Fort Kearny State Recreation Area and several campgrounds near Holdrege, Nebraska offer camping options in central Nebraska's agricultural region. Located in the Platte River Valley with elevations around 2,200 feet, this area experiences hot summers with temperatures often reaching the 90s and cold winters with frequent below-freezing conditions. The region consists primarily of prairie landscape interspersed with man-made lakes and sandpit ponds created from excavation projects.
What to do
Fishing at multiple lakes: Fort Kearny State Recreation Area features seven sandpit lakes for fishing. One camper noted, "There are 7 sandpit lakes in the area that offer fishing. Lakes 5, 6 and 7 offer handicap accessible piers."
Biking on designated trails: Fort Kearny provides bike rentals for exploring the area. A reviewer mentioned, "Hosts were very nice and even have bikes for the kids," while another added, "There's a bike trail that goes to the Fort at the historical park."
Museum visits: The nearby Archway museum showcases regional history. A visitor at Kearney RV Park & Campground shared, "Close to a few museums, specifically the archway museum," making it convenient for cultural exploration.
Kayaking and water activities: Multiple campgrounds provide water access. One camper at Main Area Campground stated, "Kayak access down the road from our spot," while others mentioned swimming areas at several locations.
What campers like
Lake views and waterfront sites: Campers consistently praise sites near water. A visitor to Main Area Campground said, "The site I stayed at was right next to the lake. In the morning, the trees were beautifully lined along the campsites."
Clean facilities: Many campgrounds maintain good standards. A guest at Kearney RV Park shared, "The cleanest/nicest bathroom and shower area!" while another noted its "nice laundry and bathroom facilities that are handicapped accessible."
Wildlife viewing opportunities: War Axe State Rec Area and other locations offer nature observation. At Fort Kearny, one camper observed, "We even saw some deer in the field next to the campground."
Affordable camping: Several campgrounds provide budget-friendly options. A War Axe visitor mentioned, "The site is small and only caters to a handful of campers at $10 per site," while another noted, "Primitive camping at $10 per night."
What you should know
Park permit requirements: Nebraska parks require entry permits. A War Axe visitor advised, "Make sure to look online and get your pass for any Nebraska parks or rec areas before traveling to."
Highway noise proximity: Several campgrounds sit near Interstate 80. A camper at Cozad Lake Wildlife Management Area stated, "The noise from I-80 is always there (about 200') but it's constant and was ok for us."
Additional fees: Some locations charge beyond basic camping costs. A Fort Kearny camper cautioned, "In addition to the camping fee ($25 for elec only) there is a $14/day fee to drive into the recreation area."
Limited amenities at some sites: Facilities vary significantly between locations. A visitor to War Axe noted, "Bring anything you need with you as there are no services," while another mentioned, "No fire pits onsite, no water or dumpsite."
Tips for camping with families
Kid-friendly fishing options: Several locations offer accessible fishing. A visitor to Elwood Resort and Campground reported, "They sell bait for local fishing that is a 2 minute walk on a well mowed trail away."
Playground availability: Some campgrounds include play areas. A camper mentioned, "They have a dump, clean bathrooms with hot showers, a playground for the kids and a couple of walking/hiking trails nearby."
Quiet environments: Many locations provide peaceful settings. An Elwood Resort visitor shared, "We have 3 littles and the campground was so quiet it felt like our own great views and so peaceful!"
Beach access: Several locations feature swimming areas. A reviewer at Patterson Harbor Marina noted, "The beaches are nice and there is a marina which has bait, some food and supplies."
Tips from RVers
Level concrete pads: Several campgrounds offer stable parking. A Kearney RV Park visitor mentioned, "We rolled in and didn't even need to unhook. Level site, quiet (except for the interstate), easy breezy check in."
Dump station availability: Limited facilities may cause congestion. A Main Area Campground visitor observed, "There's only one RV dump site which made for a huge line in the morning."
Electric hookup options: Available services vary by location. One camper at Main Area Campground stated, "Campground is clean with electric hookups, tables, and fire pits."
After-hours check-in procedures: Many campgrounds accommodate late arrivals. A visitor shared, "We arrive at midnight the self checkin was easy. BRING CASH and QUARTERS," while another mentioned, "We arrived late and they had a map and packet ready for us inside the lobby."
