Best Tent Camping near Enders, NE

Tent camping in the vicinity of Enders, Nebraska is limited, with Hayes Center State Wildlife Area offering one of the few established options in the region. Located near Hayes Center, approximately 25 miles from Enders, this wildlife management area provides primitive tent sites for outdoor enthusiasts seeking a natural experience. The area sits in the high plains region of southwestern Nebraska, characterized by rolling grasslands and scattered water features.

Tent sites at Hayes Center State Wildlife Area are primitive with no developed amenities. The campground does not provide drinking water, toilets, trash service, or established fire rings. Campers must pack in all necessary supplies including water and pack out all trash. No reservations are accepted, and camping operates on a first-come, first-served basis. The wildlife area enforces several restrictions: no alcohol is permitted, fires are prohibited, and pets are not allowed on the property to minimize wildlife disturbance.

The wildlife area offers a quiet experience away from crowds and developed facilities. A recent review noted, "We had a wonderful 2 night stay here. Find a spot close to water." Campers particularly value the opportunity to camp near water features, which attract local wildlife and provide scenic views. The area primarily serves as habitat for native species, so tent campers should expect an authentic outdoor experience with potential wildlife sightings. Since the area does not allow pets or alcohol, it tends to remain peaceful even during peak season. Walk-in tent sites may require short distances from parking areas, and campers should be prepared for variable weather conditions typical of Nebraska's plains region. The primitive nature of the tent sites appeals to self-sufficient campers who prefer natural settings over developed campgrounds.

Best Tent Sites Near Enders, Nebraska (1)

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Tent Camping Reviews near Enders, NE

71 Reviews of 1 Enders Campgrounds


  • KThe Dyrt PRO User
    Apr. 21, 2024

    Ogallala Tri-Trails KOA

    Perfectly Pleasant

    I stayed at a tent site and it was small and very close to other campers (it’s like a parking lot in size and closeness), but I liked feeling a part of a community. If you want some space though, it may not be for you (with tent camping that’s all they have). Big plus for me since it was so cold and windy, was that the restrooms and office were right next to me. They also offered to leave firewood that I wanted in my site, and in case of rain ended up setting it inside at the registration lobby since I came after office hours. One staff member checked to make sure I found everything okay and I appreciated that. They have a K-9 enclosure for a bit of pupper exercise, a playground, and a pool when it is in season. Not much of a view anywhere but they have cool old pioneer wagons all around so that was neat. No complaints and if it weren’t so windy I would have really enjoyed having a cozy site near possible new friends.

  • Shannon G.The Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 27, 2019

    Paxton Campgrounds

    Campground with small pond

    When you pull off at Paxton Nebraska, there is a campground with 12 full hook ups next to the gas station(the Lodge). There is a car wash and hotel there too. The Rv sites are pull thru so easy to park. Each site is spacious with a BBQ grill but no fire rings or picnic tables. You register at the hotel and sites are $22/ night and include cable. If you are tired and need a place to pull over this area serves its purpose.

  • Brian F.The Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 31, 2020

    St. Francis City Campground

    Free camping at city park

    Nice little park, shelters, fairly level grassy sites. Next to municiple airport, had a plane land and take off again around 23:30, otherwise it was quiet. Restrooms and showers were totally acceptable for the price charged (free with no electric or water hookups)

  • Fran S.
    Mar. 23, 2021

    Enders Reservoir State Recreation Area

    Golf and Boating. Who would have think it!

    This evening, my husband and I are camped out on the beach at Champion Lake in Enders State Recreation Area, Nebraska. 

    We chose the campground at the left of the major Reservoir campground, which is the Dam Campground. It has 2 sections to it. You can actually camp on the beach at this one, but it is primitive camping. $10 a night. There is a dump station, and a potable water pump. 

    Permits are required, but your money envelope (deposit receipt) is your permit, if you are not local. We are staying 2 nights. 

    Oh yes . The golfing. Well, there is a golf course across the road from the campground. I didn't get to check it out, but you can, if you are interested. I'll update if I can. Internet isn't that great on Verizon here.

  • Ashley S.
    May. 28, 2021

    Ogallala/I-80 KOA Journey

    $45 for 5 hours of sleep next to the loudest highway

    We were absolutely desperate to find a spot late last night so we figured we could trust a KOA to stop at in Nebraska. We’ve stayed at numerous other KOAs where they were conveniently/inconveniently next to the highway. Usually happy that it’s a close drive to get back on the highway but if you’re in a tent at this one it sounds like you’re about to get hit by a truck every 30 seconds. We pulled in around 11:30PM after driving for 11 hours and set up our tent and woke up before 5 to absolutely insane traffic going by. Also if we had realized it was going to be $45 for the site we would have found a hotel for another $20. Waste of money...should have risked just pulling over and sleeping on the side of the road somewhere. But at least the bathrooms and showers were VERY clean

  • Gillian L.The Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 13, 2025

    McGreer Camper Park

    Loved it!

    We were exhausted after a long windy day on I80 and this little stop was a god send. The owner is absolutely amazing and got us all set up over the phone with a last minute reservation. The sites are gravel, but very level. Full hookups with electric, water, and sewer. The sun was setting as we pulled in and it was gorgeous! The campground has a small office with what looks like a common room and showers (we did not use). A Maverik gas station is across the street with tons of amenities. A little bit of highway noise, as it’s right next to I80, but very minimal, didn’t disturb us. We will absolutely stop again!

  • Amy E.
    May. 24, 2022

    Ogallala Tri-Trails KOA

    Great stopover overnight stop

    This was a great overnight stopover. Very nicely maintained campground. The bathrooms were very clean, nicely designed with a modern look. Tiny off leash K9 park for dogs. Snug campground surrounded by corn fields. The hum of the highway can be heard but isn’t bad at all. We would definitely stay here again. Hosts were very kind. We didn’t love that we were placed super close to others, nor did we live that the one tent campers were right next to us facing our sitting area when there were so many open spaces with better privacy with same site-types, and we arrived late enough in the day that choice offerings to others would not have mattered…but, KOA does charge an upcharge for site selection so perhaps the snug assignments are by design? First KOA experience. Overall we were pleased.

  • Dawne L.The Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 1, 2020

    Days Inn and RV Park

    Not fancy but appreciated

    Due to a communication mixup we had no reservation as we were traveling through on a Friday night. We saw this on the Dyrt map and pulled in. It’s a combo gas station, convenience store, hotel, and campground. It has full hookups with several gravel pull-through sites. It is not fancy but sites are level and price is right at 22.50 and the owner was nice. There are a few grills beside a little fishing lake, no picnic tables, and a fair amount of highway noise. We ran our fan all night though and didn’t hear anything.


Guide to Enders

Tent camping near Enders, Nebraska offers a chance to immerse yourself in nature while enjoying the great outdoors. With several well-reviewed options nearby, campers can find the perfect spot to pitch their tents and unwind.

Tips for tent camping near Enders

Tent campers should check out Spring Canyon

Enjoy family-friendly activities at Willow View

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is the most popular tent campsite near Enders, NE?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular tent campground near Enders, NE is Hayes Center State Wildlife Area with a 5-star rating from 1 review.