Eugene T. Mahoney State Park

Eugene T. Mahoney State Park sits along the Platte River valley between Omaha and Lincoln, just off Interstate 80 near Ashland, Nebraska. It is one of Nebraska’s most popular state parks, and the reason is straightforward: it offers an unusually broad range of on-site amenities within Nebraska’s state park system. Families come here not just for the outdoors but for a full recreational destination, with lodging, pools, miniature golf, an observation tower, horseback riding, and enough activity options to fill a weekend without leaving the grounds.

Lodging and Family Amenities

The Peter Kiewit Lodge is the centerpiece of the park’s lodging operation, offering hotel-style rooms with views of the surrounding woodlands. Cabins and camping options extend the range of accommodations further. The lodge includes a full-service restaurant, making the park a genuine destination rather than a roughing-it experience. Beyond the lodge, the park features a seasonal Family Aquatic Center with a swimming pool, water slides, a zero-entry wave pool, and a water playground, plus a separate indoor Activity Center with an indoor playground. The park also offers a climbing wall, a miniature golf course, and pedal boat rentals on the park’s small lake. These amenities make Mahoney especially popular with families with young children, and the park is genuinely built around that audience. Reservations for lodging are strongly recommended, particularly on summer weekends, as rooms and cabins fill well in advance.

Camping

Mahoney offers 148 modern campsites, including Full Hookup, Electric Plus, and Electric sites, with tent camping available in the two modern campgrounds. The campground is well-maintained and designed for comfort, with shower facilities and hookups suited to RVs and tent campers alike. Because the park draws heavy traffic throughout the summer, securing a reservation early is important for anyone planning a weekend stay. The campground itself sits in a wooded area that provides reasonable shade and separation between sites. Camping fees are charged in addition to the standard vehicle entry permit.

Trails and Outdoor Recreation

The park has several miles of hiking trails that wind through wooded bluffs and open terrain above the Platte River valley. The trails range from easy walking paths suitable for young children to longer routes with moderate elevation. An observation tower near the center of the park provides views across the surrounding landscape and is accessible without a long hike. Fishing is available at CenturyLink Lake and Baright Lake; visitors should check locally for Platte River access and applicable regulations. The park’s advertised fishing areas are CenturyLink Lake and Baright Lake. Horseback riding is offered seasonally through a park concessionaire, making it one of the few Nebraska state parks where trail riding is available.

Seasonal Events and Programming

Mahoney runs a robust calendar of events throughout the year. The park becomes a major destination in the winter holiday season, hosting seasonal holiday programming such as Classic Christmas and winter recreation activities that draw visitors from across the region. Interpretive programs and organized activities run during summer months, targeting families and younger visitors. The park also hosts outdoor concerts and community events periodically. Checking the Nebraska Game and Parks Commission website before a visit is worthwhile for anyone hoping to plan around specific programming.

Pet Policy

Pets are welcome at Eugene T. Mahoney State Park and must be kept on a leash no longer than six feet at all times. Pets must be leashed or physically restrained at all times; they are allowed in campgrounds and in cabins with the applicable pet fee, but are not permitted in lodge rooms, public buildings, public eating places or food stores, or designated swimming areas. Owners are responsible for cleaning up after their animals. Given the presence of wildlife near camping and trail areas, keeping pets close and under control at all times is important for the safety of both the animal and the surrounding wildlife.

Wildlife to Be Aware Of

White-tailed deer are common throughout the park and are frequently seen near trails and campsites, especially at dawn and dusk. While they may appear approachable, they are wild animals and should not be fed or closely approached. Coyotes are occasionally spotted near campground areas, particularly in the early morning or evening hours. Campers should store food securely and avoid leaving small pets unattended outside, as coyotes will investigate food sources and can pose a risk to small animals. Wild turkeys move through the wooded sections of the park regularly and are generally not a concern, though they may startle hikers if encountered suddenly in dense cover.

Ticks are present throughout grassy and wooded areas from spring through fall and are one of the more practical hazards for hikers and campers. After any time on the trails or in vegetation, a thorough tick check is important. Pay attention to the scalp, behind the ears, behind the knees, and other areas where ticks commonly attach. Using repellent and wearing long socks and pants during trail activity reduces exposure. Removing a tick promptly and completely lowers the risk of disease transmission.

Practical Information

Eugene T. Mahoney State Park is located at 28500 West Park Highway, Ashland, Nebraska, approximately 30 miles southwest of Omaha and 25 miles northeast of Lincoln. The park is accessible from Interstate 80 at Exit 426. The nearest town with full services is Ashland. The park is open year-round, though some amenities including the outdoor pool and horseback riding operate only during warmer months. A daily vehicle permit is required for entry. For 2026, Nebraska-licensed vehicles are $7.35 daily or $36 annual; non-Nebraska-licensed vehicles are $14.35 daily or $71 annual. Camping and activity fees are charged separately. Reservations can be made online through the Nebraska State Parks reservation system or by calling the reservation center; cabins and lodge rooms can be reserved up to one year ahead, while camping reservations are accepted up to 180 days in advance. Only half of Mahoney’s campsites are reservable, with the remainder available on a first-come, first-served basis.