Best Camping near McCook, NE

McCook is an ideal place for camping adventures of all kinds. McCook is a great camping destination for everyone. There are tons of nearby hikes, adventurous activities, and sights to see. Find the best campgrounds near McCook, NE. Read helpful reviews and tips to find the perfect camping option for you and your crew.

Best Camping Sites Near McCook, NE (26)

Showing results 1-10 of 26 campgrounds

Recent Reviews in McCook

47 Reviews of 26 McCook Campgrounds


  • SThe Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Enders Reservoir State Recreation Area
    Aug. 6, 2024

    Enders Reservoir State Recreation Area

    Nice and quiet.

    Sites with either electric or not. The electric sites were fairly full (note these are located near the highway) I went for the primitive. Not overly maintained. Some sites were hard to see. There are pit toilets, but from the primitives it is several hundred yards away. Down in the primitive there were no other campers.

  • Katie L.
    Camper-submitted photo from Cedar Ridge Campground — Prairie Dog State Park
    Jul. 15, 2024

    Cedar Ridge Campground — Prairie Dog State Park

    Great birds, busy park

    Stayed one night in a tent. Was able to find a site tucked in the trees that felt separate from the other campsites and it was perfect! Had a range of sites from primitive (picnic table and fire ring) to full hook up. Huge, busy campground but not overwhelming—there’s enough space to accommodate. Verizon works great.

  • Teresa T.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Shady Rest Campground — Prairie Dog State Park
    Oct. 27, 2023

    Shady Rest Campground — Prairie Dog State Park

    Unlike the other reviews, I think this place is great

    I've been here twice now. Once in July and now at the very end of Oct. Better in Oct. No ticks or bugs and frankly of all the camping locations, there is a number of different choices, I had my section to myself. This place has swimming, a small hike, your choice of camping location, a frisbee golf course and miles one could hike or bike. I think it is kind of a jewel in the Kansas system.

  • Kim H.
    Camper-submitted photo from Atwood Lions Club Park
    Oct. 15, 2023

    Atwood Lions Club Park

    Nice with FHU

    Gravel, level sites. Short walk to the convenience store to get key to unlock the utilities box and pay for the site (check or cash only). Beautiful lake with walking path just over a mile around.

  • M
    Camper-submitted photo from Cambridge City RV Park
    Sep. 23, 2023

    Cambridge City RV Park

    Great place

    There’s about 11 or 12 campsites here there’s a dump station, water available and electric it’s free they suggest a donation It is real sheltered with all the big trees 

  • G
    Camper-submitted photo from Oberlin-Sappa State Park
    Aug. 14, 2022

    Oberlin-Sappa State Park

    Oberlin-Sappa State Park

    Not sure how you are suppose to access the electric boxes all had a lock tag on them. I was able to check which boxes were hot and found two boxes hot but was only able to use the 110 plug. Did not find any potable water all faucets were marked as non potable. There is a sign that says to call city hall on Wednesday between 8 and 5 to active electric. Today it is 101 degrees.

  • S
    Camper-submitted photo from Prairie Dog Campground — Prairie Dog State Park
    Jun. 27, 2022

    Prairie Dog Campground — Prairie Dog State Park

    A Pure Gem

    Camping for anyone arriving at anytime. Don’t expect the best when arriving late, but most of you will have reservations, right? Then you will have the best. (Pause; Coyotes calling) this place has everything for any State Park you could ask. Expansive open grasslands a lake full of fish and fowl. Turkeys and whitetail deer and the coyotes call in the distance. A photographer could get lost in the pure wilderness available in the prairie. I’ve visited here during every season. The heat and bugs of mid July to the frozen autumn morings, always beautiful and teaming with wildlife. A great place to stay no matter your style. Just please be quiet, Mother Nature is listening.

  • JThe Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Prairie Dog Campground — Prairie Dog State Park
    Sep. 29, 2021

    Prairie Dog Campground — Prairie Dog State Park

    Pleasantly Surprised!

    We stayed in Prairie Dog State Park for one night on our way back home from Colorado and were pleasantly surprised with what a nice park this was. We stayed in a primitive site. The sites were spacious and had a wonderful shelter! The vault toilet, however didnt look like it had been swept in awhile as it had a LOT of bug carcasses. But otherwise a nice place to stay. Something for everyone, tents, RVs, campers. Beautiful views!

  • Kevin H.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Macklin Bay Campground
    Sep. 6, 2021

    Macklin Bay Campground

    Elec only sites - $30?

    Drove by to test connectivity. No T-Mobile, little ATT. Verizon 2.5 down 3.5 up

    One water spigot for whole campground. Has facilities but did not use

  • Kevin H.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Atwood Lions Club Park
    Aug. 29, 2021

    Atwood Lions Club Park

    Delightful small, clean with good wifi

    Great little campground in small town America. Run by the Lions Club, they’ve done a great job.

    No reservations. Just take a vacant spot and head over to the convenience store. Some sites more shaded than others.

    WiFi is great, but herewith ATT. 32 down, 3 up T-Mobile 5G 79 down, 15.3 up Visible: 11 down. 17 up

  • Jen K.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Medicine Creek State Rec Area
    Aug. 5, 2021

    Medicine Creek State Rec Area

    Favorite Place in Nebraska

    As avid outdoor lovers, fishermen and bow hunters this is our favorite place to be! The scenery is beautiful year round, wildlife is abundant and the park is so well kept and clean. The camp hosts, rangers, biologists are wonderful, friendly people! We love that the majority of the electrical sites are walk-up. Note: summertime is definitely busy time so plan ahead of you are staying through the weekend. Week day stays are much calmer and if you go before/after peak busy season, you will only have to share the entire park with a small handful of campers

  • P
    Camper-submitted photo from Enders Reservoir State Recreation Area
    Jul. 5, 2021

    Enders Reservoir State Recreation Area

    Tiny campsites, all RV

    The sites are tiny and made for RVs. There is no exclusive tent or primitive camping area. The reservoir is primarily used by jet skis and a few power boats. You can swim, but the water is murky brown.

  • CThe Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Karrer Park
    Jun. 4, 2021

    Karrer Park

    Neat spot

    Cool little park that is free to stay. No showers or this place would have gotten 5 stars (for what it is). You can’t really ask for much more from a free site. It includes electric hookups, but make sure you check to make sure your site works before you get all set up like me 😂

  • Fran S.
    Camper-submitted photo from Enders Reservoir State Recreation Area
    Mar. 23, 2021

    Enders Reservoir State Recreation Area

    Golf and Boating. Who would have think it!

    This evening, my husband and I are camped out on the beach at Champion Lake in Enders State Recreation Area, Nebraska. 

    We chose the campground at the left of the major Reservoir campground, which is the Dam Campground. It has 2 sections to it. You can actually camp on the beach at this one, but it is primitive camping. $10 a night. There is a dump station, and a potable water pump. 

    Permits are required, but your money envelope (deposit receipt) is your permit, if you are not local. We are staying 2 nights. 

    Oh yes . The golfing. Well, there is a golf course across the road from the campground. I didn't get to check it out, but you can, if you are interested. I'll update if I can. Internet isn't that great on Verizon here.

  • Mindy The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Oberlin-Sappa State Park
    Nov. 28, 2020

    Oberlin-Sappa State Park

    Not your typical state park

    State park ran by local city of Oberlin. Beautiful, well maintained grounds. The drive in leads one to wonder are we there yet? The answer is well kind of. We were sitting in a field in a spot that provided electrical hookups but if you keep going (don’t pull off into the field as we initially did) you will find more. $10 night fee provided us with 30/50 amp service, there was a water station to fill up. Frisbee golf, playground, lots of open space. We were able to get our electric bikes out and explore. Geocache located near and inside park.

  • Jesse S.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Indian Point Campground
    Oct. 23, 2020

    Indian Point Campground

    Shaded

    We found ourselves the best little shaded spot. We had a very nice afternoon and night here. We had a fire ring and a great tent area.

  • Tommy S.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Oberlin-Sappa State Park
    Jul. 12, 2020

    Oberlin-Sappa State Park

    Odd free campground

    This state park/campground is definitely.. unique. Following GPS directions to this camping area led us into the park and to a locked gate. Drive beyond the gate and there's an open field to the left with one official 'campsite'. Continue to drive past, following the road around for about 1-2 minutes, and you arrive to the "campground" / "Frisbee golf course", where there's 10 spots, I believe, and a donation based toilet. 

    There was someone set up at the single site in the open field, but the campground was empty. There were hookups that didn't look like they functioned. Since there were blue signs with "camping" written on them, and arrows pointing to the open field, we pulled our van along the back behind some trees, where there was a cute spot with a picnic table, and access to "Lake Bottom Trail" which really looked like a mowed path around a hunting ground. There was also another trail or two in the area, but we did not explore them.

    The air was filled with tiny black flies (though harmless) but dozens and dozens got caught in my arm, head, and leg hairs, and it was quite frustrating, but again they were quite small and harmless, but that was my main issue with the location. 

    Locals drove by a few times, as it seemed farmland and some houses are accessed through the park. The town of Oberlin has very limited food/supplies.



Guide to McCook

Camping near McCook, Nebraska, offers a mix of beautiful landscapes and unique experiences. Whether you're looking for a quiet spot to unwind or a place to enjoy outdoor activities, there are several campgrounds to choose from.

What to do:

  • Fishing: Many campers enjoy fishing at places like Sheridan State Fishing Lake. One reviewer mentioned, "Free sites around the lake and ok fishing," making it a great spot for anglers.
  • Hiking and Biking: Trails are available for hiking and biking, especially at Prairie Dog Campground — Prairie Dog State Park. A visitor shared, "This place has swimming, a small hike, your choice of camping location, a frisbee golf course and miles one could hike or bike."
  • Wildlife Watching: The area is rich in wildlife. A camper at Brady Wildlife Management Area noted, "Cows for neighbors, quiet, a little noise from the freeway, but not bad."

What campers like:

  • Clean Facilities: Campers appreciate well-maintained restrooms and sites. One review for Karrer Park stated, "Everything was well maintained and beautiful."
  • Free Camping Options: Many enjoy the free camping at places like Sheridan State Fishing Lake. A visitor remarked, "Nice spot, we went Labor Day weekend and there was still availability."
  • Quiet Atmosphere: Campers often mention the peacefulness of the sites. A review for Enders Reservoir State Recreation Area said, "Sites with either electric or not. The electric sites were fairly full... I went for the primitive."

What you should know:

  • Limited Amenities: Some campgrounds, like Oberlin-Sappa State Park, have limited facilities. A camper noted, "Did not find any potable water; all faucets were marked as non-potable."
  • Unique Layouts: Campgrounds can be a bit quirky. One reviewer at Oberlin-Sappa State Park mentioned, "Following GPS directions led us into the park and to a locked gate."
  • Seasonal Access: Some campgrounds are only open during certain months. For example, Karrer Park is open from April to October.

Tips for camping with families:

  • Playgrounds and Open Spaces: Look for campgrounds with playgrounds, like Karrer Park. A visitor mentioned, "Frisbee golf, playground, lots of open space."
  • Plan for Activities: Bring bikes or outdoor games to keep kids entertained. One family at Prairie Dog Campground — Prairie Dog State Park enjoyed, "We were able to get our electric bikes out and explore."
  • Pack Snacks: Having snacks on hand can make a big difference. A camper at Karrer Park noted, "A little far to walk back to town for dinner."

Tips from RVers:

  • Check Electric Hookups: Make sure to verify that electric hookups work before settling in. One RV traveler at Karrer Park humorously said, "Make sure you check to make sure your site works before you get all set up like me."
  • Space for Big Rigs: Some campgrounds are more accommodating for larger RVs. A review for Blue Heron Campground mentioned, "There are 40 RV/Trailer sites that vary from pull thru to back in."
  • Be Prepared for Noise: Some campgrounds, like Enders Reservoir State Recreation Area, can have road noise. A visitor advised, "My advice park closer to the lake, less road noise."

Camping near McCook, Nebraska, has its quirks and charms. With a little planning, you can enjoy a great outdoor experience!

Frequently Asked Questions

  • Which is the most popular campground near McCook, NE?

    According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near McCook, NE is Karrer Park with a 4.3-star rating from 4 reviews.

  • What parks are near McCook, NE?

    According to TheDyrt.com, there are 2 parks near McCook, NE that allow camping, notably Harlan County Lake and Wilson Lake.