The best campgrounds near Lincoln, Nebraska with wildlife watching

Looking for a camping experience near Lincoln, Nebraska that's perfect for wildlife watching? Look no further than Horse Creek Adventures! With over 128 options in the area, you'll have plenty of choices to find the perfect campsite. Whether you prefer tent camping, RV camping, or cabin rentals, there's something for everyone. Some of the top campsites in the area include Blackthorn Retreat and Blue Vista KS Lakeside Getaway. With amenities like potable water, pet-friendly accommodations, and trash disposal, your camping experience will be comfortable and convenient. And with activities like snow sports, hiking, and boating, you'll have plenty to keep you entertained. Plus, with average prices as low as $30 per night and options starting at just $15 per night, camping has never been more affordable. So pack your bags and get ready for an unforgettable wildlife watching adventure in Lincoln, Nebraska!

98% (322)

Top-rated campgrounds

Looking for a camping experience near Lincoln, Nebraska that's perfect for wildlife watching? Look no further than Horse Creek Adventures! With over 128 options in the area, you'll have plenty of choices to find the perfect campsite. Whether you prefer tent camping, RV camping, or cabin rentals, there's something for everyone. Some of the top campsites in the area include Blackthorn Retreat and Blue Vista KS Lakeside Getaway. With amenities like potable water, pet-friendly accommodations, and trash disposal, your camping experience will be comfortable and convenient. And with activities like snow sports, hiking, and boating, you'll have plenty to keep you entertained. Plus, with average prices as low as $30 per night and options starting at just $15 per night, camping has never been more affordable. So pack your bags and get ready for an unforgettable wildlife watching adventure in Lincoln, Nebraska!

98% (322)

Top-rated campgrounds

1. Cottonwood Creek Camp

100%

(115)

6.5mi from Lincoln · 2 sites · Tents, RVs · Lincoln, NE

We have a 5 acre suburban campsite that is quiet, yet close to amenities. Located in south Lincoln between Highway 2 and the city limit, near shopping, restaurants, and breweries. Our property has a small seasonal creek with walking path through a forested area and meadow. Cottonwood Creek Camp has one RV site and one tent site. This can be a peaceful place to stay for a quick stop off or even during Husker game-day weekends. We are 6 minutes from Southpoint mall which offers a shuttle to Memorial Stadium. Super Target, Aldi's and many other stores are only 5 minutes away. Disc golf and mini golf courses are 2 miles away. There is also access to the Lincoln bike trails via our residential streets. Laundry is available on site for an extra fee. Easy access off Highway 2 at the 68th/70th Street Exit, continue via Saltillo Rd. and then north on 56th St.

2. Shepherd's Rest Goat Rescue

99%

(87)

27mi from Lincoln · 3 sites · Tents, RVs · Pickrell, NE

Shepherd’s Rest is a non profit goat and sheep rescue located on 13 acres of land adjacent to the scenic Indian Creek. In addition to the rescue goats and sheep on property, we have abundant wildlife including deer, turkey, quail and red Fox. The camping area is private and cannot be seen from the house or road. You can find information and pictures on our website shepherdsrestrescue.com. Be sure to check the website for special events including goat yoga classes. We are excited to have you visit our special property!

3. Little Rivers Edge RV Park and Camp

99%

(128)

27mi from Lincoln · 19 sites · Tents, RVs · Syracuse, NE

*** 2025 Season Update *** As they have put new rock on the gravel road near the property, we are potentially looking at closing our season earlier than planned. This has covered up our previous dust control, which could make it more dusty than anticipated due to higher traffic for an early harvest this year. If you are still needing a place to stay but it looks to be unavailable up to November 1st, just send me a message and we can review options. I want to ensure a positive experience. - Devlin ****50/30/20 amp hookups at each RV Site. *** City life from Lincoln and Omaha can feel a little tight sometimes. Little Rivers Edge is a wonderful spacious campground for the perfect weekend getaway being only 30 minutes down the road. Just a mile outside of Syracuse gives you all the convenience of the town without any of the crowded feeling. So...light a fire and play in the river! We hope you enjoy our little piece of heaven and meet some friends along the way.

4. Magill Farms

92%

(39)

17mi from Lincoln · 2 sites · Tents, RVs · Seward, NE

This property is 110 acres all together. We have cattle that do visit the pastures but can be excluded if need be. Nice rolling hills with Oak Savannas in the low areas. Lots of great native wildlife and plants that bloom from early spring through late summer. In the Fall the leaves are amazing. There is a rough outhouse at the primitive campsite. No electricity but there is water and trash bins located at the farmstead. We do want our guests to be comfortable but this is definitely a rough camping site. You may also want to grab a beef package from us for your stay or to take along with you. Many items available for sale right at the farm. Enjoy peace, quiet, and nature at your own private 70 ac camp site!

Public campgrounds near Lincoln

Mature trees are abundant in Mahoney. Enjoy the small lake at Little Creek. Fishing and paddle boats are available here. Check the Marina hours for paddle boat rentals.

83%

(3)

Little Creek Campground

24mi from Lincoln · 43 sites · Tents, RVs · in E.T. Mahoney State Park

100%

(2)

Lakeside Campground

24mi from Lincoln · 31 sites · Tents, RVs · in E.T. Mahoney State Park

100%

(3)

Platte River Campground

27mi from Lincoln · 55 sites · in Platte River State Park

Stories from the community

B

Bradley

2 weeks ago

Tent

With kids

Weekend Trip to Shepherd's Rest Goat Rescue

Will return! Not for everyone, but great for us!!

Z

Zeke

2 weeks ago

Tent

Weekend Trip to Magill Farms

Had a great time camping here! Aaron was very attentive to any questions I had and more than happy to help

Christian

October 2025

16 ft car

1 night at Cottonwood Creek Camp

Aaron and Megan have a great spot in a really nice suburban neighborhood. The spot where I parked had plenty of privacy and the common area was amazing. I was able to shower, do laundry, and have a nice warm, quiet place to sit and eat. I would highly recommend this spot to anyone

D

Derek

October 2025

Tent

Weekend Trip to Cottonwood Creek Camp

Upon arriving I was greeted by Aaron and was felt extremely welcomed. We had great conversation and the property is serene and the amenities are top tier. I highly suggest staying here and would love to again as well. Thank you Aaron.

D

Donna

October 2025

32 ft travel trailer

With pets

3 nights at Cottonwood Creek Camp

Very nice neighborhood and wonderful space to park the camper. The bathroom and common area was very nice. The owner Aaron was very nice and informative.

D

Dustin

October 2025

25 ft travel trailer

4 nights at Cottonwood Creek Camp

The site was very clean, exceeded all my expectations of what I thought it would be. Was very easy to get in and out of. Was a very quiet neighborhood. Would absolutely stay there again.

J

Josh

October 2025

Tent

With kids

Weekend Trip to Little Rivers Edge RV Park and Camp

This spot is great! Very peaceful and nicely maintained, and the host is awesome to work with!! 10/10

Celina

October 2025

17 ft campervan

3 nights at Little Rivers Edge RV Park and Camp

Beautiful stay! If you want gorgeous sunsets this is the place to go! Devlin was flexible and easy to get a hold of! On hipcamp the bathroom is always something I'm curious about 🤣 so here's the info- it was one porta potty for the whole place. There are quite a few sites and a good portion of them were full (even on a week night) so you ended up sharing with a lot of people. There was no toilet paper, but I never messaged Devlin to let him know so that was not his fault, sharing with that many people means there's a high chance of no to so being your own. You should also bring your own hand sanitizer as there isn't any. They had some pretty walking trails down to a river. The river seemed low so it wasn't much to look at. The stay was near a gravel road and large trucks seem to barrel down the road so if it's dry you get a whole wave of dust blowing off the road so the best campsites are going to be the ones further back off the road. I can't remember if the map has the road on it but we were in site 6 and it was on the backside away from the road for reference. All in all a good stay, nothing crazy exciting but the lots were level and mowed and the host was clear and responsive, really what more can you ask for?

Adalyn

September 2025

16 ft car

With pets

1 night at Shepherd's Rest Goat Rescue

The camping spot was private and the goats were so sweet!

D

Diane

September 2025

35 ft travel trailer

With pets

1 night at Cottonwood Creek Camp

Beautiful area. Nice place for us to stop and take a breather and a wonderful shower. Their guest facility is beautiful. Aaron and Megan were great hosts

C

Chris

September 2025

15 ft campervan

Weekend Trip to Magill Farms

Exactly as advertised and just what I needed. Very peaceful.

S

Sharon

September 2025

Tent

With pets

Weekend Trip to Cottonwood Creek Camp

A wonderful place to stay, with thoughtful hosts. Everything is kept clean and attractive.

Joe and Lisa

September 2025

16 ft car

1 night at Little Rivers Edge RV Park and Camp

Great site for a quick overnight or a long weekend! Clean, organized and quiet. Devlin was responsive and supportive before and during my stay. Enjoyable stay!

Rebecca

September 2025

30 ft travel trailer

With pets

1 night at Cottonwood Creek Camp

Nice comfortable spot for our trip across the country! It was great having the indoor space to get a good shower and do a little work before getting back on the road. Had a little trouble with the direction from hipcamp but when we used the actual address, we got there just fine. Arrived in the dark and it was easy enough for our small rig to pull in and turn around to back up, but a bigger rig should just back in from the road.

Brittany

September 2025

Tent

1 night at Little Rivers Edge RV Park and Camp

Second time at this spot and it’s perfect ! Cozy and spacious

G

Gladys

September 2025

32 ft fifth wheel

Weekend Trip to Little Rivers Edge RV Park and Camp

This is my 2nd Hipcamp experience and once again very favorable. Devlin provided quick response to my few questions. We would not have found this jewel without being on Hipcamp. Spaces are spaced a bit more than most RV Parks. Had I read the descriptive I would have realized there was water for RV's at the entry, good electrical connection. Love the location, dark sky and quiet. If you enjoy gravel bicycling, plan to spend a few days in this area.

Linda

September 2025

Tent

With pets

Weekend Trip to Little Rivers Edge RV Park and Camp

The campground felt quiet and private. The 5 mph speed limit kept things safe, and quiet hours at 10 p.m. meant we could actually hear the crickets at night. My dog was welcome and had plenty of room to explore on leash, which we both appreciated. Overall, this is a great spot for anyone who wants a low-key, well-kept place to pitch a tent and relax. I’d happily come back for another night under the stars.

Paul

September 2025

15 ft travel trailer

With pets

Weekend Trip to Little Rivers Edge RV Park and Camp

Very responsive host. Very clean and spacious area. We loved it! Perfect little place to waste a day or two 🙂

J

James

September 2025

Tent

Weekend Trip to Cottonwood Creek Camp

Excellent campsite, quiet. The amenities were top notch.

M

Mary

September 2025

24 ft Class B

With pets

1 night at Little Rivers Edge RV Park and Camp

Devlin’s site is clean, quiet, and cozy. He let us check in late and was very communicative about our stay. I would highly recommend this spot if you’re passing through the Lincoln area.