It’s camping season and my neighbors recently told me they were thinking of heading out on a Friday night to camp at a popular state recreation area to “get away from it all” on a nice weekend.
I wanted to tell them that most likely, they were heading an area to where it all will be happening, with quite a few people there.
But how do you steer clear of crowds when you’re trying to plan a spring or summer camping getaway with family or friends?
Here’s some advice from Nebraska state park superintendents, conservation officers and wildlife and fisheries biologists:
Weekdays are it – If possible, avoid camping on weekends. Monday nights are better for overnight stays. Weeknights in the middle of the week are the best stretch for camping. Plenty of privacy and quiet relaxation times are present then. Not only are more campsites available for the choosing, so are increased opportunities for fishing, boating, hiking, biking and playground space.
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Pass on the party – Keep in mind state park areas with lots of planned activities, functions and attractions draw the most campers, so seek an area that may be more laid back regarding the number of events. Also, be aware of significant celebrations in nearby communities or county fairs that can draw big crowds to campgrounds.
Think small or go wild – Stay at a smaller state recreation area just off the beaten path. And don’t overlook state wildlife management areas with their primitive campgrounds. Unless otherwise posted or restricted by special area regulations, WMAs are open to backcountry camping and the use of propane stoves and charcoal grills unless a burn ban is in effect.
Larger parks equal more hideaways – Most larger state parks are expansive and have many places where you can camp, backpack or rucksack camp. Indian Cave, Ponca and Fort Robinson are a few examples that have lots of acres available where you can escape the crowds of a contemporary campground. It is not uncommon to find campgrounds offering RV campsites without any hookups.
Living without comfort eliminates traffic – Be willing to give up some of the modern campground amenities or facilities such as shower houses, restrooms, water spigots and picnic tables. Make sure you check regulations, come prepared and bring all the supplies you’ll need for your adventure that some call dispersed camping. Essentially, dispersed camping is the term given to camping on public land other than in designated campgrounds or campsites.
Look for the calmer waters – Select an area that does not allow open power boating and associated water sports. Water recreation in summer can bring a crush of individuals and the constant hum of boat motors. Public areas that have camping with no-wake boating or non-powered boating would be suggested.
The harder the trek, the greater the reward – Pick a campsite furthest from parking lots, maybe in the corner of an area and perhaps with a habitat or water buffer or specific land feature that might shield you from other campers.
Paddlers can go remote – For paddlers along various rivers and streams, use a water trail campsite that only may be accessible by the water. Isolated campsites, whether established or accessed with landowner permission, are perfect for crashing at the end of an enjoyable day with the soothing sounds of flowing water.
With savvy strategies to your camping plan and going without some conveniences, it is possible to avoid the crowds and experience tranquility in nature with an overnight.
Get more information about areas where you can camp at .
The best places to catch fish in the Lincoln area in 2024
Walleye
Crankbaits are a popular lure when fishing for walleye at Lake McConaughy State Recreation Area in Keith County. While the state's biggest lakes are the best habitats for walleye, area anglers can find keeper-sized (15-inch or larger) walleye at Czechland and Yankee Hill lakes. Branched Oak, Wanahoo, Stagecoach, Wildwood and Conestoga are other lakes where you can expect to catch walleye.
White bass
A doll fly jig tricked this white bass at Swanson Reservoir in Hitchcock County. While the commission's guide had nothing to say about Lincoln area lakes, Yankee Hill Lake WMA had the best gill net rate in the region, with about half of those fish in the 12- to 15-inch range.
Wiper
Daryl Bauer, fisheries outreach program manager with the Nebraska Game and Parks Commission, holds a Master Angler wiper he caught at Swanson Reservoir in August 2011. Branched Oak Lake is the place to catch the white bass-striped base hybrid near Lincoln, with some larger than 25 inches. But remember that all wipers caught there must be released immediately.
Bluegill
Any body of water in Nebraska that is too big to jump across probably has some bluegill in it. Homestead Lake had the highest 2023 catch rate for bluegills in the survey's trap nets, followed by Meadowlark, Stagecoach and Redtail. If you want fish 8 inches or larger, try Conestoga, Czechland Hedgefield and Redtail.
Crappie
An angler releases a crappie caught on a fly in a Sarpy County private pond. In the 2023 survey, Memphis Lake had the highest catch rate. For larger fish, try Oxbow Trails, Yankee Hill and Branched Oak.
Largemouth bass
Eli Kurrus of Gretna holds a largemouth bass caught at a pond in Cass County in June 2019. Hedgefield had the highest catch rate, with many of the fish larger than 15 inches. Bowling, Meadowlark, Stagecoach and Holmes lakes should also be good for targeting bigger fish.
Channel catfish
Channel catfish are the most widespread and common of the large catfish in Nebraska. East Twin had the greatest number of sampled fish. For eating-sized catfish, the commission says to try Stagecoach, Pawnee and Branched Oak. For larger catfish, try Meadowlark or Wildwood (a catch-and-release lake for channel cats).
Blue catfish
Branched Oak and Pawnee lakes continue to be the places to go near Lincoln for blue catfish. Anglers can find fish from 20 to 35 inches from the 2015 stocking at Pawnee.
Flathead catfish
Richard Hagen caught this 89-pound flathead catfish — the state record — in the Missouri River in June 2020. Branched Oak Lake has trophy-sized flatheads in excess of 40 inches, but remember you must immediately release any that you catch there.
Saugeye
The commission's report says saugeye, a sauger-walleye hybrid, are doing well in Southeast Nebraska. If you are after legal, 15-inch or larger saugeyes, head for Olive Creek Lake. But if you're after a master angler saugeye, try Pawnee Lake.
Northern pike
A northern pike is guided into a landing net at Elwood Reservoir in Gosper County. Some of the pike in Lake Wanahoo are now over 40 inches, and the commission says additional stockings have added recruitment. All pike you catch there must be released immediately. If you catch a tagged fish, please report it to ngpc.fishtags@nebraska.gov.
Rainbow trout
Rainbow trout are stocked across Nebraska in city ponds and state park lakes, including Lincoln's Holmes Lake in the spring, fall and winter; and at Bowling Lake's south pond in the fall and winter.
