Camping opportunities near Long Pine, Nebraska include established campgrounds and scenic lakefront sites. The region sits in the Nebraska Sandhills at approximately 2,400 feet elevation, with summer temperatures averaging 85°F and cooler nights dropping to the 50s. Camping conditions typically feature sandy soil requiring proper tent stakes, with occasional strong prairie winds during seasonal weather changes.
What to do
Fishing at Calamus Reservoir: Valley View Flat Campground offers direct access to 5,000 acres of water known for walleye, northern pike, and catfish. "Making the trek back East, I needed a place to crash for the night. Quiet campground and a beautiful view off the lake," notes camper Shawn A., who also mentioned firewood is available for purchase at nearby gas stations.
Kayaking the calm waters: The protected bays around Valley View Flat Campground provide ideal conditions for paddling, especially during morning hours when winds are calmest. Visitors can rent kayaks at Calamus State Recreation Area or bring their own with convenient launch points near camping areas.
Hiking the surrounding prairie: Trails through the Nebraska Sandhills ecosystem showcase native grasses and wildlife. Observe deer, wild turkeys, and various bird species, particularly during early morning or evening hours when animals are most active.
What campers like
Clean facilities: Campers consistently mention the well-maintained amenities at area campgrounds. "Had a great experience tenting here. Bathrooms were very clean and overall had an amazing experience. I would recommend this spot to anyone especially for tenting," shares Chelsey about their stay at Valley View Flat Campground.
Spacious sites: The campgrounds offer ample room between sites. "FCFS, no reservations needed. About 10 electric sites, plenty of tent and/or primitive sites. Boat dock, shower house, clean restrooms. Usually pretty peaceful. Quite a bit of shade also," reports Danika S. about Valley View.
Solitude and quiet: Many visitors appreciate the peaceful atmosphere. "Spent a night here by the water and experienced a beautiful sunset. Its a perfect place to camp for a night or kayak for an afternoon. Got lucky enough to have the entire place to myself," writes Abigail C.
What you should know
First-come, first-served camping: Several campgrounds operate without reservations, requiring early arrival during peak summer months. Weekdays offer better availability than weekends, particularly between June and August.
Limited cell service: Prepare for spotty mobile coverage throughout the region. Download maps and information before arrival, particularly if using GPS navigation to locate remote camping areas.
Pay showers available: Lakota Youth Development - Tipi Stays provides shower facilities for guests, while Valley View charges for shower usage. "You have to pay for showers. 1.25 for 6 minutes got the job done," mentions Shawn A., providing useful information for budget planning.
Tips for camping with families
Kid-friendly water activities: The shallow areas near campground shores provide safe swimming zones for children. Pack water shoes to protect against sandy bottoms and occasional sharp objects.
Nature scavenger hunts: Create activities using local wildlife field guides. Children can identify prairie plants, birds, and insects common to the Nebraska Sandhills ecosystem during morning walks.
Primitive camping options: Valley View Flat Campground offers both electric and non-electric sites for families seeking different camping experiences. "Fire rings at each spot" allow for campfire cooking and evening entertainment, as noted by regular camper Danika S.
Tips from RVers
Large rig accessibility: Some campgrounds accommodate substantial RVs with no difficulty. According to Danika S., "We have a 38' 5th wheel and have no problem parking that and a boat and tow vehicle in our area" at Valley View Flat Campground.
Utility hookups: Electric, water, and sewer connections are available at select sites, particularly at Valley View. Arrive early to secure full-hookup spots during busy periods as these premium locations fill quickly.
Dump station access: Sanitary facilities for RVs exist on-site at Valley View Flat Campground, eliminating the need to locate disposal areas during your departure. This convenient feature allows for easier trip planning and departure logistics.
