The best camping near E.T. Mahoney State Park

Discover the most magical spots to pitch your tent or park your rig on your next E.T. Mahoney State Park adventure.

90% (5 reviews)

Find a diverse range of activities for the whole family at this modern Nebraska state park.

Popular ways to camp

Community favorites near E.T. Mahoney State Park

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Public campgrounds in the park
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Stay at a public campground in E.T. Mahoney State Park

Top-rated campgrounds near E.T. Mahoney State Park

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(712)

Horse Creek Adventures

23 sites · Lodging, Tents170 acres · Sidney, IA

Horse Creek Adventures is a 170 acre ranch that provides an opportunity for visitors to stay one night or several days to enjoy the land and area sights. You have your choice as to how you want to stay. Our "off the grid" cabins offer a special opportunity to camp with a roof. The cabins are extremely popular! Check out the information about them and then check the photos posted by quests and read their reviews to give you lots of ideas of how you could enjoy these one of a kind sites. Tenting is available all over the 170 acres. You can tent by the pond; on top of the hill, or in a valley. These sites allow you to "get away from it all" and let the stress melt away. We have tenting sites close to a road to give you flexibility to see local attractions while enjoying the whole 170 acres. The land is part of the famous Loess Hills. There are hilltops to take in the breath taking views and valleys surrounded by trees. A pond full of trophy sized bass , catch and release, no license required. Wildlife abounds including a wide variety of birds. We have been described by avid birders as a rich place for birding. The area is rich with history-Lewis and Clark; French Canadian trappers and their Lakota wives established French Villages; Mormons came through here on the way to Utah; Jesse James played cards. Waubonsie State Park is close with hiking trails and seven miles of Horse trails. At night you can use a portable corral to have your horse close. End the day around a campfire, look at the stars and the lightening bugs and be serenaded to sleep by the coyotes and whip-poor-wills Enjoy !!

99%

(72)

Cottonwood Creek Camp

2 sites · RVs, Tents5 acres · Lincoln, NE

We have a 5 acre suburban paradise that is quiet, yet close to amenities. Located in south Lincoln near shopping, restaurants, and breweries. Our property has a small seasonal creek with walking path through meadows and forested area. Cottonwood Creek Camp has a RV site and tent site. This can be a peaceful place to stay 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 5 minutes away. Disc golf and mini golf courses 2 miles away. There is also access to the Lincoln bike trails via residential streets. Laundry is provided for an extra fee. Easy access off Highway 2 at the 68th/70th Street Exit, via Saltillo Rd. and then 56th St.

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(2)

BNR Acres Nebraska

5 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents10 acres · Eagle, NE

Nestled in a tranquil wooded area, just 3.5 miles from Eagle or 8.5 miles from Lincoln, our semi-private camping site offers a perfect escape into nature for those seeking solitude and adventure. Surrounded by towering trees and the gentle sounds of rustling leaves, this serene location provides an ideal backdrop for a restful retreat or an outdoor experience. The campsite features spacious, flat areas suitable for tents allowing you to immerse yourself in the beauty of the natural surroundings. Enjoy the convenience of access to clean water and fire pits for cozy evenings under the stars. The semi-private setting ensures that while you can connect with nature, you also have a sense of privacy to unwind and recharge. Take time to explore the walking trails that wind through the trees, perfect for birdwatching or simply enjoying the sights and sounds of the great outdoors.

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(82)

Little Rivers Edge RV Park and Camp

19 sites · RVs, Tents7 acres · Syracuse, NE

****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.

93%

(38)

Omaha Campsite

2 sites · RVs, Tents3 acres · Ashland, NE

Small family campground (35 feet or less in length) near Omaha Nebraska with interstate access (I-80, Exit 426) offering extended stay site availability. Rural setting offers peace and quiet at the end of the day and a campground tailoring to the traveling professional. NO concrete all rural and natural with limestone roads. 50/30/20Amp service and water at all sites with weekly tank dumps if needed.

98%

(25)

Rock Creek Retreet Center

1 site · RV, Tent12 acres · Davey, NE

We have a very cool .5 mile nature trail that goes through an amazing tree line leading back to a viewing area with an amazing, magical giant Cottonwood Tree. Just completed a meditation labyrith that you'll want to catch around the time of a sunset! We also have chickens, horses, cats and dogs to visit while you are here. There is also an orchard, creeks, and beautiful sunrises and sunsets to enjoy! Not to mention the beautiful night sky! (Please note: The horses we foster are here August - May. They spend the summer at a non-profit kids camp in Ashland.) We also have a picnic table and campfire site for your use.

100%

(17)

Diesel Rodeo Production

4 sites · RVs, Tents65 acres · Nebraska City, NE

We are an active equine facility with indoor and outdoor arenas. We have 65 acres with a nice 5 acre pond that you can catch and release some nice bass and crappie. We offer plug in for larger campers or find a spot to pitch your tent down by the creek and unwind. We are located 10 minutes from Nebraska City

97%

(44)

Arrowhead Lodge of SW. Iowa.

1 site · Lodging1 acre · Council Bluffs, IA

This custom designed glamping lodge was a dream of mine for a long time. I wanted a place to go to unwind and be with one with nature. But! wanted it close to town so I do not have to travel far and still be close to the city attractions. The lodge backs up to a large hill--called the Loess Hills. Many deer, raccoon, possum and turkey call it home and so does a few pets of mine to include a mini horse and goat. They just love being adorned by new people. I think you will find this a perfect place for a good nights sleep. Learn more about this land: --Enjoy the deer setting amongst the tree's and nature. Hiking trails close by. Come enjoy a relaxing experience close to the city, the zoo and other attractions. MOST dogs are welcomed -- BUT need to be approved first! before booking. ADDITIONAL FEE REQUIRED> Walking trails close by! and restaurants. Verify with host before booking please. The bathroom/shower is located across the yard in the lower level of the main house. Thank you!

99%

(77)

Shepherd's Rest Goat Rescue

2 sites · RVs, Tents13 acres · 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!

The best camping near E.T. Mahoney State Park guide

Overview

About

Set about halfway between Lincoln and Omaha, this popular park along the Platte River offers numerous lodging options, from tent and RV sites to cabins and lodge rooms, in addition to an array of activities. Enjoy hiking, biking, and horseback riding trails, a driving range, mini golf course, sports fields, a theater, conservatory, two lakes, and a water park complete with a wave pool and water slides. Soar to new heights on a treetop ropes course, or climb the observation tower for stellar views. There’s even an indoor playground, rock climbing wall, and activity center for when the weather turns. The fun doesn’t stop in winter, when ice fishing, sledding, tobogganing, ice skating, and cross-country skiing take center stage.

Notable campgrounds

Best for water access: Lakeside Campground offers 49 sites close to both Baright Lake and CenturyLink Lake.
Best for families with kids: Little Creek Campground offers 99 sites, and is the closest to the playground.
Best for large groups: Located on a secluded ridgetop, 57 fully furnished cabins with two to six bedrooms have room for the whole gang.

Tips for snagging a campsite

All cabins and half of the modern campsites can be reserved up to one year in advance. Plan ahead and make a reservation online or by phone.
If you can’t get a reservation ahead of time, plan to arrive as early as possible to grab any remaining campsites available on a first-come, first-served basis.
If your plans are flexible and you don’t mind the cold, try timing your stay for winter. The campgrounds are open year-round, and there are still plenty of activities available.

When to go

The park is very popular over the summer. Expect large crowds, high temperatures, and lots of bugs. The Family Aquatic Center is open from Memorial Day to Labor Day, with reduced hours starting in mid August. Owen Marina also serves food and drinks from Memorial Day to Labor Day. Horse trail rides are available from May to October. The ice skating season typically runs from mid November to March, weather permitting. Certain activities are closed on Tuesdays and Wednesdays. Check ahead to avoid disappointment.

Know before you go

Only a very limited number of campsites have full hookups. All sites have electricity, a picnic table, and a fire ring. Water and a dump station can be found near the park entrance.
Owen Marina offers a concession stand and paddleboat rentals, and also sells fishing and camping supplies, sundries, and basic groceries. Pick up other supplies in nearby Ashland.
A fishing permit is required to fish. You can borrow fishing rods and reels for free from Owen Marina.
Alcohol consumption is prohibited during the quiet hours of 10pm to 6am.