Tent camping near Holdrege, Nebraska centers around small wildlife management areas and recreation spots scattered along the Interstate 80 corridor. The Republican River watershed provides fishing opportunities at several locations, with camping typically available from April through October. Summer temperatures regularly reach 85-95°F, making spring and fall preferred seasons for tent campers seeking more moderate conditions.
What to do
Fishing opportunities: At Blue Hole Wildlife Management Area, anglers can access a small pond directly from the camping area. "There were a few spots. I took the first one across the pond... Super close to a gas station," notes Brittany G., who stayed for a night while passing through.
Wildlife viewing: Camping at these locations provides opportunities for bird watching and wildlife spotting. One camper at Blue Hole noticed "some light local use of the road and of the pond for fishing" during their overnight stay, indicating the area supports various recreational activities despite its small size.
Water recreation: Cedar Point offers a beach area accessible by vehicle. "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," reports one visitor who found it "a great spot to put in a kayak or canoe."
What campers like
Easy interstate access: Many campers appreciate the convenient locations for overnight stays. "Stayed for a night passing through on the way to Colorado. I was the only one on a Tuesday night," shared a camper at Blue Hole Wildlife Management Area, highlighting its usefulness as a stopover point.
Uncrowded camping: Even during peak times, these areas typically remain available. At Cheyenne State Rec Area, one camper noted "We passed through this place on Labor Day weekend, and there was only one camper there," making it reliable even when other campsites might be full.
Swimming beaches: Cedar Point provides designated swimming areas with paved access. "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 paved and in good shape," according to visitor reports.
What you should know
Safety considerations: Some locations have reported concerning incidents. At Blue Hole, one camper warned: "Around 4:30 AM a car pulled in quietly and parked right next to our van... A guy was outside smoking and putting some things in a bag. We started up the RV and dipped as fast as we could."
Road conditions: Access roads vary in quality throughout the region. At Cedar Point, "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."
Limited facilities: Most sites offer minimal amenities. "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," observed one Blue Hole visitor, adding "I did not see any toilets, picnic tables, or fire rings in the parking area."
Tips for camping with families
Beach activities: Roseland Lake Campground provides swimming opportunities during summer months. While facilities are minimal, the lake itself offers a cooling option during hot Nebraska summers.
Road noise management: Consider campsite placement due to interstate proximity. "Constant sound of the interstate," notes one Blue Hole camper, suggesting families select spots further from the highway when possible or use white noise machines for sleeping.
Supply planning: Limited services exist near most camping areas. Cedar Point visitors recommend: "Make sure you purchase your supplies before arriving," as the nearest full grocery store may be in a neighboring town.
Tips from RVers
Site limitations: Most locations accommodate smaller setups only. One Cedar Point visitor noted: "A small trailer, van, or pop up would be great here. It is very primitive, no fire rings, grills, etc."
Parking challenges: For larger vehicles, site options become extremely limited. "You could park in the cul-de-sac but it is a smaller circle," observed one Blue Hole camper, adding that neither of the two main spots was "good for large campers."
Off-season advantages: Shoulder season visits provide better experiences. "The thing with this, with camping getting more popular these places may have more of chance of a opening consistently," noted a Cheyenne State Recreation Area visitor, suggesting flexibility in timing improves the camping experience.
