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Best Tent Camping near McCook, NE

46 Reviews

Tent camping options near McCook, Nebraska include several established campgrounds within driving distance. Hayes Center State Wildlife Area offers primitive tent camping with a 5-star rating from visitors, while Prairie Dog State Park in Norton, Kansas provides more developed tent sites at the Meadowlark Campground. These locations serve as the primary tent camping destinations in this region of southwestern Nebraska and northwestern Kansas.

Most tent sites in the McCook area have minimal amenities, particularly at Hayes Center State Wildlife Area where no drinking water, toilets, or trash service is available. Campers should pack in all necessary supplies and be prepared to pack out all waste. A recent review noted, "We had a wonderful 2 night stay here. Find a spot close to water." Prairie Dog State Park's Meadowlark Campground offers more amenities for tent campers, including drinking water, picnic tables, fire rings, showers, and toilets, making it suitable for those wanting a less primitive experience.

The tent camping experience near McCook varies significantly between locations. Hayes Center provides a more secluded, primitive experience where campers can enjoy natural surroundings with fewer facilities. Prairie Dog State Park offers a more developed camping experience with multiple loops, some featuring significant tree cover for shade. A camper wrote about Prairie Dog State Park: "There are a number of loops here, we chose one with a lot of trees. There are some without water and some that don't allow RVs." The park also features fishing opportunities and wildlife viewing, particularly prairie dogs. Weather conditions can change rapidly across the plains, with campers reporting impressive storms moving through the area. Tent campers should secure their equipment properly and be prepared for changing weather conditions typical of the Great Plains region.

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Best Tent Sites Near McCook, Nebraska (5)

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Tent Camping Reviews near McCook, NE

46 Reviews of 5 McCook Campgrounds

  • Katie L.
    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.

  • C
    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 😂

  • M
    Jun. 16, 2020

    Oberlin-Sappa State Park

    Nice quiet spot

    And free! Kind of an odd spot to arrive in, but really nice. Just two tiny signs indicating ‘camping’ in between. Trees and a field of mowed grass bordered by what appears to be a dry lake. A water pump on one side but it was shut off so none available. An electric box that was on the honor system to pay, but it was locked and unavailable as well. So we dry camped with our small teardrop. One picnic table, there are street type lights at one end. Only ones there but someone came in at dusk that seemed to be familiar with it and pulled behind a bank of trees with more privacy. There is a sign indicating that there must have been restrooms at one time- probably pit toilets- but they’re are NO bathrooms at this site! The sites themselves are not marked or numbered, so you just pull into a grassy spot between the trees!

  • J
    Aug. 2, 2019

    Karrer Park

    Nice little stop while traveling!

    We found this nice little city park in McCook, NE which allows camping and has free electric hook-ups, and restrooms. There are only 7 spaces but the park is well maintained. There is no reservations it’s a first come first serve. There is a 3 day limit on your stay. It was a great stopping point for anyone needing a quick stop. There are trees surround the park and a little river running beside the park. The even had LIGHTENING BUGS !!

  • Tommy S.The Dyrt PRO User
    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.

  • JThe Dyrt PRO User
    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!

  • Fran S.
    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.

  • G
    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.

  • Pam G.
    Aug. 13, 2019

    Karrer Park

    Great free stop

    Nicely kept roadside campground with grass and trees. Electric hookups (very nice in Nebraska summer). Lots of dragonflies to eat the mosquitoes. Airport across the street and railroad behind to mix with road noise. A little far to walk back to town for dinner. But local stopped by an said we should go to Fuller’s for breakfast (5 egg omelette).

Guide to McCook

Tent campsites near McCook, Nebraska offer access to the Republican River watershed and Frontier County's diverse landscapes. The region typically experiences hot summers with temperatures reaching 90°F and cold winters with significant wind across the open plains. Camping options range from primitive wildlife management areas to more developed state park facilities across the Nebraska-Kansas border.

What to do

Fishing opportunities: Keith Sebelius Lake Recreation Area provides shoreline fishing access with catfish and walleye being common catches. The lake covers approximately 2,600 acres when at full capacity.

Wildlife viewing: Prairie Dog State Park features extensive prairie dog towns and birdwatching opportunities. "Yay: Lots of fishing, very short 'trail' but nice for just simple relaxing on your road trip," notes one camper.

Storm watching: The Great Plains region offers dramatic weather patterns visible from many campsites. Campers at Meadowlark Campground have observed "crazy storms rolling over the plains" which provide natural entertainment during summer months.

What campers like

Helpful staff: The park attendants at Cottonwood Campground offer local knowledge about regional attractions. Visitors mention that "the caretakers were very nice and had recommendations for all kinds of things along our route (including amazing pie)."

Water proximity: At Hayes Center State Wildlife Area, campers appreciate sites near the water. A recent visitor stated they "will be back" and recommended others "find a spot close to water."

Campsite variety: The multiple camping loops at Prairie Dog State Park accommodate different preferences. Some loops have substantial tree cover while others are more open. As one camper noted, "There are a number of loops here, we chose one with a lot of trees."

What you should know

Limited amenities: Most tent campsites near McCook, Nebraska require self-sufficiency. Hayes Center has no drinking water, toilets, or trash services, requiring campers to pack in all supplies and pack out all waste.

Campsite selection: Leota Cove Campground offers both electric and non-electric sites, with tent campers often preferring the more secluded non-electric areas. Some loops specifically prohibit RVs, making them quieter for tent camping.

Weather preparedness: Strong winds are common in this region, requiring secure tent stakes and rainfly setups. Summer thunderstorms can develop quickly, particularly in late afternoon.

Tips for camping with families

Choose developed campgrounds: When camping with children, the facilities at Prairie Dog State Park provide necessary conveniences like restrooms and potable water not available at wildlife management areas.

Activities planning: Keith Sebelius Lake offers swimming areas that are appropriate for families during summer months, though no lifeguards are present and parents should supervise children.

Shade considerations: For summer camping with families, look for loops with substantial tree cover. This becomes essential during hot summer days when temperatures regularly exceed 90°F.

Tips from RVers

Loop selection: At Meadowlark Campground, RVers should note that "There are some [loops] without water and some that don't allow RVs," making advance research important.

Dump station access: Prairie Dog State Park provides sanitary dump stations, though they can become congested during peak weekend checkout times.

Seasonal availability: Winter camping options are extremely limited in the McCook region, with most facilities reducing services or closing completely from November through March due to freezing temperatures and maintenance needs.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is the most popular tent campsite near McCook, NE?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular tent campground near McCook, NE is Hayes Center State Wildlife Area with a 5-star rating from 1 review.

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

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

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