Every now and then, a city does something so right for the RV community that you just have to stand up and applaud. That’s the case with Omaha and its spectacular Lake Cunningham Campground. After a massive, twenty three million dollar overhaul, this place reopened in 2021 as a truly modern, beautiful, and functional urban oasis. Whether you’re looping around the city on I-680 or making your way north toward South Dakota, “The C,” as locals call it, offers a completely stress free place to empty your tanks, and so much more, all without ever having to leave the city limits. It’s the perfect blend of outdoor recreation and urban convenience.
One of the biggest draws of staying here is having all of Omaha’s fantastic attractions right at your doorstep. You’re just a fifteen minute drive from the world famous Henry Doorly Zoo and Aquarium, a place that consistently ranks among the best on the planet. If you’re looking for a great evening out, the historic Old Market downtown is the place to be, with its charming cobblestone streets, incredible foodie scene, and the iconic Bob Kerrey Pedestrian Bridge, where you can literally stand with one foot in Nebraska and the other in Iowa. But honestly, you might find yourself staying put right at the campground. A beautiful six mile paved trail circles the entire reservoir, making it perfect for a bike ride, a morning jog, or a leisurely sunset stroll along the water.
The dumping experience here is as modern and pleasant as the rest of the park. The campground is divided into two main loops, East C and West C, which together contain 83 pristine concrete RV pads. Each of these loops has its own water fill station and a sanitary dump station located right near the entrance gate. It’s an incredibly efficient layout. Day users who are just coming in to dump can pay easily at the self service kiosk, then just follow the clear signage to the station. The pads are perfectly level, and the pull through lanes are generously sized, easily accommodating motorhomes up to 45 feet long. The whole place was designed with today’s RVs in mind, and it shows.
The amenities here are top notch, a direct result of that recent renovation. You have access to potable water to stock up your fresh tank, which is essential before you head out across those long, hot prairie stretches. Campers consistently rave about the bathhouses, calling them sparkling clean and new. And let’s talk hookups. Both loops are fully wired with 20, 30, and 50 amp electric service. But the real game changer is that many of the sites in the East C loop boast full hookups, including individual sewer drops right at your pad. That is a luxury that full timers and long term visitors truly appreciate. You’ll find large dumpsters near the camp host site for your trash, and the park is very pet friendly, though leash laws are enforced. That paved trail around the lake is absolutely perfect for getting your dog his morning walkies. You won’t find repair services or propane on site, so you’ll need to stock up on any spares and fuel before you pull in.
When it comes to cost, you get what you pay for, and the value here is excellent. A nightly campsite will run you somewhere between thirty five and forty five dollars, depending on the level of hookups you choose. If you’re just coming for the day to use the dump station, the fee is typically around ten dollars. As with any park, these prices can change, so it’s always smart to confirm the latest rates on their official reservation website, ExploreTheC.com. Given the beautiful lakefront setting, the brand new facilities, and the incredible proximity to a major city’s attractions, the price feels more than fair.
A few pro tips will make your visit even better. If you’re planning to stay overnight, especially during the summer or on a weekend when they might have a concert or event, reserve your spot online well in advance. These pads sell out quickly. For day use dumping, the best time to arrive is mid morning. The overnight campers are usually packing up and leaving after breakfast, which frees up the lanes at the dump station. After you’ve finished your chores, take advantage of the lake. They have a kayak launch, and rentals are available right on site. It’s a beautiful way to spend an afternoon. And a quick note on safety: if the prairie winds pick up, which they often do, watch out for whitecaps on the lake. It’s a no wake lake, but nature doesn’t always follow the rules.
In closing, Lake Cunningham Campground is a shining example of how to pair city convenience with lakeside tranquility. With its full hookups, fresh water, modern facilities, and miles of paved trail, it’s so much more than a simple pit stop. It’s a destination in its own right. It’s the perfect home base for exploring Omaha or just a wonderfully peaceful place to recharge your batteries, both literally and figuratively. Confirm your fees, pack your bikes and your walking shoes, and get ready to be pleasantly surprised by this urban gem.
8XV5+PC, 8305 Rainwood Rd, Omaha, NE 68122
(531) 201-5754
Cost: Price not available
Category: Campground
Has Water
explorethec.com