3 Awesome Places For Fall Campfires Parties Near Omaha

Every fall, a friend of mine hosts a large group for a night of fun in front of a bonfire at Vala’s Pumpkin Patch. It’s a bit of a tradition now and people look forward to it. If you’re looking to create a similar tradition, here’s a list of places that let you have bonfires in Omaha (or nearby).

UPDATE: This post was first published in 2013 and has been updated in November 2024 with the closure of Shady Lanes.

Where are some of the hot spots (couldn’t help myself) for bonfires in Omaha and nearby? Here’s a roundup:

Vala’s Pumpkin Patch campfires

You can rent a bonfire site at Vala’s Pumpkin Patch, but everyone in your party will have to pay admission as well. Not a bad thing, since it’s a fun place with a lot to do, but it is quite a bit extra if all you really wanted to do was eat by an open flame.

You can get a discount, however, if you book for a Monday, Tuesday or Wednesday night. The price is for the campfire only; each guest has to pay admission.

Vala’s is located at 12102 S. 180th St., Gretna, Neb. Details here.

Campfire details:

• Vala’s hours on Sunday-Thursday are from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. (campfire reservations are for 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. and 5 to 9 p.m.). Cost is $50 for a small, medium & large groups.
• Vala’s hours on Friday & Saturday are from 9 a.m. to 10 p.m. (campfire reservations are for 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. and 5 to 10 p.m.). Cost is $100 for a small, medium & large groups.
• Sites with electricity cost more.
• Small sites accommodate up to 20 people. Larger sites accommodate up to 40 guests.
• IMPORTANT: Guests still need to pay admission.

Related post: 5 Must-Try Food At Vala’s

Bellevue Berry Farm campfire

Evening campfires are $50-$100 plus the cost of admission for each person. It depends on the day of the week and time. Hayrides are an additional cost, and during the Halloween season, you can opt for the “haunted hayride” on the weekends.

Campfire details:

• Daytime campfire hours on Friday, Saturday and Sunday are 10 a.m. to 1:50 p.m. and 2:10 to 6 p.m. Includes pumpkin patch activities. Nighttime campfires with the haunted attractions on Friday, Saturday and Sunday nights start at 6:30 p.m. and go until close (11:30 p.m. on Friday and Saturday, and 9:30 p.m. on Sunday).
• Campfire hours for Monday-Thursday are noon to 4 p.m. and 4:30 to 8:30 p.m.
• There is a 15 person minimum for the campfire. They can accommodate up to 50 people, if you bring extra chairs.
•  You can bring in your own food and non-alcoholic drinks to the campground area. Bring your own hot dog sticks, as well.

Bellevue Berry Farm is at 11001 S. 48th St., Papillion, Neb. Details here.

Skinny Bones bonfire

A friended mentioned this pumpkin patch to me. You can reserve a campfire at the pumpkin patch for $120 for a group up to 25 people. All guests have to pay admission, as well.

Campfire details:

• Fire pits can be reserved up to four hours
• For larger groups, Skinny Bones offers Grandpa’s Cabin for reservations
• You can bring outside food, but alcohol is not allowed

Admission to the Skinny Bones is $14.95-$15.95 during the week, $19.95-$24.95 on Fridays through Sundays; kids 2 and younger are admitted free. Admission includes access to all attractions.

Skinny Bones Pumpkin Patch is located at 3935 State Highway 133, Blair, Neb. Details here.

Do you have any favorite bonfire places I’ve missed?