Harlan County Lake is the perfect place for adventurous campers and RVers. There are tons of hikes and other fun activities to partake in. Experience some of the most stunning views that Nebraska camping has to offer. Search nearby campsites and find top-rated spots from other campers.
$18 / night
"* Showers
- Toilets
- Laundry (1.50 per load)
- Two playgrounds
- Volleyball court
- Boat ramp
- Fish cleaning station with grinder and running water is located near the entrance."
"Dogs are allowed on leash and there are plenty of places for the kids to run around and play."
$18 - $50 / night
"Located on Harlan County Lake. We chose campsite #63, just back from the shoreline. It was an extremely large site with plenty of room to play with our dogs without bothering anyone else."
"There are many RV and tent sites at this campground with water access to the Harlan reservoir. Several loops of sites are available around the lake within this campground."
"We stayed next door at Hunters Cove COE park, but we walked and drove through.
Driving in, there is a nice new playground on the left. Then you pass through a mobile home section.""Nice campground close to the marina!"
$28 / night
"We stayed two nights, over a weekend, the park is wonderful with a great walking path."
"Harlan county dam is one of the largest lakes in the state of Nebraska there's boats and jet skis that you can rent there the water is pretty you can walk across the dam that's a good time"
"You can drive your golf cart around(many other campgrounds don’t allow). Everyone is so nice and helpful. Define you check out if you are in the area."
$12 / night
RangerThis park has so much potential. The land was beautiful, but unkept. Mosquitos and knats were thick and unavoidable. The trash cans overflowed, and there was garbage on the ground all around my site. The grass was long...just sad.
On the upside, there's a nice museum at the ranger's station and the remnants of a blacksmith's barn. That part of the park was clean...but it was about 4 miles from the campground. Don't think I would stay here again.
TravelerWe just stayed for one night as a quick layover. Grounds were clean and owner was helpful.
LegendWe rolled in and didn’t even need to unhook. Level site, quiet (except for the interstate), easy breezy check in, clean, and easy out. Would totally stay again
TravelerGreat bike trail, takes you right into downtown Kearney about 10 miles. It goes in the other direction about 45 miles. The State Park fee of 14.00 would be just fine if the showers weren't pay by the minute. Still, quiet park. If you ever wanted to write your doctoral thesis on biting insects, you'll want to stay here an entire summer.
ScoutIt was a great spot in a pinch with very few people there, but the mosquitos were bad, at least in late July. The interstate is right next to the area so it can be pretty loud with the semi’s. Overall it was secluded and shaded with flat spots to camp so cant complain too much.
LegendStopped over for one night. This campground is only 6 miles off I80. Spots are small and gravel but shaded. There are several small ponds you can camp by and there were people fishing. Would be fun for the kids. Thought there would be lots of mosquitos with the ponds but they weren’t too bad. We did not use the bath house or showers so can’t comment on those. I do think this campground is a little pricey for what you get - in addition to the camping fee ($25 for elec only) there is a $14/day fee to drive into the recreation area. Still, I would stay here again.
TravelerWe camped here on a rainy night when we didnt want to pay the out of state fees for a campground we would only park in. Camped on the side of the road on the side of the river opposite the highway. Between the rain and the fan, we never heard the highway. And the fireflies were awesome, even in the rain!
Guide8 miles outside of Stockton, KS. This state park was great for us visiting family in town. Quiet at night. Spread out sites. Lake access for fishing and water recreation. Water is low, but it is still possible to put in a boat. Water and Electric at site. 30A at our site. Old Marina Campground next to the Coyote Shelter and trail. Only 3 sites at this section, nice and secluded.
TravelerWe chose this place because getting away feom highway noise sounded like a great idea, and we did accomplish that! Although we arrived on a Friday evening we did have a choice of a couple sites where you parked along the side of the road. Unfortunately, cars were driving by periodically all night, which cut into the peace. Also the toilets are at the entrance to the park. Good thing we had our own!
Camping near Harlan County Lake, Nebraska, offers a mix of beautiful scenery and outdoor activities. Whether you're looking to fish, hike, or just relax by the water, there are plenty of campgrounds to choose from.
Camping near Harlan County Lake, Nebraska, is a fantastic way to enjoy the great outdoors with family and friends. Just remember to plan ahead and enjoy the beautiful surroundings!
Frequently Asked Questions
What amenities are available at Harlan County Lake campgrounds?
Amenities vary across Harlan County Lake's campgrounds. Cedar Point offers basic facilities including pit toilets, trash service, and a swimming beach with paved access. For more amenities, COE Harlan County Lake Hunter Cove Park features showers, toilets, laundry facilities ($1.50 per load), two playgrounds, a volleyball court, boat ramp, and a fish cleaning station with grinder and running water. South Outlet provides pit toilets, picnic tables, fire rings, and trash service. Methodist Cove offers large campsites near the shoreline with plenty of space for recreation and hiking opportunities along the water.
Where are the designated camping areas at Harlan County Lake?
Harlan County Lake offers several designated camping areas around the 13,000-acre reservoir. COE Harlan County Lake Methodist Cove Campground is located on the west side of the lake near Alma, Nebraska, offering shoreline campsites. COE Harlan County Lake Hunter Cove Park provides 150 campsites with both electric and non-electric options, plus tent-only sites. Additional camping areas include South Outlet Camping (below the dam), North Outlet Camping, and Cedar Point, which offers dispersed camping and beach access. East Gremlin Cove and Patterson Harbor Marina also provide camping options around the lake.
Do I need reservations for camping at Harlan County Lake?
Reservation policies vary by location at Harlan County Lake. South Outlet Camping is first-come, first-served with no reservations accepted, operating from May 15 to September 15 with a 14-day stay limit. North Outlet Camping is also first-come, first-served with 24 sites available from May through September. For more developed campgrounds with amenities, it's advisable to check with the specific location for reservation requirements, especially during peak summer months when the lake is popular for recreation.
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