Eugene T. Mahoney State Park, located near Ashland, Nebraska, offers a rich blend of natural beauty, recreational activities, and modern amenities. Spanning 700 acres along the Platte River, it features year-round lodging, campgrounds for RVs and tents, and a variety of outdoor activities like hiking, fishing, and horseback riding. The park is also equipped with facilities like modern shower buildings, a coin-operated laundry, and trailer dump stations. Its proximity to attractions like the Strategic Air and Space Museum adds to its appeal for visitors.
Does Eugene T. Mahoney State Park offer RV Camping?
Yes, Eugene T. Mahoney State Park offers RV camping. The park features two campgrounds: Lakeside Campground and Little Creek Campground. Both campgrounds provide spacious, hard-surfaced pads, situated among mature shade trees near Owen Marina Lake. They are equipped with modern shower/latrine buildings, drinking water, and a coin-operated laundry in the Little Creek shower building. Additionally, trailer dump stations and water are available near the park entrance.
The park offers full hookup, electric plus, and electric campsites, with a total of 148 campsites available. Lakeside Campground (sites 100-148) is located close to Baright Lake and Owen Marina, while Little Creek Campground (sites 1-99) is near a playground, basketball court, and the laundry facility. Both campgrounds have drinking water, showers, and modern restrooms, along with a dump and fill station conveniently located near the park entrance. Tent camping is also available at Mahoney State Park in these modern campgrounds.
Reservations are accepted for half of the campsites in both Lakeside and Little Creek campgrounds up to 180 days in advance of the arrival date and must be paid in full at the time the reservation is made. The remaining campsites at Mahoney State Park are available on a first-come, first-served basis.
Eugene T. Mahoney State Park Contact Details
- Address: 28500 W Park Hwy, Ashland, NE 68003, United States
- Phone: 402-944-2523
- Website: https://outdoornebraska.gov/location/eugene-t-mahoney/
Eugene T. Mahoney State Park RV Camping Rates
- Daily Rates: The daily rates for camping at Eugene T. Mahoney State Park range from $25.00 to $455.00. This wide range reflects the different types of camping accommodations available, from basic sites to more equipped or premium options.
- Payment Methods: Accepted payment methods include MasterCard and VISA, offering convenient options for campers.
- Open: The park is open year-round, catering to both summer and winter camping enthusiasts.
- Camping & Cabins Check-In: 4 PM
- Camping Check-Out: 2 PM
- Cabins Check-Out: 11 AM
- Restrictions: There is a maximum RV length restriction of 60 feet, which is important for those with larger RVs to note.
Eugene T. Mahoney State Park Campground Map
Eugene T. Mahoney State Park Amenities for RV Camping
- Electric Plus and Full Hookup Sites: The park provides both Electric Plus and Full Hookup sites for RVs. This includes electrical connections and, for full hookup sites, additional facilities like sewer connections.
- Campgrounds: There are two main campgrounds – Little Creek and Lakeside. Both offer spacious, hard-surfaced pads situated among mature shade trees near Owen Marina Lake.
- Modern Shower/Latrine Buildings: Conveniently located in both campgrounds, these facilities offer the comfort of modern bathrooms and showers for campers.
- Coin-operated Laundry: Available in the shower building at Little Creek campground, this facility is handy for extended stays.
- Trailer Dump Stations and Water: Essential services like dump stations and water access are available near the park entrance, making it convenient for RV campers to manage waste and refill water tanks.
- Lodging Options: Besides RV sites, the park offers lodging cabins with modern amenities and the Peter Kiewit Lodge with lodge rooms equipped with modern facilities.
- Convenience and Safety Facilities: The park is equipped with amenities like an ATM/cash machine, first aid supplies, picnic areas, and a firewood supply, ensuring both convenience and safety for visitors.
- Pet-Friendly Environment: Pets are welcome in the park, making it a great option for travelers who wish to bring their furry friends along.
Things to do at Eugene T. Mahoney State Park
- Horseback Riding: From May to October, the park offers wrangler-guided trail rides, providing a unique way to explore the park’s natural beauty on horseback.
- Fishing and Boating at Baright Lake and Owen Marina: Enjoy fishing in the stocked Baright Lake or take a relaxing paddleboat ride. The marina also offers equipment rental and snacks.
- Hiking the Trails: With over 6 miles of trails, the park is a haven for hikers and nature lovers, showcasing the beauty of Nebraska’s native grasslands and flowering plants.
- Theater Performances: The Denman and Mary Mallory Kountze Memorial Theater hosts live melodramas and magic shows, offering family-friendly entertainment.
- Golfing and Mini Golf: The park features the John R. Lauritzen Driving Range and Esther Marie Daniel Miniature Golf Course, catering to both serious golfers and families looking for fun.
- Outdoor Activities: The park is equipped with playgrounds, sports fields, volleyball courts, tennis courts, and an indoor climbing wall, making it perfect for both children and adults.
- Bike Rentals: With self-service bike rentals, visitors can easily explore the vast park on two wheels.
- Go Ape Ropes Course: This adventurous ropes course offers zip lining and obstacle courses amidst the park’s trees and forests.
- Swimming at the Aquatic Center: Featuring a wave pool, regular swimming pool, and water slides, the aquatic center is ideal for a refreshing day out, especially in the summer.
- Winter Sports: During the colder months, the park offers activities like sledding, cross-country skiing, ice skating, and ice fishing.
- Venture Climb: A 42-foot climbing wall and bouldering structure in the Activity Center, suitable for both beginners and experienced climbers, offering scenic views of the park.
Eugene T. Mahoney State Park Nearby Attractions
Strategic Air Command & Aerospace Museum
Located about 0.9 miles from the park, this museum showcases an impressive collection of aircraft and space artifacts, highlighting the history of the Strategic Air Command during the Cold War era.
Lee G. Simmons Conservation Park and Wildlife Safari
Just 1.1 miles away, this park offers a drive-through wildlife experience. Visitors can see North American animals like elk, bison, and white-tailed deer up close in their natural habitat.
Go Ape Zipline & Adventure Park
About 1.3 miles from Eugene T. Mahoney State Park, this adventure park features thrilling zip lines and treetop obstacle courses, providing fun for the whole family in the great outdoors.
Holy Family Shrine
Located 4.8 miles from the park, this architectural marvel is a peaceful retreat offering stunning views and a spiritual environment.
Quarry Oaks Golf Club
Just 1.5 miles from the park, this golf club offers a challenging course for golf enthusiasts set in a picturesque landscape.
Cloisters on the Platte
Situated 1.9 miles from the park, this retreat center offers a serene setting for spiritual reflection and is known for its Stations of the Cross art installation.
Cellar 426 Winery
Approximately 3.3 miles away, this winery provides a perfect setting for wine enthusiasts to taste local wines while enjoying the scenic views.
Platte River State Park
Located 4.8 miles from Eugene T. Mahoney State Park, this park offers rustic cabins, scenic trails, and tranquil spots for picnics, making it a great complement to the more modern facilities at Mahoney.
Nebraska Crossing Outlets
About 6.8 miles away, this shopping center is ideal for those looking to indulge in some retail therapy.
Glacial Till Vineyard and Winery
Situated 3.9 miles from the park, this vineyard and winery offer tastings of locally produced wines in a cozy, rustic setting.
Schramm Education Center
Only 4.9 miles from the park, this center provides interactive educational exhibits about Nebraska’s natural history, making it a great spot for families and nature lovers.
Schramm Park State Recreation Area
Also 4.9 miles away, this area offers opportunities for hiking, picnicking, and enjoying the natural beauty of Nebraska.
Iron Horse Golf Club
Just a short drive from the park, this golf club offers a beautiful course for golfers of all skill levels.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is there an entry fee for Eugene T. Mahoney State Park?
For 2024, Eugene T. Mahoney State Park has the following entry fee structure.
Resident Park Permit Prices:
- Annual Permit: $35
- Duplicate Annual Permit: $17.50
- Daily Permit: $7
Non-Resident Park Permit Prices:
- Annual Permit: $70
- Duplicate Annual Permit: $35
- Daily Permit: $14
You can read more about pricing and rates for Nebraska state parks here. https://outdoornebraska.gov/parks/pricing/
Does Eugene T. Mahoney State Park offer cabins?
Eugene T. Mahoney State Park offers a variety of cabin and lodge room options to cater to different group sizes and preferences. Here’s a breakdown of the rates and types for 2024:
Modern Cabins
- Standard (2STD): 2-bedroom, sleeps 4 – Rate: $170
- Standard (2SGL): 2-bedroom, sleeps 6 – Rate: $190
- Treetop: 2-bedroom, sleeps 6-8 – Rate: $190
- Deluxe 2-bedroom: Sleeps 4-6 – Rate: $190
- Deluxe 4-bedroom: Sleeps 8-10 – Rate: $310
- Governor’s Row 4-bedroom: Sleeps 6-8 – Rate: $345
- Governor’s Row 6-bedroom: Sleeps 12 – Rate: $375
- Deluxe 6-bedroom: Sleeps 16-20 – Rate: $455
Lodge Rooms
- Standard Rooms
- Park View – Rate: $90
- River View – Rate: $95
- Loft Rooms
- Sleeps 6, Park View – Rate: $100
- Sleeps 6, River View – Rate: $105
Can I take my dog to Eugene T. Mahoney State Park?
Yes, you can bring your dog to Eugene T. Mahoney State Park. Dogs are welcome in the park, but they must be kept on a leash no longer than six feet at all times. It’s important to remember to clean up after your pet and ensure they are under control for the safety and comfort of all park visitors.