Camping sites near Harrison, Nebraska combine remote prairie landscapes with unusual geological formations across an area sitting at approximately 4,800 feet elevation. Summer temperatures regularly exceed 90°F with minimal natural shade, while winter brings snow and limited road access to more remote camping areas. Strong winds present year-round challenges for tent campers, particularly at exposed sites.
What to do
Hiking to trout fishing ponds: At Soldier Creek Campground, a 1.3-mile trail leads to three ponds stocked with brown trout. "If you like to hike and fish there is a trail that goes west from the campsites 1.3 miles to 3 ponds filled with brown trout," notes Ryan S.
Explore unique rock formations: The unusual geology at Toadstool Campground offers short interpretive trails. "There is a ~1 mile long looped hiking trail inside the park that has markers so you can read about the land and how the rock was formed," mentions Billy B., while Thomas S. adds, "Really cool quick hike around the toadstools makes staying here worth it for at least a night or two."
Visit Agate Fossil Beds: Stay at Pavement Ends for easy access to this national monument. "We rode our bikes to Agate Fossil Beds and took the Fossil Hills Trail. It's a great place to visit and the Visitor Center has a very interesting display of beautiful items which Chief Red Cloud gave to James H. Cook," recommends Lori C.
What campers like
Dark sky stargazing: The remote location creates excellent nighttime viewing conditions. "At the right time of the moon phase this would be a good dark sky area to observe the Milky Way since there is no town or development for several miles," says Judy B. about the Toadstool area, while another camper at Pavement Ends observed "the skies are very dark at night."
Wildlife encounters: Listen for coyotes at night from Gilbert-Baker Wildlife Management Area. "We had a blast hiking and fishing around the area," says Jesse S. At Pavement Ends, another camper noted, "We heard a pack of coyotes howling away at night, which was super cool and also eye widening because you feel like you're alone in the middle of nowhere."
Covered picnic areas: Many campgrounds feature sheltered tables that provide critical shade. Thomas S. notes that Toadstool has "Small campground with only 6 campsites," while Heather E. adds that sites come with "shade, picnic table and fire ring provided."
What you should know
Access via dirt roads: Many camping areas require driving on unpaved roads. About Toadstool, Heather E. reports: "Down a 10 mile dirt road, we got the 5th of 6 sites," while Gina G. adds "The dirt road is about 12 miles but is in great condition."
Limited facilities: Most campgrounds offer basic amenities only. "Super simple campground. Bathroom and a parking spot that's about it," says Ashley N. about Toadstool, while at Crawford City Park, James B. notes "Sites were $20 for 50amp service with water. There is a dump site located near the sites, which you have to drive into the grass to use."
Extreme weather conditions: Crawford City Park and other sites experience significant wind. At Toadstool, Lili G. emphatically warns: "SUPER FREAKIN WINDY. Legit do not even try if you have a tent you will not stay on the ground." Another camper at Soldier Creek notes it's a "Very windy campground at night (have a decent tent)."
Tips for camping with families
City park convenience: Harrison City Park offers family-friendly amenities. "Sites are basically two parking stalls on a concrete pad," notes James B., adding that the "Park is very nicely kept and amazingly quiet at night. There are two bathrooms right next to the camp site."
Wildlife Management Area activities: Gilbert-Baker WMA provides family-friendly outdoor recreation. Jesse S. reports, "We had a blast hiking and fishing around the area. The sites were well kept and we will be back."
Plan for minimal shade: Most camping areas have little natural protection from the sun. At Toadstool, each site "has a covered picnic table (essential in the summer sun), bbq grate, fire pit, and garbage AND recycling bins," according to a reviewer. Another camper adds, "Beautiful scenery but no shade. Luckily it was not so hot that day."
Tips from RVers
Weight restrictions: Be aware of vehicle limitations in some areas. At Crawford City Park, Joel L. warns of a "5 ton weight limit on bridge to get in!!" while adding it's a "Cute, quiet RV campground with a few powered spots and primitive spots."
Honor system payments: Some remote sites operate on trust-based systems. At Pavement Ends, Hannah notes, "They work on the honor system regarding payments for either cash or venmo/cash app," but cautions that cell service is limited, making digital payments challenging.
Leveling requirements: Prepare for uneven parking surfaces. Lori C. explains that at Pavement Ends, "The surface is gravel and we had to do some leveling when we parked. There are hookups for 8 RVs but it would best accommodate 3-4 big rigs."
