Best Dog-Friendly Camping near Harlan County Lake

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.

Best Dog-Friendly Sites Near Harlan County Lake (59)

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Recent Dog-Friendly Camping Photos near Harlan County Lake

11 Photos of 59 Harlan County Lake Campgrounds


Dog-Friendly Camping Reviews near Harlan County Lake

145 Reviews of 59 Harlan County Lake Campgrounds


  • NThe Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 26, 2021

    COE Harlan County Lake Methodist Cove Campground

    Fishing Time

    Harlan County Lake Near Alma, Nebraska Methodist Cove Park is located on the west side of Harlan County Lake by Alma, Nebraska. The 13,000-acre Harlan County Lake is the second largest lake in the state. The lake and surrounding land hold great appeal for sportsmen, birders, naturalists or anyone wanting to just get away.

    • • May 1– Sept 30
    • • Reservable May 1– Sept 30 (877-444-6777)
    • • Non-reservable Nov 1– April 30

    • 48 Electric sites

    • 50 amp available

    • 81 non electric sites

    • Dump station

    • Picnic area

    • Playground

    • Full hookups

    • Sewer hookup

    • Electric

    • Water

    • Fire ring/grill

    • Toilets/showers

    • Boat launch

    Methodist Cove Park offers variety campsites of individual, group, electric and non-electric sites. There is also one reservable group picnic shelter for day use. One large heated shower house with flush toilets is centrally located within the campground and several vault toilets are located throughout the rest of the park. The main road is hard surfaced, while others are gravel. A fish cleaning station with grinder and running water is located near the entrance. There two full service marinas on the east end of the lake. Located in South Central Nebraska, lands surrounding Harlan County Lake are primarily mixed grass prairie land. The campground is mostly forested, offering ample shade during the warmth of summer. 

    This is a beautiful campground.  The site is flat and open.  Trees are scattered among the many campsites.  The sites are small but well maintained.  A bonus was a washer and dryer located in both the men's and women's bath/toilet facility.  That facility was very clean.

    The Republican River Valley was once occupied by one of the greatest concentrations of buffalo on the Great Plains and was a favored hunting ground for the Pawnee, Sioux, Cheyenne and Arapaho Indian tribes. Harlan County Lake is popular for fishing, hiking, hunting and boating. Walleye, wipers, white bass, northern pike and channel catfish are the most sought after fish species. Game animals include pheasant, quail, prairie chicken, white-tailed and mule deer, turkey, waterfowl, rabbit and squirrel. The lake offers a variety of hiking trails of varying length and style, as well as one equestrian trail a short drive away. An off-road vehicle trail is located in nearby Republican City. Harlan County and an additional almost 18,000 acres of land that surround the lake is managed by the COE. There are six parks which provides the area with a plethor of recreation campsites.

     When you turn off the main highway there is a liquor store and just down from that is a bait shop where I would guess you could pick up some supplies. There is a market in Alma, Nebraska. Make sure you purchase your supplies before arriving. 

    Notice to all that bring watercraft. All watercraft pose a threat of AIS Aquatic Invasive Species to the waterways in Nebraska and waterways in other states. Watercraft is the primary source of AIS they must be prepared with an accepted means of ensuring no AIS will enter local waterways. CLEAN DRY Non residents must obtain the AIS decal and apply to watercraft. If a boat is launched from a Nebraska boat facility a AIS decal must be obtained.

     Latitude 40° 5' 12.9998" N Longitude 99° 18' 56.0002" W 

    From U.S. Highway 80, take Highway 183 south to Alma, Nebraska. Turn left on South Street and travel 2.5 miles. The park entrance is on south side of the road.

    Need to Know• Only one camping unit allowed per site• All campers must check in when arriving at park• Maximum of six people allowed per site• An attendant is on duty during the peak season of May through September• Secure coolers and boating equipment each night to prevent thefts• Off-road vehicles are not permitted

    • Don't Move Firewood: Protect your forests from tree-killing pests by buying your firewood locally and burning it on-site. Visit Dontmovefirewood.org for further information.

    Contact Information Mailing Address 70788 Corps Road A REPUBLICAN CITY, NE 68971-9742 Phone Number For campground inquiries, please call: 308-799-2105

    LNT

    Better than when you found it

    Stay safe - Happy Travels

  • NThe Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 24, 2021

    South Outlet Camping

    Dam View

    • FCFS
    • May 15 - Sep 15
    • No reservations
    • 14 day limit 
    • Generators allowed 24/7
    • Trash
    • Pit toilets
    • Picnic tables
    • Fire ring
    • No designated sites
    • Dispersed camping

    This camp is located below the dam on a gravel road.  Road is wash board and I am sure that on weekends ATV will abound.  There is an ATV staging area just down the road.  This will be a great location for hunting camps during the fall.

    The campground is located just off Corp Road A next to the dam.

    This area offers any fisherman a great opportunity to catch a great selection of walleye, wipers, white bass, northern pike and channel catfish fish species. The hunter will also gather an abundance of game animals to include pheasant, quail, prairie chicken, white-tailed and mule deer, turkey, waterfowl, rabbit and squirrel. The lake offers a variety of hiking trails of varying length and style, as well as one equestrian trail a short drive away. An off-road vehicle trail is located in nearby Republican City.  Don't Move Firewood: Protect your forests from tree-killing pests by buying your firewood locally and burning it on-site. Mature tress giving most areas nice shade. There are several water sites and even the sites that are not on the water you will still have a view of the water.  Harlan County Lake is set in a very rural area. Roads are what I would consider secondary. Rather narrow, especially if you meet a vehicle pulling a boat and you are in an RV so be prepared. Harlan County Lake is set in the rolling plains of south central Nebraska where farming is very important to Nebraska and to the United States. The Republican River begins in eastern Colorado and flows 453 miles through the states of Nebraska and Kansas. Harlan County Lake is the second largest lake in Nebraska and provides year round recreation such as fishing, hunting, and all types of watersports. A claim to fame for Republican City is that it is the "Only" town by this name in the world. Republican City has a population of less than 200 people. It was founded in 1871. The Republican River supplies the lake. Republican City was devastated by "the big flood of 1935" and due to the flood the Corp of Engineers(COE) designed a dam to cross the valley. The town had to be moved to higher ground. The town was moved to higher ground in 1951-52. Homes were loaded onto trucks and placed on foundations already constructed. French traders in the late 1700's named the indigenous people along the river the Republican Pawnee in the mistaken belief that they had a republic type of government. Everything in the area was so named because of that misnomer. Harlan County and an additional almost 18,000 acres of land that surround the lake is managed by the COE. There are six parks which provides the area with a plethor of recreation campsites. When you turn off the main highway there is a liquor store and just down from that is a bait shop where I would guess you could pick up some supplies. There is a market in Alma, Nebraska. Make sure you purchase your supplies before arriving.  Enjoy bird watching, fishing, hiking, fishing and other water activities.

    Notice to all that bring watercraft. All watercraft pose a threat of AIS Aquatic Invasive Species to the waterways in Nebraska and waterways in other states. Watercraft is the primary source of AIS they must be prepared with an accepted means of ensuring no AIS will enter local waterways. CLEAN DRY Non residents must obtain the AIS decal and apply to watercraft. If a boat is launched from a Nebraska boat facility a AIS decal must  be obtained.

    Please buy your firewood locally.

    No fireworks

    LNT

    Leave it better than when you found it

    Stay safe  Travel safe

  • Barb C.
    Aug. 9, 2018

    COE Harlan County Lake Methodist Cove Campground

    Most relaxing vacation my husband and I have ever had.

    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. Plenty of places to walk or hike along the shoreline. While the temps were in the 90's and humid out in the sun, our site stayed between 78 and 80 due to the cooling breezes coming from the lake. The campground water supply was pristine. There were plenty of nice outhouses spread throughout the park. The main bathhouse is huge and the showers are great. The boat ramp was very nice. The campground hostess was very nice and comes around to introduce herself in case you have any questions.

  • NThe Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 24, 2021

    Cedar Point

    Lonely and Desperate

    • Pit toilet
    • Dispersed camping
    • Trash
    • Beach

    Upon turn off follow road to the right and it will lead you to a parking lot and a swimming beach.  There is a pit toilet.  Road to the swimming beach is pave and in good shape.

    To reach the camping area head on down the road after you turn off the main road, that will have you going to the left.  There will be another pit toilet and parking area.  By the pit toilet are signs stating no parking.  The road up to this pit toilet is rather rough.  Grass needs to be mowed.

    If you continue to head down the road you will come to a beach area which we were able to drive on without problems.  It makes for a nice picture of the lake with a dirt cliff on the right.  There is not a sign showing camping but the sign on the highway shows a tent.  A small trailer, van, or pop up would be great here.  It is very primitive, no fire rings, grills, etc.

    Great spot to put in a kayak or canoe and dip a line in for walleye, wipers, white bass, northern pike and channel catfish are the most sought-after fish species. Want to go hunting during the many seasons this would also be a great spot to set up camp and hunt for game animals which include pheasant, quail, prairie chicken, white-tailed and mule deer, turkey, waterfowl, rabbit and squirrel. The lake offers a variety of hiking trails of varying length and style, as well as one equestrian trail a short drive away. An off-road vehicle trail is located in nearby Republican City.  

    • Don't Move Firewood: Protect your forests from tree-killing pests by buying your firewood locally and burning it on-site. 

    Roads are what I would consider secondary. Rather narrow, especially if you meet a vehicle pulling a boat and you are in an RV so be prepared. Harlan County Lake is set in the rolling plains of south central Nebraska where farming is very important to Nebraska and to the United States. The Republican River begins in eastern Colorado and flows 453 miles through the states of Nebraska and Kansas. Harlan County Lake is the second largest lake in Nebraska and provides year round recreation such as fishing, hunting, and all types of watersports. A claim to fame for Republican City is that it is the "Only" town by this name in the world. Republican City has a population of less than 200 people. It was founded in 1871. The Republican River supplies the lake. Republican City was devastated by "the big flood of 1935" and due to the flood the Corp of Engineers (COE) designed a dam to cross the valley. The town had to be moved to higher ground. The town was moved to higher ground in 1951-52. Homes were loaded onto trucks and placed on foundations already constructed. French traders in the late 1700's named the indigenous people along the river the Republican Pawnee in the mistaken belief that they had a republic type of government. Everything in the area was so named because of that misnomer. Harlan County and an additional almost 18,000 acres of land that surround the lake is managed by the COE. There are six parks which provides the area with a plethor of recreation campsites. When you turn off the main highway there is a liquor store and just down from that is a bait shop where I would guess you could pick up some supplies. There is a market in Alma, Nebraska. Make sure you purchase your supplies before arriving.  Enjoy bird watching, fishing, hiking, fishing and other water activities.

    Notice to all that bring watercraft. All watercraft pose a threat of AIS Aquatic Invasive Species to the waterways in Nebraska and waterways in other states. Watercraft is the primary source of AIS they must be prepared with an accepted means of ensuring no AIS will enter local waterways. CLEAN DRY Non residents must obtain the AIS decal and apply to watercraft. If a boat is launched from a Nebraska boat facility a AIS decal must be obtained.

    LNT

    Leave it better than when you found it

    Stay safe Happy travels

  • Melanie T.
    May. 27, 2023

    Kearney RV Park & Campground

    Why not 5

    Very nice campground. Plenty of room between sites. Nice little beach areas. Plenty of room to walk the dog. And the dog park is big enough for the dog to run & play in. Wi-Fi is excellent. Cell service too. Now you wonder why not a 5. Being right next to the  highway very bad road noise. Had to turn the fan on high to drown it out. Other than that, this is a great campground.

  • MThe Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 30, 2022

    Kearney RV Park & Campground

    Nice stopover

    Stopped here for one night headed east. Friendly staff, nice laundry and bathroom facilities that are handicapped accessible. Big dog park area for the pups. No fires here. Level concrete pads and you can move the picnic tables if needed. There are storm shelters available in the bathhouse.

  • Mike K.
    Jul. 4, 2021

    Elwood Resort and Campground

    Quiet and Convenient

    This friendly campground sits on The reservoir, and is about a 5 minute drive to Johnson Lake. We payed for a full access site, and had no leveling issues at all. Most sites have fire pits, and tables. We see other campers with pets, so we assume they are allowed. They sell bait for local fishing that is a 2 minute walk on a well mowed trail away. Our kids enjoyed the quiet and loved being turned loose to enjoy the surroundings.

  • NThe Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 23, 2021

    COE Harlan County Lake Hunter Cove Park

    Second Time Around

    •  150 campsites, both with and without electric hookups. 
    • There are also several tent-only sites. 
    • 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. Walleye, wipers, white bass, northern pike and channel catfish are the most sought-after fish species. 
    • Game animals include pheasant, quail, prairie chicken, white-tailed and mule deer, turkey, waterfowl, rabbit and squirrel. 
    • The lake offers a variety of hiking trails of varying length and style, as well as one equestrian trail a short drive away. 
    • An off-road vehicle trail is located in nearby Republican City. 
    •  Latitude 40° 4' 59.0002" N Longitude 99° 13' 39.7200" W 
    • Directions"   Highway 80, take Highway 183 south to Alma, Nebraska. Turn left onto Highway 136. then turn right on Berrigan Road and travel 1.25 miles to the intersection of Road B. Turn right and travel one mile; the park entrance is on south side of the road.
    • Off-road vehicles not permitted in the campground 
    • Don't Move Firewood: Protect your forests from tree-killing pests by buying your firewood locally and burning it on-site. 
    • Phone number for campground inquiries, please call: 308-799-2105

    This is our second visit to this location and I have an update on our stay.  Major thing for us is that we have not encountered the dreaded blood thirty skeeters.  We did have a major storm last night but campground held up rather well.  Hunter Cove is a large, well kept park and all facilities are clean with no flies or at least very few.  The park is blessed with a lot of mature tress giving most sites a nice shade.  There are several water sites and even the sites that are not on the water you will still have a view of the water.  Pad are gravel or grass but hard packed.  Hunter Cove is set in a very rural area.  Roads are what I would consider secondary.  Rather narrow, especially if you meet a vehicle pulling a boat and you are in an RV so be prepared.  

     When you turn off the main highway there is a liquor store and just down from that is a bait shop where I would guess you could pick up some supplies.  There is a market in Alma, Nebraska.  Make sure you purchase your supplies before arriving.

    If you have a reservation and the camp host is not on duty you will find your spot and they have place a tag with your name and dates of arrival.  Sites are well marked and well maintained.  There are sections for tent campers and many are water sites.  Enjoy bird watching, fishing, hiking, fishing and other water activities.

    Notice to all that bring watercraft.  All watercraft pose a threat of AIS Aquatic Invasive Species to the waterways in Nebraska and waterways in other states.  Watercraft is the primary source of AIS they must be prepared with an accepted means of ensuring no AIS will enter local waterways.  CLEAN  DRY  Non residents must obtain the AIS decal and apply to watercraft.  If a boat is launched from a Nebraska boat facility a AIS decal must be obtained.

  • Becky D.
    May. 13, 2021

    North Outlet Camping

    Huge lake

    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


Guide to Harlan County Lake

Discover the joy of camping with your furry friends near Harlan County Lake in Nebraska, where several campgrounds welcome pets and offer a range of amenities for a comfortable stay.

Dog owners appreciate ample amenities for their pets

Pet-friendly campgrounds include great outdoor activities

Tips for camping with dogs near Harlan County Lake

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is the most popular dog-friendly campsite near Harlan County Lake?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular dog-friendly campground near Harlan County Lake is COE Harlan County Lake Hunter Cove Park with a 4.4-star rating from 8 reviews.

What is the best site to find dog-friendly camping near Harlan County Lake?

TheDyrt.com has all 59 dog-friendly camping locations near Harlan County Lake, with real photos and reviews from campers.