Nebraska

State Park Campground Guide

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Known as part of the Midwestern Great Plains, Nebraska contains surprising landscapes, including soaring sand dunes, majestic buttes, rock formations, pine forests, and an abundance of lakes and rivers. Travelers are frequently delighted by all that Nebraska has to offer, from its waterfalls, caves, and fossil beds to a range of year-round outdoor activities, rich history, and vibrant cities.

Nebraska has a robust state park system for its population, with 76 park units including 26 developed, big rig friendly campgrounds. Nebraska’s state parks are divided into different categories: state parks and state historical parks. The latter are preserved areas of significant historical and/or scenic value, with amenities and interpretive programs. State recreation areas possess valuable resources for outdoor recreation, with fewer amenities, although their campgrounds are still developed. They include all of the state’s major water-oriented areas, making Nebraska a paradise for boaters, paddlers, and anglers. With fewer crowds, lots of space, and incredible views, Nebraska is a lesser-known RV destination waiting to welcome you.

Niobrara State Park

Reservations

To make a reservation, visit nebraskastateparks.reserveamerica.com or call 402-471-1414. Reservations can normally be made up to 12 months in advance, but circumstantial restrictions may apply. About half of the campsites are reservable, and the rest are on a first-come, first-served basis. 

Campsite sizes

All campgrounds offer sites that can fit RVs around 40 feet. Site sizes vary per campground, but for the most part, there are plenty of options for big rigs. The reservation system allows filtered searches by RV length.

Accessibility

ADA-accessible sites are reservable through the call center only, not online. Either a disability placard or a license plate number is required at the time of booking.

Hookups

Electric or electric and water hookups are available at nearly all campgrounds. Additional sewer hookups are offered at a few. Sites with hookups are searchable on the reservation website under “Site Types.”

Connectivity

Check with the campground directly regarding WiFi and cell service availability.

Maximum stay

The maximum stay is 14 days out of any 30. A longer stay may be approved by the park supervisor on a case-by-case basis.

Additional facilities

All but primitive campsites include a picnic table and fire ring, and most are paved. Campground facilities include restrooms, potable water, dump stations, and playgrounds. State parks offer additional amenities and activities such as ranger programs, interpretive centers, and archery ranges. Specific amenities per campground and per site can be found in the reservation system search results.

Cost

Nebraska has set fees for campgrounds throughout its system:

Sites with electric, water, and sewer hookups are $35 per night; sites with electric and water hookups are $30; sites with just electric hookups are $25; and basic sites are $15. Note that primitive sites are also offered for $10, but are not suitable for RVs. All sites are $5 less during the offseason. Seasonality varies per park. 

Additional Fees:

Nonrefundable reservation fee: $8.50

Cancellation fee: $5

Cancellations within 7 days of arrival also forfeit the first night’s fee.

For out-of-state vehicles, an $8 vehicle entry fee or a $46 annual pass is required in addition to the camping fee.

Pet policies

Pets are allowed as long as they’re kept on a leash no longer than 6 feet. And of course, campers should always pick up after their pet.

Additional regulations

  • Maximum occupancy per site: 8 people and 1 vehicle.
  • Check-in time: 4 p.m. Check-out time: 2 p.m.
  • Quiet hours: 10 p.m. to 6 a.m.
  • Alcoholic beverages: Permitted outside of quiet hours. No containers over one gallon allowed. Alcohol use is prohibited at Willow Creek and Lake McConaughy.
  • Campfires: Allowed in designated rings or pits, following local advisories.
  • Generator use: Prohibited during quiet hours.
  • Drone use: Prohibited.
Fort Robinson State Park

Featured Campgrounds

Niobrara State Park

89261 522 Avenue, Niobrara, NE 68760

Niobrara State Park offers an ideal combination of modern amenities and natural setting in its commanding location at the confluence of the Niobrara and Missouri rivers. Enjoy hiking, fishing, boating, swimming, and wildlife viewing in this serene and scenic park. The excellent interpretive center explains the history of the Ponca Tribe, Lewis and Clark, and the Mormon Trail. Its 38 RV campsites are spacious, paved, big rig friendly, and most have partial hookups. Additional campground amenities include a dump station, laundry room, pool, and free WiFi. The campground is well kept and has good cell service.

Eugene T. Mahoney State Park

28500 West Park Highway, Ashland, NE 68003

Conveniently located between the cities of Omaha and Lincoln, Eugene T. Mahoney offers an abundance of family-friendly amenities and activities with a state park price tag. Kids will love the ropes course, water park, miniature golf, multiple playgrounds, and arts programs. Other activities, like kayaking, horseback trail rides, and hiking, are available for all ages. The campground offers close to 150 sites in a spacious forest setting. Most sites are electric hookup only, but many offer water and a few have full hookups. A dump station, water, and restrooms are available, as well as food services. 

Fort Robinson State Park

3200 Highway 20, Crawford, NE 69339

Fort Robinson is steeped in history and the natural beauty of western Nebraska. Its 22,000 acres include stately buttes, rolling hills, and open grassland filled with miles of hiking trails. As its name suggests, Fort Robinson was a military base until the end of World War II. Many of the original buildings remain in use at the park as a museum, lodging, or other facilities. A poignant memorial marks the place where Oglala Sioux Chief Crazy Horse was killed. More than 100 spacious campsites with partial and full hookups are available on the grounds. Dinosaur enthusiasts will love the adjacent Trailside Museum and, less than an hour away, Agate Fossil Beds National Monument.

Nebraska state park campgrounds that accommodate RV camping

Branched Oak State Recreation Area

Calamus State Recreation Area

Chadron State Park

Eugene T. Mahoney State Park

Fort Kearny State Recreation Area

Fort Robinson State Park

Fremont State Recreation Area

Indian Cave State Park

Johnson Lake State Recreation Area

Lake McConaughy State Recreation Area

Lake Minatare State Recreation Area

Laka Ogallala State Recreation Area

Lewis and Clark State Recreation Area

Louisville State Recreation Area

Medicine Creek State Recreation Area

Merritt Reservoir State Recreation Area

Mormon Island State Recreation Area

Niobrara State Park

Pawnee State Recreation Area

Platte River State Park

Ponca State State Park

Rock Creek Station State Historical Park

Two Rivers State Recreation Area

Victoria Springs State Recreation Area

Willow Creek State Recreation Area

Windmill State Recreation AreaFor more information on Nebraska state park campgrounds, visit outdoornebraska.gov/stateparks.