Best Tent Camping near Loup City, NE

Join the fun near Loup City. With tons of outdoor activities and scenic camping, this is an excellent vacation spot for all kinds of travelers. There are tons of hikes and other fun activities to partake in. Experience some of the most stunning views that Nebraska camping has to offer. At The Dyrt, campers like you share their favorite spots, plus tips and photos. No matter where you're headed in Loup City, you'll find the best spot for you and your camping crew.

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Best Tent Sites Near Loup City, Nebraska (5)

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Tent Camping Reviews near Loup City, NE

195 Reviews of 5 Loup City Campgrounds


  • R
    Oct. 2, 2021

    Fort Kearny State Recreation Area

    Great base camp for viewing Sandhill cranes

    Nice camp ground with helpful gate attendants, this Nebraska park represents the conundrum of many public campgrounds. Here, there are plentiful showers (yes, 75 cents for three minutes, woopdeedoo) but no water spigots and few usable pit toilets. There are primitive sites, 30 amp (yellow) and 50 amp (red) sites so no generator noise and all sites are near stocked ponds. A mix of overnight and long term visitors. Sandhills cranes can be viewed in the adjacent corn stubble in April. Limited cell service and no WiFi

  • Shannon G.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jul. 31, 2021

    Trade Winds

    Fun, lively campground but too close together

    3 miles East of Loup City is Trade Winds campground. It is privately owned so you don’t need a state pass. It has 12 cabins and 20 Rv/tent sites with electricity and shared water. The sites are very close together but have shade trees. Each site is back in with picnic bench and fire rings. There is a nice marina for food,bait, supplies. And it has a grill open on weekends. There is a coin operated shower house and laundry mat area. The Marina also has kayak, boat slip, and storage for rent. Everyone there seems to be nice. They even had a huge firework display.

  • oregonlums
    Apr. 12, 2021

    Mormon Island State Recreation Area Campground

    Easy access from I-80

    Spacious and well maintained campground. In March, the campground was still in WINTER season so only one bathroom location open and no showers open in winter, and limited water access points, but we had a electric hookup. Our campsite loop bordered vegetation, was spacious between campsites, and fairly protected from Interstate noise. Had a fire ring and picnic table. Several lakes and pretty trees. Camp hosts were friendly and helpful with questions! Don’t forget to visit sandhill cranes in March/April.

  • H
    Oct. 13, 2020

    Sandy Channel State Rec Area

    Tolerable in August, but only because we could swim a little

    A short drive from the Interstate. Lots of sites to choose from on a weekday in August. The sites are spread among the sand channel ponds. Incredibly, we were not bothered by mosquitos. Sites had picnic tables and fire rings. Fire wood piles were all around to help yourself from. There is a small “beach” area designate for swimming in one of the ponds. It is small. Because we were there during the COVID restrictions, we waiting until almost everyone left before we felt we would have enough space to swim without being within 6 feet of others. The water was nice and cooled us down nicely.

    The newly build vault toilet was OK. Our son reported the men’s side was terrible. The women’s side was just fine. We needed a spot to stay close to the Interstate for a cross-country trip and this was open and available. I would not return. But I do remember the fireflies fondly. There were tons.

  • Tarrah C.
    Apr. 5, 2023

    Fort Kearny State Recreation Area

    Lots of camping option

    This is a nice site with electric and tent sites. Each site has fire ring and there are vault toilets around the site. There are tent site that are free. You can camp there off season. Some of the site are on the river. There are also several hiking trails.

  • Justin S.The Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 12, 2024

    Union Pacific State Rec Area

    Primitive but quaint

    It is more of a fishing area for the locals than anything but it is open and you can camp. There are no marked sites. A local told me when they come here they just park in the grass anywhere and pay the fee. There is a vault toilet and "modern restrooms" (thr vault toilet is cleaner) but no showers as The Dyrt describes. There is a water sticker at the brick building on your left as you enter. You'll get a little interstate noise and distant train horns, but nothing that earplugs cannot fix. Nice place to pull off and sleep for the nights without utilities.

  • Susan L.
    Sep. 6, 2020

    Fort Kearny State Recreation Area

    Quick stopover

    This was a quick stopover due to bad weather coming in. A daily vehicle park permit is required and when this is added in to the cost, it’s a bit pricey for what it is, but the Recreation Area has a lot going for it. Check the photo of their brochure for camping pricing. They go by Electric Plus, electric and basic. 

    There are 7 sandpit lakes in the area that offer fishing. Lakes 5, 6 and 7 offer handicap accessible piers. Lake 7 has the swimming beach. I was camped backed up to Lake 4 at site 57. This site wouldn’t accommodate anything longer than 26’. It was also right next to site 58, so it would be great for 2 families looking to camp together, but otherwise, not so good. The site wasn’t level due to erosion, which was pretty significant. 

    The area has beautiful, mature cottonwood trees. One of these was right at site 57 so there was lots of shade. Also a picnic table and fire ring. Electric h/u, but no water. Need to fill up prior to camping. I didn’t use the dump station or the bathrooms so can’t comment. 

    There’s a bike trail that goes to the Fort at the historical park. I didn’t have time to check this out, but would like to next time I pass through.

  • Shannon G.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 12, 2018

    Mormon Island State Recreation Area Campground

    Nice fishing area and camping along I-80

    Mormon Island is a nice, clean State campground along Interstate 80 at the Grand Island exit. There is a store right before the entrance in case you forgot anything or need to purchase firewood. There are 3 different areas for campers, a tent area, a Rv area, and an area for generator use. The Rv area has Electric and the sites are evenly spaced on black top and are level. Each site has a fire ring and picnic table. There is also plenty of day use areas. The restrooms are clean and have water fountains. There is a separate shower house and laundry that is also well kept. The grounds are maintained and are attractive.

    There is a playground for children, a fishing pier, biking, and nice trails to explore. This is a nice area with lots to explore including the Platte River. Just beware of deer ticks. Spray,Spray,Spray..my husband left with 32 visitors that needed to be pulled out.

  • SThe Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 26, 2021

    Ravenna Lake State Recreation Area

    Only getter better

    Lots of work and upgrades in progress to facilities like bath house and hook ups etc. Porta-Potties available and free remnant firewood boxes for fire rings. Picnic tables metal wire on cement slabs. RV pull thru on gravel. Easy to call for details and upgrade status; nice staff. Peaceful Camping. Spent two nights for Nebraska Junk Jaunt.


Guide to Loup City

Tent camping near Loup City, Nebraska, offers a variety of scenic spots for outdoor enthusiasts looking to immerse themselves in nature. With options ranging from well-equipped recreation areas to more primitive sites, there's something for everyone.

Amenities for Tent Campers

  • The Sherman Reservoir State Rec Area provides drinking water and clean outhouses, making it a convenient choice for families.
  • At Bowman Lake State Recreation Area, you'll find basic amenities like drinking water and toilets, perfect for those seeking a simple camping experience.
  • For a more rustic stay, Greeley City Park offers essential facilities such as drinking water and toilets, ideal for tent campers looking for a budget-friendly option.

Activities to Enjoy

Unique Features of Local Campgrounds

  • Sherman Reservoir State Rec Area is known for its beautiful, clean lake, providing a stunning backdrop for your camping experience.
  • The Wooden Castle offers electric and water hookups, catering to those who prefer a bit more comfort while camping.
  • At Cheyenne State Rec Area, pets are allowed, making it a great choice for campers who want to bring their furry friends along.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is the most popular tent campsite near Loup City, NE?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular tent campground near Loup City, NE is Bowman Lake State Recreation Area with a 4-star rating from 1 review.

What is the best site to find tent camping near Loup City, NE?

TheDyrt.com has all 5 tent camping locations near Loup City, NE, with real photos and reviews from campers.