Located along the Platte River and boasting two lakes within its borders of forest and field, Eugene T. Mahoney State Park has the look and feel of a camping resort. Located nearly midway between Lincoln and Omaha, Nebraska, this state park is a haven for your next RV vacation. Offering a multitude of entertainment and activities within the park, you’ll hardly find the need to leave your wooded campsite.
The updated and modern facilities feature everything such as a waterslide park, marina, ropes course, horseback riding, trails, miniature golf, disc golf, and more. The lakes are fantastic for swimming, paddle boating, watersports, and birding. Take a walk or bicycle ride along the park’s path and trails and climb the observation tower for stunning views of the river, fields, and forest.
In the evening, you can head out of the camper and kick back around the campfire or enjoy entertainment at the theater. You can even take a night off and dine at the grill located at the lodge within the park. Open year round, you’ll even find plenty to do in the winter months with activities ranging from sledding to an indoor activity center that includes a climbing wall and ice skating, as well as an arts and crafts center.
Eugene T. Mahoney State Park is located 40 miles southwest of Omaha and 30 miles northeast of Lincoln, Nebraska. Situated just off of Interstate I-80, accessibility is easy no matter what size rig you are driving. Boasting 706 acres of forest and field, as well as two campgrounds, two lodges, and a marina, all are located off of an easy-to-navigate loop road that runs through the heart of the park.
If you prefer to stretch your legs, a multi-use trail for walking or bicycling wanders through the forest along the same loop, offering a great opportunity to enjoy the woods, watch for wildlife and birds, as well as take in some exercise.
A Nebraska State Park Permit is required to enter the park, including a duplicate pass for any vehicle being towed. There are monthly and daily pass options. Passes can be purchased online along with your reservation. Camping is limited to 14 consecutive days in any 30-day period, but approval may be granted for longer stays with permission from the park superintendent.
There are three large parking lots within the park as well as several smaller lots, making travel within the park easy, whether you are in an RV or a smaller vehicle.
If you want to stay outside of the park follow Highway 6 to Gretna, NE and pull up at pet-friendly West Omaha / NE Lincoln KOA for a choice of wooded spots that offer a deluxe patio experience with patio furniture, full hookups, and up to 50-amp service. Water and electric sites also available. You will be close to the surrounding wineries, casinos, golf courses, and hiking and biking trails. At camp, recreation opportunities for children are aplenty. There's also a pool, mini golf, and bike rentals. Recharge at the snack bar. Keep updated with Wi-Fi and cable TV, and buy firewood and propane on-site.
If you want to be close to all the action of the lakes, Lakeside Campground is the perfect spot to set up camp. There are about 40 campsites at this campground, all of which offer electricity. Two of them provide full hook-ups. Each site is pet-friendly, featuring a grill and picnic table.
You’ll find spacious, hard surfaced pads from a mix of gravel and concrete to asphalt. The campground is located on a hill and some sites aren’t level, so levelers may be required for your comfort. Water is located near the trailer dump stations close to the park entrance. Modern shower and bathroom buildings are located in each campground loop. Coin-operated laundry facilities are also available. At this campground, you’ll be within walking distance to both lakes and a short driving distance from the Marina.
You’ll need to maneuver fairly narrow roads to access your campsite, and most sites require backing in. If concerned about your rig and maneuvering, speak with office staff before reserving as they can direct you to the best spot for your setup. Rigs up to 60 feet long can be accommodated. Reservations are available online.
Little Creek Campground is a cozy spot close to the park’s entrance. If you want to be close to the playground and some scenic picnic areas, this is the campground for you. This pet-friendly campground offers about 40 sites with electricity. You can have a relaxing meal under the shade of trees thanks to the picnic table and grill at your site.
The campground is located in a hilly area, so some sites may require levelers. Some sites can accommodate RVs or trailers up to 60 feet long. You’ll have access to water and a dump station close to the park entrance. Coin-operated laundry facilities are also available. Showers and restrooms are centrally located within the campground. Online reservations are available.
Eugene T. Mahoney State Park offers several types of watersports depending on what level of adventure you and your family are seeking. The Marina offers paddleboat rentals as well as fishing opportunities if you are seeking a leisurely time on or near the water. If you are looking for a bit more excitement, the Family Aquatic Center boasts three water slides, a wave pool, and a lap pool.
If you and your family are looking for a thrill during your campervan road trip through Nebraska, try the outdoor ropes course at Eugene T. Mahoney State Park. This isn’t your typical zip-line between a few trees. Instead, this course is a two-to-three hour high-ropes journey amid the forest canopy that covers zip-lines, suspended obstacles, and amazing views.
If your whole family is staying in a camper or trailer at Eugene T. Mahoney State Park, this is a great opportunity to go horseback riding. If your kids are ages six and up, trail rides are offered for children and adults all week. With few opportunities to enjoy trail riding within 30 minutes of Omaha, this supervised and off-road option is a great way to introduce kids to the saddle. If your young one is three to five-years-old, there are also short pony rides available.
If what you are missing during the winter is a way to practice your climbing technique, the Venture Climb is a cutting-edge facility at the Activity Center. Whether you’re a new climber or an old pro, you’ll love all the adventure you can enjoy such as a 42-foot climbing wall that has both auto and top-rope belays. There is even a bouldering structure. Plus, this facility is ADA-accessible. With no time limit to climbing, you can hang out all day while enjoying views of the state park enjoyed through the floor to ceiling windows. Equipment rental is included with the price of admission.
If you have been itching to see a play, you won’t have to walk far from the RV. Live performances from magic shows to melodramas await you at the Denmann and Mary Mallory Kountze Memorial Theater all year long. Upcoming performances are listed online and ticket information can be obtained from the park office. Have a laugh or a thrill while winter winds swirl outside.
The fun doesn’t end if you are visiting Eugene T. Mahoney State Park in your camping trailer during the off-season. Though there are opportunities for sledding and enjoy the snow, if you want to head inside the Activity Center offers a variety of options, including a large indoor playground with fun tubes, slides, net bridges, and a ball pit. Parents are welcome to join in or take a seat and watch their kids explore. Connected to the Activity Center is the ice skating pavilion where families can rent skates.
