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Northeast Colorado's plains stretch out flat around Julesburg, CO, far from the mountain campground corridors that draw most of the state's camping traffic. The Julesburg area is still a great place to camp, but with slightly fewer options in this corner of the state. It's limited to a few small private campgrounds and RV parks along I-76, used mainly by travelers passing through on the interstate rather than campers making a dedicated trip. No developed Forest Service campgrounds or BLM dispersed sites with established access in the immediate area.
"It’s just a parking lot essentially off the highway exit."
"We stopped here for an overnight stay on our way to Colorado. Owners were very friendly and the bathrooms were very clean. Downside is the lack of shade."
"Lovely little spot surrounding a lake. There are no designated sites. You can pretty much drive and camp wherever. There are a few picnic areas with structures."
"There's restrooms and walking paths. Was perfect for a one night stay."
from $15 / night
Check Availability"A perfect spot for an overnight just off the interstate and walking distance to downtown. No frills but just what we needed."
"Within walking distance of a couple of bars and grills and a bowling alley, so make sure to check them out. Cash only and no advance reservations, but plenty of spots were left when we were there."
"We came across this small campground right outside of Lewellen on Hwy 26. It has 12 full hook up sites on grass. There are some mature trees to help with shade."
"Close to the highway and active train tracks. However, you’re still nice and out-of-the-way. Would stay here again."
from $10 - $65 / night
Check Availability"Nice clean state park campground on Lake McConaughy. Many sites, all level and not too close to each other. Decent bathroom and shower building."
"These were nice sized sites and we had a great spot a few steps from the beginning of the beach. Camp host was very personable. Bathroom could be a little cleaner but not the worst one I've ever seen."
from $20 - $35 / night
Check Availability"Easy access to campsites, clean shower houses, fun walking trails with great views of the lake! Fun boating and atv activities or beach day with the family!"
"Nice grass to pitch your tent on right next to the lake. Not too close to neighbor sites. Quiet"
from $15 - $45 / night
Check Availability"The first thing to note is that there are two KOAs in Ogallala: one is right on the highway next to a truck stop, and then this one is about a mile off the highway, behind the truck stops."
"Snug campground surrounded by corn fields. The hum of the highway can be heard but isn’t bad at all. We would definitely stay here again. Hosts were very kind."
"This is the perfect place to go to stay close to our home and not a long road home. You are able to schedule time with friends and head down and save your camping spot a day or two in advance."
"We were met outside as we arrived and check-in was quick. We were escorted to a standard pull-through site 35 with FHUs. The first thing we noticed was how immaculate the campground(CG) was kept."
"This was a tiny little campground that hit the spot after driving 14 hours. Spotless bathrooms, perfectly groomed campsite, and ridiculously wonderful management!"
from $45 - $90 / night
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TravelerThere is a very long way between campgrounds in NE! The prairie seemed unending and finally found a spot to hook up. The sites are small.. but it worked. I would hardly think it would need to be a huge park on the sandhills of Nebraska!
GuidePulled up after the office had closed so I spoke with the grounds host - easy enough to get around and the view of the lake was nice. The shower needed tokens
GuideMostly flat, pull through spots with full hookups for $30 (cash preferred). Super friendly host. Extremely clean bathrooms and showers. A perfect spot for an overnight just off the interstate and walking distance to downtown. No frills but just what we needed.
LegendWe stopped for an overnight stop on our way from Michigan to Colorado
It was a very clean quiet campground (we were there Sunday night so not very busy)
The buildings are all very well maintained and cleaned
Some of the cleanest showers and bathrooms we have had in awhile
The sites were super easy to get into
Our picnic table was super small but made for good photo opp
The old reviews mention pool but it was empty and appears to have been closed for quite some time
We would stop again if we needed a stop along way!
There are 2 KOA in town - this one is nicer and farther off highway
The after hours check in process was seamless and the staff had clear easy communication via text prior to arrival
ScoutNice bathroom facilities. Reasonably priced for full hook up. Was here on a 100 degree day. Only a few sites with good shade.
TravelerNice clean state park campground on Lake McConaughy. Many sites, all level and not too close to each other. Decent bathroom and shower building. We pull a small Hiker Trailer square-drop trailer and had no issues.
The campground hosts-- one near us and another close to the shower area-- were very hospitable and helpful. Overall, not bad and fairly close to North Platte (to the East) the Chimney Rock area (to the West) or obviously Lake McConaughy.
When we arrived, we discovered that sites must be reserved online in advance. We arrived right at 5 PM when the entry office closes, but a very friendly office helper stayed late to help us obtain a Nebraska park permit and then reserve the site itself.
ScoutWe absolutely loved this campsite! It was nestled among coniferous trees, had electrical sockets, and had a spot for a fire.
GuideThere’s nothing super special about the Ogallala/Tri Trails KOA.
Actually, now that I think about it, that’s exactly what makes it special.
This no-frills KOA is just minutes off I-80 in Ogallala, Nebraska, making it the perfect stop after a long day on the road. Don’t let my photo fool you—we stayed in Site 46, which is essentially a large parking-style site. For us, that was perfect. It offered full hookups, 50-amp service, and plenty of room for our big rig.
If you're looking for something a little more upgraded, they offer sites with additional amenities and more trees. We simply didn't need anything fancy for a quick overnight stop, hot shower, and good night's sleep. The kids enjoyed the playground, and the camp store was a pleasant surprise. The staff was incredibly friendly and stocked plenty of Nebraska favorites, including craft sodas, local honey, pizza dough, popcorn, and coffee. Sometimes the best campgrounds aren't the ones packed with amenities—they're the ones that are clean, convenient, reasonably priced, and run by great people. Ogallala/Tri Trails KOA checks all those boxes.
If you're passing through western Nebraska, it's definitely worth a stop.
GuideCabela's Sydney Good Sam. June 12. Got in late and was so thankful to find this place as dusk was waning and the Lake Ogallala area was requiring two nights at every campground. The parking lot was full of refrigerated rigs, no thanks, and then I turned the corner and found the campground. Self service check in was well lit and signed. I stayed in the tent camping area and did not check out the facilities.,20% discount for Cabelas members and 10% for AAA.
Camping sites near Julesburg, Colorado provide convenient overnight stops for travelers at the intersection of Interstate 76 and Interstate 80. The region transitions between Mountain and Central time zones, requiring travelers to adjust watches when crossing state lines into Nebraska. Temperatures can fluctuate dramatically in this high plains environment, with strong winds common throughout spring and fall months.
Water recreation at Jumbo Reservoir: Located about 40 miles southwest of Julesburg, this wildlife area offers fishing and paddleboarding opportunities. "We stayed for two nights and really had a great time. Soft ground made it an easy set up for camp. Nice and quiet during the evening and a great spot for paddleboarding too!" notes Caleb K. about Jumbo Reservoir State Wildlife Area.
Bird watching excursions: The Ogallala region provides excellent wildlife viewing, particularly for birders. "If you are a bird watcher, head north to crescent lake and see the burrowing owls, long billied curlew, or a vast amount of other birds," recommends Charles C. from Cedar View Campground.
Fishing opportunities: Lake Ogallala offers trout fishing in a quieter setting than neighboring Lake McConaughy. "There is good trout fishing here and excellent bird watching. We saw the Long-billed Curlew, Burrowing Owl, and several other birds checked off our bucket list," reports Charles C., who found the smaller lake less crowded.
Budget-friendly options: Until recently, some parks offered free camping. "This campground is free it has a lake it has a few picnic shelters with grills. There is one bathroom with a flush toilet it's coed. You can drive just about anywhere on the property and set your tent up," explains Michael P. about Pony Express Park Chappell.
Convenient highway access: Many campgrounds provide strategic overnight locations. "We stopped here for an overnight while traveling to Wyoming. The host was quite nice, and the price was about half of what we could've paid at the KOA nearby," says Robin B. about McGreer Camper Park.
Clean facilities: Several campgrounds maintain high cleanliness standards. "The bathroom and shower facilities were so wonderful - very clean and nice to use! We also appreciated them only being accessible by keycode," notes Kara P. about Ogallala Tri-Trails KOA, highlighting security features that travelers appreciate.
Recent fee changes: Previously free camping areas now charge overnight fees. "Nice little campground easily accessible from I80. It's not free anymore, but only 15 dollars a night. There's restrooms and walking paths. Was perfect for a one night stay," reports J W. about Pony Express Park.
Wind conditions: The Nebraska panhandle experiences significant winds that affect tent camping. "Be sure to drive your tent stakes deep in the sandy soil as the wind can blow pretty hard in the Nebraska panhandle at times," advises Richard R., highlighting the necessity of proper equipment.
Highway noise levels: Campgrounds near I-80 experience traffic noise around the clock. "It's convenient for a stop on the way. However, the property is immediately adjacent to I-80. Lots of road noise," warns Max M. about Ogallala/I-80 KOA Journey.
Pool availability: Some KOAs offer swimming pools, though availability varies. "The pool was closed because of Covid and it was super windy. Cute playground my kids liked. Dog friendly too," notes Tamisha S. about Ogallala Tri-Trails KOA.
Playground access: Several campgrounds feature play equipment for children. "The park is large enough that it made for a good stroll with my pup. There is a dog park on-site," mentions Donna H., describing amenities at the Tri-Trails KOA that appeal to families.
Dealing with biting insects: Some farm-adjacent campgrounds experience fly problems. "Though we didn't see many cows, the flies definitely know they are there! Oh my! We jokingly said 'they're raising flies!!!' And they were BITING flies," warns Robin B. about McGreer Camper Park.
Hookup options: Full service sites with water, electric, and sewer connections are available at several locations. "We received a text the day prior welcoming us and asking us not to arrive before 1:00 PM Mountain Time plus let them know our estimated arrival time. The utilities are in the middle with two sewer choices (nice!)," reports MickandKarla W. about the Ogallala/I-80 KOA Journey.
Cellular connectivity: Working remotely is possible at many Julesburg area campgrounds. "Cell signal was excellent and let me work remotely. It's quiet and I'm pretty sure I was the only person there at night," shares Landon C. about Pony Express Park Chappell.
Level sites: Many parks provide well-maintained parking areas for easy setup. "The sites are gravel, but very level. Full hookups with electric, water, and sewer," notes Gillian L., who appreciated the convenience at McGreer Camper Park after a long day of driving.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where can I find camping spots near Julesburg, Colorado?
Several camping options exist near Julesburg, Colorado. Cabela's RV Park & Campground offers clean facilities with bathroom/showers, coin laundry, and convenient access to nearby amenities including food, coffee, and Walmart. It operates on a first-come, first-served basis for RVs, campers, and tents. For those looking to stay overnight while traveling, McGreer Camper Park provides a convenient stopover location, though it's essentially a parking lot off the highway with friendly owners. If you're willing to drive a bit further, Lake McConaughy area campgrounds offer more scenic options with lake access and beach camping opportunities about an hour away from Julesburg.
Is camping allowed at Julesburg Reservoir and what amenities are available?
Camping is allowed at Julesburg Reservoir (also known as Jumbo Reservoir State Wildlife Area). The area offers both boat-in and drive-in access for campers. As a State Wildlife Area, amenities are basic compared to developed campgrounds. Jumbo Reservoir State Wildlife Area provides reservable camping spots, making it easier to secure your stay in advance. For those seeking more amenities, consider Lake Ogallala State Recreation Area Campground which, while not at Julesburg Reservoir, offers clean shower houses, walking trails with lake views, and easy access to campsites in the same general region. Remember that wildlife areas typically require a valid hunting or fishing license or habitat stamp for entry.
Which is the most popular campground near Julesburg, CO?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Julesburg, CO is McGreer Camper Park with a 4-star rating from 12 reviews.
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