Camping in the teepee was hands down our worst camping experience ever. The teepee was hot and falling apart. We stayed in the “big chief” teepee and it was on a horrible slope with tons of ruts on nothing but bare uneven dirt. There was no privacy as the other two teepees beyond this one were set up so other campers were constantly walking by your camp. Even the door placement to the teepees were bad. There was a more well placed teepee they save for first come first serve camping, not reserved camping. That makes no sense. The worst teepee should be reserved for unreserved campers. There are also bike trails directly around the teepees so in daylight, meaning early abs late, you will hear groups of bikers riding around a technical course and lots of whooping and cheering as well as hard landings. To make things worse, they didn’t tell us about an ROTC event they were hosting in the park where had groups of ROTC young people constantly walking by our camp from early morning to afternoon, looking for markers for a kind of seek out practice for them. This was highly disturbing. Zero calm and privacy. The teepee was shabby and the indoor outdoor carpet was dirty and old, and you got the feeling you were sleeping and living over everyone else’s ick. Also, right over the teepee there were loads of huge dead oak branches. With the high winds, we were pretty scared a branch might fall on us. It’s just a matter of time before someone gets hurt, or worse. There were many loud people in cabins with dogs, even dogs barking and crazy dogs running loose the whole time we were there. There was also a lot of trash and littered personal items scattered around in the woods and on the campground area. In the end, it is a very poorly planned campground for comfort, beauty, safety and privacy. We would have been better off to stay home. Like many things now, Platte River State Park feels overrun with activity and under preserved. The exact opposite of why one wants to get away from the city and camp in nature. Waste of...
Read moreThis review is from a tent camping perspective... Arrived and discovered there were only 4 sites. 1 had people in it and 2 were marked as reserved even though it was late. Set up a tent in a neutral spot with the intention of moving it later when could see which spots were actually being used. Went ahead and paid and noted on the form that site wasn't chosen yet but left my name and phone number. Figured could always resolve later if needed. Then noticing that the tent camping area was covered in garbage I spent at least 30 minutes being kind and picking up. Went to go shower and discovered that the shower facility was locked. So took a sink bath with a cold outdoor faucet. When I was wrapping that up an employee arrived. I initially thought 'cool. I can hopefully get some things revolved.' Nope. I was immediately accused of not paying and was handed an envelope. I said I had paid but was confused by the reserved spots with no one in them and if I could claim one as they were way nicer than the 1 available site since by this time it was after 9 pm. Without an answer I was told to move my tent. So, giving up on that I asked if the showers could be opened and was simply told they were closed. Anyway, definitely not a good experience. Overall, if you just went there for the day it does seem nice but if you're looking for a friendly outdoor experience I would...
Read moreThe park provides an array of activities to suit various interests. Hiking and nature trails wind through the woods, offering opportunities for exploration and wildlife observation. The lakes are perfect for fishing and swimming, and the scenic Platte River offers kayaking and tubing adventures. Campgrounds are well-maintained and offer a chance to immerse yourself in the natural surroundings.
The park staff is friendly and knowledgeable, always ready to provide assistance and answer questions. This adds to the overall welcoming atmosphere and ensures visitors have a positive experience.
Platte River State Park is also known for its educational programs and events, making it an ideal destination for families and individuals interested in learning more about the local ecosystem.
In summary, Platte River State Park is a natural gem in Nebraska, providing a perfect escape for outdoor enthusiasts and nature lovers. Its combination of picturesque scenery, diverse recreational activities, and a sense of serenity make it an ideal location for hiking, picnicking, water sports, and camping. Whether you're seeking an active day in the great outdoors or a tranquil retreat, Platte River State Park has something to offer...
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