Cricket song and birdsong at dawn, the low hum of a residential neighborhood just across the road: camping at Walnut Creek Lake & Recreation Area has a particular texture that reviewers keep returning to. The campground sits on the edge of Papillion, arranged as a large loop with sites that are level, mostly concrete-padded, and spaced far enough apart to give each rig a workable buffer. Cell service is solid here on both AT&T and Verizon, which matters for campers who need to stay connected.
The setup is RV-focused. Sites have 30- and 50-amp electric hookups, but there are no individual water connections at each pad. Instead, water spigots are distributed at intervals around the loop, and Wayne F. sums up the tradeoff plainly: "No water hookups, but spigots are located throughout the park." A dump station sits near the entrance, which reviewers note is conveniently close to sites 43 through 45 given the loop layout. Toilets are vault-style. The listing notes showers, though at least one recent reviewer found no shower house on site, so it's worth confirming current amenities before arrival.
The surrounding recreation area gives the campground much of its appeal. A boat ramp provides lake access, and fishing boats are a common sight on the water. Paved and grass trails branch out from a trailhead accessible directly from the park road, drawing runners and families with strollers. Kayaking on the lake is well-suited to beginners. Birdwatching and wildlife sightings are frequently mentioned, with fireflies making appearances in summer. For campsites near Walnut Creek Recreation Area, this is among the most activity-rich options in the corridor.
Camp hosts are on-site and consistently described as knowledgeable and welcoming, particularly for first-time RV campers. The park itself draws day visitors and can get busy, but the campground loop sits away from the main traffic. Jake C. extended his stay from one week to the two-week maximum, citing the groomed trails and the camp host's local knowledge as the deciding factors. Nightly rate is $20, with a seventh night free after six consecutive nights.
The campground fills quickly, even on weekdays during warmer months. Arriving early in the day gives the best shot at securing a site, and the two-week maximum stay is worth knowing if an extended stop is on the table.
Description
The Walnut Creek Lake and Recreation Area is a 450-acre mixed-use recreation area with a 105-acre reservoir. The park is located south of Highway 370 and west of 96th Street The park has 2 entrances, 1 off of 96th St and the other a 1.5 mile farther south and 1.5 mile west on Schram Road to Turkey Road
Walnut Creek is unique, as it is a “pack in, pack out” facility. No trash service is offered in the park; you are responsible for removing any trash you generate during your visit, thus leaving the cleanliness of the park up to you, the user.
RV park - 44 electric sites (30 or 50 amp), city water available, dump station, 55 feet concrete pads, paved roads, first come first serve, $16 per night with a 2 week limit, 402-679-9889
RV Road Trip Guides
Map & DirectionsWalnut Creek Lake & Recreation Area is located in Nebraska near Papillion
Directions
Located south of Highway 370 and west of 96th Street. The Park has two entrances, one off of 96th street and the other a ½ mile farther south and ½ mile west on Schram Rd to Turkey Rd.
Address
9902 Schram Rd
Papillion, NE 68046
Coordinates
41.13464545 N
96.07523282 W
Connectivity
- T-Mobile5GExcellent CoverageVerified by 6 usersLast on 7/29/26
- Verizon5GExcellent CoverageVerified by 20 usersLast on 7/29/26
- AT&T5GExcellent CoverageVerified by 2 usersLast on 7/29/26
Connectivity
- T-Mobile5GExcellent CoverageVerified by 6 usersLast on 7/29/26
- Verizon5GExcellent CoverageVerified by 20 usersLast on 7/29/26
- AT&T5GExcellent CoverageVerified by 2 usersLast on 7/29/26
Access
- Drive-InPark next to your site
- Walk-InPark in a lot, walk to your site.
- Hike-InBackcountry sites.
Site Types
- Tent Sites
- RV Sites
- Standard (Tent/RV)
Features
For Campers
- ADA Access
- Picnic Table
- Firewood Available
- Phone Service
- Showers
- Drinking Water
- Electric Hookups
- Toilets
- Alcohol
- Pets
- Fires
For Vehicles
- Sanitary Dump
- Water Hookups
- 50 Amp Hookups
- Big Rig Friendly
Drive Time
- 15 min from Omaha, NE
- 40 min from Lincoln, NE
- 1 hr 34 min from Sioux City, IA
- 1 hr 51 min from St. Joseph, MO


































