean and the space was well maintained," while another camper noted the "nice, clean and well lit" vault toilets.
Free camping options: Budget-conscious travelers appreciate no-cost sites. "Free camping with electric and a dump station I've ever been to," writes a guest about Streeter Park Campground, while Robert T. mentions Smith Creek Recreation Area: "It's $5 for tent camping, which is the cheapest I've ever paid, in the USA, the UK, anywhere!"
Family-friendly amenities: Double Nickel Campground earns praise for its recreational options. "Lots of things that keep kids busy. Outdoor pool, putt putt golf, play ground and more," writes Jared C., while Eric P. adds, "There are all sorts of games: Basketball, volleyball, miniature golf, Large Jenga, etc... Nice pool."
Quiet locations: Despite highway proximity, many campgrounds offer peaceful settings. "Very peaceful and road noise not noticeable inside MH," reports James R. from Prairie Oasis RV Park, while a Smith Creek visitor mentioned, "It was not far off the highway but no road noise. Great place for a free overnight camp."
Weather challenges: Nebraska camping means preparing for weather shifts. During a stay at Recharge Lake, one camper experienced "record high temperatures of 97°" while others report mud issues: "Nebraska clay very slippery sticky and heavy" after rainstorms.
Limited tent camping at some locations: Not all RV parks welcome tent campers. Prairie Oasis RV Park explicitly states "NO TENT CAMPING" according to Sue, who reports, "The owner was kind, but explained that he has not allowed tent camping for two years."
Highway noise varies by location: While some parks buffer traffic sounds, others don't. "It's just off the expressway. It's not too bad though," notes Eric P. about Double Nickel, while Jennifer K. found Recharge Lake Campground problematic: "Loud road noises keep waking you up... The trains are not in the distance! They sound like they're about to hit you!"
Biting insects present: Summer camping requires bug preparation. "Only problem we experienced at this campground were these small black biting nats or as Jesse calls them 'no see ems' because they are so small you can barely see them but they hurt! Oh and the flies were awful!" writes Heather C.
Look for playgrounds: Multiple campgrounds offer children's play areas. At Beaver Crossing City Park, Paul notes there's a "nice play park, swimming pool, ball fields for families," making it ideal for active children.
Consider swimming options: During summer months, pools provide relief from heat. "The campground is right next to the municipal pool. So you can swim also," writes Travis H. about Streeter Park, while multiple reviewers mention the outdoor pool at Double Nickel.
Pack for limited shade: Several camping areas lack natural shade. At Recharge Lake, Tarrah C. warns, "In the tent area there is 0 shade and not all sites have a fire pit," suggesting families bring canopies for sun protection.
Find pet-friendly accommodations: Most York area campgrounds allow pets with certain restrictions. "When I told the owner we had two dogs he put us directly across from the dog park which our pups really liked," shares Wendy H. about her stay at Double Nickel.
Check site specifications: RV sites vary significantly across York area campgrounds. MickandKarla W. report that at Double Nickel, "The utilities were at the center of the long gravel pad. Water pressure was okay at around 40 psi. We got 2 bars on Verizon."
Consider seasonal availability: Off-season camping offers quieter experiences but fewer amenities. "We visit this camp ground multiple times a year. It is a donation camp ground with electric hookup (30 & 50 amp)," explains Jared C. about Buckley Park Campground, which operates April through October.
Plan for weather contingencies: RVers should prepare for Nebraska's changeable conditions. "Convenient to hwy 80, Waco Nebraska. That means some hwy noise but it's Nebraska, it's flat!" notes Captmatt at Double Nickel, recommending ear plugs for light sleepers.
Utilize free hookups at city parks: Several municipal parks offer RV services for minimal cost. At Beaver Crossing, Christina A. found "easy water and electric hookups with different options for 20, 30, and 50. Optional free or donation recommended."
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular dog-friendly campsite near York, NE?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular dog-friendly campground near York, NE is Double Nickel Campground with a 4.5-star rating from 17 reviews.
What is the best site to find dog-friendly camping near York, NE?
TheDyrt.com has all 52 dog-friendly camping locations near York, NE, with real photos and reviews from campers.
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