KOA Holiday sign at Open Road Resorts near Eugene T. Mahoney State Park.

Gretna, Nebraska

Visiting Mahoney State Park

Looking for a Getaway to Eugene T. Mahoney State Park?

If you’re thinking about a family getaway, Eugene T. Mahoney State Park offers the perfect family-friendly spot. Located in the Platte River valley between Omaha and Lincoln, the Park has a little something for everyone. Explore the on-site aquatic center, miles of trails, fishing, mini golf, go-karts, horseback riding, and plenty to keep the kids busy.

However, the park’s on-site campsites and cabins book up months in advance, especially for summer weekends and holidays. If your dates are full, or you’d rather lock in early, the West Omaha / NE Lincoln KOA Holiday makes a comfy home base just a quick drive away. With full hookups, spacious sites, and plenty of room to unwind, it’s a comfortable home base for RV travelers and families to recharge before another day at the park.

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Things to do in Gretna

Sitting about 30 minutes from both Omaha and Lincoln, Gretna makes a great Nebraska home base. It’s close to Mahoney State Park and the Platte River valley, but far enough from the city to actually hear the crickets at night.

There’s something going on year-round, too. Spring brings the sandhill cranes along the Platte, and the warmer months are made for biking, fishing, and getting out on the trails. Just next door, Platte River State Park is full of scenic hikes and a picturesque waterfall to track down, plus an observation tower with views out over the valley. Gretna makes it easy to turn a Mahoney camping trip into a fuller Nebraska getaway, close to the adventure, minus the big-city traffic.

Omaha Outdoors

Mahoney State Park can easily fill a whole day, but there’s plenty more close by when you’re ready to wander. Schramm Park State Recreation Area is a great pick for a quieter outing, with wooded trails, good birdwatching, and a slower pace, all just a short drive from camp. Platte River State Park adds scenic overlooks and more trails to roam along the river valley.

If you’re looking for a change of pace, head into Omaha, an easy drive from camp. If you’re traveling with your family, take your kids to the Henry Doorly Zoo & Aquarium, or you can mix it up with TreeRush Adventures, Kenefick Park, or a few rounds at Topgolf Omaha. One day can be all about quiet state parks, the next about big-name attractions, making West Omaha / NE Lincoln KOA Holiday a convenient home base for more than one kind of Nebraska adventure.

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Scenic camping site at Open Road Resorts near Eugene T. Mahoney State Park.

Henry Doorly Zoo & Aquarium

22.9 miles | 27 minutes

Top Golf

18.6 miles | 25 minutes

TreeRush Adventures

26.3 miles | 33 minutes

Kenefick Park

24.1 miles | 30 minutes

Your Itinerary for a Nebraska Getaway

Mahoney State Park Day

Make the Most of the Park

Start the morning with a hike, a bike ride, or some time by the fishing ponds before heading into Mahoney's most popular attractions. Spend the afternoon however you like. Cool off at the aquatic center, work through a round of mini golf, race the go-karts, or saddle up for some horseback riding.

Omaha Day

World-Class Attractions, Nebraska Style

Spend the day exploring the hidden gems of Omaha . Wander the grounds at Lauritzen Gardens, step back in time at The Durham Museum, or let the kids loose at the Omaha Children's Museum. Art lovers can take in the Joslyn Art Museum, and on a nice afternoon it's worth strolling the Bob Kerrey Pedestrian Bridge or the revamped RiverFront downtown. Cap it off with dinner in the Old Market before the easy drive back to Gretna.

Evenings

Back at Camp

After a day out, enjoy the campground’s jumping pillow, seasonal pool, mini zip line, ninja line, gaga ball, KampK9 dog park, and gem mining sluice. Order pizza and wings to your site, grab a treat from the Frosted Canteen, and settle in for a relaxed Nebraska evening.

RV Camping Omaha, NE

West Omaha / NE Lincoln KOA Holiday is a full-service basecamp that makes exploring eastern Nebraska easier and more comfortable for RV travelers and families.

Guests can expect:

Full-Hookup RV Sites: Pull-through and back-in sites with 50/30/20-amp service, water, and sewer.
Streaming-Quality Wi-Fi: Stay connected throughout your stay.
Resort-Style Pool: An in-ground pool for cooling off after a day outside.
Family Recreation: Jumping pillow, mini zip line, and gem and fossil mining to keep the kids busy.
Food & Essentials: Snack bar, full-service store, and pizza delivery right on-site.
KampK9 Dog Park: Plenty of room for the whole family, four-legged members included.
Lodge with Loft Cabins: A non-RV option sleeping up to eight, with a full kitchen, bath, bunk room, private bedroom, and Roku TV.

Local Tip: Add Schramm Park State Recreation Area to your itinerary for a quieter morning of wooded trails, birdwatching, and river valley scenery before diving into the area’s busier attractions.

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Plan Your Mahoney State Park Visit

The season you pick and how early you reserve can shape your whole Mahoney trip. Here’s how to set yourself up for an easy, crowd-free getaway.

Pick Your Season: Late spring through early fall is prime time, with the aquatic center and outdoor family activities in full swing. Come fall for cooler weather, thinner crowds, and beautiful Platte River valley views.
Book Ahead: Summer weekends and holidays go fast, so lock in your KOA site early if you’re traveling around Memorial Day, the Fourth of July, or Labor Day.
Go Midweek: Weekdays mean shorter lines and a more laid-back pace inside the park.
Grab a Permit: A Nebraska State Park Permit is required to enter Mahoney State Park.

Set up your stay at a spot that keeps you close to the fun and the comforts of home.

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