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Best Tent Camping near Big Springs, NE

187 Reviews

Tent camping options around Lake McConaughy State Recreation Area dominate the landscape near Big Springs, Nebraska. Several primitive tent campgrounds dot the shoreline of Nebraska's largest reservoir, with Omaha Beach and Ogallala Beach offering established sites for tent campers. The Lake McConaughy area provides multiple designated tent camping areas including Arthur Bay, Eagle Canyon, Otter Creek, Spring Park, and North Shore, all within reasonable driving distance of Big Springs.

Sites may be set on sandy beach terrain with minimal development, requiring campers to be self-sufficient. Most tent camping areas have limited amenities, with only select locations like Arthur Bay and Ogallala Beach providing vault toilets. Potable water is scarce across these campgrounds, necessitating that tent campers bring their own supply. Campfire regulations vary by location, with some areas prohibiting fires entirely. Campers should note that several beaches require a Nebraska state park permit, and some locations may have seasonal restrictions or reservation requirements. Reviews indicate recent policy changes at certain areas like Ogallala Beach, which may now be day-use only.

Areas along the lakeshore offer tent campers direct access to swimming, fishing, and beach activities. The sandy shoreline allows some campers with appropriate vehicles to set up tents near the water's edge for convenient lake access. Tree cover varies by location, with some areas providing shade while others offer more exposed beach camping. Crowds fluctuate seasonally, with busier conditions during summer months when water recreation is popular. A review mentioned that "Arthur Bay was still a little bit crowded but would definitely recommend as there was plenty of space on the beach." Another camper noted the sunset views at Ogallala Beach were particularly impressive, highlighting the natural beauty that makes primitive tent camping in this area worthwhile despite limited facilities.

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Best Tent Sites Near Big Springs, Nebraska (8)

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Tent Camping Reviews near Big Springs, NE

187 Reviews of 8 Big Springs Campgrounds

  • Lori C.
    Jul. 30, 2021

    Lake Ogallala State Recreation Area Campground

    Nice no hookup campground

    This review is for the West Campground, which is a Basic site with no hookups. There is water in a couple places but not at each site. The sites do have a picnic table, fire ring or grill. There are trash dumpsters, a playground, porta potties and a more modern restroom at the end of the campground. Most sites are fairly level and have trees for shade. Sites 1-17 are right on the lake, although the sites near the power generating have a strong surphur smell from the water.

    This is a great place to stay if you don’t mind no hookups.

  • Caleb K.
    Aug. 2, 2018

    Jumbo (Julesburg Reservoir) State Wildlife Area

    Great spot for when the west side of the state is in Fire Ban!

    we stayed for two nights and really had a great time. soft ground made it an easy set up for camp. Nice and quiet during the evening and a great spot for paddleboarding too!

  • Daniel B.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jul. 14, 2018

    Oregon Trail Golf Course & Campground

    Ranger Review: Matador Base Layer Camera Bag at Oregon Trail GC&C

    Campground Review

    Also known as Sutherland Reservoir North Shore Recreation Area, I found this place in Nebraska not long after a terrible thunderstorm came rolling in along I-80. The golf gods we're with me on this one, because I didn't even know until I got there that there was even a golf course. The storm was bad, but not bad enough from keeping me playing 9 holes the next day!

    This place is surprisingly popular given how basic the amenities are. As a golfer, sure, it's a plus there's a course but this place is also on a huge reservoir lake and has a launch point nearby. Lots of people staying here had some sort of boat or jetski for fishing or recreation. As a tent camper my toilet options were two port-o poties on one end of the grounds (it's not a big campground) or a toilet with a sink attached to the golf course clubhouse. No showers. The staff at the place were very nice and even though they were full, they gave me a spot just on the grass somewhere so I could spend the night. It was cheap - only $10 all-in. You can also buy snacks and refreshments from the clubhouse.

    The camp spots were tightly packed in and not a lot of space to roam around that wouldn't be on someone's campsite. Best enjoyed it seemed by big groups.

    Ranger Review

    As a Dyrt Ranger I am given products to test from time to time. I photograph a lot on my adventures with a DLSR and noticed the Matador Base Layer, and a lightweight, protective case for my camera would be GREAT. I was a big fan of the built-in rain fly as well. Matador makes a few products friendly for wet weather and conditions, and this is no exception.

    • Video Test of the Matador base layer in a rainstorm below

    The bag is easy to take on and off your camera, and its 'base layer' fabric is very reminiscent of a base layer jacket. It's well stitched so the insulated padding doesn't clump up in one area and keeps it well placed for protection.

    Speaking of protection - yes it is a great bag for weather protection (rain,dust). No, it is not the best for high impact situations. It is a light case, and by default of that, it's protection is going to be limited. I wouldn't use this to wrap my DSLR + lens in if I was going to then put the camera in a larger bag and carrying/transport that around, but I would use it in situations where my camera would be out a lot and the impact risk is low.

    Proc/Cons

    When you need to use the camera, simply unclip the buckle and pull from the bottom. Very easy, very fast. One issue then is now you have a bag in your hand and you want to use your hands to take a photo. It's a little awkward trying to find a pocket big enough to stuff it. if you clip it back to the camera strap, it is awkward to then try and use your camera. You can clip it to a bag, sure, but what if you're not carrying a bag? I don't always and just hike with my camera and a water bottle.

    I have enjoyed using this on day hikes in Colorado in Rocky Mountain National Park on easy trails, but would be worried about this as it swung from my neck/shoulder and then slipped on some trail and as I regain my balance (hopefully), it's swinging from my neck and knocks into some side wall or rock/tree. When you hold it in your hands you can tell it is super well made immediately, but I do wish the material was a bit thicker.

    Version 2.0?

    In a future iteration, I would love to see a camera sling bag made out of the same materials and buckle + rain fly system. Just a little thicker for more padded protection for higher impacts. Also, an integrated shoulder sling strap. On that strap there could even be a hidden pocket or inlet to clip camera lens covers to or something multi-purpose, like a stash cloth to wipe off lenses. Your NanoDry fabrics are pretty cool, perhaps some integration there would lead people to want to test out other products if they liked the base layer, like the towels or teardrop bags. That all-in one bag would still be lightweight and still have water/dust protection, but could then stay slung over my shoulder, leaving me hands- free for taking shots.

  • Tarrah C.
    Apr. 30, 2024

    Sutherland State Rec Area

    Nice stop over spot

    I entered the south side camping which is much like other sites with close camping, there is electric and a vault toilet. If a person follows the small road at the end of the south side camping it takes you to the west side camping which is random spots along the road to camp next to the water. Some have tables and fire rings other do not. There is a vault toilet at the end of the loop.

    $30 for electric sites $7 daily vehicle fee for NE license $14 daily vehicle fee for non- NE $15 tent sites

  • Daniel B.The Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 24, 2016

    Martin Bay Campground — Lake McConaughy SRA

    Awesome Beach Camping

    Heads up - 4WD or AWD vehicles necessary. I had my first opportunity to drive my car onto a beach, and it was the coolest experience. What's also a cool experience? Car camping on a beach! Although the campground shows on a specific part of the map, our experience would be similar to anyone camping along the beach of huge Lake McConaughy. The way it works here is there's a main entrance to the State Recreation Area, then you choose between a few designated campgrounds. One would simply access the beach from different points along the road, probably at each designated campground. We found access to this gem by the Little Thunder campground, via a 4WD beach access road. Campfires, fire ban permitted, are allowed. You'll want to bring your own wood, but there's kindling. Visibility here for star gazing is supreme. For the lake's size, there's accommodation for a lot. That said, there can be a lot of people on a a nice weather weekend. That's not as much a privacy concern since it's easy to give each campsite plenty of space, but at night if there's people with their boats out on the water partying or chatting, the sound will carry so bring some ear plugs for the night. Great place for regular beach stuff. I also saw a lot of water sports being enjoyed, from paddle boarding to water skiing. A cool thing one family did was they had used the main entrance to the state park area to load their boat into the water and had driven the boat and anchored it close by their beach side campsite. Well done Nebraska.

  • B
    Aug. 13, 2022

    Lake Ogallala State Recreation Area Campground

    A nonstarter for us!

    We paid for a site that resembled a dispersed camping site( and a poor one at that). We also left early, not wanting to stay an hour more. Site disorganized, unclean, with old nasty Porta potty’s. This campground is not for seniors! Mostly for low income Young families.  in addition to the camping fee we were required to pay $12 for a vehicle fee. No showers or even vault toilets. Walmart is a better deal?

  • Tracey C.
    Jul. 25, 2021

    Lake Ogallala State Recreation Area Campground

    Shady Retreat from the Lake

    This campsite is beautiful - a nice quiet lake with fishing & kayaking, shady spot with electric hookup, and a pretty nice fire pit. Huge cottonwoods surround us with birds chirping into the evening & the crickets singing at night. No water hookups at the site but there is water available - though not a RV fill/dump station. Paid showers available. A great retreat after a day on Lake Mac, which is right next door. No quiet hours on Saturday night. Worth it for the water access to Lake Ogallala!

  • KThe Dyrt PRO User
    Apr. 21, 2024

    Ogallala Tri-Trails KOA

    Perfectly Pleasant

    I stayed at a tent site and it was small and very close to other campers (it’s like a parking lot in size and closeness), but I liked feeling a part of a community. If you want some space though, it may not be for you (with tent camping that’s all they have). Big plus for me since it was so cold and windy, was that the restrooms and office were right next to me. They also offered to leave firewood that I wanted in my site, and in case of rain ended up setting it inside at the registration lobby since I came after office hours. One staff member checked to make sure I found everything okay and I appreciated that. They have a K-9 enclosure for a bit of pupper exercise, a playground, and a pool when it is in season. Not much of a view anywhere but they have cool old pioneer wagons all around so that was neat. No complaints and if it weren’t so windy I would have really enjoyed having a cozy site near possible new friends.

Guide to Big Springs

Lake McConaughy, Nebraska's largest reservoir, spans approximately 22 miles with 76 miles of shoreline, creating numerous tent camping opportunities near Big Springs. The lake sits at an elevation of 3,270 feet and experiences seasonal water level fluctuations that can impact camping locations. Several primitive camping areas around the lake require campers to bring their own water, sanitation supplies, and practice leave-no-trace principles.

What to do

Water activities: Lake McConaughy offers swimming, fishing, and boating with multiple access points. At Omaha Beach, camper Jesse S. noted, "We spent the day here. Swimming and playing on the beach. Had a great time."

Wildlife viewing: The lake area serves as habitat for numerous bird species and other wildlife. Spring and fall migrations bring increased bird activity, making these seasons ideal for wildlife photography and observation.

Stargazing: The limited light pollution provides excellent night sky viewing conditions. Ogallala Beach camper Kiley S. described "really awesome sunset colors" that transition into clear night skies.

What campers like

Beach accessibility: Many tent sites provide direct lake access. Justin R. explained that at Ogallala Beach, "you are rights at the foot of Nebraska's largest lake. Where boating fishing and beach's are abundant."

Secluded spots: While some areas get crowded during peak season, campers can find more private locations by exploring further. Ray B. noted that Arthur Bay "was still a little bit crowded but would definitely recommend as there was plenty of space on the beach."

Vehicle access options: Some areas allow camping directly on the beach with appropriate vehicles. One camper at Ogallala Beach mentioned, "I don't have 4x4 but there were spots I could still safely pull up to and feel right on the beach under the big trees. Some campers with 4x4 drove and camped right up on the water!"

What you should know

Permit requirements: Nebraska state park permits are required at most Lake McConaughy camping areas. Daily permits cost $6 for Nebraska vehicles and $8 for non-resident vehicles, with annual permits available.

Limited amenities: Most tent camping areas have minimal facilities. Otter Creek and Arthur Bay provide vault toilets, but most locations lack potable water, requiring campers to bring their own supply.

Changing regulations: Policy updates may affect camping availability. Regarding Ogallala Beach, Renate R. reported in June 2021, "it is only for day use and one needs to pay the state park fee to use it." Contact the park office at 308-284-8800 before planning your trip to confirm current rules.

Tips for camping with families

Safety precautions: The sandy shoreline can shift suddenly in some areas, requiring close supervision of children. Water depths can change abruptly, especially in areas with underwater drop-offs.

Shade considerations: Tree cover varies significantly by location. Eagle Canyon offers limited shade, so bring pop-up canopies or shelters during summer months when temperatures regularly exceed 90°F.

Weather preparedness: Summer storms can develop quickly over the lake. Monitor forecasts and prepare for wind, which can intensify around the large water body. Tent campers should use extra stakes and guy lines to secure equipment.

Tips from RVers

Access limitations: Most primitive tent areas have restricted vehicle access. At Spring Park, larger vehicles may have difficulty navigating undeveloped roads, especially after rainfall.

Sanitation planning: Arthur Bay offers the only sanitary dump station among the primitive camping areas. Plan accordingly for waste management during your stay.

Generator courtesy: Some tent camping areas prohibit generators entirely, while others have time restrictions. A camper at Ogallala Beach noted, "One dude with a giant fifth wheel ran his super loud generator all night, despite multiple other respectful campers."

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is the most popular tent campsite near Big Springs, NE?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular tent campground near Big Springs, NE is Omaha Beach - Lake McConaughy SRA with a 5-star rating from 1 review.

What is the best site to find tent camping near Big Springs, NE?

TheDyrt.com has all 8 tent camping locations near Big Springs, NE, with real photos and reviews from campers.

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