Within the Mormon Island State Recreation Area, this Nebraska Game and Parks Commission campground sits directly off Interstate 80, making it a convenient overnight stop for travelers crossing the state. The facility accommodates RVs up to 45 feet with full hookups and offers separate areas for tent camping and generator use.
Campers consistently praise the campground's cleanliness and maintenance standards. Eric P. notes that "shower houses are clean and typical for NGPC camp grounds" with "electrical hookups on each campground with water spigots spaced through the campground." The paved, level sites feature fire rings and picnic tables, with decent spacing between neighbors. Three distinct camping loops separate different types of campers, helping manage noise and generator use.
The recreation area centers around several lakes that support fishing for bass and bluegill, along with non-motorized boating and designated swimming areas. A fishing pier extends into the water, and hiking trails wind through the property. Families find playgrounds, volleyball courts, and disc golf available. The nearby Pilot Licensed Location - Bosselman — Grand Island travel center provides fuel and supplies just minutes away.
Interstate noise affects the experience, though mature trees and earthen berms reduce the impact to what most describe as a low drone. Pay showers require quarters, and some reviewers note that shower facilities could use more frequent cleaning. The campground fills quickly during peak travel seasons, particularly with transient campers making single-night stops. Winter operations limit water access points and close shower facilities.
Grand Island's restaurants and services lie just five minutes from the campground entrance, while camping near Doniphan offers additional options in the area. Visitors during spring migration seasons can observe sandhill cranes in nearby fields.
Description
Summary
Named for the winter stopover used by Mormon emigrants heading westward, Mormon Island State Recreation Area still offers comfort and conveniences to campers and other travelers on Interstate 80, as part of Nebraska's unique "Chain of Lakes." The first of these areas developed was Mormon Island. This area and companion Windmill SRA near Gibbon are the most intensely developed, because of their ready access to travelers.
Attractions
Mormon Island SRA hosts a spectacular gathering each spring, as hundreds of thousands of sandhill cranes stop to rest and pursue their courtship rituals. The world's largest concentration of these magnificent birds draws thousands of visitors to the region every year. Mormon Island lies on the eastern edge of this spring migration route.
Arriving in early to mid-February, the numbers peak about mid to late March. The cranes spend their days feeding and engaging in colorful courtship dances. After the first of April, the birds start flying to northern breeding grounds and are usually gone by mid-April.
A variety of geese, ducks and other waterfowl also come to the area before heading farther north. Ask park personnel for more information about the best times and locations to view these impressive wildlife displays.
Fishing, non-powered boating and boats with electric motors are permitted on the lake. Fish species available include: Largemouth bass, walleye, channel catfish and bluegill. Of course, anglers must have a fishing permit, available at the office.
There are picnic facilities, a shelter house and restrooms. Swimming is allowed only at the marked swimming beach. Change houses are provided.
Campground Notes
Mormon Island SRA offers modern camping facilities, restrooms, electrical hookups, a shower building and a laundromat. A trailer dump station and abundant picnic tables and firegrates are also available.
Camping reservations may be made a minimum of three days in advance of arrival and a maximum of 180 days in advance of arrival.
CHECK IN AND OUT SCHEDULE- If you check out early, the unused portion of your payment will be forfeited.
Modern camping facilities are open (depending on weather conditions) beginning in May and normally through mid October. Camping is available year-round, including campsites with electricity. When modern facilities are closed, a winter rate camping fee is charged.
Non Licensed motorized vehicles are not allowed in the area.
Quiet hours are from 10 p.m. to 6 a.m. Generators may not be operated during these hours. Pets are allowed, but they must be kept on a leash that is no longer than 6 feet. Campers staying over must re-register by 2 p.m. Check in time is 4 p.m. and check out time is 2 p.m. Campers must vacate their campsite no later than 2:00 p.m. on the date the camping reservation or registration expires.
When a reservation is made one year to the date in advance, the arrival date must remain the same within that reservation. No cancellation of that arrival date is allowed.
A Nebraska State Park Permit is required to enter this park area. A Nebraska Licensed Vehicle Park Entry Permit is $30 for an Annual Permit, $15 for a Duplicate Annual Permit (used for that second vehicle in your family) or a Daily Permit which is $6 per day you are staying. A Non-Nebraska Licensed Vehicle Park Entry Permit is $60, $30 for a Duplicate Annual Permit or a Daily Permit which is $12 per day. You may purchase your Park Permit prior to your stay by shopping online at OutdoorNebraska.org. All vehicles entering a Nebraska Park Area are required to have a valid park entry permit.
Warning 1 Alert is In Effect
There is 1 alert for this campground. Camp safely!
Warning 1 Alert is In Effect
There is 1 alert for this campground. Camp safely!
The Nebraska Game & Parks Commission maintains the right to establish "black-out" dates and reserve facilities or lodging for Special Events and maintenance related needs.
RV Road Trip Guides
Map & DirectionsMormon Island State Recreation Area Campground is located in Nebraska near Doniphan
Directions
MORMON ISLAND SRA - Interstate 80, Grand Island Interchange, Exit 312
Address
7425 S US Hwy 281
Doniphan, NE 68832-9526
Coordinates
40.82365401 N
98.37779782 W
Connectivity
- T-Mobile5GExcellent CoverageVerified by 17 usersLast on 5/31/26
- VerizonLTEGood CoverageVerified by 23 usersLast on 5/31/26
- AT&TLTESome CoverageVerified by 4 usersLast on 5/31/26
Connectivity
- T-Mobile5GExcellent CoverageVerified by 17 usersLast on 5/31/26
- VerizonLTEGood CoverageVerified by 23 usersLast on 5/31/26
- AT&TLTESome CoverageVerified by 4 usersLast on 5/31/26
Access
- Drive-InPark next to your site
- Walk-InPark in a lot, walk to your site.
- Boat-InSites accessible by watercraft.
Site Types
- Tent Sites
- RV Sites
- Standard (Tent/RV)
- Group
- Equestrian
Features
For Campers
- Picnic Table
- Reservable
- WiFi
- Showers
- Drinking Water
- Electric Hookups
- Toilets
- Alcohol
- Pets
- Fires
For Vehicles
- Sanitary Dump
- Sewer Hookups
- Water Hookups
- Pull-Through Sites
- 30 Amp Hookups
- 50 Amp Hookups
- Big Rig Friendly
Contact
General Info
Reservations
Drive Time
- 9 min from Grand Island, NE
- 1 hr 13 min from Lincoln, NE
- 1 hr 50 min from Omaha, NE
- 3 hrs 3 min from Manhattan, KS
























