Best Dog-Friendly Camping near Bayard, NE

This is a campground with many options. There is a playground, trails, a dog park, and a beautiful view, most of all. There are options for just electric/water or sewer, too. The reason for four stars: 1. There are a couple of VERY unsightly RVs that appear to be permanent. (Even shattered windows!) 2. Internet was for the most part unavailable, although our technology recognized its presence.

Open May 1– October 1. Got the second to last site on a Wednesday in July(you can reserve sites after the campground opens on May 1). We chose this campground for its proximity to Scottsbluff. Although there is a tent site area, the campground was filled mostly with large RVs. The hosts were very friendly and welcoming and even though it was not a large campground, the host escorted us to our site. He offered several times to deliver firewood to us if we wanted. Reasonable cost for sites($10 tent camping,$20 water and electric,$25 for full hook-up). Best sites are the ones at the end of the rows as they have a nice patch of lawn. Alcoholic beverages are permitted but must be consumed inside your rig/tent. WiFi is available but not a strong signal; using our own data worked much better. Restrooms were reasonably clean(accessed via a code) and there are showers. This campground is located within a city park and there are other facilities(fitness trail, dog park, and supposedly a zoo). I did a little exploring but rain was imminent so I didn’t wander far, however, the facilities outside the campground looked like they could have used a little TLC. Of course, there is a nearby train!

Hidden gem! This quiet little park is nestled back in a residential area and backs up to beautiful farmland. Three electrical/water sites are located on gravel across from the City park. The park has lush green grass, trees, small playground and pool. You can stay two nights for free, additional nights for a fee. The town of Bayard has very little to offer. Many of the businesses have closed down. This campground is great for visiting nearby Chimney Rock and Scott’s Bluff National Monument.

We had some difficulty locating this park and eventually asked a local where it was (Google maps will not direct you to the right place; the “campground” is located on East 11th Street and First Avenue). It is located uphill from the downtown area so don’t confuse it with another city park closer to downtown. Now, to review the campground. Western Nebraska campgrounds are unlike other places we are used to – perhaps it is because of summer heat (and biting flies) but most seem to be geared toward RVs. This one has three "sites", although they are not separated in any way save for the electrical and water hook-ups. Just room for three rigs on a gravel area. No tents for sure. Across the street from these “sites” is a nice lawn area with lots of trees and a covered picnic pavilion, which could make your stay more pleasant, as long as a group isn’t using it. There was a persistent barking dog nearby while I was checking it out. About the only redeeming thing I can think of for this place is the price: free for the first two nights but you would need to pay$10 per night after (I guess to discourage people from living there). Close to Chimney Rock and about 25 miles from Scotts Bluff but otherwise not much in the area.

Full hookups for $45. Clean facilities and well maintained grounds. Sprinklers turn on at 9:30 so don't leave anything out. Dog friendly but wish they had a fenced in area for them to run off leash.

This campground is in the city park right next to the zoo so you can hear the peacocks screaming. Says you must reserve ahead of time online but it must be done before 12 hours prior. We need to make a stop because of pouring rain so called the number and spoke with camp host. They said they would send a confirmation by email but never got one. We didn’t get any code to the bathroom or any information at all. Even called the next morning to remind them but still got nothing. All sites are full hook ups and have benches and fire ring. There is a playground and picnic area next to the area along with walking/hiking paths. In the park there is a nice size dog run/agility area. For the price it was a good place to stop for the night but wish we would have gotten some info

Had reservations as Nebraska Travel Guide listed so figured was ok. River is close by but not at campground. I did not read Dyrt reviews first...lesson learned. It was dirt, dead grass snd I felt in unsafe area. We did not stay!!!

It's decent but it's a concrete pad, you have to call city hall to get a code to unlock the water spigot and they close at 4pm. The area is clean but seems to be too expensive compared to other communities within 100 miles. Cross

the border and many Nebraska small towns offer cheaper or free stays. The atmosphere just isn't right but i came in late and needed a place to stay. For $25 next time i will look elsewhere. Maybe I'm cheap, but i expect more convenience for the price and fewer rules. No fires, no fire rings, your grille is ok, that's about all

City park 3 free sites

Some local traffic in front of the 3 parking pads, but for free you can't beat it. Obscured view of chimney rock. Dump station is 6 blocks away. Large park with tables across the street.

I arrived late last night to chimney rock completely lit up. Very beautiful. Spots are fairly small but quiet. Frequent train, if that bothers you. Nice easy to hook up and pull through spot.

We did not stay here. Arrived at 6:30 and the shop with ice cream and food items was closed. Several hook ups and sites for full size rigs. There is not much else in the area other than the view of chimney rock which was pretty cool. I saw taped to the door two receipts for campground stays. The price was $46 for one and $38 for the other. There is not anything on the campground other than the shop so it is unlikely someone would stay for more than a day. We did not stay here so I can not confirm those prices but it seems quite steep for not a whole lot if it is the price.

Pioneer Crossing is located between Bridgeport and Scottsbluff. It’s a small 15 pull through campground($38/night) with 1 cabin which is $60/night. The sites are gravel and full hook ups and no trees. We pulled up after dark and Jo the owner told us they were full but he offered his field behind the cabin for a discount. He was very kind to find a place for us. The shop had a small stinkin cute ice cream parlor, pop, snacks and souvenirs. There is a small pond and area for tents($30/night), a dump station and shower/restroom. They also offer monthly stays at $550/month. It was fine for needing to pull off the road to sleep and to hike/view Chimney rock(a historical landmark).

There is not much to this campground, besides the full hookups except the very warm welcome we received from the host on his 4-wheeler! The view of Chimney Rock was beautiful morning and night. Thanks for being so gracious.

It was interesting to learn about Chimney Rock and definetly about how it was taller but got hit by lightning. This is a small RV campground but perfect to stop when we were tired. And definite bonus is they light up chimney rock at night while everything is pitch dark. There is a small pond you can fish at and so my husband did. It’s catch and release only. While he fished I walked around the pond and saw the biggest bullfrogs ever. I could hear a lot of traffic and some peacocks yelping. Also beware of rattlesnakes they are thick in this area. It’s open all year, has pull thru sites, full hook ups, dump station, picnic tables, and cute gift shop with ice cream parlor.

This is a great stay over place. I believe we counted just 12 spots, full hookups. Spaces are rather close, but with only 12 rigs, it did not feel packed. Host was very kind and helpful. The view of the Chimney Rock was right out our front window. We walked to the rock location and took the trail at the cemetery. It is a bit of a distance (we had 5 miles) but we are hikers and didn’t mind. You could also drive closer, but we did not want to unhook from our rig. The registration office is a building full of goodies! Ice cream, food, and gifts and souvenirs are available. We really enjoyed our overnight stay here and I would happily recommend this to anyone traveling through.

We had a wonderful stay here.  My husband had never seen Chimney Rock, and I had never seen Chimney Rock lit up at night.  All I have to say is Wow! Mosquitoes are hungry here!  Be prepared for that.  The owner and his wife are so nice, ice cream is great! Quick drive to see Chimney Rock closer and a few trails to hike if you like.  Visitors Center is 2 min away.  We got groceries in Bridgeport.  Nice town with a big gas station with diesel and def.  We would stay here again.  41 foot Fifth Wheel.  Plenty of room for our rig, pull thru which my husband likes.

Clear water, some sandy beaches. All water craft circle a small island. Most sites are water front.

At Lake Minatare there are primative and normal campsites. The primative spots are where ever you feel is fit. You can build your own campfire, which I found fun, and build your very own campsite the way you like it. You can camp right on the beach or tucked away if you want. A lot of locals come and fish by the campsites but they are very respectful of your space and will either keep to themselves or turn right around and leave. The fishing is great there, just depends on the time of the year.