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Top Free Dispersed Camping near Crawford, NE

3 Reviews

Planning a dispersed camping trip near Crawford? Dispersed camping is an excellent way to get away from it all and to disconnect. Each dispersed site offers quick access to one or more of Crawford's most popular destinations.

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Best Dispersed Sites Near Crawford, NE (3)

Recent Dispersed Reviews In Crawford

3 Reviews of 3 Crawford Campgrounds

  • Wild Berries B.
    Camper-submitted photo from Pine Ridge Dispersed Camping
    May. 2, 2024

    Pine Ridge Dispersed Camping

    Good for overnight with phenomenal views

    We were worried about this place due to reviews but at the end we’re glad we went as we needed only an overnight stay. It’s easy to find the road that leads to the area but not so much to find the spot to feel comfortable to park with a trailer (albeit very small). As mentioned, spots that seemed suitable have signs stating “not for motorized vehicles”. However those are placed when there is another road leading to views. We used the following spot 42.70534° N, 103.03435° W. It was ok -not much privacy as cars are passing by to the end of the path to watch sunset, walk the dogs or exercise. However the views from this area are simply phenomenal!

  • David M.
    Camper-submitted photo from Pine Ridge Dispersed Camping
    Sep. 21, 2020

    Pine Ridge Dispersed Camping

    Not Really Dispersed Camping

    This land had a cattle lease in September 2020 and all that entails. There is one turnout an RV could utilize. Any other type of camping wouldn't be good. There is a trailhead and turn around at end of one lane road.

  • Marc G.
    Camper-submitted photo from Pine Ridge Dispersed Camping
    May. 19, 2020

    Pine Ridge Dispersed Camping

    Gorgeous northwest Nebraska boondocking with a view

    We're in the midst of a week in our 26' travel trailer along this beautiful 1.5 mile-long dirt Forest Service road 714-A, directly above Chadron State Park. We're guessing that most folks who stay in the State Park campground below are unaware that dispersed camping is indeed permitted within 300 feet of the center line of this road, for even though the popular State Park campground remains closed for another day due to a delayed COVID-19 opening, and is booked solid thereafter, there's absolutely no one else camping up here!

    You actually have to drive through the State Park to access FR-714-A, and the park does not lock their gate overnight so access remains unrestricted. The road is in excellent shape and negotiable by any trailer or motorhome, but is only a single lane wide. We're 700 feet of elevation above the plains below, with stunning views stretching off to the horizon. Much of this area has burned in the past, but the area where we're camping is lush and grassy with some stately pines around. This isn't the Nebraska that you know!

    Cell service on Verizon is a solid 3+ bars - 54ms ping, 13.6 Mbps down, 3.5 Mbps up. The Verizon tower is visible about 5 miles to the south of our campsite.

    There are numerous hiking trails that depart from either end of FR-714-A, including some in the State Park. Fresh water, an RV dump and a camp store are all located within the park, along with an archery range, sledding hill, fishing pond, playgrounds, picnic areas and more.

    One star is deducted only because:

    • There are only a couple of sites that would work with a vehicle, for there's a well-hidden drainage ditch dug on each side of the road; and
    • There's a bit of daytime traffic due to people accessing the hiking trailhead at the end of the road. Vehicles are forced to camp right along the road, as any side spurs visible on satellite imagery have been marked "No motor vehicles" by the Forest Service. For tent campers, though, it's a short walk right to the rim of Pine Ridge for even more spectacular views.

    The phone number provided is for the Nebraska National Forest Pine Hill Ranger District in Chadron, in whose jurisdiction this road resides.

Guide to Crawford

Camping near Crawford, Nebraska, offers a mix of beautiful scenery and outdoor activities. Whether you're looking for a quiet spot to relax or a place to explore, there are several campgrounds that cater to different needs.

What to do

  • Hiking Trails: There are plenty of trails to explore. One camper mentioned, “Plenty of cool hiking trails. Awesome swimming pool. Groceries, gas, restaurants, & golf nearby” at Chadron State Park Campground.
  • Fishing and Swimming: If you enjoy fishing, the Box Butte Reservoir State Recreation Area is a great spot. A visitor noted, “Great fishing and boat lake, but I prefer sandy beach for swimming.”
  • Horseback Riding: For those interested in horseback riding, Fort Robinson State Park offers trail rides. One reviewer shared, “There are tons of hiking trails in the park, from ‘easy’ up to ‘hard’.”

What campers like

  • Clean Facilities: Campers appreciate clean restrooms and showers. A visitor at Red Cloud Campground said, “Clean bathrooms. Nice sites with trees.”
  • Quiet Atmosphere: Many enjoy the peacefulness of the campgrounds. One camper at Crawford City Park mentioned, “Cute, quiet campground with a few powered spots and primitive spots.”
  • Spacious Sites: Campers often comment on the spaciousness of the sites. A review for Chadron State Park Campground noted, “Campsites are well-spaced and generally level.”

What you should know

  • Noise Levels: Some campgrounds can be noisy due to nearby roads or trains. A camper at Crawford City Park said, “The noise is from the 4-BNSF trains per hour coming from/going to the Wyoming coal fields.”
  • Limited Amenities: Not all campgrounds have full amenities. A visitor at Toadstool Geological Park & Campground mentioned, “Super simple campground. Bathroom and a parking spot that's about it.”
  • Seasonal Access: Some campgrounds have specific seasons. For instance, Chadron State Park Campground is open from April 15 to November 15.

Tips for camping with families

  • Activities for Kids: Look for campgrounds with playgrounds or swimming pools. One camper at Fort Robinson State Park said, “This campground is a great place to come to enjoy a family getaway!”
  • Space for Games: Choose campgrounds with spacious areas for kids to play. A review for Red Cloud Campground noted, “Sites were well spaced and had picnic tables and fire rings.”
  • Plan for Meals: Some campgrounds have nearby restaurants. A visitor at Chadron State Park Campground mentioned, “Groceries, gas, restaurants, & golf nearby.”

Tips from RVers

  • Check Hookups: Ensure the campground has the necessary hookups for your RV. A camper at Crawford City Park said, “Sites were $20 for 50amp service with water.”
  • Road Conditions: Be aware of access roads. One camper at Jeske’s Over The Hill Campground noted, “The owner was great and one of the employees helped make an extra accommodation for us since all of the spots were full.”
  • Noise Considerations: Some RV spots can be noisy. A visitor at Crawford City Park mentioned, “There is a feed lot or hub for cattle across the creek. When we were there, it was loud with the sound of a bunch of cows.”

Camping near Crawford, Nebraska, has something for everyone, whether you're in a tent or an RV. Just be sure to check the specific amenities and conditions of each campground to make the most of your outdoor adventure!

Frequently Asked Questions

  • Which is the most popular dispersed campsite near Crawford, NE?

    According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular dispersed campground near Crawford, NE is Pine Ridge Dispersed Camping with a 3-star rating from 3 reviews.

  • What is the best site to find dispersed camping near Crawford, NE?

    TheDyrt.com has all 3 dispersed camping locations near Crawford, NE, with real photos and reviews from campers.