The Campground Every Omahan (And Nebraskan!) Needs To Stay At, At Least Once!

I’m such a sucker for fun, strange and “different” lodging that really add to a trip’s memories.

I also LOVE camping, so when I found out that the Two Rivers State Park Recreational Area had actual train cabooses that you could rent out like cabins, I kind of geeked out a bit!

Two Rivers Campground Location

Address: 27702 F St, Waterloo, NE 68069

Waterloo is only about 35 minutes West of Omaha, depending on where in town you are starting from and less than an hour from Lincoln.

This makes Two Rivers SRA the perfect location for a quick day or weekend getaway from the city for anyone wanting to camp or just get out into nature real quick, with the comfort of home being a stones throw away.

Booking a Caboose To Stay In

Reservations open up a year in advance and if you want a weekend, it’s best you truly book a year out, as they go fast! Reserve a spot here.

Cost of Caboose Camping

Nightly Rate: $75/Night

Valid State Park Pass: In addition to the nightly rate, you’ll need a Nebraska State Park Pass.  Here is your Ultimate Guide For Nebraska State Park Passes, including costs, where to get them and more.

And if you’re not sure if you’ll use a NE State Park pass often, here are 9 Reasons Why You Need To Visit a Nebraska State Park This Summer.

Dates Available: Memorial through Labor Day

Caboose Camping Details

Number of Cabins Available

I don’t know about you, but when I told my toddler that we could camp in a train, he about freaked! If you are looking for cabins to rent in Nebraska, you can’t get more unique than the ten retired Union Pacific cabooses, that have been converted to full-on cabins!

How Many People Do the Caboose Cabins Hold?

You can comfortably fit up to 6 people per caboose, which is perfect for families who want to camp, but maybe don’t want the effort of ACTUAL camping!

• 2 Sets of Bunks
• 2 Loft Beds (in the caboose Cupfola!!)

(If you like the idea of glamping, have you checked out our Glamping In Nebraska post yet?)

Caboose Cabin Amenities

• Air Conditioning (need I say more in the Nebraskan summers!?)
• Small Kitchenette and refrigerator
• Bathroom with shower
• Outdoor seating area/ deck
• Grill

Check-In: 4:00pm

Check Out: 11 am

What YOU Need To Bring

Bedding

While the beds and mattresses are provided, no linens, sheets or pillows are in the cabooses.  Be sure to bring your own sleeping bags or bedding and pillows for a comfortable night’s sleep

Kitchen Utensils

The Kitchenette does have a small stove and sink, but there are no pots, pans, utensils, kitchen towels, etc.  We have a “camping tupperware” that houses all this stuff when we go camping for just these sorts of instances!

Bathroom Towels

I LOVE that there are actually private bathrooms (albeit small) in each caboose, unlike camping elsewhere through the park where there are the shared amenities! However, just don’t forget your bathroom towels (and other shower supplies, like soaps).

Grill Supplies

If you are planning on using the outdoor grill, be sure to bring along things like charcoal and lighter fluid.

Other Notes:

Sorry pet lovers, but no furry friends allowed in the camping cabooses.

Also, while you may be sleeping indoors, remember you are still ultimately camping.  Don’t expect some luxurious glamping experience just because you are in some fun train cabooses.  However, like all lodging facilities, you should still expect a clean caboose upon arrival (if not, talk to the check in desk).  Just don’t expect anything more than a typical “cabin” type of stay.

Here is our list of Bare Essentials to Pack for Camping, make sure you have these when you head to your caboose cabin!

Other Things to Do At Two Rivers Nebraska

• Fishing (including stocked trout fishing)
• Beach swimming
• Horseback riding (available with your own horses- none for hire)
• Two Rivers Camping (tent, PUP, RV sites all available)
• Picnic facilities
• Walking, biking, and other outdoor trails