S
Scott S.
Guide
GuidePine Campground - Merritt Reservoir
Great Host
The campground is really clean. We had a couple questions about checking in procedures. The host was super helpful. Excellent views of the lake from many sites
Best Campgrounds in Nebraska
Nebraska's camping scene spans from established state parks to scenic lakeside areas. Eugene T. Mahoney State Park Campground offers year-round accommodations including tent sites, RV hookups, and cabin rentals, while Platte River State Park provides additional options with yurts and glamping facilities. Branched Oak Lake State Recreation Area features tent and RV sites with primitive to full-hookup options across multiple campgrounds. The region includes several KOA locations with family-friendly amenities and a range of state recreation areas with waterfront access.
Most Nebraska campgrounds provide electric hookups, drinking water, and fire rings, though availability varies seasonally. "Most sites have laundry and showers, but some parks lock bathrooms in the off-season," noted one camper. Lake Wanahoo State Recreation Area and other locations maintain shower facilities and dump stations for RVs. Winter camping remains available at select locations including Camp A Way and West Omaha KOA Holiday, which operate year-round. During summer, temperatures can reach into the 90s°F, making water access particularly valuable. Many state recreation areas require park permits, and developed campgrounds typically charge $20-65 per night depending on hookup level and season.
State park campgrounds receive consistently high ratings for cleanliness and maintenance. Campers particularly appreciate Louisville State Recreation Area and Fort Kearny State Recreation Area for their accessibility and well-maintained grounds. Based on reviews from The Dyrt, visitors value the peaceful settings at lakeside campgrounds like Lake Ogallala State Recreation Area, which offers boat-in camping options. Urban-adjacent options such as Camp A Way Campground in Lincoln provide convenient access to city amenities while maintaining a camping atmosphere. One visitor mentioned that "Maskenthine Lake Recreation Area is one of our favorites with clean restrooms and showers, plus great trails for hiking or mountain biking." Train noise affects some campgrounds near rail lines, particularly those in smaller towns that offer municipal camping areas.
Best Camping Sites in Nebraska (515)
1. Eugene T. Mahoney State Park Campground
46 ReviewsAshland, NEWebsite+1 (402) 944-2523$25 - $485 / night
"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."
"We used to stop here as a midway point when driving to Colorado. We always stayed at the lodge for a night and had a pleasant time exploring the area."
2. Camp A Way Campground
31 ReviewsLincoln, NEWebsite+1 (402) 476-2282$35 - $67 / night
"A fun pass is require and costa about $10 but kids get ice cream, Slushies, water balloons for water wars included with that plus access to trampoline basketball, a nice jump pad, pool, indoor hot tub,"
"Next to highway. You can hear highway but that doesn’t bother me"
3. Platte River State Park Campground
31 ReviewsSouth Bend, NEWebsite+1 (402) 234-2217$35 - $340 / 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."
"Short walk in but a wagon is provided to help unload equipment. Picnic and fire pit near the teepee."
4. Streeter Park Campground
29 ReviewsMarquette, NEWebsite+1 (402) 694-6992"Nice city park trail through the trees for a good morning walk. "
"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."
5. Fort Kearny State Recreation Area
31 ReviewsKearney, NEWebsite+1 (308) 865-5305$15 - $30 / night
"Nice camp ground with helpful gate attendants, this Nebraska park represents the conundrum of many public campgrounds."
"Very nice stop, close but not too close to I-80. Quiet. Nice lakeside setting."
6. Grand Island KOA
30 ReviewsDoniphan, NEWebsite+1 (402) 886-2249"This campground is situated near interstate 80 and surrounded by cornfields, surprise surprise for Nebraska. Nice people, clean bathrooms and well kept property."
"The location is great and feels tucked away every though it isn't far from the highway. The staff were very helpful. I would definitely recommend!"
7. West Omaha / NE Lincoln KOA Holiday
29 ReviewsGretna, NEWebsite+1 (402) 332-3010"Very close to the Nebraska crossing outlet mall! 😊"
"The campground itself was fine and very convenient in location to vIsIt famIly."
8. Lake Ogallala State Recreation Area Campground
30 ReviewsOgallala, NEWebsite+1 (308) 284-8800$10 - $30 / night
"I stopped at this campsite on a cross country road trip from NY to NV, as I didn’t know anyone who resided in the great state of Nebraska. Talk about a total hidden gem!!"
"Easy access to campsites, clean shower houses, fun walking trails with great views of the lake! Fun boating and atv activities or beach day with the family!"
9. Branched Oak Lake State Rec Area
28 ReviewsMalcolm, NEWebsite+1 (402) 783-3400$25 - $35 / night
"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."
"The area is well known for being the equestrian camping area at one of the finest lakes in Nebraska. Pull through sites with full hookups, equestrian trails, and corals."
10. Hackberry Hollow Campground — Indian Cave State Park
25 ReviewsShubert, NEWebsite+1 (402) 883-2575$25 - $30 / night
"This is unlike any other campground in Nebraska. There are plenty of camping sites around the park no matter your style, even spots for horses! I prefer the hike in spots myself."
"Campsites are very green and there are a lot of hiking trails! It's just that, well, it is in Nebraska."
Recent Camping Photos in Nebraska
291 Photos of 515 Nebraska Campgrounds
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Recent Reviews in Nebraska
1970 Reviews of 515 Nebraska Campgrounds
- SStillRVWanderer ..
LegendEwing City Park
Nearly free small town camping with full hookups
The Ewing City Park campground features about 10 gravel sites that are mostly level. Each site offers full hookups including power, water, and sewer for$13 a night. What a bargain!
The sites are fairly close together, spaced about 10 feet apart. There was nobody else here during my stay, so there was plenty of room and privacy. Houses and farm buildings surround the campground on two sides, which gives it a cozy feel. The campsites do not have any shade. I could see semi trucks and hear some highway noise from my position in campground. There are no fire rings, and only one site had a picnic table.
There are no restrooms located directly at the campground. However, there are restrooms at the city park/baseball field, which is about a 5 minute walk. They were older but functional. That city park also has a small playground, tennis courts, and a basketball court. There is a cell phone tower across the street, but evidently it is neither Verizon nor T-mobile. But I had a good Verizon 4G signal with 100 Mbps down and 5 Mbps up. My T-Mobile signal here was poor, at about 1 Mbps up and down.
The downtown area is within walking distance and had a few businesses. There is a scenic, historical mural in town.
- GGary H.Guide
Oregon Trail RV Campground
Small, but quiet, with trees
The park is small, but there is a mature cottonwood tree on each side of each site. Water and electric posts are shared between adjacent sites, so every other (odd number) site has the sewer dump on the opposite side from the water/electric. Water and electric work fine. Sites are very flat and are pull-through. A nearby trailer contains one toilet and shower stall that are clean and functional. Part of the trailer is being worked on, it appears. Washer and dryer are in the trailer, but we did not use them. Very quiet and peaceful. Occasional trains go by but are a nostalgic sound. Dogs very welcome. Tracks are only 50 yards from site #1.
- AAnthony M.
TravelerHaworth City Park
Nice and Quiet
This is actually the Windsor Cove Campground within Haworth Park in Belleview, Nebraska. It is an older campground but near the river, walking trails, and close to all the amenities of Nearby Omaha (aprox. 25 minutes to downtown). I visited in Mid May and the park was about 25 percent full. The camp host is great and I would definitely visit again.
- DDawn C.Guide
Butte View Campground - Lake Minatare SRA
Peaceful During the Week
We are here on a Monday and Tuesday and one of 4 campers on this whole side of the lake. The sight is level, all sites are in the tall cottonwood trees, which is great for shade. Picnic table and fire pit with electric hook up. Would definitely come here again during the week. Have hear from locals it is a busy place on the weekends.
- SStillRVWanderer ..Legend
Neligh Park Campground
Quiet camping in the city
Neligh Park campground features level concrete pads with gravel in front of each site. Every site includes a picnic table along with electric and water hookups. There is an on-site dump station that costs$2.00 if you are not staying at the park. Camping is $15 per night. Some sites are reservable online, while others can be paid for when you arrive. The sites do not offer much shade as the trees planted around them are still small. The campground is in a quiet part of town.
The city park is adjacent to the campground. The city park has a newer, large playground, sand volleyball courts, and a walking trail that loops around the lake. There is also a community Aquatic Center on the premises that features a pool and a large water slide.
There appears to be a modern restroom building near the newer part of the park. There are a few fast food restaurants located a short drive away from the campground.
- SStillRVWanderer ..Legend
Dodge County Fairgrounds
Basic fairgrounds camping with great Verizon signal
Dodge County Fairgrounds has four or five spaces on grass. The ground is fairly level, but it is bumpy and rutted. When I visited in May, the grass was not mowed and was very tall. It was so bad that I was itchy after leaving.
There are bathrooms on site, but they were locked when I tried them. It wasn't clear how to pay for your site, I did not see a sign with instructions or a drop box. The nightly rate, according to the website is $30 which seems high to me for this location.
There are two playgrounds available, including a modern one and a really old one. There is a pool located nearby, but it was not open in May and I am not sure when it opens for the season. The fairgrounds is located next to highway 275 so there is some road noise, but I didn't find it so much to be bothersome. I had a very good Verizon signal here with 200 Mbps download on 5G.
There's really nothing within walking distance, maybe a gas station about 10 minutes away. I would stay here if I need a place to park overnight while traveling, but other than that I would skip it.
- JJohn D.
ScoutSpringview Recreation Area
Great spot for a weekend getaway!
The campground was very clean and the staff was friendly. Highly recommend for families.
- JJohn D.Scout
Springview Recreation Area
Great spot!
This was a wonderful place to camp. Very peaceful.
Guide to Nebraska
Camping in Nebraska offers a unique experience with its beautiful landscapes and diverse campgrounds. Whether you're looking for a peaceful retreat or an adventurous getaway, there's something for everyone.
What to do
- Explore the trails: Many campgrounds, like Bessey Recreation Complex Campground, have walking, Jeep, and ATV trails. One camper mentioned, “Have walking, Jeep, ATV trails all over.”
- Fishing: Campgrounds such as Long Pine State Rec Area offer great fishing spots. A review noted, “Good trout fishing from the stream.”
- Enjoy water activities: At Calamus Reservoir, you can rent boats and jet skis. One visitor shared, “Can rent boats and jet skies. Nice swimming and fishing spots.”
What campers like
- Clean facilities: Campers appreciate well-maintained restrooms and showers. One reviewer at Victoria Springs State Rec Area said, “The restrooms and showers are very clean and accessible.”
- Spacious sites: Many campgrounds, like Valley View Flat Campground, offer roomy sites. A happy camper remarked, “Nice big sites, you’re not packed in.”
- Natural beauty: Campers love the scenic views and natural surroundings. A visitor at [Long Pine State Rec Area] noted, “There are some fantastic trails to hike here, some great scenery.”
What you should know
- Noise levels: Some campgrounds can be noisy due to nearby activities. One camper at Bessey Recreation Complex Campground mentioned, “A little noisy during the day with all the ATV traffic.”
- Limited amenities: Not all campgrounds have extensive facilities. A reviewer at Keller Park State Rec Area pointed out, “This park isn’t manned by the State and it’s self-check-in.”
- Bring your supplies: Some areas are remote, so it’s wise to pack everything you need. A camper at Victoria Springs State Rec Area advised, “Make sure to bring whatever you need with you because there isn’t much in Thedford or Halsey.”
Tips for camping with families
- Choose family-friendly campgrounds: Look for places with activities for kids, like Bessey Recreation Complex Campground, which has a pond for fishing. A family shared, “Nice little pond to catch a few fish.”
- Plan for bugs: Be prepared for mosquitoes, especially in wooded areas. One camper at Victoria Springs State Rec Area noted, “It was very quiet other than the hum of the mosquitos!”
- Bring games and outdoor gear: Campgrounds often have space for activities. A visitor at Long Pine State Rec Area mentioned, “Lots of tall trees surround the camping sites.”
Tips from RVers
- Check site accessibility: Some campgrounds have tricky access for larger RVs. A reviewer at Long Pine State Rec Area said, “They are hard to get an RV into because of the slope and angle of the drives.”
- Look for electric hookups: Many RVers prefer sites with electric options. A camper at Keller Park State Rec Area mentioned, “This campground is in a decent valley. Thus, no signal.”
- Be ready for self-check-in: Some campgrounds operate on a self-check-in basis, so have your plans ready. A visitor at Calamus Reservoir noted, “All sites are electrical only.”
Camping in Nebraska can be a fantastic experience if you know what to expect and plan accordingly. Enjoy the great outdoors!
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the best tent camping locations in Nebraska?
What are the best tent camping locations in Nebraska?
Nebraska offers excellent tent camping options across the state. Branched Oak Lake State Rec Area is highly recommended with lakeside sites providing great swimming access. COE Harlan County Lake Hunter Cove Park features dedicated tent-only sites on Nebraska's second-largest lake, making it perfect for water enthusiasts. The park offers amenities like showers, toilets, playgrounds, and a boat ramp. For those seeking a more primitive experience, South Outlet Camping provides dispersed tent sites with basic amenities like pit toilets and fire rings in a peaceful setting below the dam. Look for sites with shade trees to help with Nebraska's summer heat, and consider locations near water features for recreation opportunities.
How much does it cost to camp at private campgrounds in Nebraska?
How much does it cost to camp at private campgrounds in Nebraska?
Private campground rates in Nebraska vary based on location, amenities, and season. Grand Island KOA offers full hookup sites at competitive rates with clean facilities and a mix of shaded and non-shaded sites. Lake North provides electric hookups with lakeside sites at reasonable prices, plus access to nearby convenience stores. Generally, private campgrounds in Nebraska range from $25-45 per night for basic sites and $35-60 for full hookup sites. Many offer weekly or monthly discounts for extended stays. KOAs and other chain campgrounds tend to be at the higher end of the price spectrum but provide more amenities like WiFi, laundry facilities, and organized activities.
When is the best season for camping in Nebraska?
When is the best season for camping in Nebraska?
Late spring through early fall (May to September) offers the most pleasant camping conditions in Nebraska. Many campgrounds like South Outlet Camping operate seasonally from mid-May through mid-September. Nebraska summers can be quite hot, making electric hookups valuable for RV air conditioning, as noted by campers at Karrer Park. Spring brings beautiful wildflowers but can be rainy, while fall offers cooler temperatures and changing foliage. Summer provides the most reliable weather for water activities on Nebraska's lakes and rivers. Winter camping is limited, with many facilities closing or reducing services. For the best balance of comfortable temperatures and full facility access, aim for the shoulder seasons of late May/early June or September.
Are there any state park campgrounds in Nebraska with full amenities?
Are there any state park campgrounds in Nebraska with full amenities?
Soldier Creek Campground — Fort Robinson State Park offers comprehensive amenities in northwestern Nebraska. This activity-packed park features hookups, shower facilities, and access to numerous recreational opportunities, though note that daily entry permits ($12/day) are required in addition to camping fees. Eugene T. Mahoney State Park Campground near Ashland is another excellent option with full hookups, modern restrooms, showers, and numerous recreational facilities. Many Nebraska state parks feature electric hookups, which are particularly valuable during hot summer months. State park campgrounds typically offer water access, well-maintained facilities, and recreation options like hiking trails, fishing, and boating access points.
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