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RV Camping Near Lincoln: Top Campgrounds & What to Expect

  • Jordan Concannon
  • Feb 8
  • 5 min read

RV Camping Near Lincoln: Top Campgrounds & What to Expect

Primary Keyword: RV camping near Lincoln NESecondary Keywords: Lincoln Nebraska campgrounds, RV parks near Lincoln, Nebraska state park camping, hidden gem campgrounds Nebraska, Lancaster County RV sites

Affiliate Disclosure:This post may contain affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases — at no extra cost to you.

RV Camping Near Lincoln: Top Campgrounds & What to Expect

Lincoln, Nebraska is one of the Midwest’s most underrated RV hubs. With rolling prairies, easy-access lakes, quiet forests, well-maintained state recreation areas, and a vibrant city full of museums, trails, and family activities, it’s a destination that blends nature and convenience perfectly.

Whether you're a weekend camper, a cross-country RVer passing through, or a family planning a longer stay, Lincoln offers a wide range of RV-friendly campgrounds — from popular state parks to small-town hidden gems many travelers overlook.

In this guide, you’ll find:

  • the best-known RV campgrounds near Lincoln

  • lesser-known hidden gems worth discovering

  • what each campground offers

  • who each campground is best for

  • travel tips, road considerations, and seasonal notes

Let’s explore the best RV camping options within 15–60 miles of Lincoln, Nebraska — and what you can expect at each one.

🌳 Mahoney State Park (Ashland, NE)

Distance from Lincoln: 35 minutesWebsite: https://outdoornebraska.gov/parks/ernst-f-mahoney-state-park

Mahoney is easily one of Nebraska’s most popular campgrounds — and for good reason. It’s a family paradise with year-round activities.

What to Expect

  • large, shaded RV sites

  • full hookups & partial hookups

  • paved loops

  • clean bathhouses

  • fishing pond

  • horseback riding (seasonal)

  • indoor playground

  • winter activities

  • water park (summer)

  • hiking trails

  • observation tower

Why RVers Love It

You get a big-state-park feel with close access to I-80, Omaha, and Lincoln.

Best For

  • families

  • weekenders

  • year-round campers

  • anyone wanting activities on site

🏞️ Holmes Lake Park (Lincoln, NE)

Distance: Inside Lincoln city limitsWebsite: https://www.lincoln.ne.gov (search Holmes Lake)

Holmes Lake doesn’t offer overnight RV camping, but it’s an essential day stop for RVers. Many travelers don’t realize how helpful a city-based recreation area can be.

What to Expect

  • plenty of RV-friendly parking areas

  • playgrounds

  • open grassy areas

  • beautiful lake views

  • picnic shelters

  • paved walking trails

  • fishing areas

Why Include It Here?

If you’re staying at an RV park outside of town, Holmes Lake makes a perfect day trip for relaxing, walking, or letting kids play during a long travel week.

🌲 Pawnee State Recreation Area (14 miles from Lincoln)

A local favorite for decades, Pawnee offers rustic beauty with large-water scenery.

What to Expect

  • multiple campgrounds around the lake

  • electric sites

  • some shade, some open

  • great fishing

  • quiet weekday camping

  • boat ramps

  • scenic sunrise and sunset views

Lincoln Local Tip:

Pawnee tends to be breezier than Branched Oak and has a calmer, quieter feel.

Best For

  • anglers

  • RVers wanting space

  • relaxed family camping

  • nature-focused travelers

🌊 Branched Oak State Recreation Area (25 minutes from Lincoln)

Branched Oak is the largest lake in the region and offers several campgrounds.

What to Expect

  • electric & non-electric sites

  • large playgrounds

  • marina

  • swimming areas

  • nature trails

  • horse riding trails

  • spacious sites

Why RVers Love It

If you want lake camping close to Lincoln, this is the go-to option.

Best For

  • boating families

  • large RVs needing space

  • big gatherings

  • pet-friendly camping

🌾 Stagecoach Lake State Recreation Area (20 minutes south of Lincoln)

Stagecoach is quieter and less trafficked than the bigger lakes.

What to Expect

  • electric sites

  • peaceful surroundings

  • kayaking-friendly lake

  • shaded areas

  • clean facilities

Why It’s a Hidden Gem

If you want to escape noisier campgrounds, this is one of the best picks near Lincoln.

🏕️ Bluestem Lake (Southeast of Lincoln)

Bluestem is another underrated lake campground — incredibly peaceful, beautiful, and great for small RVs or travel trailers.

What to Expect

  • electric sites

  • strong fishing

  • prairie-meets-lake scenery

  • quieter loops

  • good wildlife viewing

Best For

  • solo campers

  • couples

  • minimalists who love peaceful environments

🌅 Wagon Train State Recreation Area (just south of Lincoln)

A great alternative to busier lakes, Wagon Train offers a balance of natural beauty and accessibility.

What to Expect

  • electric sites

  • plenty of flat RV-friendly pads

  • hiking trails

  • a calmer lake environment

  • beautiful sunsets

Why RVers Choose Wagon Train

It’s close to Lincoln but feels remote — a perfect blend.

⛺ Prairie Oasis Campground & Cabins (Henderson, NE — 55 minutes west)

A classic Nebraska hidden gem, Prairie Oasis is family-run, peaceful, and perfect for quiet stays.

What to Expect

  • full-hookup RV sites

  • small fishing lake

  • walking trails

  • laundry & showers

  • cute cabins

  • friendly owners

Why It’s Worth the Drive

If you’re heading west on I-80, this is one of the coziest overnight stays you’ll find.

🌻 Sunny Meadows Campground (Seward, NE — 25 minutes northwest)

Located near Seward’s fairgrounds and city park areas, Sunny Meadows is well-kept, quiet, and loved by repeat travelers.

What to Expect

  • electric & water hookups

  • simple but reliable amenities

  • peaceful setting

  • close to Seward restaurants & grocery stores

  • flat, easy-to-back-in sites

Why Include It?

This campground is one of the area’s best-kept secrets—perfect for RVers who prefer local, small-town charm over big parks.

✨ Hidden Gem: Hickman City Park RV Sites (Hickman, NE — 20 minutes)

Hickman quietly maintains a handful of RV sites that many people don’t even know exist.

What to Expect

  • affordable nightly rates

  • electric hookups

  • grassy, well-kept spaces

  • next to a playground

  • walking distance to shops

Why It’s Special

Perfect for minimalist RVers and families who love quiet community stops instead of crowded campgrounds.

🌄 Hidden Gem: Double Nickel Campground (Waco, NE — 45 minutes northeast)

Just off I-80 but surprisingly peaceful.

What to Expect

  • pool (seasonal)

  • well-shaded sites

  • clean bathhouse

  • full hookups

  • dog-friendly areas

  • mini-golf

Best For

Families looking for playful, comfortable amenities without big crowds.

🦌 Hidden Gem: Beaver Crossing City Campground (35 minutes from Lincoln)

A simple city-run campground with a friendly small-town vibe.

What to Expect

  • electricity

  • water access

  • picnic tables

  • shade trees

  • quiet atmosphere

Perfect For

  • budget-conscious campers

  • overnight stopovers

  • travelers seeking peaceful, no-frills camping

🌽 Nearby Day Trips + Activities for Lincoln Campers

After settling into your campground, here are top local attractions (with links):

Perfect for families waiting out bad weather or wanting a break from the campground.

🌦️ What to Expect Seasonally Near Lincoln

Spring

  • lakes rise from snowmelt

  • muddy trails

  • cool mornings/warm afternoons

  • best time for fishing

Summer

  • hot days (80s–100s)

  • busy lakes

  • long daylight hours

Fall

  • perfect temperatures

  • beautiful color in the prairies

  • quieter campgrounds

Winter

  • many electric-only sites remain open

  • fewer crowds

  • peaceful, scenic mornings

Lincoln is truly a four-season camping destination.

📞 CTA BLOCK

Need a Pre-Trip RV Safety Check Before Camping Near Lincoln?

I offer:

✔ mobile RV inspections✔ new owner walkthroughs✔ spring & fall maintenance✔ water heater & furnace testing✔ tire & brake safety checks✔ propane leak testing✔ roof & seal inspections

Serving Lincoln, Omaha, Seward, Ashland, and surrounding areas.

📞 Call or text to schedule your Pre-Trip RV Checkup!

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