Camping options near Fairbury, Nebraska sit in the Little Blue River valley at approximately 1,300 feet elevation. The region features rolling hills and deciduous woodland areas with moderate summer temperatures typically ranging from 65-90°F. Most campgrounds remain open from April through October, with some offering year-round access depending on weather conditions.
What to do
Kayaking and fishing: Crystal Springs Lake offers three spring-fed lakes where motorized boats aren't permitted. "No motorized boats but perfect for kayaks. There are 3 small spring fed lakes that are open for fishing," notes James B. in a review of Crystal Springs Lake.
Historical exploration: Visit the interpretive center at Rock Creek Station focused on the Pony Express and Oregon Trail. "Interpretive center related to the Pony Express and Oregon Trail in the adjacent Historical Park. Paved road access to the park from both the north and the south from US HWY 136 or NE HWY 8," writes John A. about Rock Creek Campground.
Frisbee golf: Riverside Park in Beatrice offers an 18-hole disc golf course. "The reason to stay was to Frisbee golf and camp ALL weekend. They have a nice 18 hole course throughout the park," mentions Jeff T. who visited Riverside Park.
What campers like
Peaceful weekday camping: Many campgrounds in the area remain uncrowded during weekdays. At Lone Star Recreation Area, "My dad and I have camped at Lone Star many times. Usually we have the place to ourselves in late fall or early spring. It's peaceful and quiet out there."
Small town charm: Several campgrounds provide access to quaint nearby towns. About the Village of Diller Park, Amy C. notes: "Diller is a very small Village with a small Main Street, which we enjoyed walking to. They have a great locker to pick up items to grill."
Wildlife viewing: Campers can observe local birds and wildlife near the water features. "Pretty setting with many birds," mentions Sue V. about Alexandria Lakes State Recreation Area, making it an ideal spot for animal-friendly camping near Fairbury.
What you should know
Campsite surfaces vary: Some sites offer concrete pads while others are grass-based. At Riverside Park Hebron, "Some sites have concrete, others are grass. Water is available but not at our site," reports Marilyn S.
Swimming restrictions: Not all lakes permit swimming despite allowing other water activities. "I would say the only downside to this campground is the abundance of snapping turtles. You can still fish and kayak just no swimming," warns Shaeli E. about Crystal Springs Lake.
Free tent camping options: Some parks offer no-cost tent camping with flexible setup locations. At Lone Star Recreation Area, "You can set up a tent basically anywhere and there's zero cost to tent camp, no fees what so ever!" according to Matt H.
Tips for camping with families
Playground access: Several campgrounds feature play areas for children. Lauren M. notes about Riverside Park in Beatrice: "There are two giant playgrounds to keep the kids busy. The toilets are OK, but just what you'd expect at a public park, nothing fancy."
Shaded campsites: Look for sites with tree cover during summer months. Dave V. reports about Alexandria Lakes State Recreation Area: "There is more here than what you see at first glance. There is a ton of shade and a lot of 30A hookups."
Budget-friendly entertainment: Many pet-friendly campgrounds near Fairbury include low-cost recreational options. Dana T. shares about Lone Star Recreation Area: "Lone Star is a really nice place to take a family. Good facilities, swimming, and a nice lake to fish."
Tips from RVers
Hookup availability: Electric and water connections vary significantly between campgrounds. James B. noted at Crystal Springs Lake: "Sites are $20 a night. That includes 30 and 50 amp hookups and water at each site. There is no dump station."
Level pads: Many campgrounds offer concrete pads for easier RV setup. "We stayed at a level concrete pad site. Water is available but not at our site. There are two long-term campers here with permits," reports Marilyn S. about Riverside Park Hebron.
Cell service reliability: For remote workers, cell reception varies by location. Kalab R. shares about Buckley Creek: "Cell phone signal is 100 even in camper," making it convenient for those needing to stay connected while enjoying pet-friendly camping.
