Camping Near Central City, NE, US: 12 Best Campgrounds 2025

97% (59 reviews)

A small town with big-city amenities, Central City is well-known for its camping accommodations right on Platte River. Jump in the river from sandy beaches and campgrounds in nearby Bader Park, where tent and RV campers can set up next to electric hookups, showers, and six miles of hiking trails. For wildlife viewings of sandhill cranes, head to Mormon Island State Recreation Area, just a half hour outside Central City. Stay at state-park campsites that offer restrooms, electrical hookups, a shower building, a laundromat, and a campground host to watch the annual migration in mid-February. Then, head to the fishing piers or swimming lakes for a refresh. Branched Oak State Recreation Area features a choice of swimming beaches, equestrian trails, and boat rentals. Plan a longer stay at campgrounds inside the park at tent and vehicle sites with full hookups, showers, dump stations, water stations, and clean restrooms.

Popular camping styles for Central City

Top-rated campgrounds

1. DOUBLE NICKEL CAMPGROUND

97%

(19)

35 sites · RVs · Waco, NE

WELCOME TO THE DOUBLE NICKEL CAMPGROUNDWe're So glad you found us!About Our CampgroundWe Are Open Seasonally From April 15 to Oct. 18.We are a family owned and -operated campground in Waco, Nebraska. We take pride in our campground, and it shows. Whether you're looking for a restful night after a long travel day or a relaxing weekend with the family, we've got you covered!Most of our campground is pull-thru, so there is no need to worry about backing up. Got a big rig? No problem! We've got plenty of spacious sites to accommodate you, many over 100 ft. long! We offer all full-hookup (50/30/20) RV sites and grassy tent sites. AMENITIESWhat do we have to offer to our guests? Lots!-CLEAN restrooms, showers, and laundry. Friendly staff ready to assist. -Playground, basketball court, mini-golf course, pool, arcade, horseshoes, gaga ball, and volleyball! -Two off-leash dog parks-Fast WiFi is available throughout the park. -Trash pickup at your site. -Firewood delivered to your site $6 bundle and Ice, for $3 per 8lb bag. -Free coffee during office hours. -Themed weekends! -FREE crafts for the kids on most Summer Saturday afternoons and outdoor movies on Saturday nights. -A climate controlled recreation room available to rent for groups. -A large, underground storm shelter. -The latest in surveillance technology and license plate reader to actively manage and monitor our public spaces.-Gated entrances to ensure your safety.ATTRACTIONS NEAR THE DOUBLE NICKEL CAMPGROUND:Sandy Meadows Golf Course - Located right next door! Come camp and walk to the Waco Nebraska golf course!Smith Creek Recreation Area and Recharge Lake - Fishing only a few miles away.Lee's Legendary Marble Museum - Come find your marbles in York! Houses one of the largest marble collections in the world!Wessels Living History Farm - A wonderful living history and learning farm for all ages!York Convention CenterA LITTLE FARTHER AWAY BUT WORTH THE DRIVE!Henderson Mennonite Heritage ParkIndian Cave State ParkHenry Doorly Zoo in Omaha - One of the best zoos in the world!Arbor Day Farm in Nebraska CityBirthplace of Koolaid in HastingsHomestead National Monument of AmericaADDITIONAL THINGS TO DO NEAR DOUBLE NICKEL CAMPGROUND INCLUDE:York Area Children's Museum - a fun children's museum located in York, NEPioneers Park Nature Center - a nature preserve and wildlife refugeNebraska History Museum - a history museum full of cultural artifactsClayton Museum of Ancient History - a history museum on the York College campusThe University of Nebraska State Museum - a natural history museumInternational Quilt Study Center & Museum - modern museum with a numerous amount of quiltsLincoln Children's Zoo - Lincoln park zoo is fun for the whole family.LOCAL RESTAURANTSDon't feel like cooking? Many food choices within a fifteen-minute drive!•In Waco (Exit 360)•Hunters Bar and Lounge •One exit away in York (Exit 353)•Chances "R"•China Buffet•Golden Gate Express•La Cocina Mexican Restaurant•The Kitchen•The Iron Skillet•Applebees•Huddle House•Runza•Valentinos•Pizza Hut•Dairy Queen•McDonalds•Arby's•Wendy's•Taco Johns•Burger King

2. Ring Residence

98%

(50)

1 site · RV, Tent · York, NE

Learn more about this land:Acreage located north east of town. A few miles from the ball field complex, swimming pool, and more. Quiet space with peaceful views. Plenty of room for kids to run and play. Gravel roads to property. Can accommodate tents or camper(s). Willing to adjust as occupants need. Reach out with any questions.

97% (59 reviews)

A small town with big-city amenities, Central City is well-known for its camping accommodations right on Platte River. Jump in the river from sandy beaches and campgrounds in nearby Bader Park, where tent and RV campers can set up next to electric hookups, showers, and six miles of hiking trails. For wildlife viewings of sandhill cranes, head to Mormon Island State Recreation Area, just a half hour outside Central City. Stay at state-park campsites that offer restrooms, electrical hookups, a shower building, a laundromat, and a campground host to watch the annual migration in mid-February. Then, head to the fishing piers or swimming lakes for a refresh. Branched Oak State Recreation Area features a choice of swimming beaches, equestrian trails, and boat rentals. Plan a longer stay at campgrounds inside the park at tent and vehicle sites with full hookups, showers, dump stations, water stations, and clean restrooms.

Popular camping styles for Central City

Top-rated campgrounds

1. DOUBLE NICKEL CAMPGROUND

97%

(19)

35 sites · RVs · Waco, NE

WELCOME TO THE DOUBLE NICKEL CAMPGROUNDWe're So glad you found us!About Our CampgroundWe Are Open Seasonally From April 15 to Oct. 18.We are a family owned and -operated campground in Waco, Nebraska. We take pride in our campground, and it shows. Whether you're looking for a restful night after a long travel day or a relaxing weekend with the family, we've got you covered!Most of our campground is pull-thru, so there is no need to worry about backing up. Got a big rig? No problem! We've got plenty of spacious sites to accommodate you, many over 100 ft. long! We offer all full-hookup (50/30/20) RV sites and grassy tent sites. AMENITIESWhat do we have to offer to our guests? Lots!-CLEAN restrooms, showers, and laundry. Friendly staff ready to assist. -Playground, basketball court, mini-golf course, pool, arcade, horseshoes, gaga ball, and volleyball! -Two off-leash dog parks-Fast WiFi is available throughout the park. -Trash pickup at your site. -Firewood delivered to your site $6 bundle and Ice, for $3 per 8lb bag. -Free coffee during office hours. -Themed weekends! -FREE crafts for the kids on most Summer Saturday afternoons and outdoor movies on Saturday nights. -A climate controlled recreation room available to rent for groups. -A large, underground storm shelter. -The latest in surveillance technology and license plate reader to actively manage and monitor our public spaces.-Gated entrances to ensure your safety.ATTRACTIONS NEAR THE DOUBLE NICKEL CAMPGROUND:Sandy Meadows Golf Course - Located right next door! Come camp and walk to the Waco Nebraska golf course!Smith Creek Recreation Area and Recharge Lake - Fishing only a few miles away.Lee's Legendary Marble Museum - Come find your marbles in York! Houses one of the largest marble collections in the world!Wessels Living History Farm - A wonderful living history and learning farm for all ages!York Convention CenterA LITTLE FARTHER AWAY BUT WORTH THE DRIVE!Henderson Mennonite Heritage ParkIndian Cave State ParkHenry Doorly Zoo in Omaha - One of the best zoos in the world!Arbor Day Farm in Nebraska CityBirthplace of Koolaid in HastingsHomestead National Monument of AmericaADDITIONAL THINGS TO DO NEAR DOUBLE NICKEL CAMPGROUND INCLUDE:York Area Children's Museum - a fun children's museum located in York, NEPioneers Park Nature Center - a nature preserve and wildlife refugeNebraska History Museum - a history museum full of cultural artifactsClayton Museum of Ancient History - a history museum on the York College campusThe University of Nebraska State Museum - a natural history museumInternational Quilt Study Center & Museum - modern museum with a numerous amount of quiltsLincoln Children's Zoo - Lincoln park zoo is fun for the whole family.LOCAL RESTAURANTSDon't feel like cooking? Many food choices within a fifteen-minute drive!•In Waco (Exit 360)•Hunters Bar and Lounge •One exit away in York (Exit 353)•Chances "R"•China Buffet•Golden Gate Express•La Cocina Mexican Restaurant•The Kitchen•The Iron Skillet•Applebees•Huddle House•Runza•Valentinos•Pizza Hut•Dairy Queen•McDonalds•Arby's•Wendy's•Taco Johns•Burger King

2. Ring Residence

98%

(50)

1 site · RV, Tent · York, NE

Learn more about this land:Acreage located north east of town. A few miles from the ball field complex, swimming pool, and more. Quiet space with peaceful views. Plenty of room for kids to run and play. Gravel roads to property. Can accommodate tents or camper(s). Willing to adjust as occupants need. Reach out with any questions.

Stories from the community

J

John

3 weeks ago

42 ft travel trailer

1 night at DOUBLE NICKEL CAMPGROUND

Great host and easy check in. Very convenient to I80. Good place for a quick overnight for us.

J

Joseph

October 2025

10 ft travel trailer

With pets

Weekend Trip to Ring Residence

I spent one night with my two dogs, and enjoyed a quiet and peaceful stay. The property owners met me upon arrival, and were friendly and accommodating.

Gary

September 2025

22 ft campervan

With pets

Weekend Trip to Ring Residence

Very nice location out in the Nebraska corn fields. It is conveniently located just a few easy miles off I-80 and is easy to find. Hosts Lance and Amanda greeted us warmly and checked to see if we needed water. Amanda provided good directions for backing in and getting hooked up to the electric connection. The space is completely level and very quiet at night. It’s a great choice for those trekking across I-80.

Karen

August 2025

30 ft Class A

1 night at DOUBLE NICKEL CAMPGROUND

We only spent one night as a stopover on our way to Colorado. We got their after the store hours but after a text someone was there quickly to personally escort us to our spot and make sure we knew where everything was and all was good. Very personable. The grounds were very clean and well maintained. We got there too late to check out the mini-golf, but it looked cute. Good free internet service. We would make a point of staying here again if we were in the area.

Paige

August 2025

25 ft Class C

With pets

Weekend Trip to Ring Residence

Very private location, hosts were very friendly and helpful!

J

Jeannette

July 2025

Tent

Weekend Trip to Ring Residence

Great pit stop on quick road trip for CO to Mn. Fantastic sunset, quiet, clean setting. Perfect evening walk with the pup

H

Hippie

May 2025

15 ft pop-up camper

With pets

1 night at Ring Residence

Easy directions and I felt safe and my pup was able to roam freely 🤍

L

Lyndsay

March 2025

36 ft travel trailer

With kids

1 night at Ring Residence

We loved being on this quiet property. Plus there was some swings and lots of room for my kiddos to run and play. Great after a long drive. There was firewood and a fire pit available. We just ran out of time to use it. If we are going through again we will stop again.

J

Jonathan

December 2024

27 ft fifth wheel

Weekend Trip to Ring Residence

They were wonderful. the gentleman even helped my husband back up the RV correctly which it was dark so super helpful lol!!! Nice and quiet overall just a wonderful experience… oh and they didn’t Mind our barky three dogs 😂😊

R

Robert

December 2024

20 ft pop-up camper

Weekend Trip to Ring Residence

Loved this Hipcamp and will definitely return. Hosts were awesome and the views amazing. Was camping in the rooftop tent across the Midwest and had work issue pop up. Given the temperatures and knowing I would be working late into the night, I booked the bigger cabin to work in. The cabin itself was very warm and cozy and the views to wake up to in the morning were definitely worth it. In the -2 degree weather my tires lost some air overnight and before I left, the hosts were kind enough to use there compressor to put some air back into while we visited over some coffee. Really appreciated this Hipcamp and will definitely be back.

K

Kayden

November 2024

Tent

Weekend Trip to Ring Residence

I only stay here for about 8 hours just to have somewhere to sleep during my road trip. I’ll definitely be booking with them again on future trips. A little out of the way but I didn’t mind for the quiet stay. I felt more comfortable staying here than a traditional camp site(which I’m sure I would have been fine). Being at this spot made me feel more comfortable for my first time car camping alone. The spot and area around was clean and well maintained with decent space around the site. Thank you for the short stay. Definitely beats paying for an over priced hotel room.