Tent camping options near Kearney, Nebraska primarily cluster along the I-80 corridor and surrounding waterways. The region features a mixed prairie ecosystem with elevations ranging from 2,000-2,300 feet above sea level. Summer temperatures typically reach 85-95°F during peak camping months, while spring and fall offer milder conditions with occasional thunderstorms and wind.
What to do
Fishing opportunities: Blue Hole Wildlife Management Area features a small pond for basic fishing. A camper noted, "There is a boat launching spot and a small trail to lead to the lake" with "a gas station up the road" for supplies.
Water recreation: Cedar Point offers access to Harlan County Lake, the second largest in Nebraska. "It makes for a nice picture of the lake with a dirt cliff on the right," according to a visitor who added it's "a great spot to put in a kayak or canoe and dip a line in for walleye, wipers, white bass, northern pike and channel catfish."
Hunting access: Several wildlife management areas serve as bases for seasonal hunting. At Bowman Lake State Recreation Area, campers appreciate the location for accessing nearby hunting grounds. One visitor highlighted the "nice river access, playground, fishing" despite its primitive nature.
What campers like
Quick overnight convenience: Many tent campers value these sites as travel stops along I-80. A visitor at Blue Hole Wildlife Management Area shared, "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."
Weekday solitude: Most sites see minimal traffic during weekdays. One camper stayed at Blue Hole and reported it was "a little sketchy but not quite as sketchy as some of the other wildlife management areas on this stretch of I-80," making it suitable "for a one night needed rest stop."
Off-the-beaten-path camping: Cheyenne State Rec Area offers tent sites with more basic amenities than commercial campgrounds. A visitor observed, "The more I travel I-80 the more I appreciate these little state parks off of it. We passed through this place on Labor Day weekend, and there was only one camper there."
What you should know
Security considerations: Some campers report concerning experiences at less-developed sites. One Blue Hole visitor warned, "My husband and I had a freaky experience here... 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."
Terrain limitations: Most tent sites feature undeveloped ground with minimal site preparation. At Blue Hole WMA, a camper detailed, "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."
Water regulations: All watercraft at regional lakes require inspection for aquatic invasive species. At Cedar Point, campers should know "all watercraft pose a threat of AIS Aquatic Invasive Species to the waterways in Nebraska" and "non-residents must obtain the AIS decal and apply to watercraft."
Tips for camping with families
Plan for minimal facilities: Most sites lack common amenities, requiring preparation. For example, one camper at Blue Hole WMA reported, "I did not see any toilets, picnic tables, or fire rings in the parking area," highlighting the need to bring all essential supplies.
Pack trash bags: Several campgrounds show evidence of litter problems. A visitor observed "some trash in the woods" at Blue Hole WMA, while another at a different site noted grass maintenance issues, suggesting bringing bags to pack out waste.
Consider seasonal timing: Bowman Lake State Recreation Area operates year-round, providing options during less crowded seasons. A visitor found it "quiet and private" with good recreation options for children, including a playground near the camping area.
Tips from RVers
Size restrictions: Most tent sites in the region can't accommodate larger RVs. A camper at Blue Hole noted that sites were "not good for large campers," and another mentioned the "cul-de-sac is a smaller circle" limiting turning radius for bigger vehicles.
Road condition awareness: Access roads to primitive sites may present challenges. At Cedar Point, a camper warned "the road up to this pit toilet is rather rough" and described secondary roads as "rather narrow, especially if you meet a vehicle pulling a boat and you are in an RV so be prepared."
