Patterson Harbor Marina provides concrete RV pads with water and electric hookups on gravel sites near Alma, Nebraska. The campground operates seasonally with 80 total sites, closing during winter months. First-come, first-served camping means no reservations are required, though guests should arrive early during peak summer periods to secure preferred locations.
What to do
Golf cart exploration: Patterson Harbor Marina permits golf cart use throughout the property, unlike many other campgrounds in the region. "You can drive your golf cart around (many other campgrounds don't allow). Everyone is so nice and helpful," notes one regular visitor.
Fishing in stocked waters: Fort Kearny State Recreation Area features seven sandpit lakes designated for fishing, with accessibility features for all anglers. "Lakes 5, 6 and 7 offer handicap accessible piers. Lake 7 has the swimming beach. I was camped backed up to Lake 4 at site 57," explains a Fort Kearny State Recreation Area visitor.
Wildlife photography: The open plains near Norton Reservoir provide exceptional wildlife viewing opportunities. A veteran visitor to Prairie Dog Campground notes, "Turkeys and whitetail deer and the coyotes call in the distance. A photographer could get lost in the pure wilderness available in the prairie. I've visited here during every season."
What campers like
Year-round access options: While some glamping in Alma, Nebraska options close seasonally, several parks remain open through winter. A camper at Main Area Campground shared: "We arrived here on March 1st and it was very silent, just one other camper. Spots are clean, squirrels running around, tables and firepits. Of course this time of year the restrooms were closed."
Waterfront camping: Many sites offer direct lake views or access, enhancing the glamping experience. "There were tent sites available right near the water that we didn't realize were open until we had already settled in. The lake is lovely and there are huge trees all over," reports a Main Area Campground visitor.
Storm shelters: Some campgrounds include safety features for severe weather. At Kearney RV Park & Campground, a visitor noted, "Friendly staff, nice laundry and bathroom facilities that are handicapped accessible. Big dog park area for the pups. No fires here. Level concrete pads and you can move the picnic tables if needed. There are storm shelters available in the bathhouse."
What you should know
Seasonal bug activity: Insect populations can impact camping enjoyment during certain periods. A visitor to Shady Rest Campground reported, "We weren't even able to look around or take pictures. We were literally stuck in our camper and only spent the night and than left. When I did have to go out to take my dogs out to the bathroom, the bugs would fly up my nose and were all over me."
Highway noise considerations: Some campgrounds experience traffic noise due to proximity to major roads. At Kearney RV Park & Campground, a reviewer observed, "Being right next to the highway very bad road noise. Had to turn the fan on high to drown it out. Other than that, this is a great campground."
Ranger
