Top Tent Camping near Kearney, NE

Looking for the best Kearney tent camping? The Dyrt helps you find campsites with tent camping near Kearney. Would you prefer a quiet dispersed site or an established camgpround with amenities? Either way, The Dyrt makes it easy to find the perfect place to pitch your tent.

Best Tent Sites Near Kearney, NE (7)


Recent Tent Reviews In Kearney

210 Reviews of 7 Kearney Campgrounds


  • Camper-submitted photo from Fort Kearny SRA
    September 24, 2024

    Fort Kearny SRA

    Quiet nice Campground

    Very inexpensive, convenient, nice place to stay for a layover. It's a first come basis with I believe 22 RV sites. They have a dump, clean bathrooms with hot showers(which super clean), a playground for the kids and a couple of walking/hiking trails nearby. The very long Cerro Gordo County trail is close to 50 miles long. Believe the cost was only $15 on our summer early September rate and drops to $10 basically in October for a few months, which includes a small fire pi, tabke, and electric! I'll just say a gem of a simple place.

  • Camper-submitted photo from Blue Hole Wildlife Management Area
    September 19, 2024

    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!

  • Camper-submitted photo from Holdrege City Park
    September 6, 2024

    Holdrege City Park

    LOUD

    A very loud "campground." Very close to many train tracks with multiple trains going through all night. Also, many semis accelerating as they leave the city. Not tent friendly as there's very little grass. On the plus side. The shower was great!

  • Camper-submitted photo from Cozad Lake Wildlife Management Area
    August 29, 2024

    Cozad Lake Wildlife Management Area

    Convenient and free

    There are about 10 spots around the pond. We took one of the3  pull through right next to I-80. Plenty of space, level, shade and if you just look at the lake: quit a nice view. The noise from I-80 ist always there (about 200') but it's constant and was ok for us (rather than trains every 30 minutes). There's a lot of trash but that's to be expected in a area like this. We cleand up some and it was ok for a night

  • Camper-submitted photo from Fort Kearny State Recreation Area
    August 7, 2024

    Fort Kearny State Recreation Area

    Easy spot to stay!

    Pulled in at night - was easy to get a spot. Very relaxing campground set against old growth trees. Beautiful pastures and some fishing ponds. Sites seemed pretty level. Right off highway but peaceful and quiet. Needs a little upkeep in terms of mowing the grass and cleaning trash up from the ponds.

  • Camper-submitted photo from Firefly Meadows
    July 18, 2024

    Firefly Meadows

    Fine for overnight

    No frills camping for one overnight is exactly what we needed, and what we got. Bathhouse itself was nice and clean, but needed a little maintenance, at least on the women’s side. No playground or amenities besides the bathhouse and laundry. Some kids fishing at the pond were catching small fish. Right off of I-80, next to a large Pilot truck stop with Subway.

  • Camper-submitted photo from Grand Island KOA
    July 15, 2024

    Grand Island KOA

    On top of neighbors

    Great campground other that you are on top of your neighbors. Thought we might not be able to open our awning, only about 3 to 4 feet between sites. Loved a lot of restrooms. Pool was nice. If you are tent camping great sites.

  • Camper-submitted photo from Fort Kearny State Recreation Area
    June 30, 2024

    Fort Kearny State Recreation Area

    An escape thats worth it

    First time at this park. 6/30/24. You roll in the staff are friendly to help. The park is quiet, plenty of room for your site. Its deffinetly a good stay if traveling through.

  • Camper-submitted photo from Pioneer Village Campground
    June 13, 2024

    Pioneer Village Campground

    Campground at Wonderful museum

    Older campground at museum. Clean and reasonable. Did not use showers. There is a nice grassy no hookups field. Good for tenters, horsemen.

  • Camper-submitted photo from Ravenna Lake State Recreation Area
    May 28, 2024

    Ravenna Lake State Recreation Area

    Pleasant Stay

    The only way to reserve a site is through camp spot and we have a little trouble with that because it did not let me pick my site number. We arrived Friday evening on Memorial weekend and it was crowded. The campsite is great on the pocketbook but you have to pay a $10 fee to lock in your site and I am so glad we did! There was only three other empty spots in the entire campground and they were all marked reserved when we got there. The campground was pretty busy We were a little disappointed in our site because it was very small and kind of sandwiched between two big campers so not a lot of privacy and not a lot of room. There were a lot of people fishing and kayaking and a lot of dogs. There are showers and bathrooms but they are up near the entrance to the campground although they did have porta potties near the campsites. Although the grounds were well maintained the grass was mowed there was volleyball net setup disc golf available a pet exercise area the fountain was beautiful and shady in most areas. We would probably return on a non-holiday weekend when it's not so busy.

  • Camper-submitted photo from Pioneer Village Campground
    May 16, 2024

    Pioneer Village Campground

    Rough, and would be fine except host got nasty

    I wasn’t going to write a review about the roughness of the campground, the very small and dirty showers and bathrooms, nor the very dirty museum(the pictures must have been when it was newer) until Mary, who checked me in, called my daughter a liar and told me I was going to have a life of disappointment because I don’t discipline her(texts attached). 

    I’m a PA member and found this place on their app. I was excited as that’s what my 11 year-old and I have been doing this school year. In fact, we had just stayed two days at Laura Ingalls Wilder’s house! Mary took my reservation on the phone and let me know sewer hookups were reserved for non-PA guests first. This was fine, though three of those nine spots were vacant both nights we were there. 

    We have two dogs with us. I let Mary know and she indicated that was fine as long as they were well-behaved. I told her they are. She told me they needed to be leashed, and I said, “Of course!” She continued to tell me a dog had been running loose that day for more than five minutes while she called it and while she understands sometimes they get out, this was just not ok. I agreed whole-heartedly. 

    I was surprised when we got there because the pictures on PA and on their website look tree-lined, grassy, and well-kept. It is rough. The grass is patchy and it’s more gravel than not. There are buildings around the RV sites that look like they’ve been abandoned for decades and they are the motel! It’s certainly not $35/night nice. It did come with a free ticket to the museum, so that was cool. 

    The museum has neat stuff. It’s very run-down and dirty; I was sneezy and some of the cooler buildings were very smelly. We’ve been in a lot of museums lately and this was both the most expensive and the least well-kept, which is too bad, because the stuff is cool. There are people restoring things and I hope that’s where the money’s going and it gets better. 

    After we had been gone for more than 24 hours I received a message from Mary implying that I’m a bad parent and my child is a liar. Remember, there was a dog loose Mary was calling for the day we arrived. No one said anything while we were there, because I believe it didn’t happen the way she says. We have been traveling most of this school year. We’ve been in campgrounds ranging from National Parks to Disney; basic to fancy. Through 22 states no one has accused us of not cleaning up after ourselves. We are diligent about it because I highly dislike it in others.

  • Camper-submitted photo from Coot Shallows WMA
    May 11, 2024

    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.

  • Camper-submitted photo from Johnson Lake State Recreation Area
    April 28, 2024

    Johnson Lake State Recreation Area

    Lovely Area to Camp

    I stayed at the Main camp ground with a great lake view on site 76. Sites 77-86 are pull through and the rest are back in for RV. There are also tent sites near the water. There are bathrooms, showers and electric (50/30amp), there are no water hook-ups. The dump station is currently closed (April 2024) due to construction. The camp grounds are close together but they have planted bushes between them to create privacy. I cant speak on the bathroom or showers as the are closed since it is off season.

  • Camper-submitted photo from Windmill State Rec Area
    October 27, 2023

    Windmill State Rec Area

    Clean well maintained and easy stop

    Nice trail around the outside that wove in and out of the trees for dog walking. Otherwise, I'm in an RV so no road noise. One caution for Verizon users who want to work during the day, the wireless is slow. Great after traffic slows but completely unworkable otherwise.

  • Camper-submitted photo from Blue Hole Wildlife Management Area
    October 10, 2023

    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.

  • Camper-submitted photo from Wood River West State Wildlife Management Area
    October 6, 2023

    Wood 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!

  • Camper-submitted photo from Holdrege City Park
    September 22, 2023

    Holdrege City Park

    Great $10 for elect

    I had a hard time finding this place you need to turn south on Burlington Street and cross the railroad tracks and then you will see it on the left. There are seven concrete pads and nice picnic tables 10 bucks for electric. There’s also I dump station and water available although when I was there, the water faucet was not operational because of a broken waterline

  • Camper-submitted photo from Muny Park
    September 14, 2023

    Muny Park

    Very clean and Quiet little Park

    The RV spots are easy to back into and are all concreted. Very clean park! Bathrooms are OK, 2 flush toilets and a sink. Electric and water hookups, and sewer dump available as you leave the park. Not too shabby for $25. Train tracks are close by however.

  • Camper-submitted photo from Pioneer Village Campground
    September 13, 2023

    Pioneer Village Campground

    Can’t miss

    The camp hostess was friendly and helpful. The campgrounds were quiet and well shaded. The bathrooms were old, but clean. No regrets at all staying there for the night. Don’t miss the Harold Warp Pioneer Village Museum while you’re there.

  • Camper-submitted photo from Blue Hole Wildlife Management Area
    September 13, 2023

    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.

  • Camper-submitted photo from Fort Kearny State Recreation Area
    August 22, 2023

    Fort Kearny State Recreation Area

    Peaceful camp just off the interstate

    This is a great campground with lots of shade and amenities. The showers require coins to operate, so make sure you bring $1 bills for the coin machine if you don’t have quarters. Half of the campsites are first come first serve, but we had no problem getting a site late at night.

    Note that you have to pay for both the campsite itself and for a motor vehicle permit. It seemed a little steep to me because we had to stay for two nights, and the total came out to $74. Maybe I’m just cheap.

    There are lots of playgrounds for kids. Also the campground host is situated next to a free bike rental stand. You can take a bike for free and ride around the whole campsite at any time. Pretty cool!

  • Camper-submitted photo from Wood River West State Wildlife Management Area
    August 22, 2023

    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.

  • Camper-submitted photo from Pressey State Wildlife Area
    August 19, 2023

    Pressey State Wildlife Area

    1 night stay

    Very peaceful location and almost all “primitive” camping spots are right along the water. Did see about 5 trailers there as well and saw two spots with electricity.

    The “primitive” spots were well maintained and a lot of them had fire pits and tables as well as left over firewood. They were all well shaded as well.

    There are two outhouse style bathrooms, a swing set, merry-go-round and monkey bars.

    Great place for young kiddos.

    Signs posted stated free camping for up to 14 days.

    We stayed at the last spot at the end of the road and didn’t have a single neighbor so it was nice and secluded.

    There is an integrity stand where you can buy bundles of wood for $5.

  • Camper-submitted photo from Fort Kearny SRA
    August 18, 2023

    Fort Kearny SRA

    Overpriced and subpar campground

    I've stayed 3 times at the Fort Kearney SRA for convenience only.  Nebraska Game & Parks has a punitive price model that charges out-of-state visitors $12/day to enter a park with a campground (no Senior discounts either) and then $15/day for a primitive campsite (no water or electric) that is a looong ways for the dirty and rundown restrooms.



Guide to Kearney

Camping near Kearney, Nebraska, offers a variety of experiences for outdoor enthusiasts. From family-friendly parks to serene spots for RVers, there’s something for everyone in this area.

What to do:

  • Swimming and Relaxing: Many campgrounds, like Grand Island KOA, feature pools that are perfect for cooling off. One camper mentioned, “The pool was nice and refreshing,” making it a great spot for families.
  • Fishing Opportunities: If you enjoy fishing, check out Mormon Island State Recreation Area. A reviewer noted, “Mormon island is just right if the interstate at the Grand Island exit. The sites are a little too close to each other but people are friendly and park is well kept and clean.”
  • Nature Trails: For those who love hiking, Windmill State Recreation Area has nice trails. One visitor shared, “Nice trail around the outside that wove in and out of the trees for dog walking.”

What campers like:

  • Clean Facilities: Campers appreciate well-maintained restrooms and showers. At Fort Kearny State Recreation Area, one reviewer said, “The showers require coins to operate, so make sure you bring $1 bills for the coin machine if you don’t have quarters.”
  • Friendly Staff: Many visitors highlight the helpfulness of campground staff. A camper at Kearney RV Park & Campground mentioned, “Friendly staff, nice laundry and bathroom facilities that are handicapped accessible.”
  • Spacious Sites: Campers enjoy having room to spread out. A review for Lafayette Park Campground noted, “Clean sites with just a few quiet RVers. Clean bathrooms.”

What you should know:

  • Noise Levels: Some campgrounds are near highways, which can lead to noise. A visitor at Windmill State Recreation Area mentioned, “The heavy trucks come out at night. For most city dwellers you don’t notice the noise but I live in a very rural area.”
  • Limited Amenities: Not all campgrounds have full amenities. For example, Sandy Channel State Rec Area lacks drinking water and electric hookups, as noted by a camper who said, “The state map of the campground shows hand pump well, BUT THE WELL HAS BEEN REMOVED.”
  • Check-in Procedures: Some campgrounds have unique check-in processes. At Main Area Campground, a camper shared, “The self check-in was easy. BRING CASH and QUARTERS.”

Tips for camping with families:

  • Activities for Kids: Look for campgrounds with playgrounds and pools. Grand Island KOA has lots of activities for kids, including a pool and playground.
  • Pet-Friendly Options: Many campgrounds allow pets, making it easier to bring the whole family. A reviewer at Nebraska Streeter Park mentioned, “Very nice spot. Would absolutely stay again!”
  • Plan for Meals: Some campgrounds offer food delivery. At Fort Kearny State Recreation Area, one camper enjoyed the convenience of ordering pizza delivered to their site.

Tips from RVers:

  • Easy Access: Look for campgrounds with pull-through sites for easier access. Kearney RV Park & Campground is noted for its “plenty of pull thru spaces.”
  • Level Pads: Ensure the campground has level pads for a comfortable stay. A reviewer at George H Clayton Campground said, “The site was level and had hookups.”
  • Quiet Spots: Seek out campgrounds that are a bit off the main roads for a quieter experience. A camper at Mormon Island State Recreation Area noted, “The sites are a little too close to each other but people are friendly and park is well kept and clean.”

Camping near Kearney, NE, has something for everyone, whether you're looking for family fun or a peaceful retreat.

Frequently Asked Questions

  • Which is the most popular tent campsite near Kearney, NE?

    According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular tent campground near Kearney, NE is Blue Hole Wildlife Management Area with a 2.5-star rating from 4 reviews.

  • What is the best site to find tent camping near Kearney, NE?

    TheDyrt.com has all 7 tent camping locations near Kearney, NE, with real photos and reviews from campers.