Nebraska has many small camping areas that offer a quiet, relaxed atmosphere. While some are remote and rugged by high-tech camping standards, they are great spots to find nature. Featured here are just two sites.

For some, camping means fresh air, quiet surroundings, and chance to see wildlife in a natural environment. Others want a change of scenery without losing the creature comforts they have come to expect. They bring along air conditioning, showers and their favorite television shows and music. To accommodate these campers, water lines and electrical outlets are provided at some recreational areas and parks. Campgrounds with modern facilities are often very popular. In fact, some resemble small villages, where televisions and radios compete with each other and paper plates can be sailed from one campsite to the next.
Camping is a time to relax, a fact sometimes forgotten by those who put a premium on going with the crowd to the latest and greatest spot. Some camping areas consistently draw large crowds and attention, whether for their location or their fishing and water sports opportunities.
Fortunately, Nebraska has many excellent, small camping areas that provide a relaxed atmosphere. While most of these areas are rugged by high-tech camping standards, they are great spots for quiet getaways and offer access to lightly used resources. The Nebraska Game and Parks Commission manages nearly 100 campgrounds in the state. Camping is also available on lands managed by the U.S. Forest Service and some natural resources districts.
Tom and Judy Bessey of LaVista are among the dedicated fans of these small camping areas.
The Besseys camp two or three times a month throughout the summer season, from May to late-August or early-September. They don't have to travel far from the Omaha area to find what they're looking for.
Relaxing at a shoreline campsite at Memphis State Recreation Area (SRA) near Memphis, Tom Bessey said, "We try to camp out here, and at Two Rivers, Louisville, Fremont - that's about as far as we'll go. We basically camp a lot just to get away from the house. Out here we don't have a phone, don't have a radio, and don't have a TV."
Keeping one eye on her fishing pole, Judy Bessey waved her hand at the dozens of empty campsites throughout the campground. "I don't think a lot of people know where this campground is at," she said. "You can see, here on a Friday night, it's not real busy. It's pretty peaceful and quiet."
"You hear a lot about people going to the big lakes," said Tom Bessey. "A lot of people won't come to places like these because they're sort of primitive and they want to go where they can get a shower. We basically look for the primitive areas because there's not going to be a lot of other people and it won't be real loud. You don't have to worry about a lot of other people on the lakes with big boats."
The Besseys' observations about their favorite spots hold true for dozens of under-used areas across the state. This story is based on an informal survey of Commission employees and camping.
enthusiasts who suggested favorite, under-appreciated sites. These areas are available on a first-come, first-served basis, and camping fees are low, ranging from $4 to $8 a night on improved areas. Where available, sites with electricity generally cost an extra $3 or $4 a night.
Here are a few camping gems you might want to consider when you start airing out the sleeping bags this summer. For information about other state-owned camping areas, call the Commission at (800) 826-7275, or visit its web site at outdoornebraska.org and click on the parks and recreation button.
Memphis SRA
Although this is one of the Besseys' favorite locations, Memphis SRA might not be a prime spot in 2002, but don't forget it in future seasons. The area's 48-acre lake is currently under renovation, and dirt work there should be done by late summer. Fishery biologists hope to begin filling the lake at that time, and when water levels are sufficient, it will be stocked with largemouth bass, bluegills and channel catfish. Biologists are also considering stocking orangespotted and redear sunfish. Only electric- or non-powered boats are allowed at Memphis - a rule that helps maintain the peaceful surroundings.
Memphis SRA features a large campground with dozens of mature, shade-producing trees scattered throughout. The playgrounds and open grassy areas give youngsters plenty of room to play, and the camp