🌤 Weather at Platte River State Park by season
| Spring | Summer | Fall | Winter |
|---|---|---|---|
| 28–73 °F | 62–87 °F | 28–78 °F | 13–38 °F |
Each range runs from the coldest monthly average low to the warmest monthly average high in that season (1991-2020 climate normals), measured at Ashland #2, 10 mi away, elevation 1,118 ft. Conditions at the park can differ from the station, especially where elevation differs — check a forecast before you go.
Platte River State Park is Nebraska’s crown jewel for cabin camping and family adventure—a forested oasis along the scenic Platte River Valley with 55 cabins ranging from cozy camper cabins to modern glamping retreats. Climb the 85-foot observation tower for panoramic views, hike to Stone Creek Falls, sleep in a Pawnee teepee village, or explore 10+ miles of trails through wooded bluffs. Located just 30 minutes from Omaha and Lincoln, this year-round park delivers an accessible escape into Nebraska’s surprising natural beauty.
Cabins – 55 Options from Rustic to Glamping
| Cabin Type | Units | Features |
|---|---|---|
| 🏠 Housekeeping Cabins | 21 | Full kitchen, bathroom, linens, heat/AC |
| 🛖 Camper Cabins | 31 | Refrigerator, fire ring, picnic table, heat/AC |
| ✨ Glamping Cabins | 3 | Polished concrete floors, stone fire pit, modern rustic |
📅 Reservation Windows
- Housekeeping/Camper Cabins: Book up to 12 months ahead
- Teepees & Full Hookup Sites: Book up to 180 days ahead
- All cabins include linens and are available year-round
Pawnee Teepee Village
| Teepee Details | Information |
|---|---|
| 🏕️ Experience | Sleep in authentic-style teepees |
| 👥 Capacity | 6-8 people per teepee |
| 📅 Reservations | Up to 180 days in advance |
| 🔥 Amenities | Fire ring, unique glamping experience |
Camping – 48 Full Hookup Sites
| Campsite Details | Information |
|---|---|
| ⛺ Sites | 48 full hookup sites |
| 🚐 RV Length | Up to 50 feet |
| ⚡ Hookups | Electric, water, sewer |
| 🔥 Amenities | Table, fire ring, grill at each site |
| 📅 Season | Year-round (winter: some facilities limited) |
85-Foot Observation Tower
| Tower Features | Details |
|---|---|
| 📏 Height | 85 feet tall |
| 👀 Views | Platte River Valley panorama |
| 🗼 Second Tower | Additional tower near Walter Scott Jr. Lodge |
| 📸 Best Time | Sunset for golden hour photography |
Stone Creek Falls
| Waterfall Info | Details |
|---|---|
| 💧 Feature | Scenic waterfall in wooded ravine |
| 🥾 Access | Hiking trail from main park area |
| 📸 Tip | Best after rainfall for maximum flow |
| 🌲 Setting | Forested bluffs, peaceful atmosphere |
Activities & Trails
| Activity | Details |
|---|---|
| 🥾 Hiking | 10+ miles of trails through wooded bluffs |
| 🧒 Playground | Mini ziplines for kids! |
| 🍽️ Dining | Walter Scott Jr. Lodge Restaurant |
| 🎿 Nearby | Go Ape Zipline Park (~7 mi in Ashland) |
Park Information
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| 💵 Entry | Nebraska Park Permit required ($6/day or $35/year) |
| 📐 Size | 418 acres |
| 📍 Location | 30 min from Omaha & Lincoln |
| 📅 Season | Year-round, peak Memorial Day–Labor Day |
Frequently Asked Questions
Wildlife & Nature
Platte River SP — 453 acres on the bluffs above the Platte River. The park’s hardwood forest, ravines, and river views support white-tailed deer, wild turkeys, and bald eagles. Glamping cabins offer premium accommodations. In spring, over 500,000 sandhill cranes stage along the Platte River — the greatest concentration of cranes in the world.
Nearby Attractions
Louisville — adjacent. Platte River — below the bluffs. Omaha — 30 miles northeast.
What types of cabins are at Platte River State Park?
Platte River State Park offers 55 cabins in three categories: 21 housekeeping cabins with full kitchens and bathrooms, 31 camper cabins with refrigerators and outdoor fire rings, and 3 glamping cabins with polished concrete floors and modern rustic design. All cabins have heat and AC and are available year-round. Linens are provided. Book housekeeping cabins up to 12 months in advance!
Can you camp in teepees at Platte River State Park?
Yes! The Pawnee Teepee Village offers authentic-style teepee camping. Each teepee sleeps 6-8 people and includes a fire ring. It’s a unique glamping experience that kids especially love. Reservations can be made up to 180 days in advance through Reserve America.
Is there a waterfall at Platte River State Park?
Yes! Stone Creek Falls is a picturesque waterfall accessible via hiking trail. It’s set in a peaceful wooded ravine and is one of Nebraska’s hidden gems. The falls are especially impressive after rainfall. It’s a popular destination for hikers and photographers exploring the park’s 10+ miles of trails.
How tall is the observation tower?
The main observation tower at Platte River State Park stands 85 feet tall, offering panoramic views of the Platte River Valley. There’s also a second tower near the Walter Scott Jr. Lodge Restaurant. The best time to climb is at sunset for stunning golden hour photography of the valley below.
Is Platte River State Park open in winter?
Yes! The park is open year-round. All 55 cabins are heated and available throughout winter—making this a great cold-weather getaway. Campgrounds are also open, though shower houses may have limited hours. The trails, observation tower, and Stone Creek Falls are accessible in all seasons. Cross-country skiing is possible when snow conditions allow.
🏕️ Nebraska’s Premier Cabin Park
From glamping cabins to Pawnee teepees, climb the 85-foot tower, and hike to Stone Creek Falls—all just 30 minutes from Omaha. Visit the official Platte River State Park website for cabin availability and reservations.
Explore More Nebraska State Parks
Platte River State Park is one of many outstanding state parks in Nebraska. Discover more parks in our Best State Parks in Nebraska guide, or use our Park Finder to search by activity, location, or features.
Nearby state parks: If you have extra time, Louisville State Recreation Area is a short drive away, and Louisville State Recreation Area is a short drive away.
⛺ Camping at Platte River State Park: Campgrounds & Cabins
| Campsites | 48 sites — 48 full-hookup RV campsites, plus Basic campsites. |
|---|---|
| Cabins & Lodging | Multiple lodging types beyond standard camping: Glamping cabins, Modern cabins, Camper cabins, Mini lodges, The Red Barn and Tipis. Camper cabins sleep 4 to 6 people; guests bring their own eating utensils, charcoal and lighter fluid for cooking, cooking utensils and pillows, and share a central shower and bathroom facility. |
| Reservations | Reservations accepted for 19 of the 48 RV campsites. All campers check in at the park office upon arrival; those without reservations check availability and register there. Park entry permit required. Cabin and lodge reservations accepted up to one year in advance. |
| Special sites | Roger G. Sykes Outdoor Heritage Education Complex with an outdoor archery range, a 50-yard small-bore rifle range, a trap range with five-stand sporting clays, an indoor 10-meter pellet gun range, tomahawk throwing and slingshots. 4.4 miles of enhanced mountain biking trails. A canoe/kayak access point near the mouth of Decker Creek is a stop on the Platte River Water Trail between Schramm Park and Louisville state recreation areas. |
Camping questions about Platte River State Park
Can you camp at Platte River State Park?
Yes. Platte River State Park has 48 campsites. 48 full-hookup RV campsites, plus Basic campsites.
How do you reserve a campsite at Platte River State Park?
Reservations accepted for 19 of the 48 RV campsites. All campers check in at the park office upon arrival; those without reservations check availability and register there. Park entry permit required. Cabin and lodge reservations accepted up to one year in advance.
Are there cabins at Platte River State Park?
Multiple lodging types beyond standard camping: Glamping cabins, Modern cabins, Camper cabins, Mini lodges, The Red Barn and Tipis. Camper cabins sleep 4 to 6 people; guests bring their own eating utensils, charcoal and lighter fluid for cooking, cooking utensils and pillows, and share a central shower and bathroom facility.
Source: outdoornebraska.gov (verified July 2026). Details change seasonally — confirm when booking.
🐾 Dogs & Pets at Platte River State Park
- Pets allowed? statewide rule
- Pets are allowed in Nebraska state park areas, including campgrounds, provided they are leashed, crated or caged.
- Leash rule statewide rule
- All animals must be on a leash no longer than 6 feet, or crated or caged.
- Beaches & swim areas statewide rule
- Designated swimming beaches and pools are off-limits to all animals except service dogs.
- Cabins & lodging statewide rule
- Pets are allowed in cabins for a $25 one-time pet fee per unit; pets are not allowed in lodge rooms.
- Pet fees statewide rule
- $25 one-time pet fee per unit for pets in cabins; no day-use pet fee.
- Statewide exceptions statewide rule
- At Lake McConaughy SRA leashing is strictly enforced to protect Least Tern and Piping Plover nesting areas; pets at large may be impounded.
Are dogs allowed at Platte River State Park?
Pets are allowed in Nebraska state park areas, including campgrounds, provided they are leashed, crated or caged. Individual parks can post stricter rules — check signage on arrival.
Rules verified July 2026 via outdoornebraska.gov. More: Nebraska state parks guide · Dog rules in all 50 states compared
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