Best Campgrounds near Newcastle, NE

The Newcastle, Nebraska region provides several developed camping areas along the Missouri River corridor, primarily featuring established sites at Ponca State Park and nearby wildlife management areas. Newcastle Campground offers tent and RV sites with water and electric hookups throughout the year. The nearby Ponca State Park includes multiple campgrounds such as Riverfront, Oak Bluff, and Turkey Ridge, with accommodation types ranging from primitive tent sites to full-service cabins. Several mixed-use campgrounds in the area accommodate both RV and tent camping, while specialized cabin areas like the Cabin Loop within Ponca State Park cater to visitors seeking more comfortable amenities.

Nebraska park passes are required at Ponca State Park in addition to camping fees, with primitive sites available for $10-15 during off-season periods. Most developed campgrounds in the area provide electric hookups, drinking water, and toilets, while showers and dump stations are available at select locations. Weather conditions vary seasonally, with winter camping available but at reduced services. Several campgrounds require reservations, especially during summer months, while others operate on a first-come basis. A camper noted: "We found a great space in the Turkey Ridge campground. Electric with a water spigot between 2 spaces. We were in a tree cave with very little sunlight."

Many camping areas near Newcastle feature riverside locations with views of the Missouri River, making them popular for fishing and water activities. The terrain throughout the region includes wooded areas and river bluffs, providing scenic views and hiking opportunities. Ponca State Park stands out with its extensive recreational offerings beyond camping, including trails, wildlife viewing, and educational programs. According to one visitor: "The park has a lot to offer and there are some fun trails that lead to good views. If you're looking for long hikes you'll be making a lot of circles back and forth across roads." Campers frequently mention the area's abundance of shade trees, wildlife viewing opportunities, and proximity to water access points as key benefits when staying in the region's camping areas.

Best Camping Sites Near Newcastle, Nebraska (94)

    1. Riverfront Campground — Ponca State Park

    10 Reviews
    Ponca, NE
    9 miles
    Website
    +1 (402) 755-2284

    $25 - $30 / night

    "If you want a nice place to camp in NE Nebraska, this is it. Lots of shade, hiking, trail rides, campsites are pretty and easily usable. Enough space for 6 people easily. Showers, campfire rings."

    "Tent camping continues to be available and has better privacy than many sites throughout Nebraska. The park isn't far from a small town where you can easily get anything you might need for your trip."

    2. Oak Bluff Campground — Ponca State Park

    9 Reviews
    Ponca, NE
    8 miles
    Website
    +1 (402) 755-2284

    $30 / night

    "We pulled in after office ours and easily found several primitive walk up sites to choose from. We selected T45 for it’s proximity to a scenic Missouri River overlook and it’s flat, shaded ground."

    "Need to pay the State Park entrance fee if you don't have an annual pass, but the campground is enjoyable. Close to recreational opportunities for the kids."

    3. Cabins — Ponca State Park

    6 Reviews
    Ponca, NE
    9 miles
    +1 (402) 755-2284

    $105 - $231 / night

    "Easy drive down to the Missouri River. Plus they have a pool!"

    "Miles of trails! My family did 7 miles. Wonderful views of 3 states. Along the Missouri River. Lovely welcome center with puzzles and games."

    4. Elk Point City Park Campground

    6 Reviews
    Westfield, SD
    9 miles
    Website
    +1 (605) 356-2141

    $15 / night

    "Water is centrally located.

    Each site has electric. Some are 50 some are 30. All have 20A/110.

    This is attached to a public park and next to a high school. It’s a very nice area."

    "Playground right there and a nice walking path"

    5. Mulberry Bend Wildlife Management Area

    5 Reviews
    Vermillion, NE
    6 miles

    "I tow a 20ft trailer Next to Vermilliom river. 1 picnic table, pit toilet, boat ramp. Easy to get to. Well maintained gravel road. No potable water. Walmart is 5.3 miles away."

    6. Turkey Ridge — Ponca State Park

    3 Reviews
    Ponca, NE
    8 miles
    Website
    +1 (402) 755-2284

    $30 / night

    "A lot of places in Iowa are closed to camping until April or even May. I looked west and quickly found this."

    "We arrived on the cusp of the 100 year anniversary celebration of the Nebraska State Parks. Lots of fun extra things to do!

    We found a great space in the Turkey Ridge campground."

    7. Clay County Park — Clay County

    6 Reviews
    Vermillion, SD
    11 miles
    Website
    +1 (800) 809-2071

    "In the trees, shaded, and a short walk along a pleasant trail to the Missouri River. The trail system, which is accessible from campground, is great. We were in site 18, which is near the playground."

    "The whole area was thoroughly cleaned, trees trimmed, trails groomed, restrooms spiffed, etc.  Guest feedback on these changes was overwhelmingly positive and we expect further growth this season. "

    8. Lions Park

    4 Reviews
    Vermillion, SD
    10 miles
    Website
    +1 (605) 677-7064

    9. Union Grove State Park Campground

    11 Reviews
    Beresford, SD
    19 miles
    Website
    +1 (800) 710-2267

    $22 - $26 / night

    "Trails in the area give you a chance to stretch your legs. Convenient to the interstate, but that also means some highway noise if you are not in a hard sided camper."

    "We had the best tent site on the grounds, corner spot with decent trees and distance, most other spots are right on top of each other."

    10. Newcastle

    1 Review
    Newcastle, NE
    0 miles
    Website
    +1 (402) 692-3192
Show More
Showing results 1-10 of 94 campgrounds

2025 Detourist Giveaway

Presented byToyota Trucks

Review Campgrounds. Win Prizes.

Enter to Win


Recent Reviews near Newcastle, NE

281 Reviews of 94 Newcastle Campgrounds


  • RThe Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 14, 2025

    Union Grove State Park Campground

    Great overnight spot

    Right off the interstate, great access. On hill, treed sites. Large sites, with power. Some back in and some pull through. Great restrooms with showers. Campground host. Make reservations on line. Limited number of sites. Dump station. You can hear the interstate, but small nice campground

  • Travis A.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 8, 2025

    Mulberry Bend Wildlife Management Area

    Mulberry Bend Wildlife Management Area

    Nice spot to overnight for a day or two. Not a very large spot but enough room for 6 or 7 rigs. I tow a 20ft trailer Next to Vermilliom river. 1 picnic table, pit toilet, boat ramp. Easy to get to. Well maintained gravel road. No potable water. Walmart is 5.3 miles away.

  • AThe Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 23, 2025

    Snyder Bend County Park

    Nice lakeside walking path

    No reservation needed. Self check-in before 10pm. $25 for electric & water hookup. Lake facing spaces available if not already taken. Nice walking trail lakeside. Yes. There are mosquitoes at dusk.

  • RThe Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 16, 2025

    Mulberry Bend Wildlife Management Area

    Open in August 2025. No idea what all the fuss is about.

    I almost skipped this spot because people were complaining about it being roped off or closed, or it didn't look safe or whatever, and it couldn't be farther from the truth. Whoever is writing those is probably either overly conscious, or they're trying to dissuade other campers so that they can have the spot to themselves. But it's such a big place and a lot of places to park that it doesn't really make a whole lot of sense to do that, so I don't know what their motive was.

    There are trash cans and if you can do water procurement, there's the Missouri River. I don't see a grey dump though.

    No problem at all getting my bus in here.

  • Nancy B.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jul. 27, 2025

    Elk Point City Park Campground

    Nice park

    What a great find. $15 with electric and some water hookups. Playground right there and a nice walking path

  • W
    Jul. 25, 2025

    Bloomfield - Lewis and Clark SRA

    Quick Tour

    We recorded our last visit (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=umNkBK\_PPGQ) so that we would remember the site numbers for the RV spots. 

    They have 4-6 spots along the water.  This is one of my favorite campgrounds. Amazing views!

  • Jessica K.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jul. 19, 2025

    Mulberry Bend Wildlife Management Area

    Nice stop

    Not too far down a gravel road. Great views and breeze of the Missouri River. No signs about camping or not. I see a vault toilet but didn't try it.

  • Jessica K.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jul. 19, 2025

    Mulberry Bend Wildlife Management Area

    No longer a boat ramp - CLOSED

    This is now closed off w a fence. There are houses around the area too, off a gravel, curvey road that doesn't seem safe to stay on for the night. No pull off at all anymore.

  • lThe Dyrt PRO User
    Jul. 14, 2025

    Scenic Park

    Perfect for 1 nite OR a long stay!

    Sites are easy to park in. Plenty of trees and grass. Some noise from train and city, but very bearable. Easy access from and to Sioux City and highway. Office folk accommodating, helpful, and there for you .


Guide to Newcastle

Camping near Newcastle, Nebraska, offers a mix of beautiful landscapes and family-friendly activities. Whether you're looking to pitch a tent or park your RV, there are several campgrounds that cater to different needs and preferences.

What to do:

  • Fishing: Many campers enjoy fishing in the nearby rivers and lakes. One reviewer at Chief White Crane Recreation Area mentioned, "We enjoyed river fishing while we were here. There is a swimming beach just a short drive away too."
  • Hiking: Explore the scenic trails around the area. A visitor at Ponca State Park shared, "So much to do on site. Miles of trails! My family did 7 miles. Wonderful views of 3 states."
  • Wildlife Watching: Keep an eye out for local wildlife. A camper at Cottonwood Campground noted, "There were bison and wild horses in the campground."

What campers like:

  • Clean Facilities: Campers appreciate well-maintained restrooms and showers. One reviewer at Union Grove State Park Campground said, "The bathrooms were very clean but no soap provided which I thought was super unhygienic."
  • Spacious Sites: Many campgrounds offer roomy spots for tents and RVs. A visitor at Nebraska Tailwaters mentioned, "Nice large sites and enough room to move around."
  • Family-Friendly Atmosphere: Campgrounds like Lewis And Clark Recreation Area are great for families. One reviewer said, "We love coming to Lewis and Clark Recreation Area because it's clean and perfect for families!"

What you should know:

  • Reservations: Some campgrounds require reservations, especially during peak seasons. A camper at Riverfront Campground noted, "Great place to camp!!! South Dakota has it right with making reservations!"
  • Limited Amenities: Not all campgrounds have full hookups or amenities. A visitor at Nebraska Tailwaters pointed out, "No water or sewer at sites, but can fill and dump at a site on the main road leading to the campground."
  • Wildlife Caution: Be aware of wildlife, especially in areas like Cottonwood Campground. One camper warned, "Beware in autumn of falling walnuts."

Tips for camping with families:

  • Choose Campgrounds with Play Areas: Look for spots that have playgrounds or open spaces. A family at Chief White Crane Recreation Area enjoyed, "There is a huge green space in the middle of the campground, and all around the campground are several fantastic playgrounds."
  • Plan for Activities: Bring games or outdoor equipment. A camper at Union Grove State Park Campground mentioned, "Trails in the area give you a chance to stretch your legs."
  • Pack Snacks: Keep snacks handy for the kids. A reviewer at Nebraska Scenic Park Campground said, "Spacious site well cared for grounds. Close to everything in the city."

Tips from RVers:

  • Check Site Sizes: Make sure your RV fits the site. A visitor at Oak Bluff noted, "Tight squeeze for larger campers, not all sites are 50 amp and sites are smaller than most state parks."
  • Look for Electric Hookups: Many RVers prefer sites with electric hookups. A camper at Riverfront Campground mentioned, "We were right on the river. Gorgeous view and glamorous site."
  • Be Prepared for Weather: Check the forecast before you go. A reviewer at Nebraska Tailwaters shared, "Wish we had known before we pulled in, but not a big hassle."

Camping near Newcastle, Nebraska, has something for everyone, from families to RV enthusiasts. With clean facilities, spacious sites, and plenty of activities, it’s a great spot to enjoy the outdoors.

Frequently Asked Questions

What camping is available near Newcastle, NE?

According to TheDyrt.com, Newcastle, NE offers a wide range of camping options, with 94 campgrounds and RV parks near Newcastle, NE and 2 free dispersed camping spots.

Which is the most popular campground near Newcastle, NE?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Newcastle, NE is Riverfront Campground — Ponca State Park with a 4.7-star rating from 10 reviews.

Where can I find free dispersed camping near Newcastle, NE?

According to TheDyrt.com, there are 2 free dispersed camping spots near Newcastle, NE.