Riverside Campground

Nestled within the popular Two Rivers State Recreation Area, Riverside Campground in Waterloo, Nebraska, offers a quintessential outdoor experience for locals seeking a convenient and engaging escape. This campground provides a diverse range of opportunities for relaxation, recreation, and connecting with nature, all within a short drive from major metropolitan areas like Omaha. Known for its picturesque setting adjacent to the Platte River and several sandpit lakes, Riverside Campground is a hub for fishing, camping, and a variety of family-friendly activities. While it can be a bustling spot due to its popularity, especially on weekends, its extensive facilities and natural charm make it a cherished destination for many Nebraskans looking to enjoy the great outdoors without venturing too far from home.

Riverside Campground is located in Waterloo, NE 68069, USA, as part of the Two Rivers State Recreation Area. Its prime location places it west of Omaha, making it incredibly accessible for residents of the Omaha metro area and surrounding communities. The park is easily reachable via major roads, allowing for a straightforward drive for campers and day-use visitors alike. Being situated at the confluence of the Platte and Elkhorn Rivers, the area benefits from a rich aquatic environment, offering ample opportunities for water-based activities. The accessibility means that Nebraskans can easily plan a spontaneous weekend trip or a longer family vacation without the burden of extensive travel. The natural setting, combined with its proximity to urban centers, offers the best of both worlds for outdoor enthusiasts in the region.

Services Offered:

• A variety of camping pads including electrical hookups (20-, 30-, and 50-amp), with some offering water and sewer hookups.
• Designated non-electrical tent camping sites for a more rustic experience.
• Modern restrooms with showers and drinking water facilities, conveniently located throughout the campgrounds.
• A central dump and fill station for RV campers.
• Unique lodging options in 10 refurbished Union Pacific cabooses, available for rent from Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day (and April 15 through end of September for some). These cabooses are air-conditioned and sleep six (except ADA accessible #10 sleeps four), featuring bunk beds, modern bathrooms with tiled showers, equipped kitchens (stove, refrigerator, sink, cabinets), and outdoor decks with picnic tables, grills, and fire rings.
• Put-and-take trout fishing in a designated lake (Lake No. 5), which requires a daily trout tag.
• Concession stand available for snacks and refreshments.
• Online reservation system for campsites, with some sites also available on a first-come, first-served basis.
• Park entry permits are required for all vehicles entering the park (daily or annual options available).
• Designated areas with picnic tables and grills for day-use visitors.
• Dog park located just south of the campground, with rules requiring pets to be leashed and waste to be picked up.
• Free Wi-Fi internet access available to campers.

Features / Highlights:

• Expansive 622-acre recreation area, featuring 320 acres of water across multiple sandpit lakes and adjacent to the Platte River.
• Seven distinct camping areas, including Cottonwood, Fawn Meadows, Goldenrod, Lakeside, Oak Grove, and Whitetail Campgrounds, alongside Riverside Campground.
• An unsupervised swimming beach on Lake No. 4, open from Memorial Day through Labor Day.
• Opportunities for non-powered boating activities such as kayaking, canoeing, rafting, and paddle boarding on the seven small lakes and the Platte River (no motorboats permitted).
• Accessible fishing piers on the west and south sides of the lake, ensuring accessibility for all anglers.
• Equestrian trails (approximately 2 miles) and additional horseback riding allowed on an adjacent 342-acre wildlife management area (Feb. 1 to Aug. 31), with dedicated Basic Equestrian campsites at Whitetail Campground (first-come, first-served).
• A playground area for children's enjoyment.
• One mile of marked hiking trails, with additional hiking allowed in the wildlife management area (easy to moderate difficulty).
• Excellent fishing opportunities for bass, catfish, and bluegill in the park's lakes and the Platte River.
• An education center for learning about the park's history and natural environment.
• Open year-round, offering activities like ice fishing and winter hiking during colder seasons.
• Opportunities for nature watching, with diverse wildlife including deer, wild turkeys, waterfowl, and various birds.
• Ideal location for stargazing due to reduced light pollution compared to urban areas.
• Regular stocking of trout in Lake No. 5 for a guaranteed fishing experience.

Contact Information:

Address: Waterloo, NE 68069, USA

For general inquiries related to Two Rivers State Recreation Area (which includes Riverside Campground), the office phone number is (402) 359-5165, or you can email ngpc.two.rivers@nebraska.gov. For making reservations, you can utilize the Nebraska Game and Parks Commission's online reservation system or contact their Reservation Call Center at (402) 471-1414 during business hours.

Riverside Campground, as part of the Two Rivers State Recreation Area, is an incredibly suitable and popular destination for Nebraskans looking to enjoy the outdoors. Its strategic location in Waterloo makes it a quick and easy drive from Omaha, offering a convenient escape without extensive travel planning. For families, the diverse range of activities, including swimming at the beach, non-motorized boating, fishing (especially the trout lake), and a playground, ensures that there's always something to keep everyone entertained. The unique caboose cabins provide a memorable and comfortable lodging option for those seeking something beyond traditional camping. While the campground can experience high usage, particularly on peak weekends, leading to a lively atmosphere, the extensive grounds and variety of camping areas mean that many visitors find their own space for enjoyment. The availability of modern amenities like restrooms, showers, and a dump station, alongside the convenience of online reservations, streamlines the camping experience. Despite some older picnic tables mentioned in reviews, the overall positive feedback regarding cleanliness and friendly staff, combined with the efforts of park management to address concerns, speaks to the park's commitment to visitor satisfaction. Whether you're an avid angler, a family seeking adventure, or simply someone who appreciates a peaceful setting by the water, Riverside Campground offers a quintessential Nebraska outdoor experience that continues to draw locals back time and again.