The area around Harrison, Nebraska sits at approximately 4,700 feet elevation in the northwestern corner of the state. The landscape features a mix of grasslands and pine-covered buttes with a semi-arid climate that can bring temperature swings of 30+ degrees between day and night. Most campgrounds remain open from April through October, though weather can vary significantly with summer temperatures often exceeding 90°F.
What to do
Hiking accessible trails: Gilbert-Baker Wildlife Management Area offers well-maintained hiking paths with varied terrain. A camper noted, "We had a blast hiking and fishing around the area. The sites were well kept and we will be back."
Historical exploration: Visit Fort Robinson State Park for a combination of outdoor activities and history. According to one visitor, "SP itself is beautiful and full of things to do. If you want to stay near by but a more private CG look to the soldier creek CG hosted by the USDA shortly up the road from Ft Robinson."
Wildlife viewing: The remote setting of Pavement Ends campground offers opportunities to hear and possibly see local wildlife. As one camper reported, "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."
What campers like
Convenience for exploring national monuments: Pavement Ends serves as an excellent base for visiting Agate Fossil Beds National Monument. A camper shared: "It's a very remote campground a half mile down from the Agate Fossil Beds National Monument Visitor Center. It looks like a boondock site, but they have 30/50 amp hookups and water as well as a dump site."
Budget-friendly options: Harrison City Park offers camping spots at reasonable rates. A visitor explained, "Stay is donation based with deposit right next to camp sites," while another mentioned, "Like James reported, there are two very close sites with a third for handicapped. Quiet little town."
Clean facilities: Crawford City Park maintains well-kept grounds with basic amenities. A reviewer noted: "Clean campground, 4 sites with electricity and water ($20). Many sites without electricity ($10)."
What you should know
Weather considerations: Summer temperatures can be extreme, requiring extra precautions. At High Plains Homestead, a camper warned: "This camp is out of the main stream. Miles down a dirt road. We are in a 35ft Motorhome/ pulling a car - take it slow! There is no dump and they charge for water."
Noise factors: Some campgrounds experience noise from trains or livestock. At Crawford City Park, a camper reported: "The noise is from the 4-BNSF trains per hour coming from/going to the Wyoming coal fields," while another mentioned, "The stockyard was busy so we could hear the country sounds of cows and dogs."
Permit requirements: Nebraska state parks charge vehicle entry fees. At Red Cloud Campground, a visitor clarified: "NE SP requires a pass for each motorized vehicle. In state is $6 per day or $30 annual. Out of state is $12 per day or $60 annual. $30 per day plus cost of pass."
Tips for camping with families
Playground access: Several pet-friendly campgrounds near Harrison offer recreational amenities for children. One camper at Crawford City Park mentioned: "Great playground for kids. Walking Trail nearby."
Educational opportunities: Fort Robinson State Park provides learning experiences alongside outdoor activities. A visitor shared: "There are loads of activities close by to do and see including historic sites, museum, swimming pool, fishing, Jeep rides, it's seriously endless!"
Safety considerations: Dog-friendly campgrounds like Red Cloud at Fort Robinson State Park offer secure environments. As one camper noted: "Wonderful campsite! I camped solo here and there was plenty of space with trees, a fire pit, and picnic table. The grass was well trimmed and the campsite was very clean."
Tips from RVers
Hookup availability: Red Cloud Campground at Fort Robinson provides excellent amenities for RVs. A camper described: "This is a full hookup (electric/water/sewer) campground, appears to be recently updated. Concrete pad, fairly level. Picnic table and grill in each site."
Site dimensions: Harrison City Park offers limited but functional RV spots. A reviewer explained: "Sites are basically two parking stalls on a concrete pad. The only way to fit two RVs at a time would be if they were both vans, and that would be tight."
Road access: Some pet-friendly campgrounds near Harrison have challenging approaches. At High Plains Homestead, a visitor warned about the access road: "Miles down a dirt road. We are in a 35ft Motorhome/ pulling a car - take it slow!"
