- Camping
- Equestrian trails
- Fishing
- Hiking
State Recreation Area
27702 F St. | Waterloo, NE 68069-7012
Located west of Omaha, Two Rivers State Recreation Area is one of the most popular recreation areas in the state. The area features great fishing, camping, kayaking, swimming and picnicking opportunities, along with equestrian trails and a playground. Perhaps the most unique draw of the park is the 10 Union Pacific cabooses that have been refurbished into cabins that sleep six.
Ten cabooses that once served Union Pacific Railroad are furnished as cabins at Two Rivers State Recreation Area. Eric Fowler, Nebraska Game and Parks Commission
Visitors enjoy the swim beach on a summer day. Jeff Kurrus, Nebraska Game and Parks Commission
Two Rivers SRA has seven lakes open to fishing, in addition to access to the Platte River. Ken Bouc, Nebraska Game and Parks Commission
Camping under the night sky. Jenny Nguyen, Nebraska Game and Parks Commission
Equestrian camping. Eric Fowler, Nebraska Game and Parks Commission
Cyclists ride bikes through the Lakeside Campground at Two Rivers State Recreation Area. Eric Fowler, Nebraska Game and Parks Commission
Two Rivers SRA’s ever-popular trout lake (Lake No. 5) normally opens to fishing on the second Saturday of March. Trout tags are required until June 1 and may be purchased in the park office starting during the spring trout season. Regulations governing the trout lake, including fees and fish allowed per tag, are posted in the area. A valid Nebraska fishing permit is required in addition to the trout tag.
Two ADA accessible fishing piers are located at the west and south sides of the lake, with accessible restrooms located nearby.
Only non-powered boats are permitted at Two Rivers. All boats are prohibited on Lake #5, the Trout Lake.
The park offers multiple hiking trails. Many of the trails are on wildlife management area portions of the park where hunting is permitted in season. Trail users are asked to be aware of hunting season dates.
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.
With its close proximity to Omaha, Two Rivers has popular day-use areas 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. Another area with picnic tables and grills is located just north of the swim beach.
Unsupervised swimming is available at Lake No. 4. The beach is open Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day.
At Two Rivers State Recreation Area, 10 Union Pacific cabooses have been remodeled and restored for park lodging. The cabooses are air-conditioned and sleep six people, with two bunk beds in the rear and two mattresses in the cupola, with the exception of #10, which is ADA accessible and sleeps four instead of six.
Each caboose is equipped with a modern bathroom and shower. The kitchen/dining area includes a stovetop, microwave, mini refrigerator, sink and a few cabinets. A table with four chairs and bench 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. A second picnic table, grill and fire ring are located just off the deck.
To enjoy your caboose to the fullest, please plan ahead to bring the following items: Bedding (twin size) 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 up to one year in advance.
Two Rivers State Recreation Area offers Full Hookup, Electric Plus, Electric, Basic, and Basic Equestrian campsites.
The area has 168 camping pads with 20-, 30- and/or 50-amp electrical hookups (12 pads have water/sewer hookups). There are also 38 camping pads without electricity and 25 basic equestrian sites. Additionally, five ADA-compliant electrical sites (two Full Hookup and three Electric Plus) are available. Modern restrooms with showers and a dump and fill station are located nearby.
Camping reservations are available for half of the campsites from mid-April to mid-October and can be reserved up to 180 days in advance. 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 check in at the park office upon arrival to check availability and register for your campsite before setting up.
Whitetail Campground offers numerous Basic Equestrian campsites. All Basic camping in 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, 12×12 paneled horse pens situated in two separate corrals of six. Horse pens are first-come, first-served.
There are 2 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.
The 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). You can also make reservations online by clicking below.
Park Pricing
A park entry permit is required to visit state parks and may be purchased at the park, statewide Game and Parks offices and permit vendors, or in advance of your arrival online. View those fees, as well as attraction and amenity pricing.
Reservations
Reservations are accepted for cabins, lodge rooms, and group lodges up to one year in advance of the arrival date. Reservations for camping are accepted up to 180 days in advance of arrival date. The Reservation Call Center hours are Monday-Friday 9 a.m. – 6 p.m. (CT) and closed on holidays.
Park Events
Our 76 gorgeous state park and recreations areas host a plethora of events throughout the year. From bird hikes to kayak races, Living History events to family outdoor days, our parks host something fun for every outdoor enthusiast.
