Looking to get away from the city or break up the long drive through Nebraska? Whether you’re a local who wants to reconnect with nature or a traveler passing through, camping near Omaha is an easy way to slow down and relax. From full-service campgrounds near you with lakeside views to campsites closer to iconic Omaha attractions, these are our best places to camp around Omaha, NE.
- Ashland RV Campground
- Elkhorn Crossing Recreation Area
- Elkhorn Shores
- Eugene T. Mahoney State Park
- Lake Cunningham Campground
- Lake Manawa State Park
- Platte River State Park
- Two Rivers State Recreation Area
- Walnut Creek Recreation Area
- Honorable Mentions
Our Methodology
Before putting together our top recommendations for campgrounds around Omaha, we compared dozens of nearby campsites based on online reviews and ratings, safety, amenities, and overall experience. Camping spots with clean, well-kept facilities, good access to the city, and a strong local reputation earned a place on our list for the best tent and RV camping in the Omaha metro.
Think we missed a great spot for camping around Omaha? Tell us which ones we should add to our list.
Ashland RV Campground
A great place for RV camping near Omaha, Ashland RV Campground has more than 30 large, paved RV sites with internet, water, and electrical access. Campers will find a wide variety of recreational options here—whether you’d like to stay active with fishing, biking, and disc golf, or you’d prefer exploring Downtown Ashland and other nearby attractions, like wineries, the Strategic Air Command & Aerospace Museum, and more. To top it all off, there’s even a dog park in the area for your furry friends!
- Perfect For: RV camping, small town exploration
- Google Rating: 4.8/5 stars out of 300+ reviews
- Why Campers Recommend: Clean; quiet; well-maintained; reliable WiFi; on-site laundry; modern bathrooms; great for pets
- Address: 1301 Ash St, Ashland, NE 68003
- Distance (from Omaha): 30 miles (35 minutes)
- Amenities: Private restrooms, private showers, internet, water, electrical access, laundry facility, dump station, sewer hookups (premium sites), fire pits, picnic tables
Elkhorn Crossing Recreation Area
Looking for an Omaha campground right on the water? Consider Elkhorn Crossing Recreation Area! This accessible campsite is a popular entry point for floating down the river and canoeing. When not in the water, visitors can spend time fishing, admiring wildlife, picnicking, and more. Whether you’re interested in RV camping or tent camping near Omaha, Elkhorn Crossing Recreation Area provides the perfect combination of practical amenities and fun things to do!
- Perfect For: Float trips, fishing
- Google Rating: 4.3/5 stars out of 80+ reviews
- Why Campers Recommend: Not crowded; playground for kids; disc golf, horseshoes, mini golf, fishing; perfect launch spot for tubing; picnic tables and fire pits at every site
- Address: 25198 Bennington Rd, Valley, NE 68064
- Distance (from Omaha): 25 miles (35 minutes)
- Amenities: Portable restrooms (no sinks), electrical hookups, handicap facilities, picnic shelter, playground
Elkhorn Shores
With riverfront tent sites, gravel RV sites, and glamping options, Elkhorn Shores caters to seasoned campers and newbies alike! Glamping tents make for cozy solo or family trips, complete with beds, kitchenettes, a fan, and a heater. No matter how you choose to stay, you’re sure to love the park’s mature trees and views of the river, which encourage visitors to unplug and appreciate their surroundings. Omaha campers tend to flock to Elkhorn Shores to go tubing, fishing, and sit around fire pits with friends. On select evenings, the park even shows movies under the stars!
- Perfect For: Glamping, tubing
- Google Rating: 4.4/5 stars out of 200+ reviews
- Why Campers Recommend: Friendly staff; beach access; dog-friendly; games, movie nights, and nearby soccer fields for kids
- Address: 233rd & West Maple Rd, Elkhorn, NE 68022
- Distance (from Omaha): 18 miles (30 minutes)
- Amenities: Portable restrooms, dump station, fire pits, picnic tables
Eugene T. Mahoney State Park
Considered a Nebraska staple, Eugene T. Mahoney State Park has everything you might need for a fun Omaha camping outing with your kids or friends! The list of activities to enjoy here is near endless— including a massive indoor playground, ropes course, waterpark, horseback riding, paddle boats, hiking trails, restaurant, and more. There’s even an observation tower that offers a breathtaking bird’s eye view of the Platte River.
Mahoney State Park provides nearly 150 campsites for RVs and tents, though campers can also opt to stay in a secluded cabin or reserve a room at the Peter Kiewit Lodge. This Omaha campground’s convenient location off I-80 makes it easy to reach, especially for travelers passing through Nebraska, though some campsites may experience light traffic noise from the interstate.
- Perfect For: Extended stays, cabin camping, beautiful views
- Google Rating: 4.6/5 stars out of 3,800+ reviews
- Why Campers Recommend: Many activities (waterpark, horseback riding, paddle boats, mini golf, zip line, disc golf, climbing wall); dog-friendly cabins with full kitchen, comfortable beds, and fireplace
- Address: 28500 W Park Hwy, Ashland, NE 68003
- Distance (from Omaha): 30 miles (35 minutes)
- Amenities: Restrooms, showers, full hookup, electrical access, laundry facility, drinking water, dump and fill station, fire pits, grills, picnic shelter, playground, snack bar
Lake Cunningham Campground
For high-quality RV campgrounds in Omaha, look no further than Lake Cunningham! Home to two well-maintained campgrounds with more than 80 concrete pads, Lake Cunningham offers top amenities to make your stay stress-free.
Sitting right on the water, there’s no shortage of outdoor recreation opportunities to enjoy here—from fishing, sail boating, and kayaking to hiking, biking, disc golf, and more. Lake Cunningham even hosts fun events for campers of all ages, including concerts, fishing outings, seasonal celebrations, and Saturday night meet-and-greets with bingo, live music, and s’mores!
Campers should also plan for roughly $15 in additional fees, which aren’t clearly listed when booking online but are part of the park’s standard charges.
- Perfect For: RV camping, outdoor recreation
- Google Rating: 4.4/5 stars out of 600+ reviews
- Why Campers Recommend: Immaculate bathrooms; accommodating camp host; beautiful views; walking and bike path; shaded and concrete sites; bingo, live music, and s’mores on Saturdays
- Address: 8305 Rainwood Rd, Omaha, NE 68122
- Distance (from Omaha): 10 miles (20 minutes)
- Amenities: Restrooms, showers, full hookup, water, electric access, sewer hookup, dump station, ADA-compliant campsites, fire pits, picnic tables, playground, concessions
Lake Manawa State Park
Just over the Bob Kerrey Pedestrian Bridge, you’ll find the beautiful Lake Manawa State Park. This is a great place to consider camping in Omaha with kids or a large group, as it offers amenities to suit a variety of hobbies—including sand volleyball, swimming, boating, canoeing, fishing, horseshoes, hiking, mountain biking, and even an 18,000 square foot playground!
The rushing waves and sounds of nature make it a great spot for unwinding with a good book, bird watching, or simply relaxing with friends. It’s also our top choice for out-of-towners who want camping close to the Omaha Henry Doorly Zoo and other must-visit destinations in Omaha.
Just know that shade and trees are limited here, and the road into the campground is narrow and potentially challenging to navigate for larger motorhomes.
- Perfect For: Camping with kids, boating and water activities, stay near zoo and other Omaha staples
- Google Rating: 4.5/5 stars out of 2,500+ reviews
- Why Campers Recommend: Huge playground for kids and littles; clean bathrooms and showers; plenty of room between sites; abundant wildlife; helpful camp hosts; dog-friendly; clear signage
- Address: 1100 S Shore Dr, Council Bluffs, IA 51501
- Distance (from Omaha): 10 miles (20 minutes)
- Amenities: Restroom, showers, dump station, water hydrants, trash dumpster, telephone, picnic shelters, playground, concessions
Platte River State Park
Known for its charming waterfall, scenic trails, and two observation towers, Platte River State Park is a fantastic place to camp in Omaha for those looking to get out and explore. While there are both basic campsites and full hookup campsites available for RVs, you can also choose to stay in one of the park’s cozy cabins, mini lodges, or tipis—or see what glamping is all about! Campers can spend their time canoeing or kayaking down the river, or hiking, mountain biking, or horseback riding along some of the best trails near Omaha. On top of that, there’s a nature center, archery range, and even a restaurant on-site for convenience!
- Perfect For: Weekend getaway, family vacation
- Google Rating: 4.7/5 stars out of 2,100+ reviews
- Why Campers Recommend: So many activities for kids and family (paddle boats, archery, splash park, shooting range, zip line, observation tower); waterfall trail
- Address: 14421 346th St, Louisville, NE 68037
- Distance (from Omaha): 30 miles (40 minutes)
- Amenities: Restrooms, shower facility, full hookup, electrical access, water, sewer hookups, ADA-compliant campsites, fire pits, grills, picnic tables, playground, dog park
Two Rivers State Recreation Area
Home to ten Union Pacific cabooses that have been converted into cabins, Two Rivers State Recreation Area is one of the most unique campsites near Omaha! Whether you stay in one of their vintage cabooses, hook up your RV, or set up a tent, you can take advantage of an array of great recreation opportunities here.
The open layout with minimal tree cover makes it easy to meet fellow campers and enjoy plenty of sunshine, though it also means you’ll be close to your neighbors and hear the lively energy that comes with a popular camping location. After spending the day swimming in the lake or river, hunting, or fishing, you can head back to your campsite to grill up dinner and unwind by the fire pit as the park buzzes with evening activity.
- Perfect For: Equestrian camping, authentic camping experience
- Google Rating: 4.4/5 stars out of 1,000+ reviews
- Why Campers Recommend: Unique caboose cabins; redone dump station; plenty of available campsites for last-minute stays; swimming lake; great fishing; dog-friendly
- Address: 27702 F St, Waterloo, NE 68069
- Distance (from Omaha): 25 miles (30 minutes)
- Amenities: Restrooms, showers, drinking water, dump station, electrical hookups, comfort station, fire pits, grills, picnic area, playground
Walnut Creek Recreation Area
Just a 30-minute drive from Downtown Omaha, 450-acre Walnut Creek Recreation Area is a dog-friendly park with a wide variety of things to do. Most notably, campers appreciate this spot for its waterfront access, allowing for fishing and boating. In addition to its many paved RV sites, Walnut Creek Recreation Area provides playgrounds, a pickleball court, and miles of trails, making it a perfect Omaha campground for visitors of all ages! And the camp’s hidden gem is an off-leash dog swimming area outfitted with pet water fountains for your four-legged companion to burn off energy.
- Perfect For: Weekend getaway, boating, lakeside camping
- Google Rating: 4.6/5 stars out of 1,400+ reviews
- Why Campers Recommend: Well-kept; nearby cross-country trails and pickleball courts; shaded sites; dog-friendly with off-leash swimming area and water fountains for pets
- Address: 11601 S 96th St, Papillion, NE 68046
- Distance (from Omaha): 15 miles (30 minutes)
- Amenities: Restrooms, electrical access, water, dump station, picnic shelters, playground
Honorable Mentions
Open to traveling a little further outside the city or simply want to explore other great campgrounds near Omaha, Nebraska? Here are some more of the best campsites around Omaha.
- Hitchcock Nature Center (Honey Creek, IA)
- Indian Cave State Park (Shubert, NE)
- Louisville State Recreation Area (Louisville, NE)
- Ponca State Park (Ponca, NE)
- West Omaha KOA (Gretna, NE)
To find more adventures in Omaha, explore other fun things to do near you from Hurrdat ONE!
