Medicine Creek State Recreation Area and Prairie Dog State Park offer cabin lodging options near McCook, Nebraska, typically within a 1-2 hour drive. During summer, cabin occupancy rates reach 85-90%, especially on weekends. Winter guests experience significantly lower occupancy, with midweek availability exceeding 70% at both locations.
What to do
Fishing opportunities: Medicine Creek State Recreation Area provides access to a reservoir known for walleye and crappie fishing. "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," notes a visitor to Medicine Creek State Rec Area.
Wildlife observation: Prairie Dog State Park features multiple species beyond its namesake. "Fantastic state Park with full hookups... Beach, fishing and a delightful small City of prairie dogs to entertain the kids for hours," writes one camper at Prairie Dog Campground.
Photography opportunities: The expansive grasslands provide numerous photographic subjects. According to a reviewer, "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."
What campers like
Quiet atmosphere: Several cabins at Prairie Dog State Park are positioned away from busier campground areas. "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," reports a camper at Shady Rest Campground.
Swim beaches: Water access remains a popular feature during summer months. "Shaded RV spots with hookups. Good swimming," notes a visitor about the facilities at Prairie Dog State Park.
Clean facilities: Medicine Creek maintains well-kept grounds throughout the year. "Clean campground. Swim beach and boat dock nearby," states a review from Shady Bay Campground.
What you should know
Insect activity: Seasonal bug populations can impact outdoor activities. "When I did have to go out to take my dogs out to the bathroom, the bugs would fly up my nose and were all over me. I joked when I got back inside that this is the next place they should drop off for the show Naked and Afraid," warns a summer visitor to Prairie Dog State Park.
Bathroom maintenance: Cleanliness varies by location and season. "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," reports a guest at Prairie Dog State Park.
Weather preparedness: The open plains experience substantial weather events. One camper mentions "crazy storms rolling over the plains" as a notable occurrence at Prairie Dog State Park.
Tips for camping with families
Wildlife viewing timing: Morning and evening offer optimal prairie dog observation opportunities. "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," says a reviewer at Oberlin Inn & RV Park.
Tick prevention: The deer population correlates with tick presence. "This campground is beautiful and spacious, and it is fun to watch the deer wander around, but with deer come ticks. We camp in many places and have seldom seen so many ticks in one place," cautions a family who visited Prairie Dog State Park.
Seasonal considerations: Fall provides a more comfortable experience with fewer insects. "I've been here twice now. Once in July and now at the very end of Oct. Better in Oct. No ticks or bugs," recommends a repeat visitor.
Tips from RVers
Site selection: Cedar Ridge campground offers superior views and access. "Excellent for large RVs. Pull thru sites with full hookups and overlooking Norton reservoir," advises an RV camper.
Utility connections: Water and electric hookups vary by campsite section. "Super flat landscape, very short walking trail, main attraction is fishing, less wildlife than I expected. Quite a few campsites to choose from, some with more trees than others," notes an RV camper at Prairie Dog State Park.
Off-season advantages: Shoulder seasons provide more spacious camping experiences. "KS parks folk are organized and place is tip-top! Good location off route 36," reports a visitor to Prairie Dog State Park.
