4 campgrounds with availability this weekend
Fort Robinson State Park's expansive grounds welcome pets at multiple camping areas, including Soldier Creek, Red Cloud, and Mare Barn campgrounds, where leashed dogs can accompany campers at tent sites, RV spots, and select cabins. Each site provides picnic tables, fire rings, and nearby water access with clean facilities. Pets must remain on leashes no longer than six feet throughout the park, including on the network of hiking trails. Crawford City Park offers four electric and water hookup sites plus dispersed camping areas where pets are permitted, though the proximity to nearby stockyards means occasional animal noise might excite dogs. Pine Ridge Dispersed Camping allows free camping with pets on Forest Service land above Chadron State Park, providing stunning views stretching to the horizon with excellent hiking opportunities.
Chadron State Park's pet-friendly campground provides numerous shaded sites with clean, well-maintained facilities approximately 30 minutes from Crawford. Dogs must remain leashed while exploring the park's extensive trail system that connects to Nebraska National Forest lands. The park's location offers cooler temperatures at higher elevations, providing relief during summer months when hiking with pets. High Plains Homestead permits pets at both tent and RV sites with picnic tables and fire rings available, though visitors should note the strong winds in this remote location. Nearby wildlife viewing opportunities require careful pet management, especially during dawn and dusk hours when deer are most active. Most campgrounds in the region enforce standard pet policies including proper waste disposal, vaccination requirements, and restrictions on leaving pets unattended.
"Close to the cattle auction so it feels like you are on a farm from the noise. Train does run close by. Second time we stayed here and it's great."
"Walking Trail nearby."
"Fort Robinson State Park is an activity packed park in Northwestern Nebraska, with some interesting history."
"The trees were perfect for hammocking and there was a little creek right next to it. The grass was well trimmed and the campsite was very clean."
Available this weekend
from $30 / night
"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."
"Bathrooms and showers are available near the partial hookup campground. Good Verizon cell coverage. Campground is on site of old Fort Robinson."
Campground full this weekend
Get a text when availablefrom $30 / night
"Chadron State park is located just a few miles south of Chadron, NE. There are many nice picnic areas throughout the park, some big enough to host large groups."
"The park is nestled inside the Nebraska National Forest and provides breathtaking views all around. We stayed in a small cabin for this trip, but next trip will be bringing our camper."
Available this weekend
from $30 - $150 / night
"I rated this high, because of the activities, wilderness, and beauty around Crawford and the food and the availability of the campground when all else is closed, made it worth it. "
from $10 - $16 / night
"There is no dump and they charge for water - there’s a state park close by - dump and fill there - if you out of state it’s an $8.00 day pass charge."
"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."
"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!"
from $80 - $1100 / night
from $15 - $35 / night
TravelerIt is very quiet and there are a couple free camping spots in the back. It's definitely sunny on this side of Angostura. Lots of birds, deer, turkeys but the lake is down so the walk to the water is a distance.
GuideVery pretty and easy to reach but there's a lot of black flies and small and large holes in the ground. Badger, fox, prairie dogs? I've seen no wildlife so they may be abandoned. I'm moving tomorrow jic
RangerA nicely wooded campground that was sparsely populated on a Sunday in September. Our reserved site was fine, although we spotted some nicer ones along the perimeter. The park itself seems well worth a longer stay, with lots of history and a huge amount of land to explore. We did drive the Smiley Canyon Scenic Drive--so beautiful! Unfortunately, we were there for just a quick overnight, but we would have liked more time to look around the park. Bathroom facilities were clean and well-kept.
TravelerBeautiful campground, however if you want to take a shower at their facility it's $1 for 4 min. And if you stay Friday night you have to pay for Sat, Sun as well. Nice spots. Great shade trees.
RangerI was mainly interested in visiting where Chief Crazy Horse was killed. I am impressed at how well the grounds have been maintained.I stayed in Soldier Creek campground and there are two other campgrounds on site. This campground has large cottonwood trees for good shade.
The bathrooms and showers are clean. Take note SHOWERS take quarters so be sure to bring quarters along with you because the change machine is not dependable!
North of the park is Toadstool Park and it looks like you are in a totally different planet!
There are A LOT of trails hiking.
The reason I didn’t give it 5 stars is because I was here after Labor Day and most buildings are locked up, restaurant is closed, jeep tours etc are all shut down for the year. This also has a flip side, the campground is very calm and slow paced this time of year.
Cell phone service was usable but not enough to do some remote work with.
Sites 44,45,46 will be where I will try to camp next time. They have electric and are away from the showers/bathrooms and more peaceful area.
Red Cloud campground has full hookups.
GuideNicely wooded KOA just outside of Hot Springs, SD
ScoutGreat place to unwind for a day or two. Nice hiking trails always a breeze. Very clean. Bring water!!
ScoutAbsolute perfection with every detail of this campground. Perfectly level and large sites, immaculate landscaping and attention to detail, quiet, and incredible views. It does not get better than this. Six years of RV’ing throughout the country and this is the nicest campground we’ve stayed. We travel with a 45’ Class A and Jeep and we had plenty of room for maneuvering and hooking up. Access to the river as well and a maintained trail!
GuideReally nice site with electric hookup right next the lake. 15$ for no hookup and 20 electricity incl.
Situated in northwest Nebraska's Pine Ridge region, Crawford sits at 3,675 feet elevation where the White River flows between dramatic buttes and canyons. This area experiences temperature swings typical of high plains, with summer daytime highs often reaching 90°F while dropping to 50°F at night. Winter camping requires preparation for temperatures that can drop well below freezing, with occasional snow accumulation affecting accessibility to remote sites.
Wildlife viewing opportunities: Crawford's pine-covered ridges provide excellent woodpecker watching, especially in Chadron State Park where visitors report frequent sightings. As one camper noted, "Clean restrooms with showers and laundry. Little noise from the highway. Some sites have tree cover. Close to city and within 2 hours of Rushmore and Crazy Horse."
Jeep tours through rugged terrain: Book guided excursions at Fort Robinson State Park, exploring remote canyon roads inaccessible to standard vehicles. A visitor mentioned the park "is an activity packed park in Northwestern Nebraska, with some interesting history" and explains that "there are tons of hiking trails in the park, from 'easy' up to 'hard'. There are also jeep tours, short and long horseback trail rides, stagecoach rides, chuckwagon meals, breakfast or dinner among the nearby buttes."
Historic site exploration: Visit the Trailside Museum within Fort Robinson to learn about the region's military history and the site where Crazy Horse was killed. At Red Cloud Campground, one camper observed the "campground is on site of old Fort Robinson. The old barracks and post buildings are available to reserve and stay in."
Affordable dispersed options: Pine Ridge Dispersed Camping provides free sites within Nebraska National Forest with stunning valley views. A reviewer described their experience: "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."
Pet-friendly accommodations: Crawford City Park welcomes dogs with designated areas throughout the grounds. A visitor mentioned it has "4 electric & water sites, plus dispersed sites. Water and dump available. You can hear the stock yards across the street, and train from the HU sites, but not really from the dispersed area. Laundromat in town center. Great playground for kids."
Night sky visibility: Clear, dark skies provide exceptional stargazing opportunities at more remote campgrounds. However, some locations have challenges as one camper at Crawford City Park noted: "Had difficulty finding a view of the sky for Starlink due to trees. Good Verizon signal so no problem."
Noise considerations: Several pet-friendly campgrounds near Crawford experience sound disruptions. A camper at Crawford City Park reported: "Clean campground, 4 sites with electricity and water ($20). Many sites without electricity ($10). The noise is from the 4-BNSF trains per hour coming from/going to the Wyoming coal fields."
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular dog-friendly campsite near Crawford, NE?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular dog-friendly campground near Crawford, NE is Crawford City Park with a 4-star rating from 7 reviews.
What is the best site to find dog-friendly camping near Crawford, NE?
TheDyrt.com has all 29 dog-friendly camping locations near Crawford, NE, with real photos and reviews from campers.
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