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Map showing campground location near Valparaiso, Nebraska
Camper submitted image from Wildwood LakeView 28 Photos
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Wildwood Lake

6 ReviewsAdd Review

Within Wildwood Wildlife Management Area, this Nebraska Game and Parks Commission campground sits along a small lake north of Lincoln. Free camping draws both overnight visitors and local day users who come primarily for fishing and boating access.

The campground consists of informal sites with fire rings scattered around grassy areas near the lake, plus additional walk-in spots accessible via a trail that circles the water. Two vault toilets serve both access areas, and campers find trash service and drinking water available. Reviews consistently mention the mix of drive-up sites close to the main access area and more secluded walk-in options along the quieter side of the lake. The area accommodates RVs and tents, though sites lack hookups and defined boundaries.

Local activity centers heavily on the water, with boat launches, small piers, and a loading dock drawing steady use during warmer months. Several campers note that fishing and boating activity continues well into evening hours, and the area serves as a popular local gathering spot. "Boats stayed out on the water well after dark," Tommy S. observed during a midweek stay.

The campground works well for anglers and those comfortable with active day-use areas, though campers seeking solitude may prefer the walk-in sites away from the main access points. For additional camping options in the region, visitors can explore campgrounds near Valparaiso.

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Map & DirectionsWildwood Lake is located in Nebraska near Valparaiso

Detail location of campground
Public Campground

Coordinates

41.03620712 N
96.84043355 W

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Connectivity

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    T-Mobile5G
    Excellent Coverage
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    Verizon5G
    Excellent Coverage
  • signal strength bars
    AT&TLTE
    Some Coverage

Connectivity

Presented byT-MobileT-Mobile is introducing T-Satellite to extend coverage in the outdoorsLearn More
  • signal strength bars
    T-Mobile5G
    Excellent Coverage
  • signal strength bars
    Verizon5G
    Excellent Coverage
  • signal strength bars
    AT&TLTE
    Some Coverage

Access

  • Drive-In
    Park next to your site
  • Walk-In
    Park in a lot, walk to your site.
  • Boat-In
    Sites accessible by watercraft.

Site Types

  • Tent Sites
  • RV Sites
  • Standard (Tent/RV)
  • Group

Features

For Campers

  • ADA Access
  • Trash
  • Picnic Table
  • Firewood Available
  • Phone Service
  • Drinking Water
  • Toilets
  • Pets
  • Fires

For Vehicles

  • Pull-Through Sites
  • Big Rig Friendly

FREE established camping

Enjoy camping on government land. Limited or no services at this camping area.

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Reviews6 Camper Reviews - Wildwood Lake

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5 Stars

4 Stars

3 Stars

2 Stars

1 Star

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50%
17%
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34%

3.0

out of 5

6 Reviews

Guests commonly noted well-maintained vault toilets but limited amenities overall. Many visitors reported noise from locals and significant trash issues, though some found quieter, secluded spots around the lake.

Reviewed Jun. 15, 2026

Good dispersed camping

Very pretty camping area. Fun hiking trail around the whole place. It's probably good fishing if you have a boat but a very weed heavy lake.

Sitesouth side
Month of VisitMay
  • Review photo of Wildwood Lake by Sean G., June 15, 2026
  • Review photo of Wildwood Lake by Sean G., June 15, 2026
  • Review photo of Wildwood Lake by Sean G., June 15, 2026
  • (6) View All
Reviewed Aug. 29, 2024

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.

Month of VisitJuly
Reviewed Feb. 2, 2023

Great overnight stop over

Pulled in fairly late. No problem finding a spot in the dark. The place was pretty empty due to the cold weather I'm sure. Bathroom was clean and stocked, local police drove through but did not impose, and dumpster available for trash

Month of VisitJanuary
  • Review photo of Wildwood Lake by Josh W., February 2, 2023
  • Review photo of Wildwood Lake by Josh W., February 2, 2023
  • Review photo of Wildwood Lake by Josh W., February 2, 2023
Reviewed May. 13, 2021

Camping without the city life

This is is by far one of the this small town  girls favorite places to camp the outhouses are well kept there's plenty of seclusion beautiful views the only thing that keeps me from giving it a five-star rating is there's no running water

SiteAccess Rd 2
Month of VisitMay
  • Review photo of Wildwood Lake by Becky D., May 13, 2021
  • Review photo of Wildwood Lake by Becky D., May 13, 2021
  • Review photo of Wildwood Lake by Becky D., May 13, 2021
  • (5) View All
Reviewed Jul. 12, 2020

local hangout/know where to look

The area is mostly a hangout for fishers and locals. There's a loading dock and small piers, and a couple of lawns with some campfire rings and places to set up a tent. Fishers and boaters were loud, and we were there on a Tuesday. Dozens of kids came to hang out on a bridge above the water, jumping off the bridge occasionally, and making quite a commotion. No alcohol is allowed but they clearly had coolers full of beer. You are also not allowed to swim. I was surprised park services didn't shoo them away. 

However, if you follow the trail to the right over the bridge and around the lake, there is a wonderful path through the preserve. It is especially nice to walk around sunset. There are some sites, only a minute or two walk, on the water along this path. If you continue down the path for about 10 minutes, to the right, under a canopy of trees, was a neat secluded "campsite". There were probably more of these hidden gems down this way, along the quieter side of the lake. It's a decent walk from the car, so we stayed at one of the closer spots along the water. All of the sites had LOTS of trash. So sad to witness all the locals throwing their bottles everywhere, very careless people in this area.

Boats stayed out on the water well after dark. All in all it was not peaceful, but at night the fireflies were amazing, and it was truly the most diverse symphony of bird calls I have ever woken up to.

Month of VisitJune
  • Review photo of Wildwood Lake by Tommy S., July 12, 2020
  • Review photo of Wildwood Lake by Tommy S., July 12, 2020
  • Review photo of Wildwood Lake by Tommy S., July 12, 2020
  • (7) View All
Reviewed Oct. 14, 2018

Lovely Large Lake North of Lincoln, Free Camping, Great Fishing

this is a nice secluded NRD lake north of Lincoln. No real amenities and little to do in the surrounding area. This park is kept up better than most of the NRD lakes. It has vault toilets in both access areas. Nice fishing and nice boating, especially canoe or kayak.

If you need wheelchair access and love fishing, this would be a great spot.

NRDs are Natural Resource Districts, smaller than State but multi-county.

Month of VisitOctober
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  • Play button icon
  • Review photo of Wildwood Lake by Charles C., October 14, 2018
  • (8) View All
Showing results 1-6 of 6 reviews

Frequently Asked Questions

Where is Wildwood Lake located in Nebraska and how do I get there?

Wildwood Lake is a secluded NRD (Natural Resources District) lake located north of Lincoln, Nebraska. The lake features two main access areas, each with its own entrance point. It's a relatively quiet location away from major urban centers, making it a peaceful getaway destination. For specific directions, it's recommended to use GPS coordinates or contact the NRD office that manages the property for the most current access information.

What recreational activities can visitors enjoy at Wildwood Lake?

Wildwood Lake offers several recreational activities centered around its water features. Fishing is particularly popular, with multiple access points including small piers. Boating is available, with the lake being especially suitable for non-motorized watercraft like canoes and kayaks. There's a loading dock for boats and bridges that provide additional fishing spots. The surrounding area features open lawns where visitors can relax, and some visitors enjoy swimming, though facilities are minimal.

What camping options are available at Wildwood Lake in Nebraska?

Wildwood Lake offers primitive camping with minimal amenities. The campground has open lawn areas with fire rings where visitors can set up tents. There are no hookups or running water available, so campers should come prepared with their own water supply. Vault toilets (outhouses) are available in both access areas and are generally well-maintained. The campground provides trash disposal with on-site dumpsters. The setting offers secluded camping spots with beautiful views of the lake, making it ideal for those seeking a more rustic outdoor experience.

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