Best Campgrounds near Doniphan, NE

Campgrounds surrounding Doniphan, Nebraska provide a mix of established facilities and more basic options along the Platte River corridor. Mormon Island State Recreation Area offers year-round camping with separate sections for tents, RVs, and generator use, while Grand Island KOA provides cabin accommodations and glamping experiences just minutes away. Both public and private campgrounds in this region accommodate various camping styles, with most sites featuring electric hookups, picnic tables, and fire rings. Wood River West State Wildlife Management Area represents one of the limited dispersed camping opportunities in this predominantly agricultural landscape.

Seasonal considerations strongly influence the camping experience in this region. Most developed campgrounds operate at full capacity from April through October, with limited winter services. "Easy access from I-80" notes one visitor about Mormon Island State Recreation Area, highlighting its convenient location for travelers. Summer thunderstorms can be severe, with one camper reporting experiencing "85 to 90 mile an hour winds with hail" during an August visit. Interstate noise affects several campgrounds, particularly those closest to I-80. While many facilities offer showers, visitors should be prepared for coin-operated facilities at some locations. Most campgrounds require Nebraska state park permits for entry, and reservations are recommended during summer weekends and crane migration season.

Proximity to water features prominently in camper experiences throughout the region. Several visitors mention fishing opportunities at Mormon Island's lakes, with multiple ponds supporting various fish species. The campground offers swimming areas alongside fishing access, though some campers note restrictions on floatation devices. Shade availability varies between campgrounds, with Mormon Island receiving praise for its "glorious trees" providing relief during hot summer months. Travelers appreciate the well-maintained facilities, with one visitor noting the "spacious and well maintained campground" with "fairly protected" sites away from interstate noise. Campers frequently mention the convenience of nearby amenities, with one visitor highlighting that "all the amenities of the city of Grand Island are only 5 minutes away" while still enjoying nature-based camping experiences.

Best Camping Sites Near Doniphan, Nebraska (54)

    1. Grand Island KOA

    30 Reviews
    Doniphan, NE
    6 miles
    Website
    +1 (402) 886-2249

    "This campground is situated near interstate 80 and surrounded by cornfields, surprise surprise for Nebraska. Nice people, clean bathrooms and well kept property."

    "The location is great and feels tucked away every though it isn't far from the highway. The staff were very helpful. I would definitely recommend!"

    2. Mormon Island State Recreation Area Campground

    19 Reviews
    Doniphan, NE
    3 miles
    Website
    +1 (308) 385-6211

    $20 - $25 / night

    "We wanted a camp ground that was close to a city and only a 2 hour drive from our home if we needed to get something or an accessory that we forgot to pick up before leaving. "

    "This park is right off I-80 off one of the Grand Island exits. This park was actually a surprise to me. It was pretty clean, especially for as packed as it was."

    3. George H Clayton Campground (Hall County Park)

    12 Reviews
    Grand Island, NE
    7 miles
    Website
    +1 (308) 385-5087

    $15 - $30 / night

    "Cool campground with lots of playground equipment, easy access to walking and bike paths and right next to Stuhr Museum which is well worth a trip!"

    "Beautiful park on the outskirts of town. I counted 20 concrete rv pads and numerous tent sites. Access to water and dump station with electricity at the site. $30 per night."

    4. Streeter Park Campground

    29 Reviews
    Marquette, NE
    20 miles
    Website
    +1 (402) 694-6992

    "There's a playground nearby and several walking paths as well as a restroom. these cell service was great and the camp even has free wi-fi provided by the city."

    "Nice city park trail through the trees for a good morning walk. "

    5. Wood River West State Wildlife Management Area

    6 Reviews
    Alda, NE
    13 miles

    "Highway noise might be an issue, but the privacy, birdsong, and pond make up for it."

    "It’s a gravel road right off I-80; farmland surrounded the camping spot and it was pretty private. No facilities so be prepared to pack out what you pack in."

    6. Firefly Meadows

    3 Reviews
    Alda, NE
    12 miles
    +1 (308) 380-7495

    $30 - $40 / night

    "Right off of I-80, next to a large Pilot truck stop with Subway."

    "Firefly campgrounds is a fairly new campground, around 2 years. The trees will need sometime to grow and the pond needs some work. The sites on the North side are close together."

    7. Hastings Campground

    3 Reviews
    Hastings, NE
    11 miles
    Website
    +1 (402) 462-5621

    8. Wood River Motel & RV Park

    1 Review
    Alda, NE
    12 miles
    +1 (308) 583-2256

    9. Bader Memorial Park

    5 Reviews
    Marquette, NE
    19 miles
    Website
    +1 (308) 986-2522

    "Campground Review: Bader Park is located in Merrick County a few miles from Marquette Nebraska."

    "You have the option to fish from 3 or 4 ponds plus the river is walking distance. Beach area for kids seems to have people there often. Good weekend get away."

    10. Adams County Fairgrounds

    2 Reviews
    Hastings, NE
    14 miles
    Website
    +1 (402) 462-3247
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Recent Reviews near Doniphan, NE

285 Reviews of 54 Doniphan Campgrounds


  • John C.The Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 29, 2025

    Bowman Lake State Recreation Area

    Not bad. A county park that looks like it is still expanding.

    The park has a few camping spots but is clearly not focused on the camping aspect. It is more of a park than a campground. It has common areas with grills and pits. No bathrooms, water, or electricity. It did have a couple port-a-potties. There is a ranch/farm across the lake full of cows that not only smell, but make noise incessantly throughout the night - Won't bother a trailer or van, but was an annoyance in a tent.

  • Tommy The Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 24, 2025

    Prairie Lake State Recreation Area

    Nice small camping area.

    This recreation area is smaller but is very clean. If you're looking for a nice area to camp, trail walk, and relax on a low budget, this is a great spot.

  • Donna H.The Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 11, 2025

    Fort Kearny State Recreation Area

    This park has so much potential

    This park has so much potential. The land was beautiful, but unkept. Mosquitos and knats were thick and unavoidable. The trash cans overflowed, and there was garbage on the ground all around my site. The grass was long...just sad.

    On the upside, there's a nice museum at the ranger's station and the remnants of a blacksmith's barn. That part of the park was clean...but it was about 4 miles from the campground. Don't think I would stay here again.

  • Denny K.The Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 11, 2025

    Buckley Park Campground

    Nice.\nFree campground

    This is a nice little stop free camp ground free electric and water.\nThere are a new area and the old area

  • PThe Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 2, 2025

    Double Nickel Campground

    Amazing

    Very friendly & helpful lady, guided Us to Our site and spotted Us on it. That was after She gave Us a free upgrade, discount, and took several of Our calls. After having a really terrible day She gave a breath of encouragement back into Us. It looked like all the sites were pull through's, had fire pit (saw her delivering wood), never saw this before (each site has a porch swing). It is clean and taken care of nicely. It is most definitely a place to stay at.

  • Cindy C.
    Oct. 1, 2025

    Streeter Park Campground

    Very nice for free!

    Nicest free campground with electric and a dump station I've ever been to. We'll actually the only one so far. Train was close by but that was ok. Mosquitoes the size of ravens but we were in the camper the whole time. It was a really cute town and a coffee shop close by for your morning fix. Definitely worth the stop.

  • B
    Sep. 23, 2025

    George H Clayton Campground (Hall County Park)

    Great overnight grassy & shady park stop, very quiet for location

    Super nice shady and green county park, camping area has wide-spaced level concrete pads with power, no water or sewer at pads, water fill at entrance to camping area of park, nice RV dump at exit. Very quiet considering busy road nearby. Verizon 2-3 bars. Maybe 20 spots, about 1/2 occupied on a Monday in late September.

  • Krystal T.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 15, 2025

    York Kampground

    Quick overnight stay

    This campground was perfect for what we needed. Which was a place to rest on a longer journey. The host was super helpful and friendly when we needed to switch spots and answer some questions. The bathhouse was clean and the neighbors were kind and respectful. Very close to fast food and gas stations! Would definitely stay again.


Guide to Doniphan

Campgrounds near Doniphan, Nebraska range from established facilities to dispersed options along the Platte River corridor. Mormon Island State Recreation Area provides year-round camping with both tent and RV sites, featuring electrical hookups and modern restrooms. Grand Island KOA, located just a few miles from Doniphan, offers additional amenities including cabins and glamping opportunities. The Wood River West State Wildlife Management Area represents one of the few dispersed camping options in this predominantly agricultural region, with minimal facilities but more natural surroundings.

Weather patterns and seasonal considerations shape the camping experience throughout the area, with most developed campgrounds operating from April through October. "Easy access from I-80" noted one visitor about Mormon Island, highlighting the convenience but also mentioning highway noise that affects some sites. Winters bring cold temperatures and limited services, with many shower facilities closed during off-season months. Summer thunderstorms can develop quickly across the open landscape, particularly from June through August. Campsite reservation requirements vary by location, with most established campgrounds accepting advance bookings while the wildlife management area operates on a first-come basis.

Campers consistently mention fishing opportunities as a highlight of the Doniphan area camping experience. Several lakes and ponds throughout the region support recreational fishing, particularly at Mormon Island where one visitor noted: "Good fishing. Two ponds. Right off I80." While highway proximity creates convenience for travelers, it also introduces road noise that affects the camping experience at several locations. Most developed campgrounds provide shaded sites and electrical hookups to combat summer heat, though primitive sites offer more seclusion. Swimming areas, hiking trails and picnic facilities complement the camping options, with Mormon Island providing dedicated swimming beaches during summer months. The relatively flat terrain makes these campgrounds accessible for most vehicles without special clearance requirements.

Frequently Asked Questions

What camping is available near Doniphan, NE?

According to TheDyrt.com, Doniphan, NE offers a wide range of camping options, with 54 campgrounds and RV parks near Doniphan, NE and 6 free dispersed camping spots.

Which is the most popular campground near Doniphan, NE?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Doniphan, NE is Grand Island KOA with a 4.1-star rating from 30 reviews.

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

According to TheDyrt.com, there are 6 free dispersed camping spots near Doniphan, NE.