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Camper submitted image from Blue Hole Wildlife Management AreaView 6 Photos
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Blue Hole Wildlife Management Area

5 ReviewsAdd Review

Anglers and wildlife watchers use Blue Hole Wildlife Management Area as a convenient overnight stop along Interstate 80. This dispersed camping area sits beside a small pond just off the highway, offering basic car camping and walk-in access through the Nebraska Game and Parks Commission.

The camping setup centers around Chloe's Circle, a short gravel road leading to a cul-de-sac with limited parking options. Reviewers note two main spots plus the circular turnaround area, though neither of the designated spots accommodates large RVs well due to slanted terrain. The pond provides a boat launch and fishing access via a small trail. Interstate traffic creates steady background noise throughout the night, and campers report seeing highway lights from most camping positions.

Facilities remain minimal with no restrooms, picnic tables, or fire rings in the immediate camping area. "Some trash in the woods and a few carcasses," notes Brittany G., reflecting the area's primary function as wildlife habitat rather than developed recreation. A gas station operates nearby for supplies and fuel.

The location works best for travelers needing a quick highway rest rather than destination camping. Campers seeking more developed facilities can find campgrounds around Kearney about 16 miles east, while Sandy Channel State Rec Area offers state park amenities less than a mile away.

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Map & DirectionsBlue Hole Wildlife Management Area is located in Nebraska near Kearney

Detail location of campground
Dispersed Camping

Coordinates

40.687516 N
99.382988 W

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Connectivity

Presented byT-MobileT-Mobile is introducing T-Satellite to extend coverage in the outdoorsLearn More
  • signal strength bars
    T-Mobile5G
    Excellent Coverage
    Verified by 12 users
    Last on 6/18/26
  • signal strength bars
    VerizonLTE
    Some Coverage
    Verified by 6 users
    Last on 6/18/26
  • signal strength bars
    AT&TLTE
    Some Coverage
    Verified by 3 users
    Last on 6/18/26

Connectivity

Presented byT-MobileT-Mobile is introducing T-Satellite to extend coverage in the outdoorsLearn More
  • signal strength bars
    T-Mobile5G
    Excellent Coverage
    Verified by 12 users
    Last on 6/18/26
  • signal strength bars
    VerizonLTE
    Some Coverage
    Verified by 6 users
    Last on 6/18/26
  • signal strength bars
    AT&TLTE
    Some Coverage
    Verified by 3 users
    Last on 6/18/26

Access

  • Drive-In
    Park next to your site
  • Walk-In
    Park in a lot, walk to your site.

Site Types

  • Tent Sites
  • Dispersed

Features

For Campers

  • Phone Service
  • Alcohol
  • Pets

DISPERSED CAMPING

Enjoy dispersed camping on government land and leave no trace. Pack in and pack out. No (or limited) services at this camping area. Permit may be required.

PERMIT might be REQUIRED

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Reviews5 Camper Reviews - Blue Hole Wildlife Management Area

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3.0

out of 5

5 Reviews

This basic overnight stop near I-80 offers convenient access to gas stations but lacks amenities like restrooms or picnic tables. Many visitors reported constant highway noise and some concerns about site conditions and cleanliness.

Reviewed Apr. 5, 2025

Camping

Nice place spot for two weeks close to highway but overall not bad spot

Month of VisitApril
Reviewed Sep. 19, 2024

Sketchy

My husband and I had a freaky experience here and I wouldn’t want it to happen to anyone else. Around 4:30 AM a car pulled in quietly and parked right next to our van (even though there were other camping spots available). The only reason we woke up was because our dog started barking and freaking out. A guy was outside smoking and putting some things in a bag. We started up the RV and dipped as fast as we could. It’s a shame because it was a nice, convenient, peaceful spot otherwise. Be careful!

Month of VisitSeptember
Reviewed Oct. 10, 2023

Ok for a free overnight

This is a small area with a pond just off the interstate. A little sketchy but not quite as sketchy as some of the other wildlife management areas on this stretch of I-80 (and I stopped at 3 before this one and decided to keep moving until I got here). A bit trashed, but not horrible. Constant sound of the interstate. Some light local use of the road and of the pond for fishing. I wouldn't make this a destination, but for a one night needed rest stop it's ok.

Siteno numbered sites. this spot was opposite the pond boat launch, relatively secluded from the others
Month of VisitOctober
Reviewed Sep. 13, 2023

Good for a night

Stayed for a night passing through on the way to Colorado. There were a few spots. I took the first one across the pond. I was the only one on a Tuesday night. Super close to a gas station. Can hear and see cars from highway which didn’t bother me. Some trash in the woods and a few carcasses.

Month of VisitSeptember
  • Review photo of Blue Hole Wildlife Management Area by Brittany G., September 13, 2023
  • Review photo of Blue Hole Wildlife Management Area by Brittany G., September 13, 2023
Reviewed Aug. 4, 2023

It was alright

Got here at night, turned into Chloe's circle, it was a short gravel road. There were two spots to park and a cul-de-sac at the end of the road. One of the spots was slanted and the other spot was flat, neither were good for large campers. You could park in the cul-de-sac but it is a smaller circle. The slanted spot was occupied, there was a truck hanging out in the cul-de-sac, so I car camped in the last open spot. There's a decent amount of road noise from the interstate.

When I woke up in the morning it was pouring rain, so i did not explore, but I did not see any toilets, picnic tables, or fire rings in the parking area, there was a boat launching spot and a small trail to lead to the lake. There is a gas station up the road.

SiteNA
Month of VisitAugust
  • Review photo of Blue Hole Wildlife Management Area by Lindsey J., August 4, 2023
  • Review photo of Blue Hole Wildlife Management Area by Lindsey J., August 4, 2023
  • Review photo of Blue Hole Wildlife Management Area by Lindsey J., August 4, 2023
  • (4) View All
Showing results 1-5 of 5 reviews

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Unknown Campground family-friendly for couples visiting with their spouses?

Blue Hole Wildlife Management Area may not be the best option for couples seeking a peaceful getaway. The area has reported safety concerns, with at least one couple experiencing an uncomfortable situation with another vehicle arriving very early in the morning and parking unusually close to them. The campground is also quite basic with limited amenities, relatively close to highway noise, and some visitors have noted trash in the surrounding woods. For couples, it's better suited as a quick overnight stop rather than a destination camping experience.

Where is the Blue Hole located in Nebraska?

Blue Hole Wildlife Management Area is located just off Interstate 80 in Nebraska. It's a small area featuring a pond that provides convenient access for travelers passing through the state. The location is easily accessible from the highway, making it a convenient stop for those traveling to or from destinations like Colorado. There's a gas station in close proximity, adding to the convenience for travelers needing supplies or fuel.

Does Blue Hole Wildlife Management Area have wifi?

No, according to campers on TheDyrt.com, Blue Hole Wildlife Management Area does not have wifi.

Is there cell phone reception at Blue Hole Wildlife Management Area?

According to campers on TheDyrt.com, there is some coverage for AT&T, excellent coverage for T-Mobile, and some coverage for Verizon.

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