Top Free Dispersed Camping near Harlan County Lake

Looking for the best Harlan County Lake dispersed camping? Find the best information on dispersed campgrounds near Harlan County Lake, including photos, reviews, and tips. From secluded to easily reachable, we offer dispersed campsites near Harlan County Lake just for you.

Best Dispersed Sites Near Harlan County Lake, NE (4)


Recent Dispersed Reviews In Harlan County Lake

11 Reviews of 4 Harlan County Lake Campgrounds


  • Camper-submitted photo from Blue Hole Wildlife Management Area
    September 19, 2024

    Blue Hole Wildlife Management Area

    Sketchy

    My husband and I had a freaky experience here and I wouldn’t want it to happen to anyone else. Around 4:30 AM a car pulled in quietly and parked right next to our van (even though there were other camping spots available). The only reason we woke up was because our dog started barking and freaking out. A guy was outside smoking and putting some things in a bag. We started up the RV and dipped as fast as we could. It’s a shame because it was a nice, convenient, peaceful spot otherwise. Be careful!

  • Camper-submitted photo from Coot Shallows WMA
    May 11, 2024

    Coot Shallows WMA

    Good for a day

    It's a small park with a pond that you can fish at. We were the only campers in for the day and honestly probably wouldn't be great for tents. There are 3 pull outs that you can put in an RV or camper but not much else to this place.

  • Camper-submitted photo from Bassway Strip State Wildlife Area
    February 22, 2024

    Bassway Strip State Wildlife Area

    Does the job but not nice.

    Like others have said, it’s right next to the interstate so you hear traffic and truckers all night. I spent 2 nights here in February in a tent. It wasn’t nice but it was a place to sleep while in town for a class.

  • Camper-submitted photo from Blue Hole Wildlife Management Area
    October 10, 2023

    Blue Hole Wildlife Management Area

    Ok for a free overnight

    This is a small area with a pond just off the interstate. A little sketchy but not quite as sketchy as some of the other wildlife management areas on this stretch of I-80 (and I stopped at 3 before this one and decided to keep moving until I got here). A bit trashed, but not horrible. Constant sound of the interstate. Some light local use of the road and of the pond for fishing. I wouldn't make this a destination, but for a one night needed rest stop it's ok.

  • Camper-submitted photo from Blue Hole Wildlife Management Area
    September 13, 2023

    Blue Hole Wildlife Management Area

    Good for a night

    Stayed for a night passing through on the way to Colorado. There were a few spots. I took the first one across the pond. I was the only one on a Tuesday night. Super close to a gas station. Can hear and see cars from highway which didn’t bother me. Some trash in the woods and a few carcasses.

  • Camper-submitted photo from Blue Hole Wildlife Management Area
    August 4, 2023

    Blue Hole Wildlife Management Area

    It was alright

    Got here at night, turned into Chloe's circle, it was a short gravel road. There were two spots to park and a cul-de-sac at the end of the road. One of the spots was slanted and the other spot was flat, neither were good for large campers. You could park in the cul-de-sac but it is a smaller circle. The slanted spot was occupied, there was a truck hanging out in the cul-de-sac, so I car camped in the last open spot. There's a decent amount of road noise from the interstate.

    When I woke up in the morning it was pouring rain, so i did not explore, but I did not see any toilets, picnic tables, or fire rings in the parking area, there was a boat launching spot and a small trail to lead to the lake. There is a gas station up the road.

  • Camper-submitted photo from Bassway Strip State Wildlife Area
    July 23, 2023

    Bassway Strip State Wildlife Area

    Not so great for tenting. Would only use it for overnight if you are driving through.

    Woke up with tent covered in pill bugs and some ticks... It is also right next to the highway so it is kind of noisy. Kind of dirty with some trash, broken glass, and ammo because it's a hunting and

  • Camper-submitted photo from Bassway Strip State Wildlife Area
    August 14, 2022

    Bassway Strip State Wildlife Area

    Convenient gravel lot off 80

    Good for pulling off into while on a road trip. There's a road sign that marks it (not in the exact spot shown on map here). No facilities but less than 10 miles from the next rest stop. No one here on a busy travel Saturday when the rest stops were busy.

  • Camper-submitted photo from Bassway Strip State Wildlife Area
    June 4, 2021

    Bassway Strip State Wildlife Area

    Nice location if you want to hike or fish

    This is a general parking area for folks that want to fish, or use the beautiful, paved and lit hiking trail. However, it is close to I-80, so traffic noise is bad at night.

  • Camper-submitted photo from Bassway Strip State Wildlife Area
    May 16, 2021

    Bassway Strip State Wildlife Area

    Great overnight spot!

    Free. No facilities. Flat, established, wide dirt road. Multiple pull offs for camping, mostly flat. Cross a bridge to get there - dual axel limit 10 Tons. Trailer limit 23 Tons. Next to I-80 so some highway drone. Max of 3 days in 6 day period.

    Great overnight spot! Such a nice surprise to come across this camping spot. Thank you!

    (Photo is our vehicle parked for the night)

  • Camper-submitted photo from Bassway Strip State Wildlife Area
    April 12, 2021

    Bassway Strip State Wildlife Area

    Beware of Possum

    Basic primitive campsites along a gravel road, no fires, can stay up to 3 nights max, and is about 200 yard from the interstate. So I wouldn't recommend this spot if the highway noise bothers you.

    A fat possum waddled up to me when I was setting up my tent in the dark since I pulled up to this spot late at night. He didn't bother me when I was sleeping but gave me a good scare. Saw him walking around again a bit later so it presumably lives there.



Guide to Harlan County Lake

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.

What to do:

  • Fishing: Harlan County Lake is known for its great fishing spots. At COE Harlan County Lake Hunter Cove Park, one camper mentioned, "We had our pick of the best spot... and it's really beautiful here." Expect to catch walleye, northern pike, and channel catfish.
  • Hiking: There are various hiking trails around the lake. A visitor at COE Harlan County Lake Methodist Cove Campground noted, "The lake offers a variety of hiking trails of varying length and style." This makes it a perfect spot for nature lovers.
  • Playgrounds and Activities: Families can enjoy playgrounds and sports facilities. One reviewer at COE Harlan County Lake Hunter Cove Park said, "Great play area for children," making it a fun spot for kids.

What campers like:

  • Clean Facilities: Campers appreciate the cleanliness of the campgrounds. A visitor at COE Harlan County Lake Methodist Cove Campground remarked, "People were very friendly, lake views were awesome, and the campground was pretty clean."
  • Quiet Atmosphere: Many enjoy the peaceful environment. One camper at COE Harlan County Lake Hunter Cove Park shared, "It was quiet, and it's a lovely lake." This makes it a great escape from the hustle and bustle.
  • Spacious Sites: Campers often mention the spaciousness of the sites. A review from COE Harlan County Lake Methodist Cove Campground highlighted, "The sites are small but well maintained," which is a plus for those looking for comfort.

What you should know:

  • Limited Amenities: Some campgrounds have limited amenities. A visitor at Pioneer Village Campground noted, "Did not use showers... there is a nice grassy no hookups field." Be prepared to bring your own supplies.
  • Mosquitoes: Be aware of mosquitoes, especially in warmer months. A camper at COE Harlan County Lake Hunter Cove Park warned, "Watch out for the blood thirsty mosquitoes."
  • Reservations Recommended: During peak season, it's best to make reservations. A reviewer at COE Harlan County Lake Methodist Cove Campground mentioned, "Reservable May 1–Sept 30," indicating the busy times.

Tips for camping with families:

Tips from RVers:

  • Check Hookups: Make sure to check the availability of electric hookups. A reviewer at Kearney RV Park & Campground said, "Plenty of pull-thru spaces," which is great for RVs.
  • Be Prepared for Noise: Some campgrounds are near highways. A visitor at Kearney RV Park & Campground noted, "Being right next to the highway very bad road noise," so bring earplugs if you're sensitive to sound.
  • Utilize Dump Stations: Make use of dump stations available at campgrounds. A camper at COE Harlan County Lake Methodist Cove Campground mentioned, "Dump station available," which is handy for RVers.

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

  • Which is the most popular dispersed campsite near Harlan County Lake?

    According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular dispersed campground near Harlan County Lake is Bassway Strip State Wildlife Area with a 3.2-star rating from 6 reviews.

  • What is the best site to find dispersed camping near Harlan County Lake?

    TheDyrt.com has all 4 dispersed camping locations near Harlan County Lake, with real photos and reviews from campers.