Little Creek Campground

For Nebraska families seeking a vibrant and activity-filled outdoor escape, Little Creek Campground, nestled within the expansive Eugene T. Mahoney State Park in Ashland, offers a truly unique experience. This isn't just a place to pitch your tent or park your RV; it's a gateway to an unparalleled array of recreational opportunities, making it a highly popular destination for locals across the Cornhusker State. While some previous visitors have noted areas needing attention in the facilities, the sheer volume of activities and the park's overall appeal make it a go-to spot for memorable family adventures.

Eugene T. Mahoney State Park is a modern marvel in the Nebraska State Parks system, designed to provide year-round entertainment for all ages. Little Creek Campground is one of two modern campgrounds within this bustling park, offering a convenient base camp for exploring everything the park has to offer. From its massive aquatic center and indoor playground to horseback riding trails and an observation tower, the park goes above and beyond a typical state park experience, creating a resort-like atmosphere that keeps families coming back.

The allure of Little Creek Campground lies not just in its individual sites, but in its integral role within the larger park's ecosystem of fun. It provides campers with easy access to amenities such as a playground, a basketball court, and a coin-operated laundry facility. This blend of traditional camping with modern conveniences is what sets Mahoney State Park, and by extension, Little Creek Campground, apart for Nebraskans looking for more than just a quiet night under the stars.

Reviews from visitors often highlight the park's extensive activities, noting opportunities for paddle boating, swimming, and hiking on scenic trails. Families particularly appreciate the variety, with some even enjoying birding adventures organized by the park. The presence of wildlife, like deer, adds to the natural appeal, reminding visitors that despite the numerous attractions, they are still immersed in Nebraska's beautiful outdoors.

It's important for prospective campers to be aware of feedback regarding the cleanliness of facilities, as some past reviews have mentioned issues with restrooms and showers. However, the Nebraska Game & Parks Commission is continuously working to maintain and improve its facilities, and user experiences can vary. Many other reviews speak to friendly staff and a safe environment, suggesting that the overall experience at Mahoney, including Little Creek Campground, remains a positive one for the majority of visitors.

Despite any minor drawbacks in facility upkeep reported by a few individuals, the overwhelming sentiment from many campers is that Little Creek Campground provides an excellent home base for enjoying all the attractions of Eugene T. Mahoney State Park. Its strategic location between Nebraska's two largest cities, Lincoln and Omaha, makes it an easily accessible escape for a vast number of local residents, solidifying its status as a premier destination for family fun and outdoor recreation in the state.

Little Creek Campground is centrally located within Eugene T. Mahoney State Park, which is situated at 28500 West Park Highway, Ashland, NE 68003, USA. This prime location places it almost perfectly midway between Nebraska's two largest metropolitan areas, Lincoln and Omaha. For Nebraskans, this means an incredibly convenient drive, allowing for quick weekend getaways or even day trips for those living in or around these major cities.

Accessibility to Eugene T. Mahoney State Park is straightforward, typically involving well-maintained state highways that lead directly to the park entrance. If traveling from Ashland, you would turn onto Highway 66 and go south approximately 3 miles. The park entrance is notable for being located after the Strategic Air Command & Aerospace Museum and before Interstate 80. This ease of navigation is a significant advantage for campers, especially those towing RVs or traveling with families.

Within the park, Little Creek Campground itself is designed for accessibility. It is one of two main campgrounds, offering 99 sites that can accommodate tents, trailers, and RVs up to 56 feet in length. The internal park roads leading to Little Creek Campground are generally well-designed, though some larger rigs might need to be mindful of turns, as noted by some past visitors who mentioned tight corners. However, the paved sites and roads within the campground contribute to smooth maneuvering and leveling for RVs.

Beyond vehicle access, Little Creek Campground's location within the park ensures pedestrian accessibility to many of the park's core amenities. It's described as being "close to a playground, basketball court and the coin operated laundry facility," allowing campers to walk to these convenient services. This proximity to various attractions within the park minimizes the need for driving once you've set up camp, enhancing the overall relaxing experience.

The park's strategic position near the Platte River also offers a scenic backdrop, providing a pleasant change from the agricultural landscapes common in other parts of Nebraska. This combination of easy access from major population centers, well-maintained internal roads, and pedestrian access to park facilities makes Little Creek Campground an extremely practical and appealing choice for Nebraska residents looking for a hassle-free camping adventure.

• Campsites: Offers 99 sites accommodating tents, trailers, and RVs up to 56 feet.
• Electrical Hookups: Available at campsites, providing power for RVs and other needs.
• Water Hookups: Potable water connections are available at sites.
• Sewer Hookups: Some sites offer full hookups, while a dump and fill station is conveniently located near the park entrance for all campers.
• Picnic Tables: Each campsite is equipped with a picnic table for outdoor dining.
• Fire Pits: Designated fire pits are available at each site for campfires.
• Modern Restrooms: Both campgrounds (including Little Creek) have modern restroom facilities.
• Showers: Showers are available for campers' use.
• Coin-Operated Laundry Facility: Located close to Little Creek Campground for camper convenience.
• Dump Station: Conveniently situated near the park entrance for waste disposal.
• Playground: A playground is located nearby for children's enjoyment.
• Basketball Court: Available for recreational activities close to the campground.
• Reservations: Half of the campsites in Little Creek Campground are reservable up to 180 days in advance via phone or online; the rest are first-come, first-served.
• Campground Host: On-site hosts are often available to assist campers.

• Integrated into Eugene T. Mahoney State Park: Offers access to a vast array of park amenities and activities beyond just camping.
• Family-Friendly Atmosphere: Known for being an excellent destination for families, with attractions for all ages.
• Aquatic Center: Features a large swimming pool, water slides (including new 45-foot slides), a diving area, zero-depth entry wave pool, and a water playground.
• Indoor Playground (Activity Center): A large year-round facility with tubes, slides, net bridges, and a ball pit.
• Horseback Riding: Opportunities for guided trail rides through the park.
• Observation Tower: Offers stunning views of the Platte River valley.
• Hiking and Biking Trails: Scenic trails available for exploration.
• Mini Golf and Disc Golf: Recreational activities for all skill levels.
• Owen Marina: Offers paddleboat rentals, fishing pole rentals, and a concession stand on Baright Lake.
• Peter Kiewit Lodge: Provides lodging options and often hosts events.
• Nature Center & Conservatory: Newly renovated, with live animal exhibits, interactive activities, tropical plants, and a serenity garden.
• Kountze Theater: Hosts live melodrama performances and magic shows.
• Winter Activities: Includes an ice skating pavilion (seasonal) and sledding hills.
• Wildlife Sightings: Common sightings of deer and other local wildlife.

Address: Eugene T. Mahoney State Park, 28500 West Park Highway, Ashland, NE 68003, USA

Phone: For general inquiries and reservations specifically for Eugene T. Mahoney State Park (which includes Little Creek Campground), you can contact the Project Office at (402) 944-2523. Reservations can also be made online through the Nebraska Game & Parks Commission's reservation system or by phone at 1-844-637-2757.

For Nebraska locals, Little Creek Campground at Eugene T. Mahoney State Park stands out as an exceptionally suitable and highly popular choice for a memorable outdoor experience. Its unique blend of traditional camping with an extensive array of modern, family-friendly attractions makes it a premier destination right here in our own state.

The primary draw for Nebraskans is the sheer volume of activities available within Eugene T. Mahoney State Park itself. This isn't just a place to set up camp; it's a full-fledged recreational hub. From splashing around at the impressive Aquatic Center and enjoying the thrills of new water slides, to exploring the vast indoor playground, riding horses on scenic trails, or challenging the family to a round of mini-golf, there's literally something for every age and interest. This means that a camping trip to Little Creek can easily transform into a multi-day adventure without ever needing to leave the park, providing immense value and convenience for local families seeking fun close to home.

Furthermore, the campground's strategic location midway between Lincoln and Omaha makes it incredibly accessible for a significant portion of Nebraska's population. This ease of access reduces travel time, allowing more moments to be spent enjoying the park's offerings. For busy families, this convenient drive is a major benefit, enabling spontaneous weekend getaways or well-planned longer vacations without the stress of extensive travel.

While some past reviews have highlighted areas for improvement in facility cleanliness, it's important to recognize that state parks are continuously maintained, and the overall consensus from many visitors points to a positive and enjoyable experience. The presence of helpful park staff and a wide range of amenities like laundry facilities, modern restrooms (even if occasionally needing attention), and a dump station all contribute to a comfortable stay.

In essence, Little Creek Campground at Eugene T. Mahoney State Park offers Nebraska locals an unmatched opportunity for diverse outdoor recreation and family bonding. It represents the best of what a modern state park can provide – blending natural beauty with engaging activities, all within an easily accessible and welcoming environment that encourages repeat visits and creates cherished memories for years to come.

Little Creek Campground

Ashland, NE 68003, USA