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Winter RV Camping in Omaha: Best Spots, Activities & Safety Tips

  • Jordan Concannon
  • 5 days ago
  • 6 min read

Your complete guide to cold-weather camping in the Omaha metro — where to stay, what to do, and how to stay safe.


Heads up! Some links in this post are affiliate links, which means I may earn a small commission if you make a purchase — at no additional cost to you. I only share products I truly believe add value to your RV life.



Photo of a RV Park Closed sign outside of the Walnut Creek Recreation Area Campground in Papillion, NE
Do you know which Nebraska campgrounds are open or closed during the winter? That knowledge can help you plan a safe and warm camping trip.

Winter RV camping in Omaha is not just possible — it’s peaceful, affordable, quiet, and full of its own beauty.Snow on the river trails, sunrise frost on the fields, quiet campgrounds, and lower nightly rates make winter one of the best hidden seasons for Nebraska RVers.


But…

Winter in the Midwest also brings:

  • freezing temps

  • surprise storms

  • frozen water lines

  • campground closures

  • limited amenities


And that’s why planning matters.


This guide gives you the best winter-open campgrounds, the ones that close, fun Omaha winter activities, plus essential safety and RV system tips for camping in freezing temperatures.



❄️ Which Omaha Campgrounds Are OPEN During Winter?


Most state recreation areas around Omaha close or partially close, but a handful of campgrounds stay open year-round.


Below is the most accurate breakdown for winter 2025–2026, based on park announcements, seasonal notices, and direct inquiries.


⭐ OPEN YEAR-ROUND (Full Winter Access)

1. Haworth Park – Bellevue, NE

Status: Open year-round

Hookups: Electric, water (seasonally), dump station

Notes: Water is typically shut off after late October. Electric remains available. Fantastic access to the Missouri River and trail systems.


Why it’s good for winter:

  • large flat sites

  • quiet off-season environment

  • easy in/out for big rigs

  • affordable rates


2. West Omaha / NE Lincoln KOA Journey (Louisville, NE)

Status: Select sites open year-round

Hookups: Electric; water available only at frost-free spigots (check ahead)

Notes: Have a full shower house, a brand new huge addition of >100 sites, and are easy access to a number of shopping malls, grocery stores, interstate i-80, and recreation parks.


Why it’s good for winter:

  • heated bathrooms depending on staffing

  • winter RV support

  • easy highway access

  • great for overnight stays


3. Walnut Creek Lake RV Area (Papillion, NE)

Status: Partially open in winter - until December 1, 2025.

Hookups: Electric only

Notes: Water is shut off seasonally. Trails remain open.


Why it’s good for winter:

  • peaceful lake views

  • paved roads

  • strong cell service

  • quick access to Papillion & Omaha


⭐ OPEN BUT LIMITED (Check Ahead)


These areas do not fully “close,” but they shut off most water hookups and limit services.


5. Platte River State Park (Louisville, NE)

Status: Campgrounds remain open with limited service

Hookups: Electric only

Notes: Comfort stations closed; vault toilets available.


Why it’s good for winter:

  • beautiful wooded landscape

  • winter hiking and photography

  • calm and quiet off-season


6. Fort Atkinson State Historical Park RV Area (Fort Calhoun, NE)

Status: Open with limitations

Hookups: Electric

Notes: Water is shut off; vault toilets remain.


Why it’s good for winter:

  • scenic high-ground area

  • historical scenery great for winter walks


🚫 Section 2: Omaha-Area Campgrounds CLOSED During Winter

The following campgrounds typically close after late October/early November:


❌ Two Rivers State Recreation Area (Waterloo)

CLOSED: Late Oct – Early AprilWater off, gates closed.


❌ Mahoney State Park

RV campground closed in winter. Cabins/lodges remain open. They shut their water off over winter.


❌ Louisville State Recreation Area

Fully closed for RV camping in winter.


❌ Branched Oak RA (near Lincoln)

Most campgrounds closed; limited walk-in tent areas only.


❌ Eugene T. Mahoney State Park RV Area

Fully closed for RVs until spring.


Always check the official Nebraska Game & Parks site for updated seasonal closures:https://outdoornebraska.gov



❄️ Best Winter Activities for RV Campers in Omaha


Winter doesn’t mean boring — Omaha is full of unique cold-weather activities perfect for RV travelers.


⭐ Omaha’s Henry Doorly Zoo (Open Year-Round)

Consistently ranked the #1 or #2 zoo in the world.Many exhibits are indoors:

  • Desert Dome

  • Lied Jungle

  • Sea Lion Shores

  • Butterfly Pavilion




⭐ Mahoney State Park Winter Fun (Even Though RV Camping Is Closed)

Great for day trips.


Winter activities include:



⭐ Wildlife Safari Park (Open for Winter Drive-Thru Days)

Seasonal winter opening hours vary.



⭐ Old Market in Downtown Omaha

Perfect for winter evenings:

  • coffee shops

  • cozy restaurants

  • holiday lights

  • bookstores


⭐ Fontenelle Forest Winter Trails

Snowshoeing, winter hikes, bird watching.




⭐ Omaha Winter Events & Festivals

Depending on the month:

  • Holiday Lights Festival

  • WinterFest

  • Ice skating at The RiverFront and UNMC rink

  • Hot chocolate crawls



❄️ Essential Safety Tips for Winter RV Camping in Omaha


Winter RVing can be magical — but it requires preparation.

Here are the must-know safety steps to protect your RV and yourself.


⭐ Use a Heated Water Hose (or No Hose at All)

Temperatures in Omaha regularly hit 10–20°F during winter. A regular hose will freeze.


Recommended:

  • heated water hose

  • OR fill your fresh tank and disconnect your hose overnight


⭐ Protect Your Sewer Hose

Never leave your sewer hose connected during freezing temps. It will freeze solid — and burst.


⭐ Keep Your Propane Tanks Full

Furnace use skyrockets in winter.

Plan for:

  • 20 lb tank lasts 2–3 days

  • 30 lb tank lasts 3–5 days


(Source: Average BTU consumption estimates published by Suburban & Atwood appliances)


⭐ Manage Condensation

This is the #1 issue Nebraska winter campers face.

Combat condensation with:

  • a small dehumidifier

  • crack a vent slightly

  • use moisture absorbers

  • run your furnace more than your electric space heaters


⭐ Skirt Your RV (If Long-Term Wintering)

Skirting reduces heat loss by up to 25–40% in RVs (Source: Tiny Life Consulting Skirting Efficiency Report – https://tinyhomeconsulting.com/research-skirt-efficiency/)


Options include:

  • foam insulation panels

  • vinyl custom skirting

  • inflatable skirts


⭐ Use Tank Heaters If Temps Drop Below 20°F

Frozen tanks cause thousands in damage.

If your rig doesn’t have:

  • tank heaters

  • heat pads

  • enclosed underbelly

…then fill your fresh tank and disconnect all hoses.


⭐ Use a Heated Blanket or Extra Bedding

Furnaces cycle all night and burn propane quickly. Comfort items conserve heat and propane.


⭐ Drive Slowly & Watch for Black Ice

Nebraska roads — especially around the Platte River — are known for icy bridges.

RV brakes + ice = dangerous.

Plan extra time.


⭐ Keep Emergency Essentials in Your RV AND your car

Include:

  • snow shovel

  • traction boards

  • tire chains (if allowed)

  • extra propane

  • battery pack

  • emergency blankets

  • flashlight

  • winter boots

  • backup heating source



❄️ What Breaks Most Often in Omaha RVs During Winter?


Based on calls I get every year as a mobile RV tech, here are the most common winter failures:


1. Frozen water lines

Especially at:

  • outside kitchens

  • low-point drains

  • city-water connections


2. Furnace malfunctions

Often caused by:

  • low batteries

  • frozen exhaust ports

  • dirty burners


3. Cracked water filters

People forget to remove them before freezing.


4. Frozen sewer valves

If left connected.


5. Dead batteries

Cold severely reduces battery capacity.


6. Slide-out seal shrinkage

Cold weather exposes leaks.



❄️ Best Omaha Winter RV Camping Tips for Newbies


If it’s your first time camping in cold weather:

✔ Arrive early (before dark)

It’s harder to level and hook up in the cold.


✔ Run your furnace. Don't rely on space heaters (I have a whole other blog post on the safety risk of space heaters)

Furnace heat reaches the underbelly.


✔ Open cabinets at night

Allows heat to circulate around pipes.


✔ Keep your gray/black valves CLOSED

Prevent freeze-ups.


✔ Carry a second heat source

Electric heater, Diesel heater, Ceramic tower heater


✔ Don’t trust tank sensors

Frozen sensors read incorrectly.



❄️ Need Help Prepping Your RV for Winter Camping?


I offer winter RV inspections, pre-trip checkups, and cold-weather system prep across the Omaha metro area.


Services include:

✔ furnace testing

✔ propane safety

✔ water system freeze protection

✔ tank heater checks

✔ roof and seal inspection

✔ battery health test

✔ personalized winter RVing tips

✔ emergency troubleshooting guide


Mobile service — I come to your driveway or storage lot.



Stay warm, stay safe, and enjoy the quiet beauty of winter camping in Nebraska.

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