- Lodging
- Camping
- Equestrian Trails
- Fishing
- Hiking
- Hunting
- Lodging
- Picnicking
- Playground
As one of the most popular recreation areas in the state, Two Rivers is a great spot for fishing, camping, swimming and picnicking west of Omaha in Eastern Nebraska. Perhaps the most unique draw of the park is the 10 Union Pacific cabooses that have been refurbished into cabins that sleep six.
Make a ReservationAttractions
Fishing
Two Rivers SRA’s ever-popular trout lake (Lake No. 5) normally opens to pay fishing on the second Saturday of March and remains open until July 1. Those with physical disabilities can enjoy the trout lake too, as an easily accessible fishing pier is located at the south end of the lake. The restrooms located near the lake are also wheelchair-accessible. Regulations governing the trout lake, including fees and fish allowed per tag, are posted on the area. A valid Nebraska fishing permit is required in addition to the trout tag.
For more information on fishing opportunities here and at parks across the state, visit the interactive public fishing areas map. This map provides detailed information on available species, regulations, public boat ramps, fish cleaning stations and ADA-accessible boat ramps and docks, among other features in reservoirs, lakes, streams and rivers statewide. Lake contour maps are available for some lakes, as well.
Boating
Only non-powered boats are permitted at Two Rivers. All boats are prohibited on Lake #5, the Trout Lake.
Swimming
Unsupervised swimming is available at Lake No. 4. The beach is open Memorial Day Weekend through Labor Day.
Hiking
The park offers multiple hiking trails. Trail users are asked to be aware of hunting season dates. Many of the trails are on Wildlife Management Area portions of the park where hunting is permitted in season.
Picnicking
With its close proximity to Omaha, Two Rivers has a popular day-use spot that offers many options for those looking for a great place for a picnic or an afternoon of grilling. The park has a picnic shelter north of the Lakeside Campground. The picnic shelter seats up to 24 people, no electricity and is first-come, first-served.
Hunting
A 342-acre adjacent wildlife management area (WMA) is open to hunting during open seasons. Unless otherwise posted, the WMA is open to hunting during open seasons. Archery and shotguns loaded with non-toxic shot are allowed. Target shooting and the use of BB-pellet guns, paintball guns, rifles of any caliber and handguns, as well as the use of shotgun slugs, are prohibited.
Waterfowl hunting is permitted on the WMA and SRA. Temporary blinds may be used but must be removed from the area at the close of hunting each day-permanent or seasonal blinds are not allowed. In addition to waterfowl, species available include turkey, quail, pheasant, squirrel, and cottontail. Archery hunting for deer is permitted on the WMA. Please use caution while hiking on the WMA during open hunting seasons. Check with park staff for more information.
Lodging
Cabooses
Union Pacific Cabooses are relics of the past. No longer in use, they are a nearly forgotten part of history. Two Rivers has 10 U.P. Cabooses that have been refurbished for use as park lodging. The integrity of the cabooses were retained in the process, including the steel grate platform and the 25” steel doors. Railing clearance is still the standard 30”. These are one of the first cabooses adapted for cabins in the nation and provide a unique experience
The cabooses are air-conditioned and sleep six people, with two bunk beds in the rear and two mattresses in the cupola. Each is equipped with a modern bathroom, which includes a shower. The kitchen includes stove, microwave, refrigerator, sink and a few cabinets. A table, with four chairs and couch for two, serve as the dining area. For those who enjoy outdoor dining and ambiance, there is a deck with picnic table, grill and fire ring.
To enjoy your caboose to the fullest, please plan ahead to bring the following items: Bedding or sleeping bags (mattresses provided), pillows, towels and soap, eating utensils, charcoal and lighter fluid for grill cooking and cooking utensils. The cabooses are available April 15 through the end of September. No pets are allowed in the cabooses. Reservations may be made one year in advance.
Camping
Outstanding camping facilities highlight the outdoor fun at Two Rivers SRA. The 622-acre area boasts 320 acres of water in several sandpit lakes. Besides a variety of fishing opportunities and non-powered boating, there is an unsupervised swimming beach, concession and an accessible fishing pier.
Two Rivers State Recreation Area offers Electric Plus, Electric, Basic, and Basic Equestrian camping.
Two Rivers offers 143 camping pads with 20-, 30- and/or 50-amp electrical hookups (12 pads have water hookups), as well as 64 camping pads without electricity. Additionally, one ADA electrical site with water hookups and one ADA non-electrical padded site are available. The area offers modern restrooms with showers and a dump and fill station.
Camping reservations are available up to one year in advance of arrival for half of the electrical campsites. All other camping is first-come, first-served. All campers should check in at the park office upon arrival. For those camping without reservations, please go to park office upon arrival to check availability and register to camp.
Equestrian Camping
Two Rivers SRA, Whitetail Campground, offers numerous Basic Equestrian campsites. All Basic camping in the Whitetail Campground is first-come, first-served. Campers should register to camp at the park office.
Whitetail Campground offers, drinking water, primitive restrooms, fire ring/grills and picnic tables. There are 12, 12 x 12 paneled horse pens situated in two separate corrals of six. Horse pens are first-come, first-served.
There are two miles of equestrian trails and additional horseback riding is allowed on the 342-acre adjacent wildlife management area from Feb. 1 to Aug. 31. Guided rides and horse rental are not offered. Equestrian use is not permitted in the other campgrounds.
Maps
Fees
A park entry permit is required and may be purchased at the park or statewide Game and Parks offices and permit vendors or in advance of your arrival online. For a complete list of park and activity fees, click the button below.
VIEW ALL PARK FEESReservation Information
Two Rivers SRA park office does not take reservations over the phone or in person. To check availability and to make reservations for camping and/or cabooses, please call the reservation call center at 402-471-1414 Monday-Friday, 9 a.m. – 6 p.m., closed on holidays. Or make reservations online at OutdoorNebraska.org.
Contact Information
Address: Two Rivers SRA | 27702 F St. | Waterloo, NE 68069-7012
Phone: (402) 359-5165
Email: Send email
