Best Campgrounds near Fairbury, NE

Fairbury, NE is a great camping destination for adventurers of all types. Fairbury is an adventure-filled destination for those who love the outdoorsy camper lifestyle. But it's also great for those who prefer to spend time near the city, exploring and sightseeing. Get the dirt on all the best camping near Fairbury. Browse campgrounds by amenities, site types, and more.

Best Camping Sites Near Fairbury, Nebraska (69)

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Recent Reviews near Fairbury, NE

179 Reviews of 69 Fairbury Campgrounds


  • Allen B.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 9, 2025

    Crystal Springs Lake

    Crystal lake

    Staying one night almost no one else here. Bathroom & shower are clean but no towels to dry hands with. Most sites are sunny. Friendly camp host small lake to kayak. Level sites with fire ring & picnic table.

  • Travis A.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 3, 2025

    Yankee hill wildlife management area

    Good over night spot

    Situated in the middle of corn fields. The WMA has a large marshy, stagnant pond, so bring mosquito repellent. The parking area is clean. There is a dumpster and vault toilet. I didnt inspect it, I'll leave that up to you. No potable water, but Lincoln Nebraska is only 17 miles away.

  • wThe Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 25, 2025

    Smiths Creek Recreational Area

    Perfect

    It was not far off the highway but no road noise. Great place for a free overnight camp.

  • JThe Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 24, 2025

    Smith Creek Recreation Area

    Quick overnight stay

    We had a quick one night stay as a van camper. Parked in the stone parking area adjacent to the toilets. A single bright light lit the entire parking lot. We arrived at 9:00 and quickly set up for sleeping. It was dark, our interior car lights immediately attracted numerous bugs. Late in the evening, a vehicle can't in and did a couple of "doughnuts" in the parking lot. It was a nice place overall for a single night.

  • MThe Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 22, 2025

    Wagon Train State Recreation Area

    Pricey!

    Nice campground with reasonable camp fees, however, they require day use fees as well, which makes it pricey. The lake does not have any water in it either. Only stayed 1 nite, but would probably not stay again.

  • RThe Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 17, 2025

    Riverside Park

    Very good facilities

    Glad to have electric hook up to run AC in August worth the $25 restrooms have showers and are well maintained. AT&T good cell service Some sites have water hookups Very peaceful and felt real secure nice little town

  • Austin B.The Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 15, 2025

    Area 5 Campground

    Simple and quiet

    Features:

    • self service
    • primitive camp sites
    • fire pits
    • picnic tables
    • vault toilets
    • plenty of shade
    • hand pump well water drinking fountain
    • a very dry lake
    • a boat ramp that leads to a dry lake bed overtaken by weeds
    • bugs bugs bugs
    • okay night skies

    This little spot is well maintained with mowed camping sections that each have numbered picnic tables and a fire pit. The picnic tables have a little placard to display your camping permit, which is just gotten from a board at the entrance to the campground. There are vault toilets that are definitely not the worst I've seen. And there's a cute little hand pump well water drinking fountain that I wouldn't trust drinking from, but it was fun to pump the water out for a minute or two! The lake was, unfortunately, extremely dry during my visit. There was no direct path to the water bank without cutting through a jungle of a dry lake bed covered in, likely tick infested, weeds. But at least the boat ramp would've served as a great foot/wheelchair ramp to walk down to the water...if there was a path through all the weeds. Lastly, bugs and mosquitoes were torture, but that's to be expected in Nebraska in August. Just be sure to bring your bug spray, and maybe wait to come by until some year when the lake is full.

  • RThe Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 14, 2025

    Yankee hill wildlife management area

    Dumpster on site

    This place has a dumpster available and it also has a three-day limit in a six-day period.

    The sites aren't technically sites. They're just little places off the side of the road that you can park. So just find a spot park there and you're good to go.

    The road coming in has some big ruts, but the rest of the park seems to be rut free. I had no issues taking my 12 foot tall short bus through there.

  • Sean M.The Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 2, 2025

    Smith Creek Recreation Area

    Nice little park

    I camped out on the downward side of the dam. I was the only one in the big area. It is a nice, relatively quiet park. The interstate is a few miles away so you can hear it but it’s not overly loud. The bathrooms are nice and have an actual light and hand sanitizer dispenser. I would definitely recommend checking it out if you’re passing through the area.


Guide to Fairbury

Camping near Fairbury, Nebraska, offers a mix of beautiful landscapes and family-friendly activities. Whether you're in a tent or an RV, there are plenty of options to enjoy the great outdoors.

What to do:

  • Fishing and kayaking: Crystal Springs Lake is perfect for fishing and kayaking. One reviewer mentioned, "There are 3 small spring-fed lakes that are open for fishing. No motorized boats but perfect for kayaks." This makes it a great spot for water lovers.
  • Hiking and exploring: At Branched Oak Lake State Rec Area, you can enjoy hiking trails and scenic views. A visitor noted, "We had to park in a designated parking spot and walk in to set our tent. The site was shady and came with a picnic table, fire ring, and we were right on the shores of the lake."
  • Family activities: Camp A Way Campground is known for its kid-friendly activities. One happy camper said, "The campground was incredibly clean and well landscaped. Tons of fun activities for the kids!"

What campers like:

  • Clean facilities: Many campers appreciate the cleanliness of the campgrounds. A reviewer at Pawnee State Recreation Area mentioned, "The bathrooms were clean and well maintained."
  • Friendly staff: Campers often rave about the helpfulness of the staff. One visitor at Double Nickel Campground said, "You will not find better service anywhere."
  • Quiet spots: Many campers enjoy the peaceful atmosphere. A reviewer at Recharge Lake Campground shared, "Well maintained. $15/night with electric only hook up. Has restroom on site."

What you should know:

  • Noise levels: Some campgrounds are near highways, which can be noisy. A visitor at Pawnee State Recreation Area noted, "There is no peace here unless your plan is to hide in your tin can."
  • Limited amenities: Not all campgrounds have full amenities. A camper at Recharge Lake Campground mentioned, "Facilities are basic, but like I say, it’s $5."
  • Reservations: Some campgrounds do not allow reservations, so it's good to check ahead. A reviewer at Marysville City Park said, "You can tent with or without power. Has water and electric hook ups on a couple spots."

Tips for camping with families:

  • Kid-friendly activities: Look for campgrounds with playgrounds and activities. One camper at Camp A Way Campground said, "Tons of fun activities for the kids!"
  • Safety first: Make sure to supervise kids, especially near water. A reviewer at Branched Oak Lake State Rec Area mentioned, "The wind coming across the lake was mighty fierce."
  • Pack snacks: Having snacks on hand can keep kids happy. A camper at Prairie Oasis Campground & Cabins noted, "Owners are real friendly and informative."

Tips from RVers:

  • Check for hookups: Make sure the campground has the right hookups for your RV. A visitor at Double Nickel Campground said, "The utilities were at the center of the long gravel pad."
  • Space for your rig: Look for campgrounds that can accommodate larger RVs. One reviewer at Recharge Lake Campground mentioned, "The grounds and bathrooms are well kept."
  • Plan for noise: If you're sensitive to noise, consider campgrounds further from highways. A camper at Pawnee State Recreation Area shared, "It feels like this might be a spot where Husker fans camp on home game weekends."

Camping near Fairbury, Nebraska, has something for everyone, from families to RV enthusiasts. Just remember to check the amenities and plan accordingly!

Frequently Asked Questions

What camping is available near Fairbury, NE?

According to TheDyrt.com, Fairbury, NE offers a wide range of camping options, with 69 campgrounds and RV parks near Fairbury, NE and 2 free dispersed camping spots.

Which is the most popular campground near Fairbury, NE?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Fairbury, NE is Crystal Springs Lake with a 4.1-star rating from 7 reviews.

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

According to TheDyrt.com, there are 2 free dispersed camping spots near Fairbury, NE.