Best Campgrounds near Elwood, NE

Johnson Lake State Recreation Area anchors the camping landscape around Elwood, Nebraska, with multiple campgrounds offering lakeside sites for both RVs and tent campers. The Main Campground operates year-round while the Inlet Campground provides additional options with similar amenities, both featuring electric hookups, showers, and sanitary dump stations. Elwood Resort and Campground sits on the reservoir about 5 minutes from Johnson Lake, offering full-service sites with fire pits and picnic tables. Within a 30-mile radius, campers can find additional options at Phillips Lake State Recreation Area for more primitive experiences, or Sandy Channel State Recreation Area near Elm Creek for those seeking multiple fishing ponds and hiking trails.

Nebraska summers bring high temperatures that make electric hookups particularly valuable. As one camper noted, "Electric hookups are very nice in Nebraska summer." Most campgrounds in the area feature gravel or grass pads that become hard-packed during dry periods. Strong winds are common in this region, with one visitor reporting "wind in the 30 to 40 mph range" that prevented setting up awnings. Cell service varies throughout the area, with better coverage near highways and towns. Campers should be aware that Nebraska State Recreation Areas require entrance permits in addition to camping fees, with higher rates for out-of-state visitors. Many campgrounds are situated near water bodies that require special precautions for watercraft to prevent aquatic invasive species.

Shade trees represent a prized feature at many campgrounds in the region. "Nice to have a site that has plenty of shade. Nebraska SRAs are great and this is in my top 10," wrote one visitor to Johnson Lake. Fishing opportunities abound throughout the area, with multiple stocked ponds and lakes accessible from campsites. "Lots of fishing!" noted a camper at Main Area Campground. Families appreciate the quiet atmosphere at Elwood Resort, where one visitor mentioned their "kids enjoyed the quiet and loved being turned loose to enjoy the surroundings." Highway noise affects some campgrounds, particularly those closer to I-80, though many RV campers report the sound isn't noticeable once inside their vehicles.

Best Camping Sites Near Elwood, Nebraska (52)

    1. Main Area Campground

    10 Reviews
    Elwood, NE
    8 miles
    Website
    +1 (308) 785-2685

    "There are three campgrounds, one near the entrance off the state road and two on either side of the inlet of the reservoir. Again, the Dyrt coordinates were incorrect."

    "Easy access to electrical. Pretty lake to sit by and have morning coffee. Only downside was that it isn't too far off the road so traffic can be heard late at night."

    2. Main Campground — Johnson Lake State Recreation Area

    4 Reviews
    Elwood, NE
    7 miles
    Website
    +1 (308) 785-2685

    $30 / night

    "Nebraska SRAs are great and this is in my top 10."

    "I stayed at the Main camp ground with a great lake view on site 76. Sites 77-86 are pull through and the rest are back in for RV. There are also tent sites near the water."

    3. Elwood Resort and Campground

    2 Reviews
    Elwood, NE
    3 miles
    Website
    +1 (308) 785-8105

    "This friendly campground sits on The reservoir, and is about a 5 minute drive to Johnson Lake. We payed for a full access site, and had no leveling issues at all."

    4. Inlet Campground — Johnson Lake State Recreation Area

    3 Reviews
    Elwood, NE
    7 miles
    Website
    +1 (308) 785-2685

    $25 - $30 / night

    "Great bank fishing very nice boat ramp right next to one of the most productive fishing spots on the lake!"

    "Had trees to climb, swing set, and tether ball for kids while we sat and watched the lake. Giant trees for great shade. Totally surpassed my expectations."

    5. Camp Arrowhead

    1 Review
    Elwood, NE
    12 miles
    Website

    $7 - $195 / night

    6. Muny Park

    8 Reviews
    Gothenburg, NE
    20 miles
    Website
    +1 (308) 748-3907

    "Broke down outside and Cozad and didn’t mind staying here. This place has electric, water, and a dump station for $15 a night. INSANE! It’s in a clean/well kept area."

    "Train tracks are close by however."

    7. Lafayette Park Campground

    19 Reviews
    Gothenburg, NE
    29 miles
    Website
    +1 (308) 537-2299

    "Convenient stopover driving through Nebraska. It's on the other side of town in a Park, away from the interstate. Traveling with a Labrador Retriever, the huge park was wonderful."

    "Campsite Review

    I was looking for a place to stay close to I-80 as I made a drive from Chicago back home to Boulder."

    9. Sandy Channel State Rec Area

    11 Reviews
    Holdrege, NE
    26 miles
    Website
    +1 (308) 865-5305

    "Great smaller campground with lots of good fishing walking distance from all campsites and lots of hiking trails to multiple ponds"

    "We chose this place because getting away feom highway noise sounded like a great idea, and we did accomplish that!"

    10. Cozad Lake Wildlife Management Area

    1 Review
    Gothenburg, NE
    18 miles

    "There are about 10 spots around the pond. We took one of the3  pull through right next to I-80. Plenty of space, level, shade and if you just look at the lake: quit a nice view."

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Showing results 1-10 of 52 campgrounds

Recent Reviews near Elwood, NE

185 Reviews of 52 Elwood Campgrounds



Guide to Elwood

Camping near Elwood, Nebraska, offers a mix of beautiful scenery and convenient amenities. Whether you're in a tent or an RV, there are plenty of spots to enjoy the great outdoors.

What to do:

  • Fishing: Many campgrounds, like Lake Maloney State Recreation Area, provide great fishing opportunities. One camper mentioned, "This is the best place to go camping with your family... good fishing lots of nature walking."
  • Hiking: Explore trails at places like Windmill State Rec Area. A visitor noted, "Nice trail around the outside that wove in and out of the trees for dog walking."
  • Wildlife Watching: Campgrounds such as Sandy Channel State Rec Area are perfect for spotting wildlife. One reviewer said, "Wildlife, fishing, lake access, docks, pull through camp sites."

What campers like:

  • Friendly Staff: Campers appreciate the welcoming atmosphere. At Fort Kearny State Recreation Area, a visitor shared, "The staff are friendly to help."
  • Clean Facilities: Many campgrounds, like Kearney RV Park & Campground, are noted for their cleanliness. One camper mentioned, "Friendly staff, nice laundry and bathroom facilities that are handicapped accessible."
  • Shady Spots: Campers enjoy the shaded areas at places like Holiday RV Park. A reviewer said, "We pulled up and noticed all the shade trees."

What you should know:

  • Noise Levels: Some campgrounds are near highways, which can be noisy. A camper at Windmill State Rec Area noted, "The heavy trucks come out at night."
  • Limited Amenities: Campgrounds like Sandy Channel State Rec Area may lack certain amenities. One visitor pointed out, "The state map of the campground shows hand pump well, BUT THE WELL HAS BEEN REMOVED."
  • Reservations Recommended: Popular spots can fill up quickly. A camper at I-80 Lakeside Campground mentioned, "Arrived 7pm without a reservation."

Tips for camping with families:

  • Playgrounds: Look for campgrounds with playgrounds for kids. Fort Kearny State Recreation Area has playgrounds that kids can enjoy.
  • Pet-Friendly Options: Many campgrounds, like Lafayette Park Campground, allow pets. A reviewer said, "A lot of space between sites, both pull thrus and back ins."
  • Bring Bug Spray: Some areas can have bugs, especially near water. A camper at I-80 Lakeside Campground advised, "Bring the bug spray."

Tips from RVers:

  • Level Sites: Look for campgrounds with level sites. A visitor at Kearney RV Park & Campground mentioned, "Nice level pads."
  • Check Hookups: Ensure your site has the right hookups. A camper at Lake Maloney State Recreation Area noted, "Electric hookup only."
  • Quiet Hours: Be mindful of noise during quiet hours. A reviewer at Holiday RV Park said, "The sites are a little close to one another."

Camping near Elwood, Nebraska, has something for everyone, from families to RV enthusiasts. Just remember to plan ahead and enjoy the beautiful surroundings!

Frequently Asked Questions

What camping is available near Elwood, NE?

According to TheDyrt.com, Elwood, NE offers a wide range of camping options, with 52 campgrounds and RV parks near Elwood, NE and 4 free dispersed camping spots.

Which is the most popular campground near Elwood, NE?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Elwood, NE is Main Area Campground with a 4.5-star rating from 10 reviews.

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

According to TheDyrt.com, there are 4 free dispersed camping spots near Elwood, NE.

What parks are near Elwood, NE?

According to TheDyrt.com, there are 2 parks near Elwood, NE that allow camping, notably Bankhead National Forest and Chugach National Forest.