17 Best Places to Stay Near Platte River State Park
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Written by James Oliver
Tucked away in Nebraska‘s lush Cass County, Platte River State Park is a haven of tranquility. It’s a little green hideaway of picnicking, paddle boats, pony rides, and air pure enough to drink. These are some of our favorite places to stay near Platte River State Park.
Home to striking bluffs, gorgeous forests, and a host of water activities, the magnificent Platte River defines this state park. It’s a beloved escape for folks in Omaha and Lincoln and a veritable showcase of Nebraska’s finest.
Those venturing to this scenic spot might want to consider spending a day or two exploring the area. That means finding the right place to stay!
Be it under canvas or in one of the glamping cabins within the park’s confines or hotels a brief journey away. The Platte River State Park area has various accommodations for every taste and budget.
For those passing through, couples seeking a cheap romantic escape, families searching for adventure, or wanderers yearning for a peaceful commune with nature, here are some of the best places to stay near Platte River State Park. Alright, let’s get booked up and start exploring Nebraska!
TL;DR
- Best Hotel – Courtyard by Marriott Omaha La Vista
- Best Rental – This Ashland Vacation Home
- Cabin Option – Platte River State Park’s Glamping Cabins
- Campsite – Pawnee Teepee Village
- RV Site – Bison Lane RV Campground
Hotels Near Platte River State Park
Hotels within walking distance of Platte River State Park are essentially non-existent. The closest hotels and inns are about 15-20 minutes drive from the park. Still, you can find various hotels in the south Omaha region, covering all tastes and budgets.
1. Red Lion Inn & Suites Gretna
Address: Highway 31,14355, Gretna, NE, 68028
If budget and location are your top priorities, consider the Red Lion Inn & Suites Gretna. It’s the closest hotel-type accommodation near Platte River State Park. It is pretty cheap, with most rooms and suites coming in under $100 a night with a complimentary breakfast and free internet access.
It’s also conveniently located, the mid-point between Platte River State Park and Omaha. You’re also a short walk from some popular local eateries.
2. Holiday Inn Express & Suites – Omaha I – 80, an IHG Hotel
Address: 16175 Stevens Pointe, Gretna, NE, 68028
This Holiday Inn Express, just outside Gretna proper, is another top choice if you’ve got a location in mind. This is actually a pretty great choice all around, especially as it’s right off I-80 and sits next to the beautiful Wehrspann Lake and Chalco Hills Recreation Area.
Guests can use the free Wi-Fi, the indoor swimming pool, and the gym. Plus, you’re treated to complimentary breakfast and coffee in the mornings!
3. Hampton Inn & Suites Omaha Southwest – La Vista
Address: 12331 Southport Parkway, La Vista, NE, 68128
The Hampton Inn in La Vista is just over 14 miles from Platte River State Park. It is 100% non-smoking and offers a complimentary daily breakfast and Wi-Fi.
If you need supplies for your trip to the park, it’s conveniently located near shopping at Cabela’s, the Oakview Mall, and Historic Old Market. You’re also pretty close to Urban Air Trampoline Park if the kids need to burn off some energy and Oak Hills Country Club if you want to squeeze in a round of golf.
See Related: Best Things to Do in Omaha, Nebraska
4. Comfort Suites – La Vista
Address: 8121 Eastport Parkway, La Vista, NE, 68128
This Comfort Suites is another superb option if you’re looking for access to Omaha and Platte River State Park, not to mention local amenities. At the Comfort Suites – La Vista, you can access free Wi-Fi, an indoor pool and whirlpool, free parking, and daily breakfast options here.
The guest rooms feature comfortable beds with pillow-top mattresses and down comforters. Families and couples highly rate this property, citing great staff and value for money.
5. Embassy Suites by Hilton Omaha La Vista Hotel & Conference Center
Address: 12520 Westport Parkway, La Vista, NE, 68128
An award-winning Embassy Suites, this upscale inn is conveniently located near many restaurants and attractions (as well as the last two hotels). The decor is pretty sumptuous and very welcoming.
Suites provide a seating area, Wi-Fi, and flatscreen TVs. Guests also enjoy the indoor pool with a whirlpool and the fitness center. Daily hot cooked-to-order breakfast and evening reception are complimentary.
6. Courtyard by Marriott Omaha La Vista
Address: 12560 West Parkway, La Vista, NE, 68128
Adjacent to the La Vista Conference Center with easy access to Omaha and Platte River State Park, the Courtyard by Marriott is the complete package. With beautiful aesthetics, a decent location, and well-appointed rooms, this place offers a bistro, a heated indoor pool, a fitness center, and free Wi-Fi. It’s also near golf and attractions like Urban Air and historic Gretna.
7. Fairfield Inn & Suites by Marriott Omaha Papillion
Address: 465 Olson Drive, Papillion, NE 68046
The Fairfield Inn & Suites near Papillion is a sensibly priced option for Platte River State Park visitors. It’s also close to the beautiful Walnut Creek Recreation Area if you want to see more of Nebraska’s natural bounty.
Flushed with modern amenities and welcoming decor, there’s a complimentary breakfast, indoor pool, spa, and fitness center.
See Related: Where to Stay in Omaha
Vacation Rentals Near Platte River State Park
Due to its outsized popularity and proximity to Omaha, you can also find great places to rent near Platte River State Park. Everything from private lodges oozing rustic charm to chic apartments and country houses with all the modern comforts you could ask for. Here are some top picks.
8. “Nana’s Place”
Just hop in the car, and you’re less than 10 minutes from Platte River State Park! Nana’s Place is exactly what it says on the can: a comfortable home away from home for the whole family. Sleeping up to six, there’s plenty of room for everyone to spread out, including a massive yard.
9. This Lakefront Bellevue Home
This renovated Lakefront Bellevue Home with a raised stone fire pit and access to a private beach sits on Hanson Lake, adjacent to the Platte River and a few miles east of Platte River State Park. It’s ideal for couples and small families and comes with bikes and kayaks!
10. This Ashland Vacation Home
As well as being a short drive from Platte River State Park, this enormous country house is within walking distance of the equally lovely Eugene T. Mahoney State Park. This makes it great for large groups, especially if you want to explore the great outdoors.
This huge vacation home has room for 12, a big kitchen, and a grill for outdoor cooking. It even has its stables (horses not included).
11. “The Louisville Cottage”
This cozy cottage in the heart of Louisville is awfully cute and will comfortably sleep up to four. Blending a charming country vibe with urban modernity, it’s just a short drive from Platte River State Park and a few good eateries.
See Related: Best Places to Stay in Lincoln, Nebraska
Camping and Cabins in Platte River State Park
Apart from its picturesque bluffs and beautiful falls, as well as opportunities for fishing, paddle boating, or even horseback riding along the hiking trails, part of Platte River State Park’s appeal is the onsite lodging. Let’s take a closer look!
Camping and RV Sites
Camping is extremely popular in Platte River State Park, and there are a few options, including the park’s famous teepees. Here are your best bets for tent and RV camping in Platte River State Parks.
- RV Sites: There are 48 full hookup RV sites at Bison Lane RV Campground, which has recently been updated. Flush with up-to-date amenities, you can find this place in Platte River State Park.
- Tent Camping: There are four basic tent camping sites in Platte River State Park. These work on a first-come, first-serve basis. You can also pitch a tent at Bison Lane RV Campground.
- Tepee: Seeking an immersive camping experience? Rent a teepee in the popular Pawnee Teepee Village! There are four teepees, with each accommodating up to eight people. These have some modern comfort, with raised wooden floors replacing the traditional packed earthen floors.
Cabins
As well as the teepees, Platte River State Park is locally known for its onsite cabins. These are very popular retreats for Nebraskans during the summer months through Labor Day and come in three distinct flavors:
- Camper Cabins: There are 31 camper cabins within Platte River State Park. Situated around the central shower-latrine buildings, each cabin has a fire grate for outdoor cooking, a picnic table, and a refrigerator. While each is so rustic you’ll need to provide your silverware and dishes, 16 cabins also come with air conditioning, so double-check when booking.
- Modern Cabins: For those looking for more creature comforts, there are 21 housekeeping cabins with fully equipped kitchenettes and other modern amenities. They also include fresh linens, bathrooms, and a picnic area with a fire pit.
- Glamping Cabins: Platte River State Park’s three glamping cabins offer a little slice of urbane heaven in the heart of the wilderness. With a dreamy balcony, beautiful polished concrete floors, and windows streaming natural sunlight for days, these glamping cabins are the ultimate lover’s retreat.
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