Best Campgrounds near Melbeta, NE

The Melbeta area features several established campgrounds serving RV, tent, and cabin campers along the North Platte River valley. Riverside Park Campground in Scottsbluff offers full hookups for RVs with electric, water, and sewer connections, while Wildcat Hills State Recreation Area south of Gering provides more primitive tent sites. Robidoux RV Park and Captain Critters Country Campground cater primarily to RVers, while Chimney Rock Pioneer Crossing near Bayard includes both RV sites and cabin accommodations. Most developed campgrounds in the region are concentrated within a 20-mile radius of Scottsbluff, the area's largest city.

Camping availability varies seasonally throughout the Nebraska panhandle, with most campgrounds operating from April through October. Lake Minatare State Recreation Area campsites close mid-October through mid-January, while others like Robidoux RV Park remain open year-round. "We arrived after 5pm so the office was closed, but we found the camp spot easily with the information from the booking email, and our site had our names on it which was great," noted one Lake Minatare visitor. Reservations are recommended during summer months, particularly for waterfront sites at Lake Minatare. Weather conditions can be extreme, with summer temperatures regularly exceeding 90°F and winter bringing snow and freezing temperatures. Many campgrounds have fire restrictions during dry periods.

Proximity to geological landmarks makes camping in the region particularly appealing. Sites near Chimney Rock provide views of this famous Nebraska landmark, and campgrounds in Gering and Scottsbluff offer convenient access to Scotts Bluff National Monument. A camper at Chimney Rock Pioneer Crossing shared, "The view of Chimney Rock was right out our front window." Riverside Park Campground connects to walking and biking paths along the North Platte River. Visitors mention trains as a consistent noise factor near many campgrounds, particularly at Oliver Reservoir where one reviewer noted trains "sound like jet planes taking off consistently throughout the night." Bathroom and shower facilities vary widely between campgrounds, with Robidoux RV Park maintaining the most consistently positive reviews for cleanliness and upkeep. Most developed campgrounds provide drinking water and trash service, while electrical hookups are available at all RV-oriented sites.

Best Camping Sites Near Melbeta, Nebraska (30)

    1. Robidoux RV Park

    17 Reviews
    Gering, NE
    8 miles
    Website
    +1 (308) 436-2046

    "Very large sites, spaced well away from neighbors. Grounds are meticulously kept. Would have stayed here longer, but it was 100 degrees in the shade!"

    "It was located next to the Five Rocks Amphitheater and had a shared green space with a nice playground for children."

    2. Riverside Park Campground

    9 Reviews
    Scottsbluff, NE
    10 miles
    Website
    +1 (308) 632-6342

    "This campground is in the city park right next to the zoo so you can hear the peacocks screaming. Says you must reserve ahead of time online but it must be done before 12 hours prior."

    "Within a short distance of Scottsbluff NPS, and that made it convenient for our plans. Try Sam & Louie’s pizza if you’re in town!"

    3. Bayard City Park

    8 Reviews
    Bayard, NE
    10 miles
    Website

    "This spot is basically three gravel RV spots next to a park. The park was nice and the gravel was pretty flat. It has a dumpster, port-a-potty, shaded tables, and a water spigot."

    "Three spots with electric and water next to a nice park. Convenient well stocked grocery store in town. Thank you Town of Bayard"

    4. Chimney Rock Pioneer Crossing

    7 Reviews
    Bayard, NE
    11 miles
    Website
    +1 (308) 631-4478

    "We walked to the rock location and took the trail at the cemetery. It is a bit of a distance (we had 5 miles) but we are hikers and didn’t mind."

    "Pioneer Crossing is located between Bridgeport and Scottsbluff. It’s a small 15 pull through campground($38/night) with 1 cabin which is $60/night."

    5. West Wind - Lake Minatare SRA

    6 Reviews
    Scottsbluff, NE
    11 miles
    Website
    +1 (308) 783-2911

    "At Lake Minatare there are primative and normal campsites. The primative spots are where ever you feel is fit."

    "Walking around the beach by the lake was so nice and we found a fun tire swing. There were only a few other people there and we had a great campfire."

    6. Wildcat Hills State Recreation Area

    4 Reviews
    Gering, NE
    10 miles
    Website
    +1 (308) 436-3777

    $15 / night

    "If you love to hike and want to truly feel like you are away from it all check out Wildcat Hills."

    7. Captain Critters Country Campground

    4 Reviews
    Scottsbluff, NE
    14 miles
    Website
    +1 (308) 765-4260

    "Small all gravel park, spaced rather close to each other but it works. Mostly surrounded by trees to help with wind. Small dog park and I believe there was a swing set as well."

    8. Peaceful Prairie Campsites - Gering, Nebraska

    2 Reviews
    Gering, NE
    10 miles
    Website
    +1 (308) 672-1114

    $35 - $55 / night

    9. Riverside Park Campground

    2 Reviews
    Scottsbluff, NE
    10 miles
    Website
    +1 (308) 632-6342

    "Quiet campground, close to grocery shopping, gasoline, main street Scottsbluff, or Gering not far away. Scottsbluff National Monument 5.3 miles and Frontline bar & grill 1 mile away."

    10. Lakeview Point Campground - Lake Minatare SRA

    1 Review
    Scottsbluff, NE
    10 miles
    Website
    +1 (308) 783-2911

    $30 / night

    "Nice Campground near a lake. Site is clean end a view over the lake."

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Recent Reviews near Melbeta, NE

112 Reviews of 30 Melbeta Campgrounds


  • Mindy H.
    Aug. 10, 2025

    Bridgeport State Rec Area

    Bridgeport NE State Park

    Nice campspot more secluded but not by the lake like most campsites. It has a few connected lakes with campsites, boating, swimming, fishing, and other water activities. Cost is $15 per night for camping and non-resident $14 per day.

  • Jeff R.The Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 8, 2025

    Oliver Reservoir State Recreation Area

    Nice spot

    Free but ask for a donation to help with upkeep. Lots of trees an of course a reservoir, not to many level spots but worked for our 30 ft trailer. Just stopped for 1 night but would return for longer stay.

  • BThe Dyrt PRO User
    Jul. 20, 2025

    Bridgeport State Rec Area

    Sweet family lake

    Super friendly helpful locals. Clean water lake. We out in our canoe for late afternoon fishing. Our 25 ft trailer right on the little lake fed by the North Platte. No bugs to speak of!

  • EThe Dyrt PRO User
    Jul. 4, 2025

    Riverside Park Campground

    Great location

    Quiet campground, close to grocery shopping, gasoline, main street Scottsbluff, or Gering not far away. Scottsbluff National Monument 5.3 miles and Frontline bar & grill 1 mile away. Near to fenced small/big dog park, and next to Riverside Discovery Center. Great WiFi, full hookups available and tent camping. Older campground but nice.

  • Anne K.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jul. 2, 2025

    Oliver Reservoir State Recreation Area

    Beautiful Quick stop

    We were passing through and most of the sites were taken, but the dates that people would be there were in the future by several days. We camped at a site that was reserved for July 3 on July 1. We knew we were leaving in the morning in be and wouldn’t be there when the people arrived on July 3rd. We had a great swim, dinner and s’mores, and great sleep. The trains were frequent and kept some awake. In the morning the host came over to inform us we were trespassing. We told her we were packing up, but she didn’t see the flawed reservation system the way we did. We finished our cafe took a dip and hit the road.

  • Truly W.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jul. 1, 2025

    Bayard City Park

    Cute park, RV/Van spots

    This spot is basically three gravel RV spots next to a park. The park was nice and the gravel was pretty flat. It has a dumpster, port-a-potty, shaded tables, and a water spigot. Overall quiet except for the trains nearby which honk every hour or so. I’m not sure if you could tent camp here or not.

  • Alaine D.
    Jun. 30, 2025

    Oliver Reservoir State Recreation Area

    Easy, basic campsite

    First come, first serve, and we got lucky with grabbing one the of the last spots on a Sunday afternoon. The sites are quite large, and all within walking distance of the water (in my opinion). There are active train tracks across the street, where the trains sound like jet planes taking off consistently throughout the night… for that reason I probably wouldn’t stay for more than 1 night, but the campsite is free and the host is great!

  • Ryan S.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jun. 28, 2025

    Bridgeport State Rec Area

    Locals call this "The Pits"

    As a person that's from this area I can say that the camping is nice. I've never been a fan of the lake itself as it's a bunch of smaller pockets of water with the main lake being donut shaped and they allow boats to be in it that can go around in circles. Definitely seems like an accident waiting to happen. Railroad goes right by it so be ready for constant train traffic as well.


Guide to Melbeta

Camping near Melbeta, Nebraska, offers a mix of beautiful landscapes and friendly campgrounds. Whether you're in an RV or pitching a tent, there are plenty of options to enjoy the great outdoors.

What to do:

  • Explore local attractions: Visit the nearby Scotts Bluff National Monument for stunning views and hiking trails. One camper mentioned, "We booked for a couple of days to visit Scott’s Bluff Monument, Chimney Rock, and Fort Laramie" while staying at Riverside Park Campground.
  • Fishing and wildlife watching: Head to Oliver Reservoir State Recreation Area for fishing and spotting local wildlife. A visitor shared, "The lake is a hot spot for many different birds and a beaver, so no shortage of wildlife."
  • Hiking: Check out the trails at Wildcat Hills State Recreation Area for a peaceful hike. One reviewer noted, "This campground has some great views and a few hiking trails."

What campers like:

  • Spacious sites: Campers appreciate the large, well-kept sites at Robidoux RV Park. A happy camper said, "Very large sites, spaced well away from neighbors."
  • Quiet atmosphere: Many enjoy the peaceful environment at Chimney Rock Pioneer Crossing. One visitor remarked, "Spots are fairly small but quiet."
  • Friendly hosts: Campers often mention the welcoming staff. A reviewer at Jeske’s Over The Hill Campground said, "The owner was great and one of the employees helped make an extra accommodation for us."

What you should know:

  • Limited amenities: Some campgrounds, like Bayard City Park, have basic facilities. A camper noted, "No toilets. No showers. Beautiful area."
  • Train noise: If you're sensitive to noise, be aware that some campgrounds, such as Oliver Reservoir State Recreation Area, are near train tracks. One camper mentioned, "The trains kept me awake until 10:30 and started again at 6 am."
  • Reservations recommended: Many campgrounds require reservations, especially during peak seasons. A visitor at Riverside Park Campground said, "Says you must reserve ahead of time online but it must be done before 12 hours prior."

Tips for camping with families:

  • Playgrounds and activities: Look for campgrounds with family-friendly amenities. Riverside Park Campground has a playground and picnic area, making it a great spot for kids.
  • Wildlife encounters: Kids will love spotting bunnies and other wildlife at Robidoux RV Park. One camper mentioned, "Bunnies. Nice view of rock formations."
  • Plan for shade: Some campgrounds may lack shade, so bring canopies or umbrellas for comfort. A visitor at Wildcat Hills State Recreation Area noted, "All sites are very close together."

Tips from RVers:

  • Big rig friendly: Many campgrounds, like Robidoux RV Park, are accommodating for larger RVs. A satisfied camper said, "It was easy to get into with our big 5th wheel rig."
  • Check site levels: Some sites may not be level, so it's good to check before setting up. A camper at Riverside Park Campground mentioned, "Spots are semi-level."
  • Dump stations available: Look for campgrounds with dump stations, like Chimney Rock Pioneer Crossing, to make your stay easier. A reviewer noted, "It’s catch and release only."

Camping near Melbeta, Nebraska, has something for everyone, from families to seasoned RVers. Enjoy the great outdoors and make some lasting memories!

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is the most popular campground near Melbeta, NE?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Melbeta, NE is Robidoux RV Park with a 4.4-star rating from 17 reviews.