Camping in or near Omaha, NE

[rebelstand]

We are heading out soon on a long, long trip. We would like to stop in Omaha to take the kids to see the Zoo. I am having a hard time finding a camp ground close to the city. There are a few that I electricity but I can't figure out if they have water or not. There are more than a few that don't have water. Has anyone camped in the Omaha area and can give some advice?

[JimW]

Hi Nicki,

You will love Omaha's world-class zoo. Some people think it's the best zoo in the country, even if it doesn't have pandas.

As for local campgrounds with full hookups, only the West Omaha KOA has those facilities, as far as I know. However, both the zoo and this KOA are right off of I80 and a 30 minute drive apart.

If you can survive a few days with electric only, I would suggest Walnut Creek Lake in Papillion, NE, an unusually clean and well kept city campground with concrete back-ins and large grassy sites. There are no showers available, but the cost is only $14 a night.

You might also want to consider Lake Manawa State Park in Council Bluffs, IA, which might be the 2nd closest campground to the zoo. I believe the fee is $16. The closest campground is the Bluffs Run Casino & RV Park at $30, and I believe they do have electric and water. This is a parking lot affair with great views of the interstate, but only 5 minutes from the zoo.

I hope this helps.

JimW

[rebelstand]

Thank you so much! You just found me two options I didn't have before. Today has been a day of searching for camping sites and not finding them... so I really appreciate the help.

[Aage]

Both West Omaha KOA in OMAHA, NE and Pine Grove RV Park in GREENWOOD, NE got excellent ratings in Woodall's.

Pine grove one star better for recreation.

Have a great trip!

[rebelstand]

I did not realize (naively) that it could take so much planning to take 2 adults, 2 kids, and 2 dogs on a three month trip....silly me!

I'll check it out in my new copy of woodalls! We found it on sale at Borders.