Best Dispersed Camping near Kearney, NE
Looking for dispersed camping near Kearney? Find everything from dispersed backcountry camping to boondocking with The Dyrt. Search nearby dispersed campgrounds or find top-rated spots from other campers.
Best Dispersed Sites Near Kearney, NE (7)
1. Bassway Strip State Wildlife Area
Kearney, Nebraska6 Reviews•6 Photos•67 Saves- Pets
- Phone Service
- Dispersed
2. Blue Hole Wildlife Management Area
Kearney, Nebraska4 Reviews•6 Photos•18 Saves- Pets
- Phone Service
- Tents
- Dispersed
- Alcohol
3. Wood River West State Wildlife Management Area
Alda, Nebraska4 Reviews•7 Photos•39 SavesNot recommended for trailers or vans. High clearance vehicle is recommended, or simply use this as a "walk in site" for tents instead.
- Pets
- Phone Service
- RVs
- Tents
- Dispersed
4. Coot Shallows WMA
Kearney, Nebraska1 Review•4 Photos•23 Saves- Pets
- Fires
- Phone Service
- RVs
- Tents
- Equestrian
5. Martin’s Reach Wildlife Managment Area
Be the first to review!Alda, Nebraska•12 SavesIncludes 80 heavily wooded acres and 10 acres of pastureland with about 0.7 of a mile of river frontage on the Platte’s main channel. A slough runs through the center of it providing nesting habitat for blue-winged teal, green heron, and wood duck. As many as 88 species of birds have been recorded here in a single spring day. A small slough runs through this heavily wooded site which has adjoining privately owned lakes on both the east and west ends.
- Dispersed
Recent Dispersed Reviews in Kearney
15 Reviews of 7 Kearney Campgrounds
Melia S.
Scout
Blue Hole Wildlife Management Area
Sketchy
My husband and I had a freaky experience here and I wouldn’t want it to happen to anyone else. Around 4:30 AM a car pulled in quietly and parked right next to our van (even though there were other camping spots available). The only reason we woke up was because our dog started barking and freaking out. A guy was outside smoking and putting some things in a bag. We started up the RV and dipped as fast as we could. It’s a shame because it was a nice, convenient, peaceful spot otherwise. Be careful!
- LLinda R.
Traveler
Wood River West State Wildlife Management Area
Tough to get a vehicle down to “site”
This is NOT for rigs over 15’ long. Turn around potential is tight. Lots of beer cans around. Got down there and turned around and went back to 80. Just a little too creepy.
- MMegan K.Scout
Wood River West State Wildlife Management Area
Perfect for what I needed
Small area perfect for a quick night. There were a few people here when I got here but it’s easy to make room when you know most people are just trying to get a quick rest.
Gabriel H.Traveler
Coot Shallows WMA
Good for a day
It's a small park with a pond that you can fish at. We were the only campers in for the day and honestly probably wouldn't be great for tents. There are 3 pull outs that you can put in an RV or camper but not much else to this place.
- John D.Scout
Bassway Strip State Wildlife Area
Does the job but not nice.
Like others have said, it’s right next to the interstate so you hear traffic and truckers all night. I spent 2 nights here in February in a tent. It wasn’t nice but it was a place to sleep while in town for a class.
- BBen B.Scout
Blue Hole Wildlife Management Area
Ok for a free overnight
This is a small area with a pond just off the interstate. A little sketchy but not quite as sketchy as some of the other wildlife management areas on this stretch of I-80 (and I stopped at 3 before this one and decided to keep moving until I got here). A bit trashed, but not horrible. Constant sound of the interstate. Some light local use of the road and of the pond for fishing. I wouldn't make this a destination, but for a one night needed rest stop it's ok.
Hillary J.TravelerWood River West State Wildlife Management Area
Great overnight spot when traveling cross country!
We stopped here just to sleep when traveling across the country. It was easy to find and a relatively quiet spot. You could hear some road noise but I didn’t find it to bad. Nice views in the full moon! There is a pretty strong farm smell so just be prepared for that!
- BBrittany G.Scout
Blue Hole Wildlife Management Area
Good for a night
Stayed for a night passing through on the way to Colorado. There were a few spots. I took the first one across the pond. I was the only one on a Tuesday night. Super close to a gas station. Can hear and see cars from highway which didn’t bother me. Some trash in the woods and a few carcasses.
- GGrayson T.Scout
Wood River West State Wildlife Management Area
Super Convenient
Stopped here to sleep for the night on a cross-country road trip. It’s a gravel road right off I-80; farmland surrounded the camping spot and it was pretty private. No facilities so be prepared to pack out what you pack in.
- Lindsey J.Traveler
Blue Hole Wildlife Management Area
It was alright
Got here at night, turned into Chloe's circle, it was a short gravel road. 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. You could park in the cul-de-sac but it is a smaller circle. The slanted spot was occupied, there was a truck hanging out in the cul-de-sac, so I car camped in the last open spot. There's a decent amount of road noise from the interstate.
When I woke up in the morning it was pouring rain, so i did not explore, but I did not see any toilets, picnic tables, or fire rings in the parking area, there was a boat launching spot and a small trail to lead to the lake. There is a gas station up the road.
Chad L.
GuideBassway Strip State Wildlife Area
Not so great for tenting. Would only use it for overnight if you are driving through.
Woke up with tent covered in pill bugs and some ticks... It is also right next to the highway so it is kind of noisy. Kind of dirty with some trash, broken glass, and ammo because it's a hunting and
Scout G.TravelerBassway Strip State Wildlife Area
Convenient gravel lot off 80
Good for pulling off into while on a road trip. There's a road sign that marks it (not in the exact spot shown on map here). No facilities but less than 10 miles from the next rest stop. No one here on a busy travel Saturday when the rest stops were busy.
- Danny H.Guide
Bassway Strip State Wildlife Area
Nice location if you want to hike or fish
This is a general parking area for folks that want to fish, or use the beautiful, paved and lit hiking trail. However, it is close to I-80, so traffic noise is bad at night.
Frana B.ScoutBassway Strip State Wildlife Area
Great overnight spot!
Free. No facilities. Flat, established, wide dirt road. Multiple pull offs for camping, mostly flat. Cross a bridge to get there - dual axel limit 10 Tons. Trailer limit 23 Tons. Next to I-80 so some highway drone. Max of 3 days in 6 day period.
Great overnight spot! Such a nice surprise to come across this camping spot. Thank you!
(Photo is our vehicle parked for the night)
Bohdan T.ScoutBassway Strip State Wildlife Area
Beware of Possum
Basic primitive campsites along a gravel road, no fires, can stay up to 3 nights max, and is about 200 yard from the interstate. So I wouldn't recommend this spot if the highway noise bothers you.
A fat possum waddled up to me when I was setting up my tent in the dark since I pulled up to this spot late at night. He didn't bother me when I was sleeping but gave me a good scare. Saw him walking around again a bit later so it presumably lives there.
Guide to Kearney
Discover the beauty of dispersed camping near Kearney, Nebraska, where you can enjoy the great outdoors without the constraints of traditional campgrounds. These areas offer a unique experience for those looking to escape into nature.
Tips for free and dispersed camping near Kearney, Nebraska
- Many dispersed camping spots, like Bassway Strip State Wildlife Area, are free and do not require permits, making them perfect for budget-conscious adventurers.
- Be prepared for limited amenities; for instance, Blue Hole Wildlife Management Area has no drinking water or toilets, so plan accordingly.
- Keep an eye out for local wildlife and natural beauty, especially at places like Wood River West State Wildlife Management Area, where you can enjoy peaceful surroundings and scenic views.
Fishing and hiking opportunities for dispersed campers
- If you're into fishing, Coot Shallows WMA features a small pond where you can cast a line and enjoy a quiet day by the water.
- For those who love hiking, Bassway Strip State Wildlife Area offers access to beautiful trails, although be prepared for some noise from the nearby interstate.
- The Wood River West State Wildlife Management Area is a great spot for both hiking and fishing, providing a serene environment to explore.
Safety tips while free camping near Kearney
- Always be cautious of your surroundings; some visitors at Blue Hole Wildlife Management Area reported feeling uneasy due to unexpected visitors at night.
- Make sure to pack out what you pack in, as many areas like Martin’s Reach Wildlife Management Area lack trash disposal facilities.
- Stay alert for potential hazards, such as broken glass or trash, which have been noted by campers at places like Bassway Strip State Wildlife Area.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular dispersed campsite near Kearney, NE?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular dispersed campground near Kearney, NE is Bassway Strip State Wildlife Area with a 3.2-star rating from 6 reviews.
What is the best site to find dispersed camping near Kearney, NE?
TheDyrt.com has all 7 dispersed camping locations near Kearney, NE, with real photos and reviews from campers.