Little Creek Campground

Greetings, fellow Nebraskans! Are you looking for a convenient and activity-rich destination for your next outdoor adventure? Little Creek Campground, located in Ashland, NE 68003, USA, offers a unique opportunity to experience the natural beauty and recreational abundance of Eugene T. Mahoney State Park. While it's true that every campground has its strengths and areas for improvement, Little Creek's prime location within one of Nebraska's most popular state parks makes it a notable option for families, RVers, and outdoor enthusiasts seeking a blend of natural serenity and engaging activities.

As locals, we appreciate direct access to quality outdoor spaces. Little Creek Campground provides just that, serving as an excellent base camp for exploring the diverse offerings of Eugene T. Mahoney State Park. It's important to set expectations appropriately, considering both the extensive range of activities available within the park and the feedback from past visitors regarding specific facilities. Let's delve into what you can expect from a stay at Little Creek Campground.

Little Creek Campground is nestled within the sprawling Eugene T. Mahoney State Park in Ashland, NE 68003, USA. This location is a significant advantage, as it places campers directly amidst a wide array of recreational opportunities and scenic landscapes that the state park is renowned for. Ashland is easily accessible from both Omaha and Lincoln, making it a convenient drive for many residents across eastern Nebraska.

Being part of a state park means you'll have access to well-maintained roads and clear signage leading directly to the campground. Little Creek Campground specifically is known to be situated among mature shade trees, offering a pleasant and often quiet environment despite being part of a popular park. Its proximity to various park amenities, such as a playground, basketball court, and laundry facility, adds to its accessibility and convenience for campers. While the park is known for its wide range of activities, some reviews indicate that proximity to the interstate might lead to some ambient noise, especially for those sensitive to sound. However, the overall immersive experience within the state park's natural setting often outweighs this for many visitors.

Little Creek Campground, as part of Eugene T. Mahoney State Park, provides a foundational set of services aimed at making your camping experience comfortable and convenient.

• Campsite Options: The campground offers a variety of sites to accommodate different camping preferences. Little Creek Campground specifically features 99 hard-surfaced pads suitable for tents, trailers, and RVs up to 56 feet in length. These sites typically include 20- and 30-amp electrical hookups, with some offering 50-amp service.
• Water and Sewer Hookups: While all sites have electric hookups, some premium sites also offer full hookups including water and sewer connections, providing maximum convenience for RVers. Drinking water hydrants are conveniently located throughout the campground.
• Picnic Tables and Fire Rings: Each campsite is equipped with a picnic table and a fire ring (or grill), essential for enjoying outdoor meals and traditional campfire experiences.
• Restrooms and Showers: Modern shower/latrine buildings are available, providing restroom facilities and showers for campers. It's worth noting, based on some visitor feedback, that the cleanliness and maintenance of these facilities can vary.
• Coin-Operated Laundry Facility: A significant convenience for longer stays, a coin-operated laundry facility is available in the shower building at Little Creek, allowing campers to refresh their clothes during their trip.
• Trailer Dump Stations: A dump and fill station is conveniently located near the park entrance, essential for RV and trailer owners.
• Pet-Friendly: Eugene T. Mahoney State Park, and by extension Little Creek Campground, is generally pet-friendly. However, campers should always pay attention to posted signs for any specific restrictions or rules regarding pets.

The true highlight of Little Creek Campground lies in its integration within Eugene T. Mahoney State Park, offering an impressive array of activities and features that cater to all ages and interests.

• Extensive Park Activities: Campers have access to a vast range of activities available within Eugene T. Mahoney State Park, including:
  • Family Aquatic Center: A major draw during warmer months, featuring a swimming pool with diving area, concessions, wading pool, sun deck, wave pool, and two water slides. (Note: Admission fees apply.)
  • Activity Center and Indoor Playground: An excellent year-round option, especially for kids, offering a large indoor playground with tubes, slides, net bridges, and a ball pit.
  • Hiking and Biking Trails: Numerous trails crisscross the park, offering opportunities for scenic walks, runs, and bike rides through diverse landscapes.
  • Horseback Riding: The John Wayne Riding Stable offers horse trail rides and pony rides (seasonal, fees apply).
  • Mini Golf and Driving Range: Fun recreational options for all skill levels.
  • Arts and Crafts Center: Offers creative activities, especially popular with children.
  • Walter Scott Jr. Observation Tower: Provides panoramic views of the Platte River valley.
  • Fishing: CenturyLink Lake and Baright Lake offer opportunities for catching largemouth bass, bluegill, channel catfish, and seasonally stocked rainbow trout.
  • Ropes Course & Climbing Wall: For adventurous campers, the Go Ape Ropes Course and Venture Climb climbing wall offer thrilling experiences (fees apply).
• Spacious Sites: While the park can be popular, many campers appreciate the generous sizing of the sites at Little Creek, which provides a sense of personal space.
• Natural Setting: The campground is set among mature shade trees, contributing to a pleasant and natural camping ambiance.
• Seasonal Events: Eugene T. Mahoney State Park frequently hosts various events throughout the year, from theatrical performances at the Kountze Memorial Theater to winter activities like ice skating and sledding (weather permitting).

For inquiries, reservations, or more information about Little Creek Campground and Eugene T. Mahoney State Park, please use the following contact details. Note that bookings for state park campgrounds are typically handled through the Nebraska Game and Parks Commission reservation system.

Address: Ashland, NE 68003, USA (within Eugene T. Mahoney State Park)

Park Office Phone: (402) 944-2523 (This is the primary contact for general park information and often related to campground inquiries).

(There is no specific direct phone for Little Creek Campground itself, as it operates as part of the state park system.)

For Nebraskans, Little Creek Campground at Eugene T. Mahoney State Park offers a compelling option for a local getaway, especially if you're seeking a destination rich in activities and natural beauty. Its convenient location near Omaha and Lincoln makes it an easily accessible escape, minimizing travel time and maximizing your time enjoying the outdoors.

The primary draw for locals is undoubtedly the unparalleled access to the vast array of amenities and activities within Eugene T. Mahoney State Park. From thrilling aquatic adventures and challenging ropes courses to peaceful hiking trails and family-friendly playgrounds, there's truly something for every member of the family. The ability to simply walk from your campsite to an indoor playground, a swimming pool, or a hiking trail is a major convenience that few other campgrounds can offer.

While some reviews mention concerns about the cleanliness of restroom facilities, it's important to weigh this against the overall experience of being in a state park with so many diverse offerings. For many, the sheer volume of activities and the beautiful natural setting make these minor inconveniences manageable, especially knowing that you're supporting our state park system. As with any popular park, a Nebraska State Park Entry Permit is required (daily or annual), which is a small investment for continuous access to such a valuable local resource.

Little Creek Campground is an excellent choice for Nebraskans looking for a family-friendly camping destination that blends relaxation with endless entertainment. It's a place where you can create lasting memories, whether you're roasting marshmallows over a campfire, exploring scenic trails, or splashing around in the aquatic center. Embrace the opportunity to discover all that one of Nebraska's premier state parks has to offer, right here in Ashland.