Camping sites near Ericson, Nebraska offer opportunities to enjoy the area's natural resources, primarily centered around the Calamus River and Reservoir. This rural region of Nebraska features rolling sandhills topography with predominantly prairie vegetation, creating open vistas throughout the camping areas. Summer temperatures typically range from 60-90°F with occasional thunderstorms, while spring and fall camping seasons experience wider temperature variations.
What to do
Golfing near campgrounds: The Calamus Lodge campground sits adjacent to a golf course, providing convenient access for campers who enjoy golfing during their outdoor stays. "Nice campground close to the lake and right next to the golf course!" notes one Calamus Lodge visitor.
River fishing access: Several campgrounds offer direct access to the Calamus River for fishing opportunities. At Riverside City Park, campers appreciate the combination of fishing access and clean facilities. "There was great fishing and really clean picnic areas to eat lunch when the fishing slowed down," reports one visitor who enjoyed the fishing experience.
Swimming at white sand beaches: The Calamus Reservoir features distinctive white sand beaches with gradual depth increases, making it ideal for family swimming. "Homestead Knolls is a small campground near a small, beautiful white sand beach with gradual increase in depth, perfect for swimming with family," notes a visitor to Homestead Knolls Campground.
What campers like
Accessible riverside camping: Riverside City Park offers campsites directly on the Loup River, providing a peaceful setting away from highway noise. "We stayed in one of the back-in sites that was right on the Loup River. Very quiet with no hi-way noise," explains a camper who appreciated the riverside location.
Regular security patrols: Some campgrounds feature regular law enforcement patrols that enhance safety without disrupting the camping experience. "We were there two nights and a Burwell sheriff drove through one night, and a Nebraska state patrol cruiser drove through the other night we were there," reports a camper regarding their stay at Riverside Park.
Boat launching facilities: Fort Knox Campground provides access to both the Calamus River and proximity to Calamus Reservoir and Marina. "It is located on the Calamus River and near (two miles away) from the Calamus Reservoir and Marina," notes a visitor, highlighting the dual water access points available to campers.
What you should know
Reservation requirements vary: While some campgrounds accept walk-ins, others require advance planning. Fort Knox Campground operates from April through October but requires reservations. "This campground is open from April 1–October 31 but you must make a reservation," cautions a visitor who attempted to camp without a reservation.
Fee structures differ by residency: Nebraska state recreation areas charge different rates for in-state versus out-of-state visitors. "For everyday you camp you pay $30 a night plus if you're not Nebraska local you also pay $14 a night per vehicle. If you're Nebraska local it's $30 a night plus $7 a night for vehicle," explains a camper about their experience at Homestead Knolls.
Campground popularity affects availability: Many campgrounds in the area fill quickly, especially during weekends and holidays. "Book in advance as this site is very popular and always full!" advises one camper about Homestead Knolls Campground.
Tips for camping with families
Playground-adjacent sites: At Homestead Knolls, specific sites offer convenient access to playground facilities for families with children. "If you have kids who would like to use the playground, I recommend Sites 26, 28, 30 and 40, 42, and 44," suggests a camper who noted the playground proximity.
Supervised beach swimming: The beach areas at Calamus Reservoir provide safe swimming environments with gradual depth changes. "Homestead Knolls is a small campground near a small, beautiful white sand beach with gradual increase in depth, perfect for swimming with family," notes a visitor.
Weather considerations: Weather patterns in the region can change rapidly, affecting camping comfort and water activities. "There had already been some rain and some of the sites had some flooding," reports a camper at Homestead Knolls, indicating the importance of monitoring weather forecasts.
Tips from RVers
Full hookup options: Willow Springs RV Park provides comprehensive services for RV campers in a rural setting. "60 Sites. Tents sites: 25. 50 pull thrus. 60 full hookups. electric hookups. Services: water, laundry, toilets, showers, dump," notes a visitor describing the extensive facilities available.
Site flooding awareness: Some camping areas experience temporary flooding during rainy periods, potentially affecting RV site usability. "There had already been some rain and some of the sites had some flooding," cautions a camper about conditions at Homestead Knolls.
Self-contained requirements: Not all campgrounds provide bathroom facilities, requiring RVers to be self-sufficient. "When we were there last year, there was no restroom on site (the website still says it is coming soon so either there are still no restrooms or the website is not up-to-date)," reports a visitor to Fort Knox Campground.
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