Best Campgrounds near Beatrice, NE

Beatrice, Nebraska provides several established campgrounds within a 30-minute drive of town, ranging from full-hookup RV sites to primitive tent camping areas. Riverside Park and Chautauqua Park Campground are located within city limits, offering electric hookups, water, and dump stations. Beyond the immediate Beatrice area, visitors can find additional camping at Rockford Lake State Recreation Area, Big Indian Recreation Area, and Diller Campground, all providing varying levels of amenities. Most campgrounds accommodate both tent and RV camping, with concrete pads available at several locations for larger rigs.

Several campgrounds in the region operate year-round, though amenities may be limited during winter months. Electric sites typically offer 50-amp service, with water hookups available at most developed campgrounds. "Camp hosts are always kind and do a great job," noted one visitor about Rock Creek Station, highlighting the helpful staff presence at many area campgrounds. Cell service can be spotty at some locations, particularly Rockford Lake, where visitors report no signal. Most campgrounds feature gravel or concrete pads for RVs, with designated tent areas sometimes less clearly marked. Prices range from free camping at Chautauqua Park (limited to 10 days every 60 days) to approximately $20 per night for full-hookup sites.

Campers consistently rate the quietness and cleanliness of Beatrice area campgrounds highly. Chautauqua Park receives praise for its pond with resident geese, green spaces, and proximity to local attractions. According to one camper, "This park offers so many amenities for such a low price." Riverside Park features disc golf, playgrounds, and shaded sites that appeal to families. Rockford Lake stands out for its dispersed camping atmosphere, floating swimming platforms, and fishing opportunities. For those seeking more seclusion, Big Indian Recreation Area provides a quieter experience with kayaking opportunities on its no-wake lake. Most campgrounds have basic restrooms, with shower facilities available at select locations. Visitors appreciate the balance of being close to town amenities while enjoying peaceful outdoor settings.

Best Camping Sites Near Beatrice, Nebraska (71)

    1. Riverside Park

    4 Reviews
    Beatrice, NE
    1 mile
    Website
    +1 (402) 228-5248

    "All in all it was a good path for families to hang out in and also a nice place to camp."

    2. Chautauqua Park Campground

    3 Reviews
    Beatrice, NE
    2 miles
    Website
    +1 (402) 228-5248

    $20 / night

    "This park campground was a great stop for a night as we drove through Nebraska. Safe, clean, and nearly full by the time we parked early-evening on a Friday."

    "Beatrice holds multiple softball tournaments in the summer time and our team tends to camp when we travel. This park offers so many amenities for such a low price ($18/night when we stayed!)."

    3. Bauer Broken Dreams

    1 Review
    Beatrice, NE
    6 miles
    +1 (402) 432-0502

    $20 - $60 / night

    4. Rockford Lake State Recreation Area

    2 Reviews
    Wymore, NE
    10 miles
    Website
    +1 (402) 471-5566

    "Scenery is Beautiful and when it comes to taking a boat on the lake, everyone is great about safety! We have visited with parks and recreation, county deputy Sanderson, and Maintenance."

    "Large lake. Not overly crowded and very dispersed. Got a really good vibe from the RV area. Nice clean swimming plus the pads that float on the water."

    5. Village of Diller Park - Diller Campground

    1 Review
    Fairbury, NE
    15 miles
    Website
    +1 (402) 793-5330

    "Diller is a very small Village with a small Main Street, which we enjoyed walking to. The have a great locker to pick up items to grill. The park was very nice."

    6. Big Indian Recreation Area

    1 Review
    Wymore, NE
    16 miles
    Website
    +1 (402) 228-3402

    $5 / night

    "Wife found this lake on Google Maps. 

    We drove out on a Sunday to check it out, and was amazed by the quality of the sites for the money. 

    We camped the weekend of October 16th, 2020. "

    7. Legion Memorial Park

    2 Reviews
    Martell, NE
    18 miles
    +1 (402) 821-3016

    8. Feits Memorial Park

    1 Review
    Wymore, NE
    11 miles
    Website
    +1 (402) 645-3539

    9. Rock Creek Campground — Rock Creek Station State Rec Area

    4 Reviews
    Fairbury, NE
    20 miles
    Website
    +1 (402) 729-5777

    $30 / night

    "Interpretive center related to the Pony Express and Oregon Trail in the adjacent Historical Park. Paved road access to the park from both the north and the south from US HWY 136 or NE HWY 8."

    10. Bluestem State Rec Area

    6 Reviews
    Martell, NE
    24 miles
    Website
    +1 (402) 471-5545

    "Check out Blustem if you like to get away from RV heavy camps like I do. You’ll find clean raised toilets, trails, and archery range, boating, fishing and hunting here."

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Recent Reviews near Beatrice, NE

251 Reviews of 71 Beatrice Campgrounds


  • AThe Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 11, 2025

    Humbolt City Park and Cancer Garden

    Great City Campground

    Very pretty city park great for an overnight stop. Amazing flower garden to walk through and a serene setting. Nice and quiet and a nice walking area.

  • Allen B.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 9, 2025

    Crystal Springs Lake

    Crystal lake

    Staying one night almost no one else here. Bathroom & shower are clean but no towels to dry hands with. Most sites are sunny. Friendly camp host small lake to kayak. Level sites with fire ring & picnic table.

  • Travis A.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 3, 2025

    Yankee hill wildlife management area

    Good over night spot

    Situated in the middle of corn fields. The WMA has a large marshy, stagnant pond, so bring mosquito repellent. The parking area is clean. There is a dumpster and vault toilet. I didnt inspect it, I'll leave that up to you. No potable water, but Lincoln Nebraska is only 17 miles away.

  • wThe Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 25, 2025

    Smiths Creek Recreational Area

    Perfect

    It was not far off the highway but no road noise. Great place for a free overnight camp.

  • JThe Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 24, 2025

    Smith Creek Recreation Area

    Quick overnight stay

    We had a quick one night stay as a van camper. Parked in the stone parking area adjacent to the toilets. A single bright light lit the entire parking lot. We arrived at 9:00 and quickly set up for sleeping. It was dark, our interior car lights immediately attracted numerous bugs. Late in the evening, a vehicle can't in and did a couple of "doughnuts" in the parking lot. It was a nice place overall for a single night.

  • MThe Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 22, 2025

    Wagon Train State Recreation Area

    Pricey!

    Nice campground with reasonable camp fees, however, they require day use fees as well, which makes it pricey. The lake does not have any water in it either. Only stayed 1 nite, but would probably not stay again.

  • RThe Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 17, 2025

    Riverside Park

    Very good facilities

    Glad to have electric hook up to run AC in August worth the $25 restrooms have showers and are well maintained. AT&T good cell service Some sites have water hookups Very peaceful and felt real secure nice little town

  • Austin B.The Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 15, 2025

    Area 5 Campground

    Simple and quiet

    Features:

    • self service
    • primitive camp sites
    • fire pits
    • picnic tables
    • vault toilets
    • plenty of shade
    • hand pump well water drinking fountain
    • a very dry lake
    • a boat ramp that leads to a dry lake bed overtaken by weeds
    • bugs bugs bugs
    • okay night skies

    This little spot is well maintained with mowed camping sections that each have numbered picnic tables and a fire pit. The picnic tables have a little placard to display your camping permit, which is just gotten from a board at the entrance to the campground. There are vault toilets that are definitely not the worst I've seen. And there's a cute little hand pump well water drinking fountain that I wouldn't trust drinking from, but it was fun to pump the water out for a minute or two! The lake was, unfortunately, extremely dry during my visit. There was no direct path to the water bank without cutting through a jungle of a dry lake bed covered in, likely tick infested, weeds. But at least the boat ramp would've served as a great foot/wheelchair ramp to walk down to the water...if there was a path through all the weeds. Lastly, bugs and mosquitoes were torture, but that's to be expected in Nebraska in August. Just be sure to bring your bug spray, and maybe wait to come by until some year when the lake is full.

  • RThe Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 14, 2025

    Yankee hill wildlife management area

    Dumpster on site

    This place has a dumpster available and it also has a three-day limit in a six-day period.

    The sites aren't technically sites. They're just little places off the side of the road that you can park. So just find a spot park there and you're good to go.

    The road coming in has some big ruts, but the rest of the park seems to be rut free. I had no issues taking my 12 foot tall short bus through there.


Guide to Beatrice

Camping near Beatrice, Nebraska, offers a mix of beautiful landscapes and fun activities for everyone. Whether you're looking for a peaceful retreat or a family-friendly adventure, there are several campgrounds to choose from.

What to do:

What campers like:

  • Clean Facilities: Campers appreciate the cleanliness of the restrooms and showers at Camp A Way Campground. A visitor said, "Everyone that works here is so friendly. They have nice shower and bathrooms along with laundry facilities."
  • Family-Friendly Activities: Many families enjoy the amenities at Double Nickel Campground. One parent mentioned, "There are all sorts of games: Basketball, volleyball, miniature golf, Large Jenga, etc."
  • Peaceful Environment: Campers often find a relaxing atmosphere at Branched Oak Lake State Rec Area. A reviewer stated, "The area was nice and close to the restrooms and spacious campsites."

What you should know:

  • Noise Levels: Some campgrounds, like Louisville State Recreation Area, can be noisy due to nearby trains. One camper warned, "Good luck sleeping through the night. The train tracks were less than 100 feet from our site."
  • Park Fees: Be prepared for additional fees at certain campgrounds. For example, Pawnee State Recreation Area has a daily fee that can add up quickly. A visitor mentioned, "Charging out of state people double for a daily pass seems a little unfriendly."
  • Limited Privacy: Some sites may feel crowded, especially during peak seasons. A camper at Platte River State Park Campground noted, "The sites are pretty close together."

Tips for camping with families:

  • Check for Activities: Look for campgrounds with family-friendly amenities. Camp A Way Campground has tons of fun activities for kids, as one parent shared, "Tons of fun activities for the kids!"
  • Bring Entertainment: Pack games and outdoor toys for downtime. A camper at Double Nickel Campground mentioned, "There are all sorts of games: Basketball, volleyball, miniature golf."
  • Plan for Meals: Some campgrounds have picnic tables and fire pits, making it easy to cook and eat together. A visitor at Victorian Acres RV Park & Campground noted, "The grounds were beautifully groomed."

Tips from RVers:

  • Check Site Sizes: Make sure your RV fits the site before booking. A reviewer at West Omaha / NE Lincoln KOA Holiday mentioned, "The pull-through sites seem to be all gravel/stone."
  • Be Prepared for Noise: Some campgrounds are near highways or busy roads. A camper at Camp A Way Campground said, "It’s not pretty, wooded, or even that quiet."
  • Utilize Amenities: Take advantage of laundry facilities and camp stores. A visitor at Double Nickel Campground appreciated the "well-kept laundry room with 2 washers and 2 dryers."

Camping near Beatrice, Nebraska, has something for everyone, from families to solo adventurers. Just remember to check the campground details and reviews to find the best fit for your trip!

Frequently Asked Questions

What camping is available near Beatrice, NE?

According to TheDyrt.com, Beatrice, NE offers a wide range of camping options, with 71 campgrounds and RV parks near Beatrice, NE and 2 free dispersed camping spots.

Which is the most popular campground near Beatrice, NE?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Beatrice, NE is Riverside Park with a 4.8-star rating from 4 reviews.

Where can I find free dispersed camping near Beatrice, NE?

According to TheDyrt.com, there are 2 free dispersed camping spots near Beatrice, NE.