🌤 Weather at Two Rivers State Recreation Area by season
| Spring | Summer | Fall | Winter |
|---|---|---|---|
| 28–72 °F | 62–86 °F | 29–77 °F | 14–37 °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 Gretna 4NE, 5 mi away, elevation 1,240 ft. Conditions at the park can differ from the station, especially where elevation differs — check a forecast before you go.
🚂 Sleep in a Caboose on the Platte River — 7 Lakes, Trout Fishing, and a Beach 30 Minutes from Omaha — A family-friendly SRA with 10 refurbished Union Pacific caboose cabins, stocked fishing lakes, a swimming beach, and paddling access to the Platte River — Douglas County, Nebraska
Two Rivers State Recreation Area is Omaha’s backyard playground — a sprawling day-use and camping area at the confluence of the Platte and Elkhorn rivers near Waterloo, just 30 minutes from downtown. The park’s signature attraction is its 10 retired Union Pacific cabooses converted into unique “glamping” cabins, each sleeping six with kitchenette and bathroom — a one-of-a-kind overnight experience in Nebraska.
Beyond the cabooses, Two Rivers offers seven sandpit lakes with varied fishing (including a dedicated trout lake), an unsupervised swimming beach, campgrounds with hookups, and non-motorized boat access to the Platte River. It’s one of the most popular outdoor destinations in the Omaha metro area.
What to Do
| Activity | Details | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Caboose Cabins | 10 refurbished UP cabooses | Sleep 6, kitchenette, bathroom, seasonal |
| Fishing | 7 sandpit lakes | Bass, crappie, bluegill, catfish, trout (Lake 5) |
| Swimming | Unsupervised beach (Lake 4) | Memorial Day–Labor Day |
| Camping | Multiple campgrounds | Tent + RV, electrical hookups |
| Paddling | Kayak/canoe on lakes + Platte River | No motorized boats on lakes |
| Biking | Bicycle rentals available | Paved trails through park |
Fishing Guide
| Lake | Species | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Lake 5 (Trout) | Rainbow trout | Put-and-take, seasonal stocking |
| Other Lakes | Bass, crappie, bluegill, catfish, carp | Some catch-and-release only |
Best Time to Visit
| Season | Weather | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| Summer (Jun–Aug) | 75–92°F | Swimming, caboose stays, full facilities |
| Spring (Apr–May) | 50–72°F | Trout fishing, camping, fewer crowds |
| Fall (Sep–Oct) | 50–72°F | Fishing, foliage, quiet camping |
| Winter (Nov–Mar) | 20–40°F | Limited facilities, ice fishing possible |
💰 Trip Cost Estimator
| Expense | Cost | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| NE Park Permit | $6/day or $35/year | Required for vehicle entry |
| Campsite | $15–$30/night | Hookups available |
| Caboose Cabin | $55–$85/night | 10 units, seasonal, reservations |
| Day Trip | $6 | Fishing + swimming + trails |
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the caboose cabins?
10 retired Union Pacific railroad cabooses refurbished into overnight cabins. Each sleeps six, has a kitchenette, bathroom with shower, and a small porch. Available Memorial Day through Labor Day. Book early — they sell out fast.
Can I swim?
Yes. An unsupervised beach on Lake 4, open Memorial Day through Labor Day. No pool.
Can I bring a motorboat?
No motorized boats on the lakes. Kayaks, canoes, and paddleboards are welcome. The Platte River is accessible for non-powered watercraft.
How far from Omaha?
About 20 miles (30 minutes) west via West Dodge Road to Waterloo.
Keep exploring: The closest neighbors are Schramm Park State Recreation Area (a short drive away) and Schramm Park State Recreation Area (a short drive away).
🚂 Sleep in a Caboose
Union Pacific caboose cabins, 7 fishing lakes, a swimming beach, and Platte River access — all 30 minutes from Omaha.
Wildlife & Nature
Two Rivers SRA — at the confluence of two rivers — provides camping and water recreation. The park’s riparian forest and wetlands support bald eagles, great blue herons, and osprey. Beavers maintain lodges along the banks. Smallmouth bass and channel catfish provide good fishing. Wood ducks nest in tree cavities.
Nearby Attractions
Regional attractions — surrounding — provide cultural and recreational opportunities.
⛺ Camping at Two Rivers State Recreation Area: Campgrounds & Cabins
| Campsites | 230 sites — Full Hookup, Electric Plus, Basic, and Basic Equestrian campsites. 167 camping pads with 20-, 30- and/or 50-amp electrical hookups (12 of these have water and sewer hookups), plus 38 camping pad sites without electricity and 25 Basic Equestrian sites in Whitetail Campground. Five ADA-compliant sites are included among the 167 (two Full Hookup, three Electric Plus). Modern restrooms with showers and a dump and fill station are on site. Whitetail Campground equestrian sites offer drinking water, primitive restrooms, fire ring/grills and picnic tables, plus 10 paneled 12x12 horse pens in two corrals of six and four. |
|---|---|
| Cabins & Lodging | 10 Union Pacific cabooses refurbished into cabins that sleep six (caboose #10 is ADA-accessible and sleeps four). Air-conditioned, with a modern bathroom and shower, a kitchen/dining area (stovetop, microwave, mini refrigerator, sink), a dining table, and an outdoor deck with picnic table, grill and fire ring. Bedding, towels, soap, and eating and cooking utensils are not provided and must be brought by guests. Cabooses are available April 15 through the end of September; no pets are allowed in the cabooses. |
| Reservations | Camping reservations are available for half of the electrical campsites from mid-April to mid-October and can be made up to 180 days in advance; all other camping is first-come, first-served. Caboose reservations may be made up to one year in advance. The park office does not take reservations directly; call the reservation call center at 1-844-637-2757 or book online. A park entry permit is required per vehicle. |
| Special sites | 2 miles of equestrian trails, plus horseback riding on the adjacent 342-acre wildlife management area from Feb. 1 to Aug. 31. Camping is prohibited at day-use areas. |
Camping questions about Two Rivers State Recreation Area
Can you camp at Two Rivers State Recreation Area?
Yes. Two Rivers State Recreation Area has 230 campsites. Full Hookup, Electric Plus, Basic, and Basic Equestrian campsites. 167 camping pads with 20-, 30- and/or 50-amp electrical hookups (12 of these have water and sewer hookups), plus 38 camping pad sites without electricity and 25 Basic Equestrian sites in Whitetail Campground. Five ADA-compliant sites are included among the 167 (two Full Hookup, three Electric Plus). Modern restrooms with showers and a dump and fill station are on site. Whitetail Campground equestrian sites offer drinking water, primitive restrooms, fire ring/grills and picnic tables, plus 10 paneled 12x12 horse pens in two corrals of six and four.
How do you reserve a campsite at Two Rivers State Recreation Area?
Camping reservations are available for half of the electrical campsites from mid-April to mid-October and can be made up to 180 days in advance; all other camping is first-come, first-served. Caboose reservations may be made up to one year in advance. The park office does not take reservations directly; call the reservation call center at 1-844-637-2757 or book online. A park entry permit is required per vehicle.
Are there cabins at Two Rivers State Recreation Area?
10 Union Pacific cabooses refurbished into cabins that sleep six (caboose #10 is ADA-accessible and sleeps four). Air-conditioned, with a modern bathroom and shower, a kitchen/dining area (stovetop, microwave, mini refrigerator, sink), a dining table, and an outdoor deck with picnic table, grill and fire ring. Bedding, towels, soap, and eating and cooking utensils are not provided and must be brought by guests. Cabooses are available April 15 through the end of September; no pets are allowed in the cabooses.
Source: outdoornebraska.gov (verified July 2026). Details change seasonally — confirm when booking.
🐾 Dogs & Pets at Two Rivers State Recreation Area
- 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 Two Rivers State Recreation Area?
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
Park Location
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