1. Smith Falls State Park
A short hike down the boardwalk trail brings you to the tallest waterfall in the state! Smith Falls is a 70-foot high waterfall that cascades down from the Niobrara River. You can view the waterfall from the bottom to get some amazing photos. Just above the falls is a popular take-out spot for tubers and kayakers who travel down the river from upstream. Several outfitters will coordinate bringing your gear and arrange for a 2-6 hour float (or paddle) down the river. Then spend the night at the Smith Falls State Park Campground which has 36 basic campsites for tent camping. There are restrooms and pay showers on site as well as a visitor center and concession stand.
2. Lake McConaughy State Recreation Area
Nicknamed “Big Mac” Lake McConaughy is the largest lake in Nebraska. This 30,000 acre lake is an amazing recreational lake for swimming, boating, wind surfing and fishing. The campground has sites right on the beach, on the sand! Imagine falling asleep to the waves of the lake lapping against the shore and waking up to feel your toes in the warm sand. You probably don’t think of white sandy beaches when you think of Nebraska but that is what you will find at Lake McConaughy.
3. Buffalo Bill Ranch State Recreation Area
Step back in time to the “Wild, Wild West”! Visit the ranch home of the famous Col. William F. “Buffalo Bill” Cody who lived in North Platte. The State Rec. Area is right next door to the Buffalo Bill State Historical Park where you can visit the home and barn site of the buffalo-hunter turned showman, touring the U.S. and Europe with the Buffalo Bill’s Wild West Show. The campground has a variety of sites from full hookups for RV’s to primitive basic tent sites.
4. Indian Cave State Park
Walk down the winding boardwalk stairway to view the length of the Indian Cave with prehistoric Native American petroglyphs etched along it. Stop by the restored schoolhouse and general store to see what life was like in this old river town. Hike on many of the rails or ride your mountain bike to explore the areas wildlife. Look for deer, wild turkeys, beavers and raccoons. Scan the trees for barred owls or whippoorwills. For the campground, there are 134 campsites with 30-amp electric with 22 sites that have 50-amp. There are also tent sites in another area that have electric. All sites have a fire ring and grill and restrooms and showers are onsite. What makes this one of the best places to camp in Nebraska this summer is the campground overlooks the majestic Missouri River.
5. Lake Cunningham Campground
If you want to stay right near all that downtown Omaha has to offer, then camping at Lake Cunningham Campground is a great option. Only 10 miles north of the downtown area you are close to Omaha’s Henry Doorly Zoo and Aquarium where you can visit America’s largest indoor rainforest. Here you will see monkeys, macaws, gibbons and pygmy hippos! They don’t have any hippos in Lake Cunningham but they do allow fishing, catch and release, for catfish, bass and crappie. Camping in the park offers RV sites, tent sites, as well as 2 large yurts for a glamping experience.
