RV Parks In Elwood, NE

Elwood, Nebraska is a tiny town of about 700 people in south-central Nebraska, but it punches above its weight for RV camping thanks to its location near Johnson Lake and the Tri-County Canal system. With several RV parks and campgrounds in the area, you've got a surprising number of options for such a small community. some of those are free, which fits the low-key, affordable vibe of the area.

Johnson Lake is the real draw here. This 2,065-acre reservoir was created by the Tri-County irrigation system and has become one of central Nebraska's most popular recreation lakes. The warm, shallow water is great for swimming, boating, and fishing -- walleye, white bass, and catfish are the main catches. Several RV parks and campgrounds line the lake's shores, and during summer weekends the area bustles with families and anglers from across the region.

The campgrounds around Johnson Lake range from full-hookup RV parks with boat ramps and docks to simpler sites with electric-only service. Pull-through sites are available at several parks, and most can accommodate rigs up to 40 feet without issues. Some of the lakeside parks have direct water access, which is a huge convenience if you're towing a boat.

Elwood itself has limited services -- a small general store, a gas station, and a few eateries -- so plan to stock up before you arrive. Lexington is about 15 miles north on Highway 283 and has a Walmart and more shopping options. The nearest major city is Kearney, about 40 miles northeast on I-80. Despite its small size, Elwood's lake-town atmosphere and affordable camping make it a favorite for repeat visitors who know where to find the good spots in Nebraska.

The Tri-County Canal system that created Johnson Lake is itself an interesting piece of Nebraska engineering history. The canal diverts water from the Platte River near North Platte and runs it through a series of reservoirs and canals to irrigate farmland across a vast swath of south-central Nebraska. Johnson Lake is one of the holding reservoirs, and the constant flow of water through the system keeps the lake at a relatively stable level throughout the summer, unlike natural lakes that can drop significantly during dry spells. That makes it reliable for boating and swimming all season. The area around the lake has a small but loyal following of seasonal campers who return year after year, creating a community atmosphere at the campgrounds during summer months. If you're a golfer, Johnson Lake Golf Club is a surprisingly nice nine-hole course right near the lake that welcomes visitors. The small community of Elwood hosts a summer celebration with fireworks over the lake that's a highlight for campers lucky enough to be in the right place at the right time.

Camping around Johnson Lake and Elwood is very budget-friendly. Of the parks and campgrounds in the area, a portion% are free while a portion% charge fees. The free options are typically basic sites without hookups, but they're fine for a weekend in a self-contained rig.

Paid campgrounds on the lake generally charge $20 to $35 per night for full hookups, with electric-only sites running $12 to $20. Seasonal rates are popular at many Johnson Lake parks -- if you want a spot for the whole summer, monthly rates typically run $300 to $500 depending on the park and hookup level. That's a great deal for lakeside camping with boat access.

Keep in mind you'll need a boat ramp permit at some launch sites, and a Nebraska fishing license is required for anyone over 16. Fishing licenses for non-residents run about $50 for an annual permit or $10 for a three-day permit. Overall, a week at Johnson Lake with full hookups, fishing, and boat access will cost a fraction of what you'd spend at a resort lake in the Ozarks or northern Minnesota.