Best Dog-Friendly Camping near Kearney, NE
Fort Kearny State Recreation Area permits pets at all campsites while maintaining clean, well-kept grounds with stocked fishing ponds and full hookup options. Campers can exercise dogs in the designated pet area, with standard leash rules enforced throughout the park. Kearney RV Park & Campground features a spacious dog park large enough for pets to run and play freely, earning praise from visitors for the ample room to walk dogs along paths throughout the property. The park's concrete pads remain level without requiring adjustments, providing a convenient setup for RVs with pets. Both campgrounds accommodate tents, RVs and some glamping options, with most sites offering picnic tables, fire rings, and basic amenities.
Bassway Strip Wildlife Management Area offers free dispersed camping with pets allowed, providing a more primitive experience for campers seeking a natural setting without hookups or facilities. The 10-mile bike trail connecting Fort Kearny to downtown Kearney creates excellent pet exercise opportunities, though summer visitors should be prepared for significant mosquito activity. Morning walks along the paved trails at Windmill State Recreation Area wind through trees for comfortable dog outings. Campers note that highway proximity creates road noise at several campgrounds, making Kearney RV Park's fan settings useful for masking sound during overnight stays. Nebraska park entrance requires purchase of a state park permit before arrival, as these cannot be obtained on-site at many recreation areas.
