Bring your group to Omaha's Henry Doorly Zoo for a WILD time! Campouts are available year-round. Dates and locations are limited. Minimum age of 4 years. One adult required for every 10 youth. Reservations must be made at least three weeks in advance. 

Making a Campout Reservation 

For reservations, please call (402) 738-6908, (402)738-2092.

Large Group Campouts (25 or more participants)

Schools, churches, boy scouts, girl scouts, summer camps, families and more with a minimum of 25 people can reserve a campout date year round. Locations and pricing are listed below.

School Group Campouts

Through the generous support of BlueCross BlueShield of Nebraska, a *free overnight experience at Omaha’s Henry Doorly Zoo and Aquarium is now available for select schools in Nebraska. Zoo staff will be on hand to lead your group through theme-based curriculum. Schools are welcome to remain at the Zoo after their campout with no additional gate admission fee.  Free campouts are only available in the Education Classrooms, Birthday House or at the Wildlife Safari Park. 

*Nebraska schools outside of the Omaha or Lincoln metro area are eligible for a free campout.

Available Campout Options:

*Kingdoms of the Night^® campouts sleep in the Desert Dome Orientation Area but enjoy an additional tour through the Kingdoms of the Night exhibit.

*Desert Dome campouts are reserved for groups in Grades 7 and older.

Wildlife Safari Park Campouts

Looking for a WILD adventure? Join us for a Wildlife Safari Park campout and experience Nebraska like you never have before. During your stay, you'll learn about native Nebraska animals, eat s'mores around the campfire and see the stars away from the city lights. We provide tents and cots for smaller groups. The cost is $30.00 per camper and includes breakfast, admission to Wildlife Safari Park for the following day and a visit from one of our Animal Ambassadors. A minimum of 10 campers is required.

Family Campouts

You don't have to travel half way across the world to take your family on an exotic vacation. Family campouts include a continental breakfast, snack and a visit from one of our Animal Ambassadors. Children must be 4 years of age and accompanied by an adult. Campouts are $35.00 per person (unless otherwise noted). All campouts run 7 p.m. to 9 a.m.

To register for a campout, please call (402) 738-6908.

Desert Dome 
Saturday, April 28              

Scott Aquarium ($40.00 per person)    
Saturday, May 19                

Sea Lions*                                       
Saturday, June 23               

Durham's Bear Canyon*                     
Saturday, July 7                 

Scott Aquarium ($40.00 per person)   
Friday, August 3            

Wildlife Safari Park                           
Saturday, September 29        

Scott Aquarium ($40.00 per person)  
Saturday, October 13             

*Tents required.                  

Small Group Campouts

If your group can't meet the 25 person minimum, join one of our small group campouts at the Zoo! Special dates are set aside for these campouts, so reserve your space today!  Campouts are $35.00 per person (unless otherwise noted). Participants must provide their own pop-up tents for the Lied Jungle.  All campouts run 7 p.m. to 9 a.m. 

Gorilla Valley                                  
Saturday, March 24          

Scott Aquarium ($40.00 per person) 
Saturday, April 14             

Expedition Madagascar ($40.00 per person)
Saturday, May 12                

Scott Aquarium ($40.00 per person)
Saturday, June 16               

Scott Aquarium ($40.00 per person)
Saturday, July 28               

Hubbard Gorilla Valley
Saturday, August 25        

Scott Aquarium ($40.00 per person)
Saturday, September 1       

Expedition Madagascar ($40.00 per person) 
Saturday, October 27             

Hubbard Gorilla Valley
Saturday, November 3           

Scott Aquarium ($40.00 per person)
Saturday, December, 8          

To register for a campout, please call (402) 738-6908.

Frequently Asked Questions

Click here to download Campout Guidelines. Please hand this out to all adult members of your group.

What do I need to bring to the Campout?

• Sleeping bag, pillow, air mattress or cot (optional)
• Minimal personal gear (toothbrush, toothpaste, brush, etc.)
• Flashlight (optional)
• Weather appropriate clothing, good shoes for hiking
• Snacks and a DVD to watch after night hike (we do have a small selection available)
• If camping in Lied Jungle, Desert Dome or Bear Canyon, please provide your own pop-up tent
• Alcohol is NOT allowed on zoo grounds.
• The Zoo is a tobacco-free facility. Smoking is NOT allowed on zoo grounds (no exceptions).

Tents are available to rent. Cost is $15.00 per tent.

What is our Schedule during the Campout?

• 6:45 p.m. - Meet campout leaders at Main Gate to begin your night.
• 7 to 7:45 p.m. - Move vehicles onto Zoo property. Orientation and activities.
• 7:45 to 9:15 p.m. - Night Hike
• 9:15 to 10 p.m. - Zoo-related activities.
• 10 to 12 a.m. - Inside building for the night. Option to watch a movie, eat pizza and wind down for the night.
• 6 a.m. - Wake up call.
• 6 to 7:30 a.m. - Breakfast, load gear into vehicles, move to main parking area.
• 7:30 to 9 a.m. - Morning hike.
• 9 a.m. - End of program. You are welcome to stay the remainder of the day at Omaha's Zoo.

What do I do when I get to the Zoo for my Campout?
You will need to check in with your order number. Unload your gear and meet your campout leaders outside of the main gate of the Zoo between 6:45 and 7 p.m. Please be on time. Once your group enters Zoo grounds there will be no late entries. There are no refunds for late arrivals. After everyone is checked in, our staff will direct drivers to overnight parking areas on Zoo property.

* Please note: if camping in Hubbard Gorilla Valley or Expedition Madagascar, please wait to unload gear from vehicle. No showers or cooking facilities are available.

What do I do about food during the Campout?
It is a good idea to have dinner before you arrive, as you will not get another chance to eat until 10 p.m. We provide only juice and coffee for your campout. You are welcome to bring your own cooler for drinks, snacks, breakfast, etc. Coolers with wheels work the best. All food must be served cold. NO alcoholic beverages are allowed. If you do choose to order pizza, please have it delivered to the Zoo at 10 p.m.

For your convenience, we have listed some local pizza providers who deliver to Omaha's Zoo:

• Godfather's - (402) 733-5577
• Papa John's - (402) 733-1500
• Domino's - (402) 345-3030

Are there any campout souvenirs available?
We offer t-shirts and patches for sale during your overnight. To ensure size availability, you can also pre-order them on the sheet included in your packet. Jellyfish or Flamingo t-shirts and patches will be available as of 2/15/2012.

Are there other activities available during the Campout?
Zoo admission is included in your cost, so we suggest setting aside the day after your campout to roam around the Zoo. But there are plenty more things you can do! If you choose to view an IMAX^® or IMAX 3D, they are available at a discounted rate. IMAX^® movies are $3.00 per person (prices effective 1/1/2011). Please call (402) 738-6908 to set up this option.

Why not make the experience even more memorable and add-on an Animal Visit? Prices are listed on your Return Confirmation.