Our Guide to Camping in Nebraska

Nebraska is a broad and beautiful state known for its wide open prairies and fertile farmland. Offering abundant access to nature, camping in Nebraska is a time-honored tradition for both local residents and visitors from out of state. If you’re planning a visit to The Cornhusker State, our guide to camping in Nebraska is here to help you book the perfect trip.

The Best Time of Year to Go Camping in Nebraska

Fortunately, camping in Nebraska is a year-round activity. The summers tend to bring extreme heat, while the winters can be very cold. If you’re planning a trip during the summer months, you’ll probably want to book a spot near a body of water. It’s also a good idea to inquire about reserving a shaded site wherever you stay. On the other hand, the late spring and early fall bring cooler-but-comfortable weather, lower humidity, and fewer bugs – so you may want to consider a trip in May or September. 

Things to Know About Camping in Nebraska

1. Make Reservations Ahead of Time
   While some Nebraska campgrounds offer first come first served camping during the off-season, most will require booking in advance during the busy months. This is particularly important if there are certain must-have amenities that you’d like to secure – for instance, at many campgrounds only a limited number of full hook-up sites are available. The ReserveAmerica website is a great resource for researching and booking the specific type of site that you’re after.
    
2. Pack Sunscreen and a Hat
   Nebraska’s prairie land is beautiful, but it doesn’t always provide a lot of tree cover. Sun protection is your friend.
    
3. Purchase Firewood Within 50 miles of Your Destination
   Invasive species such as the Emerald Ash Borer have done a number on many trees in Nebraska. To combat further harm to Nebraska’s woodlands, the state asks that you only buy firewood locally. 

Our Picks for Best Campgrounds in Nebraska

From refreshing lakes to serene grasslands, Nebraska campgrounds have so much to offer. Here are some great locations to consider.

Elkhorn Shores Campground
Tucked along the shores of the Elkhorn River, this campground provides a relaxing retreat just 30 minutes west of Omaha. Summertime guests can enjoy a cool float on the river or simply bask in the shade of the park’s mature trees. There’s also no shortage of seasonal activities, including outdoor movies nights, a Renaissance Fair, concerts, festivals, and Halloween events.

Elkhorn Shores Campground features both tent and full hook-up RV sites. All campsites have a picnic table and firepit, and other onsite amenities include ADA restrooms, showers, a dump station, and walking paths throughout the campground.

Branched Oak SRA
The Branched Oak state reservation area sits on the edge of Branched Oak Lake, an 1,800 acre body of water. Land lovers and water lovers are both well-served at this scenic location. Multiple boat ramps and fish cleaning stations make watersports a breeze, while miles of hiking and biking trails wind through the area. In fact, Branched Oak even has a designated section where camping with horses is allowed.
 
Unlike some other campgrounds in Nebraska, Branched Oak isn’t too far off the beaten trail. Located just a 30 minute drive from downtown Lincoln, there’s plenty to check out near the campground. You can explore the Sunken Gardens, the Sheldon Museum of Art, or bring the youngest folks in your group to the Lincoln Children’s Zoo.
 
There are several different sections to the campground at Branched Oak – some of them offer more sophisticated amenities such as full hook-up for RVs, while others are fairly no-frills. Overall, the campground’s amenities include access to showers, restrooms, a playground, and a dump station.

If you’re planning on going RV camping in Nebraska, you’ll definitely want to consider the Louisville state recreation area. Located in the eastern part of the state, Louisville prides itself on being RV-friendly and has 223 sites with electrical hook-ups. The area around the campground is dotted with 5 sandpit lakes where you can enjoy sun, shade, and fishing. Non-power boats are also allowed, so be sure to bring your kayak or canoe. Swimming is permitted at one of the lakes, and there is a changing area located right near the beach.

While Louisville offers plenty of charm on its own merits, it’s also just down the road from Platte River State Park. On a daytrip to Platte, you can enjoy hiking, biking, and scale one of the local observation towers for a breathtaking view of the surrounding area. An archery range, guided horseback rides, and movie nights during the summertime are just a few of the other attractions at Platte River.

Cuzn Eddyz Campground
Cuzn Eddyz Campground is nestled in the sandhills of Central Nebraska and is the perfect place for a peaceful getaway from the hustle and bustle of daily life. A picturesque windmill display adds to the rural charm of this location, and families will enjoy the playground and baseball field located on site. In the summer, visitors can take a day trip up to Calamus Outfitters to cool off on a river float. The quaint town of Broken Bow is just a 10-minute drive from the park, offering guests local dining and grocery options.

This well-kept park features clean grounds and level, easy-access RV sites with full hookups. There are also restrooms, laundry facilities, and a retail store on site.

Bader Park
Located within walking distance of the Wood and Platte Rivers, Bader Park is a great place to enjoy nature – both on land and in the water. The park provides access to 5 fishing lakes, 6 miles of hiking trails, and a beach to stretch out on when you need to recharge. Offering a total of 50 campsites, RV and tent campers are both welcome at Bader. 
 
For additional fun in the sun, consider a day trip to the nearby city of Grand Island where you can enjoy the Island Oasis Water Park. Or if you’re looking for a break from the sun, check out the Stuhr Museum of the Prairie Pioneer and learn more about the region’s history.
 
Amenities at Bader Park include restrooms and showers, fresh water, and a dump station. If you’ll be bringing a vehicle with you to the park, Bader charges $7 per vehicle per day – or you can purchase an annual pass for $28.

It’s Time to Plan Your Trip!

Now that you’ve got a taste of what Nebraska has to offer, it’s time to plan your trip – and we’re here to help. Book today on ReserveAmerica.