Best Tent Camping near Grand Island, NE

Whether you're an RVer or tent camper, Grand Island, NE is a great place to post up for the weekend—or longer. There's so much to see and do, from exhilarating hikes or bike rides to exploring the local dining and shopping. Discover great camping spots near Grand Island, reviewed by campers like you.

Best Tent Sites Near Grand Island, Nebraska (5)

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Tent Camping Reviews near Grand Island, NE

261 Reviews of 5 Grand Island Campgrounds


  • S
    Sep. 8, 2020

    Tooley Park Campground

    My main get in spot for kayaking

    Over the years this has been my get in spot for around 100 kayaking trips. I’ve never had any issues with anyone messing with my vehicle. People from Grand Island have ruined this park by partying. Now it’s closed half the time and no alcohol is allowed. When it reopens I will still use this as my main get in. Would be much higher rated if it had not been ruined from partying.

  • R
    Oct. 2, 2021

    Fort Kearny State Recreation Area

    Great base camp for viewing Sandhill cranes

    Nice camp ground with helpful gate attendants, this Nebraska park represents the conundrum of many public campgrounds. Here, there are plentiful showers (yes, 75 cents for three minutes, woopdeedoo) but no water spigots and few usable pit toilets. There are primitive sites, 30 amp (yellow) and 50 amp (red) sites so no generator noise and all sites are near stocked ponds. A mix of overnight and long term visitors. Sandhills cranes can be viewed in the adjacent corn stubble in April. Limited cell service and no WiFi

  • Fred S.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 9, 2024

    Streeter Park Campground

    Really good overnight stop

    Streeter Park is a nice park with ball fields, walking paths, waterpark and a small campground. The campground has about a dozen or so sites set up in a gravel parking lot next to the waterpark. It's a place where you can pull in your camper & spend the night. It's free, although a donation is requested. The sites are small parking spaces, close together. Each site has a picnic table, electricity & water. Waste disposal is also available in the campground as well as trash dumpsters. You can use the restrooms at the waterpark & ball field; they were open all night. No shower facilty. The one negative is the road noise; it was loud at times. This campground is not a destination; it's a really good place for an overnight stop.

  • Shannon G.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 12, 2018

    Mormon Island State Recreation Area Campground

    Nice fishing area and camping along I-80

    Mormon Island is a nice, clean State campground along Interstate 80 at the Grand Island exit. There is a store right before the entrance in case you forgot anything or need to purchase firewood. There are 3 different areas for campers, a tent area, a Rv area, and an area for generator use. The Rv area has Electric and the sites are evenly spaced on black top and are level. Each site has a fire ring and picnic table. There is also plenty of day use areas. The restrooms are clean and have water fountains. There is a separate shower house and laundry that is also well kept. The grounds are maintained and are attractive.

    There is a playground for children, a fishing pier, biking, and nice trails to explore. This is a nice area with lots to explore including the Platte River. Just beware of deer ticks. Spray,Spray,Spray..my husband left with 32 visitors that needed to be pulled out.

  • oregonlums
    Apr. 12, 2021

    Mormon Island State Recreation Area Campground

    Easy access from I-80

    Spacious and well maintained campground. In March, the campground was still in WINTER season so only one bathroom location open and no showers open in winter, and limited water access points, but we had a electric hookup. Our campsite loop bordered vegetation, was spacious between campsites, and fairly protected from Interstate noise. Had a fire ring and picnic table. Several lakes and pretty trees. Camp hosts were friendly and helpful with questions! Don’t forget to visit sandhill cranes in March/April.

  • Shannon G.The Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 25, 2018

    Pioneer Trails Recreation Area

    Secluded

    Pioneer Trails Recreatin Area is a new campground so there is no shade available, but the sites have lots of room between them and have nice level, long concrete pads with a picnic table and fire ring. There are 10 Rv sites with electric only and a separate area with 8 tent sites. The tent sites are walk up sites. There is a nice lake for fishing or boating, and the area is well kept and will be beautiful once the trees come into full maturity.

  • Tarrah C.
    Apr. 5, 2023

    Fort Kearny State Recreation Area

    Lots of camping option

    This is a nice site with electric and tent sites. Each site has fire ring and there are vault toilets around the site. There are tent site that are free. You can camp there off season. Some of the site are on the river. There are also several hiking trails.

  • Justin S.The Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 12, 2024

    Union Pacific State Rec Area

    Primitive but quaint

    It is more of a fishing area for the locals than anything but it is open and you can camp. There are no marked sites. A local told me when they come here they just park in the grass anywhere and pay the fee. There is a vault toilet and "modern restrooms" (thr vault toilet is cleaner) but no showers as The Dyrt describes. There is a water sticker at the brick building on your left as you enter. You'll get a little interstate noise and distant train horns, but nothing that earplugs cannot fix. Nice place to pull off and sleep for the nights without utilities.

  • Susan L.
    Sep. 6, 2020

    Fort Kearny State Recreation Area

    Quick stopover

    This was a quick stopover due to bad weather coming in. A daily vehicle park permit is required and when this is added in to the cost, it’s a bit pricey for what it is, but the Recreation Area has a lot going for it. Check the photo of their brochure for camping pricing. They go by Electric Plus, electric and basic. 

    There are 7 sandpit lakes in the area that offer fishing. Lakes 5, 6 and 7 offer handicap accessible piers. Lake 7 has the swimming beach. I was camped backed up to Lake 4 at site 57. This site wouldn’t accommodate anything longer than 26’. It was also right next to site 58, so it would be great for 2 families looking to camp together, but otherwise, not so good. The site wasn’t level due to erosion, which was pretty significant. 

    The area has beautiful, mature cottonwood trees. One of these was right at site 57 so there was lots of shade. Also a picnic table and fire ring. Electric h/u, but no water. Need to fill up prior to camping. I didn’t use the dump station or the bathrooms so can’t comment. 

    There’s a bike trail that goes to the Fort at the historical park. I didn’t have time to check this out, but would like to next time I pass through.


Guide to Grand Island

Tent camping near Grand Island, Nebraska offers a variety of scenic spots for outdoor enthusiasts looking to immerse themselves in nature. With options ranging from serene lakes to lively rivers, there's something for everyone.

Local Activities for Outdoor Enthusiasts

  • Tooley Park Campground is a popular launch point for kayaking, making it ideal for water sports lovers.
  • Sherman Reservoir State Rec Area provides excellent fishing opportunities and is surrounded by beautiful wildlife, perfect for nature watchers.
  • Bowman Lake State Recreation Area offers quiet river access and a playground, making it a great spot for families looking to enjoy a day outdoors.

Tips for Tent Camping Near Grand Island

  • Always check for amenities like drinking water and toilets at places like Cheyenne State Rec Area, which ensures a more comfortable camping experience.
  • Be prepared for primitive conditions at DLD State Wayside Rec Area, where you can enjoy a more rugged camping experience without the usual conveniences.
  • For those seeking a peaceful retreat, Greeley City Park offers a tranquil environment, perfect for unwinding after a day of adventure.

Attractions and Features to Explore

  • Roseland Lake Campground is a hidden gem for those looking to fish or simply relax by the water.
  • Sherman Reservoir State Rec Area features clean facilities and a stunning lake, making it a favorite among campers who appreciate nature's beauty.
  • Tooley Park Campground is well-known for its river access, attracting locals and visitors alike for tubing and kayaking adventures.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is the most popular tent campsite near Grand Island, NE?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular tent campground near Grand Island, NE is Cheyenne State Rec Area with a 3-star rating from 1 review.

What is the best site to find tent camping near Grand Island, NE?

TheDyrt.com has all 5 tent camping locations near Grand Island, NE, with real photos and reviews from campers.