State Parks near Lincoln, NE

If your RV camping trip takes you to the Midwest, consider traveling through Iowa. Southwest Iowa is rich with grasslands and wide-open spaces. Green Valley State Park is located 35 minutes north of Lenox, 50 minutes west of Osceola, and 30 minutes south of Casey.Built around Green Valley Lake, Green Valley State Park has become a go-to place for outdoor enthusiasts who enjoy water activities. The entire lake fits inside the boundaries of the park, so Green Valley State Park campers have full access to the water. Anglers love the lake as it’s one of four major fishing lakes in the region.Green Valley State Park is the place you go when you want to get …

The Homestead National Monument of America, near the town of Beatrice, Nebraska, is a symbol of America's race to cultivate and develop its untamed frontier and how many people were granted land titles as a result. The race was made official by the passing of the Homestead Act of 1862, allowing any person over the age of 21 to apply for a land grant. This included freed slaves, women, immigrants, and anyone else who desired to accept the challenge. The movement was supported by President Abraham Lincoln, who signed the bill into law for another reason; in addition to expanding agriculture, commerce, and industry, he saw the bill as a chance to populate the west with Union supporters.Today …

Located in the southeast part of Nebraska, Indian Cave State Park is named after a sandstone cave filled with prehistoric petroglyphs. This state park is close to Auburn and an hour and a half away from Lincoln. Nature here is simply breathtaking, with cottonwood, elm, and willow trees growing next to the Missouri River. Indian Cave State Park is stunning in fall when the leaves start changing colors.The cave is the main attraction within Indian Cave State Park. It features petroglyphs that tell a story of the Native Americans who lived in this part of the Midwest. Those of you who wish to explore the great outdoors will have plenty of things to do here, such as hiking, …

Spending your vacation camping in an RV is a great way to see the natural beauty of the United States. One such beautiful park is Lake Anita State Park, located south of Anita, Iowa. This state park features a 171-acre reservoir that is fed by the Nishnabotna River. You don't need to own a rig to enjoy camping with an RV. Browse the RV rentals in Cass County and find a vehicle to suit your style.The biggest draw for visitors to Lake Anita State Park is the lake itself, where boating, swimming, and fishing are extremely popular. Stock up on your camping supplies and snacks in Massena, which is only about 15 minutes to the south of …

Lake Manawa State Park is a pristine oasis in the heart of the Omaha Metropolitan Area. The lake was formed by an oxbow in the Missouri River, which flooded in the late 1800s and created a 750-acre reservoir. Today, the park is one of the most popular outdoor recreation areas in the Midwest, with swimming, boating, fishing, and hiking just some of the activities on offer. The park draws its name from the Native American term meaning "peace and comfort," which you're guaranteed to find at Lake Manawa.Planning a getaway to the Hawkeye State? Book an RV in Pottawattamie County and you can spend the day soaking up the sunshine at Lake Manawa State Park. You'll find a fantastic …

In Taylor County, around ten minutes north of the town of Bedford, is a beautiful 85-acre lake within a 691-acre recreation area characterized by lush oak and hickory woodlands. Lake of Three Fires State Park beckons visitors from all over Iowa and Missouri with hiking and equestrian trails and two well-equipped campgrounds. You can expect to find both Hopkins and New Market campers relaxing here, as both of these towns are within 20 minutes of the state park.The Potawatomi tribe, also referred to as the “Fire Nation,” farmed, lived, and traveled through this part of Iowa. The legend goes that three of the region's indigenous tribes formed an alliance called “Three Fires”, and three flames were kept alive …

On the westernmost edge of Iowa, just 95 miles south of Sioux City, ten miles east of Omaha, NE, and 28 miles west of Carson rests a historic little Iowan state park. Lewis and Clark State Park is only 176 acres, but what it lacks in size it makes up for in natural beauty. This park is nestled in the horseshoe crook of Blue Lake and provides a nice location for fishing and other water sports.In 1804, famed American explorers Meriwether Lewis and Captain Williams Clark landed in the place where the park now resides during their great expedition to discover the West.

No matter which way you look at it, there's lots to love about Lovewell State Park. Located near Webber in northcentral Kansas, this 1,160-acre park is tucked away on the shores of Lovewell Reservoir and offers a little something for everyone.Excellent swimming, fishing, and wildlife watching are all on offer here. Other features like an archery range and disc golf course offer something a little different for outdoor enthusiasts. And with six campgrounds and hundreds of campsites to choose from, Lovewell State Park is a relaxing and secluded camping destination. Keep reading to find out how you can enjoy the perfect visit to this much-loved park.

Milford Lake State Park is located in north-central Kansas. The tiny community of Milford sits just north of the park, while the nearest larger town is Junction City, which is found less than 10 miles to the southeast. The nearest larger city is Wichita, at almost 120 miles to the south.The state park contains a mix of grassland, forested areas, and waterways. Many activities are available to enjoy here, including camping, picnic sites, and hiking. It also sits on the shores of a large lake, so there's plenty of access for water sports as well. Winter activities, such as cross-country skiing, can also be enjoyed when the snow flies.

Once upon a time, the land that's now Platte River State Park in southeast Nebraska was home to the Harriet Harding Campfire Girls Camp and Camp Esther K. Newman. Fast forward to today and you'll find a 519-acre camp brimming with spectacular activities and features such as the interactive spray park, Crawdad Creek, observation towers boasting panoramic views of the Platte River Basin, and miles of breathtaking hiking trails along the rolling terrain. Walk packed dirt roads along countryside dips filled with trickling streams and unique geological formations.Nearby cities include rural Weeping Water, a little over 12 miles away from Platte River State Park, and the scenic town of Plattsmouth, just over 19 miles away. Have fun …

Tucked in northeastern Nebraska, on the scenic banks of the Missouri River just two miles from the town of Ponca is one of the most mesmerizing recreation areas in the Cornhusker State. With its lush oak and elm woodlands and grassy hilltops, the park beckons mountaineers, bikers, and RV campers from Iowa, Nebraska, and South Dakota. To see the park's colorful wildflowers in bloom, the best time to visit is from May to June, when the ridgetop prairies and forests are filled with the aromas of yucca, prairie larkspur, shell-leaf penstemon, bloodroot, and blue phlox.The park and town are named after Ponca Chief Standing Bear, who also has a place in Nebraska’s hall of fame, as he triumphed in …

Set on a shimmering lake, Prairie Rose State Park is one of the top outdoor recreation destinations in Iowa. There are plenty of opportunities to soak up the Midwest sunshine, from swimming, boating, and fishing in the lake to hiking scenic trails and enjoying picnics on the grassy foreshore. A lakeside campground makes it easy to enjoy an extended getaway to Prairie Rose State Park.Planning an adventure in the Hawkeye State? Book an RV in Shelby County and you can make a splash at Prairie Rose State Park. You'll love combining the creature comforts of a motorhome with the novelty of sleeping under the stars. With a home on wheels, you'll also have the freedom to extend your trip …

Sprawling over an area of 1,069 acres, on the coast of Big Sioux River right along the South Dakota state line, is an urban wildlife sanctuary called Stone State Park. Located on the outskirts of Sioux City, the park is home to coyotes, red foxes, and white-tailed deer, as well as a variety of bird and rare butterfly species.The park’s woodlands are thriving with oak trees, wildflowers, and prairie plants like yucca, rough blazing star, penstemon, and silky aster, which start to bloom in early May. The area was most likely used by Native Americans as hunting grounds until 1885 when Daniel Hector Talbot started to purchase portions of land. He was known for nurturing animals like bison, …

Two Rivers State Recreation Area is a luxurious motorhome camping destination in picturesque Waterloo, just 15 minutes away from the historic Valley. Enjoy riveting dining options while visiting local attractions. If you’re looking for family fun options, then the 50-minute drive to Omaha is well worth your time. Boasting Henry Doorly Zoo, The Durham Museum, the Bob Kerrey Pedestrian Bridge, and numerous other local gems, there’s something for everyone at this popular vacation city.First opened to the public in 1960 by the State Game and Parks Commission and immersed in the cozy woodlands of northwest Nebraska, the park contains seven beautiful lakes, each of which offers aquatic activities. You’ll waste no time grabbing that tackle box and …

Southwest Iowa is laden with sprawling fields of wildflowers and scenic hills and valleys. On Route 34, midway between Omaha and Creston, just outside of Red Oak, is the lovely Viking Lake State Park. This 1,000-acre park encompasses Viking Lake is home to a diverse selection of flora and fauna, making it very attractive to outdoor enthusiasts.After the dam was built, construction of the lake began in 1957. Just over 50 years later, the 140-acre Viking Lake was completed. It quickly became one of the most visited parks in southeastern Iowa. A good portion of the area has been left undisturbed by humans, so the natural life has flourished.Viking Lake State Park campers come from all …

Located in the Loess Hills of southwest Iowa, Waubonsie State Park is ideally situated for those who rent an RV in either Iowa, Nebraska or Kansas. Lying in the heart of Fremont County means the park is only a short drive from the local towns of Hamburg, IA, and Sidney, IA. With a unique topography, shaped by retreating glaciers over thousands of years, Waubonsie State Park offers miles of hiking and equestrian trails that follow deep valleys and gorges. For those who wish to kick back and relax on the water, Lake Virginia offers fishing and boating opportunities.The park is named after Chief Waubonsie, leader of the Native American Pottawattamie tribe. Waubonsie State Park remains relatively unchanged …