Lakeside Campground

For Nebraskans eager to embrace the great outdoors, a fantastic destination awaits in Ashland: Lakeside Campground. Nestled within the expansive and activity-rich Eugene T. Mahoney State Park, Lakeside Campground offers a prime location for a memorable camping experience. It's more than just a place to park your RV or pitch a tent; it's a gateway to a vast array of recreational opportunities, all within a convenient drive from Nebraska's major cities, Omaha and Lincoln.

Lakeside Campground provides a wonderful balance of serene natural beauty and exciting park amenities. Whether you're seeking a quiet, shaded spot to relax by the water, or an adventurous outing filled with unique activities like horse riding and zip-lining, this campground caters to diverse preferences. Many locals cherish their experiences here, highlighting the peaceful atmosphere and the sheer volume of things to do within Eugene T. Mahoney State Park.

This article aims to be your comprehensive guide to Lakeside Campground, offering detailed insights into its location, services, and the myriad of features that make it a standout choice for campers in the Cornhusker State. We'll also cover practical information like contact details and what makes this particular spot so appealing to our local community, ensuring your next outdoor escape is perfectly planned and truly unforgettable.

Lakeside Campground is ideally situated within Eugene T. Mahoney State Park, at Ashland, NE 68003, USA. This location is strategically positioned midway between Nebraska's two largest cities, Lincoln and Omaha, making it exceptionally accessible for a vast majority of the state's population. It's just off I-80 at Exit 426, ensuring a straightforward and quick drive from either metropolitan area. Upon taking exit 426, you turn North and go about a half mile on Hwy 66, entering the park before the Strategic Air & Space Museum.

Being an integral part of Eugene T. Mahoney State Park, Lakeside Campground benefits from well-maintained park roads and clear signage, making navigation simple even for large RVs. The park's well-established infrastructure ensures that visitors can easily reach their campsites and access the numerous attractions scattered throughout the state park. Its convenient location allows for easy day trips to nearby attractions, including the Strategic Air & Space Museum, Platte River State Park, and Louisville State Recreation Area, further enhancing its appeal as a central hub for outdoor adventures in Eastern Nebraska.

Lakeside Campground within Eugene T. Mahoney State Park provides a variety of services to ensure a comfortable and enjoyable camping experience for all visitors:

• Campsites with Electric Hookups: Most sites offer electric hookups (30-amp, with some 50-amp available) to power your RV or provide electricity for tent camping needs.
• Full Hookup Sites: A limited number of sites also provide full hookups, including water, sewer, and electric, for maximum convenience.
• Water and Dump Station: A communal water fill-up and dump station is conveniently located near the park entrance for all campers.
• Modern Shower/Latrine Buildings: Well-maintained restroom and shower facilities are available in both the Lakeside and Little Creek campground loops. It's worth noting some reviews mention the shower pressure can be strong and water push-button, and there may not be ample space for toiletries inside the shower itself, but overall, they are clean and functional.
• Coin-Operated Laundry: Available in the shower building at the Little Creek campground loop, providing convenience for longer stays.
• Paved Lots: Campsite pads are paved, offering a stable surface for RVs and tents, though some sites may not be perfectly level.
• Potable Water: Drinking water is conveniently located throughout the campground areas.
• Reservable Sites: A significant portion of campsites in both Lakeside and Little Creek campgrounds are reservable up to 180 days in advance, allowing for planning and guaranteed availability.
• First-Come, First-Served Sites: The remaining campsites are available on a first-come, first-served basis for spontaneous arrivals.

Lakeside Campground, as part of Eugene T. Mahoney State Park, offers an impressive array of features and highlights that set it apart as a premier destination:

• Two Shaded Camping Areas: Both the Lakeside loop and the Little Creek loop offer well-shaded, grassy sites, providing relief from the sun and a pleasant environment.
• Pond Views: The Lakeside loop, as its name suggests, provides lovely views of the pond, creating a picturesque setting.
• Owen Marina: Features a dock with soft-serve ice cream and paddleboat rentals, perfect for enjoying the water.
• Horse Riding: Enjoy guided trail rides, adding a unique equestrian adventure to your visit.
• Zip Lines: Experience the thrill of zip-lining for an exhilarating outdoor activity.
• Observation Tower: Climb the observation tower for stunning panoramic views of the Platte River valley and the surrounding landscape.
• Extensive Walking Trails: Tons of well-maintained walking and hiking trails winding through the park, catering to various fitness levels.
• Peter Kiewit Lodge & Restaurant: The lodge offers 40 guest rooms, a restaurant with a bar and a deck, providing dining options and a comfortable place to relax.
• Activity Center with Indoor Playground: Open year-round, featuring fun tubes, slides, net bridges, and a ball pit, ideal for families and children.
• Family Aquatic Center: Includes a swimming pool with water slides, a diving area, a zero-entry wave pool, and a water playground. (Note: This area may undergo renovations, so check current status before visiting, as one review noted it was closed for renovation.)
• Arts and Crafts Center: Offers creative activities for all ages.
• Mini Golf: An additional recreational option for family fun.
• Disc Golf & Fishing: Further outdoor activities available within the park.
• Proximity to Platte River State Park: A nearby park offering even more trails, a spray park, and unique glamping cabins.

As a Nebraska State Park campground, Lakeside Campground's promotions and special offers are typically tied to the broader Nebraska Game & Parks Commission initiatives. While specific site-level discounts for Lakeside Campground itself are rare, visitors can benefit from:

• Nebraska State Park Entry Permit: A permit is required for all vehicles entering Eugene T. Mahoney State Park. Annual permits are available ($35 for Nebraska licensed vehicles, $70 for non-Nebraska licensed vehicles) and often provide the best value for frequent visitors compared to daily permits ($7 or $14). Purchasing an annual permit allows unlimited access to all Nebraska State Parks and Recreation Areas for a year.
• Seasonal Pricing: Camping rates may vary by season, with peak season (typically Memorial Day through Labor Day) often having higher demand and slightly higher rates. Off-season periods may offer more availability and a quieter experience.
• Activity Pass Bundles: While individual activities typically have separate fees, families or frequent visitors might find value in purchasing activity passes or considering packages offered by the park for attractions like the aquatic center, zip lines, or horse riding. It's always best to inquire at the park office or visit the official website for current pricing and any potential bundled deals.

For the most accurate and up-to-date information on rates, permits, and any special events or promotions at Eugene T. Mahoney State Park (and thus Lakeside Campground), it is highly recommended to visit the official Nebraska Game & Parks Commission website (OutdoorNebraska.gov) or contact the park directly. They often have transparent pricing listed online and may announce seasonal specials.

For reservations, inquiries, or more detailed information about Lakeside Campground within Eugene T. Mahoney State Park, please use the following contact details:

Address: Ashland, NE 68003, USA (specifically 28500 West Park Hwy, Ashland, NE 68003)

Phone: (402) 944-2523

Mobile Phone: +1 402-944-2523

Email: ngpc.Mahoney@nebraska.gov

Website: You can find detailed information and make reservations through the Nebraska Game & Parks Commission official website (outdoornebraska.gov).

For after-hours check-in or park entry permits, the Peter Kiewit Lodge customer service desk is open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

Lakeside Campground, situated within the renowned Eugene T. Mahoney State Park in Ashland, stands as an exceptionally suitable and appealing destination for locals across Nebraska. Its primary advantage is its unmatched accessibility, being perfectly positioned midway between Omaha and Lincoln. This means that a fantastic outdoor escape is always just a short, convenient drive away, making it ideal for weekend getaways, family vacations, or even spontaneous day trips.

What truly sets Lakeside Campground apart for Nebraskans is the sheer breadth of activities and amenities available right at their fingertips. Unlike many campgrounds that offer just a basic site, Mahoney State Park provides an entire resort-like experience. From thrilling zip lines and scenic horse riding trails to an impressive observation tower and a beautiful marina with paddleboat rentals, there's an adventure waiting for every age and interest. The indoor Activity Center with its playground is a huge bonus, especially for families with children, ensuring fun even on cooler or rainy days. The presence of a lodge with a restaurant and bar also offers convenient dining options, adding a touch of comfort to the rustic experience.

The campground itself offers a comfortable base, with well-shaded, grassy sites, many providing lovely views of the pond. While some sites may require leveling and shower facilities have unique pressure controls, the overall cleanliness and the responsiveness of park staff ensure a pleasant stay. The ability to reserve sites in advance also provides peace of mind for planning trips, a valuable feature for busy local families.

In essence, Lakeside Campground at Eugene T. Mahoney State Park isn't just a place to camp; it's a comprehensive recreational hub. It offers Nebraskans an unparalleled opportunity to immerse themselves in nature while enjoying a vast array of engaging activities, all within the convenience of their home state. For families looking for a fun-filled escape or individuals seeking a blend of relaxation and adventure, Lakeside Campground is undoubtedly a top-tier choice that promises memorable experiences close to home.