Hiking enthusiasts will find direct access to trails within the Nebraska National Forest, the largest hand-planted forest in the United States. The Forest Service manages this established campground with standard amenities including drinking water, restrooms, and a dump station. Sites accommodate both RVs and tent campers, with some walk-in options available.
The campground sits within forested terrain near a creek, though shade trees remain sparse in certain camping areas according to recent visitors. Cell service reaches the area, and a camp store provides basic supplies. Campers can access the Black Hills Overlook Trail and Steamboat Butte Trail directly from the forest, with hiking routes extending into the Buffalo National Grasslands. The facility maintains clean restrooms and well-spaced sites for RV camping with 30-amp hookups.
Description
There are two distinct areas of the Nebraska National Forest. This area encompasses the west end of the Nebraska National Forest near Chadron and Crawford and is managed by the Pine Ridge Ranger District. The other distinct area within Nebraska National Forest is located near Halsey in central Nebraska. Special places within the Chadron area include Soldier Creek Wilderness and the Pine Ridge National Recreation Area as well as several developed recreation sites for camping, picnicking, or trailheads for access to miles of trails into the wide open spaces of the Nebraska National Forest. Pine Ridge National Recreation Area is a 6,600-acre area is designed to provide a primitive/semi-primitive recreational opportunity in a natural environment and is managed for non-motorized recreation. Approximately 80 miles of marked trails make up the Pine Ridge Trail system. The easy-to-follow trails accommodate hikers, horseback riders, and mountain bikers. Soldier Creek Wilderness Area offers a well-developed trail system of 17 miles in and adjacent to the Wilderness which allows hikers and horseback riders a variety of trial loop choices. Overnight camping in developed sites is on a first-come, first-served basis. Campfires are allowed unless restrictions are posted. Backcountry or primitive camping (no facilities) is allowed anywhere on the National Forest. Practicing Leave No Trace principles ensures that the next person to visit will have the same sense of discovery as those who came before.
RV Road Trip Guides
Map & DirectionsNebraska National Forest at Chadron is located in Nebraska near Chadron
Coordinates
42.82750025 N
103.00040018 W
Connectivity
T-Mobile5GExcellent Coverage- Verizon5GExcellent CoverageVerified by 12 usersLast on 6/25/26
- AT&T5GExcellent CoverageVerified by 4 usersLast on 6/25/26
Connectivity
- T-Mobile5GExcellent Coverage
- Verizon5GExcellent CoverageVerified by 12 usersLast on 6/25/26
- AT&T5GExcellent CoverageVerified by 4 usersLast on 6/25/26
Access
- Drive-InPark next to your site
- Walk-InPark in a lot, walk to your site.
Site Types
- Tent Sites
- RV Sites
- Standard (Tent/RV)
- Group
- Cabins
- Tent Cabin
- Yurts
- Equestrian
Features
For Campers
- Market
- ADA Access
- Trash
- Picnic Table
- Firewood Available
- Phone Service
- Drinking Water
- Toilets
For Vehicles
- Sanitary Dump
Drive Time
- 1 hr 28 min from Rapid City, SD
- 2 hrs 41 min from Casper, WY
- 3 hrs 3 min from Cheyenne, WY
- 3 hrs 53 min from Greeley, CO
