Fort Robinson State Park and the surrounding Crawford area offers cabin lodging at elevations ranging from 3,600 to 4,400 feet in northwestern Nebraska's Pine Ridge region. The landscape transitions between pine-covered buttes and grasslands with summer temperatures typically ranging from 55°F to 90°F. Winter cabin stays are available at some locations with temperatures dropping well below freezing from November through March.
What to do
Horseback trail riding: Fort Robinson State Park provides guided trail rides ranging from 1-hour to half-day excursions during summer months. According to one visitor at Soldier Creek Campground: "This area is prime for equestrians with many trails to explore on horseback. Numerous trails aren't quite as friendly for hiking on foot because of tall grass."
Jeep tours: Book scenic Jeep rides through Fort Robinson to access difficult terrain. Visitors at Red Cloud Campground note there are "two scenic roads (1 unpaved/washboardy; 1 paved on canyon road) to drive and see local landscape."
Swimming: Access the indoor pool at Fort Robinson or the community pool at Chadron. A camper at Chadron State Park Campground mentioned "a nice pool with two diving boards and it has a little kid pool for those not yet good swimmers."
Fishing: Multiple fishing options exist at area lakes and ponds. One visitor explains: "The lake was amazing and beautiful. It was too cold for us to swim but we grabbed a 1-day fishing license and caught soooooooo many fish. They have an amazing fishing cleaning station as well."
What campers like
Historical sites: Fort Robinson offers military history dating back to the 1870s. A reviewer noted: "On site attractions: History museum, restaurant serving breakfast/lunch/dinner, indoor swimming pool, horse stables, general store, small library. Historical markers paying homage to Levi Robinson (the fort's namesake) and the site on which Crazy Horse was killed."
Off-peak experiences: Visiting during less busy times offers a different experience. One camper at Nebraska National Forest at Chadron shared: "We were here in September 2017 and pretty much had the place to ourselves!"
Cabin spacing: Many visitors appreciate that cabins are well-separated. "Decent amount of space between sites. Bathrooms and showers are available near the partial hookup campground," according to a Red Cloud Campground reviewer.
Wildlife viewing: The Nebraska National Forest offers animal sightings. A visitor reported: "Really pretty campground though and I would like to go back tent camping. Typical nice and clean amenities, some small wildlife sightings, overall a really enjoyable experience."
What you should know
Bathroom facilities: Quality and cleanliness vary between locations. One visitor to Hot Springs / Black Hills KOA reported: "The cabin was clean and neat with no spiders. The showers and bathroom were neat and clean."
Campground busyness: Fort Robinson can get crowded during peak season. A camper described it as "Busy, like 20 family reunions happening at once busy. Facilities have only three stalls and stink."
Extra fees: State parks charge additional vehicle fees. "NE SP requires a pass for each motorized vehicle. In state is $6 per day or $30 annual. Out of state is $12 per day or $60 annual. $30 per day plus cost of pass," noted one Red Cloud Campground visitor.
Motorhome fees: RV campers may face additional charges. "In Nebraska's ignorance, they have decided to bill the motorhome and the towed vehicle. Paying the daily vehicle fee twice because it can be driven in the park. So MH owners end up paying either $28 per day or $105 for an annual pass."
Tips for camping with families
Pool access: Multiple swimming options exist for children. A camper at Chadron State Park shared: "You can reserve sites online but must be 3-4 Days out but we just show up each year and are always able to find a nice spot. Nice main pond to do some fishing, streams that run through the area, a nice park and playground for kids to play in."
Recreational variety: Many campgrounds offer multiple activities. "The campground includes a swimming pool and sand volleyball. The sites were all pretty close together, most not very shady, and no tent-only area," reported one Chadron visitor.
Kid-friendly hiking: Some trails are more suitable for children. A visitor to Angostura Recreation Area noted: "This is a great place to camp! The beaches are sandy and clean. Cascade Campground is our favorite! Clean bathrooms and campfires. There are usually afternoon thunderstorms and wind."
Cabin selection: Choose accommodations based on family size. "We stayed in a cabin, would have preferred a tent (outdated, not well maintained, not very clean)," reported one candid Chadron State Park visitor.
Tips from RVers
Site levelness: Some campgrounds have uneven sites. A camper reported: "Unlevel asphalt parking, very few trees, pretty close to your neighbors, and incredibly rough (paved) access roads to the campground."
Hookup variations: Electrical options differ between campgrounds. A visitor to Sheps Canyon Recreation Area noted: "Nice spacious 50 amp campsites. We camped about 50 feet from the bathhouse which had four separate toilet/shower rooms which were very spacious and very clean."
Water access: Not all sites have direct water hookups. "There was water available to fill our fifth wheel at the front of the camp where we entered along with a dump site that is not supposed to use this freshwater. We were one minute from the boat ramps," according to a Sheps Canyon visitor.
Reservation timing: Book cabin sites early during summer. "Reservations are available online but must be 3-4 days out," noted a repeat visitor to the area.
