Campers find this small campground positioned next to the historic Buffalo Bill Ranch, offering a mix of electric hookups and basic tent sites along the North Platte River. The Nebraska Game and Parks Commission manages 20 sites that range from $10 for primitive camping to $35 for full hookups, with an additional $8 fee for out-of-state visitors.
Water access creates some confusion among visitors, as only sites 6 and 20 have water spigots at the back of each site, plus one additional spigot at the tent camping area. Sarah R. found it "out of the way and secluded" with good fishing access right from her riverside spot. The restroom facilities are vault toilets without shower access, and sites accommodate big rigs with 30 and 50-amp electrical service.
Most campers report quiet conditions due to low occupancy rates, though the proximity between sites becomes less of an issue when the campground isn't full. Cell coverage varies by carrier, with Verizon providing 5G service while T-Mobile offers limited connectivity. The campground serves as a base for exploring the Buffalo Bill Ranch Historic Site and watching seasonal crane migrations.
Campers wanting additional amenities can check A-1 Sunset Mobile & RV Park for full-service RV accommodations.
Description
Buffalo Bill Ranch State Recreation Area offers camping and hiking right next door to the Buffalo Bill Ranch State Historical Park, which makes it easy to tour the ranch house and barn that Col. William F. “Buffalo Bill” Cody built for his home in North Platte during the heyday of his famous Wild West Show. Cody owned some 4,000 acres here, which were appropriately named Scout’s Rest Ranch. Guests are encouraged to spend time enjoying the trails and scenery at the recreation area, as well as touring the historic buildings and soaking up the history at the historical park.
Park permit is required on all vehicles. 40 ft maximum length on camping unit (not all pads are equal in length). No livestock allowed. Pets must be on a leash no longer than 6'. No golf carts or 4 wheelers.
Reservation Info
Call to reserve
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
Location
Public CampgroundBuffalo Bill State Recreation Area is located in Nebraska
Directions
North of the city of North Platte at the corner of Buffalo Bill Ave and Scout's Rest Ranch Rd
Address
2921 Scouts Rest Ranch Road
North Platte, NE 69101
Coordinates
41.17284829317302 N
100.7894504682314 W
Connectivity
T-Mobile is introducing T-Satellite to extend coverage in the outdoors
T-Mobile5GExcellent CoverageVerified by 2 usersLast on 4/30/26
VerizonLTESome Coverage- AT&TLTESome Coverage
Connectivity
T-Mobile is introducing T-Satellite to extend coverage in the outdoors- T-Mobile5GExcellent CoverageVerified by 2 usersLast on 4/30/26
- VerizonLTESome Coverage
- AT&TLTESome Coverage
Access
- Drive-InPark next to your site
Site Types
- Tent Sites
- RV Sites
- Standard (Tent/RV)
- Equestrian
Features
For Campers
- Picnic Table
- Reservable
- Electric Hookups
- Toilets
- Pets
- Fires
For Vehicles
- Sewer Hookups
- Water Hookups
- 30 Amp Hookups
- 50 Amp Hookups
- Big Rig Friendly
Contact
General Info
Reservations
Drive Time
- 2 hrs 4 min from Grand Island, NE
- 3 hrs 2 min from Cheyenne, WY
- 3 hrs 8 min from Lincoln, NE
- 3 hrs 22 min from Greeley, CO
