After being inhabited by the Omaha, Missouria, Ponca, Pawnee, Otoe, and Lakota tribes for thousands of years, the region was first settled by European fur traders in the late 18th century. The state is traversed by several historic trails, including that of the Lewis and Clark Expedition that set out to map the West between 1804 and 1806.

Book an RV rental in Nebraska and experience two major climatic zones - a humid continental climate in the east and a semi-arid climate in the west. Hot summers and cold winters are interspersed with sometimes violent thunderstorms and tornadoes during the spring months.

The Nebraska Outdoors

A short drive from the state capital, Lincoln, is Eugene T. Mahoney State Park, which lies along the Platte River near Ashland. It features a variety of recreational facilities that include an aquatic center, a marina with paddleboat rentals, and an observation tower overlooking the Platte River Valley. Explore the network of hiking and horseback riding trails, challenge your family and friends to a game of mini-golf, or let loose at the indoor playground that’s open throughout the year. Eugene T. Mahoney State Park RV campsites can be found at the Little Creek and Lakeside campgrounds, with dump stations and coin-operated laundries among the amenities.

Take the RV rental northwest to Chadron State Park, which is the oldest of Nebraska’s state parks. It encompasses Chadron Creek and part of the Pine Ridge escarpment. It's blanketed in ponderosa pine and cottonwood trees. Aside from hiking and horseback riding trails, the park features a disc golf course, archery facilities, and a swimming pool. There are several RV sites with electrical hookups at this Nebraska RV campground, plus clean restroom and shower facilities.

Indian Cave State Park lies along the Missouri River and preserves a cave that’s renowned for its prehistoric petroglyphs. Some of the petroglyphs are believed to be several thousand years old, although their exact period and cultural associations are yet to be determined. Also within the park is the reconstructed village of St. Deroin, which was established in 1853 and forms part of the former Nemaha Half-Breed Reservation. Horseback riding, biking, and hiking trails are accessible during the summer months while cross-country skiing and sledding are possible in the winter. The campground in Indian Cave State Park includes sites with 30 or 50-amp electrical connections, plus several primitive campsites that are accessible throughout the year.

Exploring Nebraska’s Cities

Not only does Lincoln serve as the capital of Nebraska, but it’s also a vibrant university town. It’s home to the soaring Nebraska State Capitol with its domed tower and observation decks that offer sweeping views across the city. Stroll amidst the themed gardens and picturesque ponds of the Sunken Gardens or get up close to species from around the world at the Lincoln Children’s Zoo. If you’re interested in American art history, don’t miss a visit to the Sheldon Museum of Art, which occupies several buildings on the University of Nebraska campus. There are several RV parks in Lincoln, including Camp A Way to the north and the Lancaster Event Center Campgrounds to the northeast.

The largest city in Nebraska is Omaha, which overlooks the Missouri River near the border with Iowa. Delve into the local history at the Durham Museum within a 1930's train station or head to the engaging Union Pacific Railroad Museum. Those traveling with kids should make a point of visiting the hands-on Omaha Children’s Museum and the Henry Doorly Zoo and Aquarium, which is famed for its big cat complex and giant desert dome. When it’s time to park for the night, pull into one of the campsites at Riverwest Park, which come equipped with 30-amp electric and water connections.

Also on the border with Iowa is Nebraska City, which was founded in 1855 and is the state’s oldest incorporated city. Be sure to visit the Arbor Lodge State Historical Park (the former estate of J. Sterling Morton, who founded Arbor Day) and the Mayhem Cabin, which is the only Underground Railroad site in Nebraska. Also of note is the Kregel Windmill Factory Museum, a one-story, wood-frame building where windmills were built from 1879. The Hidden Falls Cabins & RV Park is located on the southwestern edge of Nebraska City and has a range of 30-amp electric RV pads available.

Whether you want to see the petroglyphs of Indian Cave State Park or soak up the sights of Lincoln and Omaha, book an RV rental in Nebraska and start planning your next adventure.