Wagon Train Primitive sites

About 25 minutes southeast of Lincoln, Wagon Train Primitive Sites sits within Wagon Train State Recreation Area and gives campers a choice between 28 electric and water hookup pads and roughly 80 non-pad sites for tent camping. Walk-in, drive-in, and boat-in access are all available. Reservations can be made online, but self-registration at the camp entrance is an option for those who show up without one. Rangers have been known to check passes promptly, so arriving with your pass and camping permit already in hand saves hassle.

The non-pad tent sites are open and close together, which means privacy is limited and late-night noise from neighboring campers is a real possibility on busy weekends. That said, the area sits far enough from major roads that traffic noise is not a factor. A tornado passed through the area some years back, thinning the tree cover considerably, though the downed wood left behind is accessible to campers with a saw. Potable water and vault toilets are within short walking distance of the non-powered sites, and RV campers have access to a dump station.

The lake draws anglers after bluegill, channel catfish, walleye, largemouth bass, muskellunge, and more, making it one of the more species-diverse waters in southeast Nebraska. A 5 mph boating speed limit keeps motorized traffic low. Kayakers and swimmers use the lake regularly, with a sand beach and covered picnic area near the water. As Charles C. notes, "a mile-long hiking and biking trail is also found in the park." This campground works best for anglers, paddlers, and campers based near Lincoln who want a low-key overnight with water access and hookup options.