Camping near Nebraska National Forests and Grasslands

Nebraska National Forests and Grasslands give you a different camping feel than other Midwest spots. At Chadron State Park Campground, you'll find a swimming pool that's great for kids and families. Red Cloud Campground has nice clean bathrooms and some shaded sites for a quiet stay. Spring and fall are the best seasons to visit when the weather isn't too extreme. Summers get hot here, and winter snow can make some roads tough to access. You should book ahead if you want spots at popular places like Chadron, especially on busy weekends. While camping here, check out Toadstool Geologic Park with its weird rock formations or Fort Robinson State Park to learn about local history. You can hike plenty of trails or fish in several spots throughout the forests and grasslands. Fort Robinson has good museums and historical signs if you're into that kind of thing. Box Butte Reservoir is good for fishing and floating on tubes when it's hot. Your phone might not work in some parts of the forests - Verizon seems to be the most reliable carrier. Make sure to stock up on food and supplies before heading out since stores can be pretty far from the campgrounds. Most sites come with picnic tables, fire rings, and clean bathrooms, but bring extra water since not all sites have hookups. The forests and grasslands work well whether you want quiet time or outdoor activities.

Best Camping Sites Near Nebraska National Forests and Grasslands (35)

    1. Chadron State Park Campground

    17 Reviews
    Chadron, NE
    8 miles
    Website
    +1 (308) 432-6167

    $30 - $140 / night

    "Chadron State park is located just a few miles south of Chadron, NE. There are many nice picnic areas throughout the park, some big enough to host large groups."

    "The park is nestled inside the Nebraska National Forest and provides breathtaking views all around. We stayed in a small cabin for this trip, but next trip will be bringing our camper."

    2. Red Cloud (Ne) Nebraska Nf — Nebraska National Forests And Grasslands

    6 Reviews
    Chadron, NE
    8 miles
    Website

    $10 / night

    "Good for a one night stay away from the hubbub of Chadron SP. Only downside is the noise from the road."

    "Campground is in the woods next to US Hwy 385. Noisy, especially with truck traffic. Noise decreased about 10pm. Otherwise, really nice campground. Would recommend for overnight stay."

    4. Pine Ridge Dispersed Camping

    3 Reviews
    Chadron, NE
    6 miles
    Website
    +1 (308) 432-0300

    "You actually have to drive through the State Park to access FR-714-A, and the park does not lock their gate overnight so access remains unrestricted."

    "It was ok -not much privacy as cars are passing by to the end of the path to watch sunset, walk the dogs or exercise. However the views from this area are simply phenomenal!"

    5. Crawford City Park

    6 Reviews
    Crawford, NE
    14 miles
    Website

    "Walking Trail nearby."

    6. Roberts Tract Camping Area

    1 Review
    Nebraska National Forests and Grasslands, NE
    0 miles
    Website
    +1 (308) 432-0300

    7. Eagles Rest RV Park

    3 Reviews
    Chadron, NE
    12 miles
    Website
    +1 (308) 432-4349

    "Close to Walmart. Water n electric."

    "Close to town clean rest rooms, Landry is available here . Showers older but CLEAN . Very quite and well managed . Not.fancy but I like it and yes I will stay here again."

    8. Nebraska National Forest at Chadron

    2 Reviews
    Chadron, NE
    13 miles

    "Factoid: When I stayed here I learned that the Nebraska National Forest is manmade! It is the largest hand planted forest in the US. it felt like a green oasis in the “desert" of Western Nebraska!"

    9. Box Butte Reservoir State Recreation Area

    4 Reviews
    Nebraska National Forests and Grasslands, NE
    15 miles
    Website
    +1 (308) 665-2900

    $10 - $25 / night

    "Layout is pretty easy to get around. Looked clean and well maintained."

    10. Soldier Creek Campground — Fort Robinson State Park

    4 Reviews
    Crawford, NE
    16 miles
    Website
    +1 (308) 665-2900

    $30 - $190 / night

    "Fort Robinson State Park is an activity packed park in Northwestern Nebraska, with some interesting history."

    "The trees were perfect for hammocking and there was a little creek right next to it. The grass was well trimmed and the campsite was very clean."

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Recent Reviews near Nebraska National Forests and Grasslands

102 Reviews of 35 Nebraska National Forests and Grasslands Campgrounds



Guide to Nebraska National Forests and Grasslands

Camping near Nebraska National Forests and Grasslands offers a unique experience filled with beautiful landscapes and outdoor activities. Whether you're looking for a peaceful retreat or an adventure-filled getaway, there are plenty of campgrounds to choose from.

What to do:

  • Hiking: Explore the scenic trails in the area. Campers at Chadron State Park Campground rave about the "plenty of cool hiking trails" available, making it a great spot for nature lovers.
  • Swimming: Enjoy a dip in the pool at Chadron State Park Campground. One visitor mentioned, "Awesome swimming pool," which is perfect for cooling off after a day of hiking.
  • Fishing and boating: At Box Butte Reservoir State Recreation Area, you can fish and enjoy boating. Campers have noted that it's a great spot for fishing and tubing, making it a fun place for water activities.

What campers like:

  • Clean facilities: Many campers appreciate the cleanliness of the campgrounds. A reviewer at Red Cloud Campground said, "Clean bathrooms. Nice sites with trees," highlighting the well-maintained amenities.
  • Quiet atmosphere: Campers enjoy the peacefulness of the sites. One visitor at Crawford City Park mentioned it was a "cute, quiet campground," making it ideal for those looking to escape the noise of city life.
  • Spacious sites: Many campgrounds offer ample space between sites. A camper at Fort Robinson State Park noted, "Campsites are well-spaced and generally level," which is great for RVs and tents alike.

What you should know:

  • Noise from roads: Some campgrounds are near highways, which can lead to noise. A reviewer at Red Cloud Campground mentioned, "Noisy, especially with truck traffic," so be prepared for some background sounds.
  • Limited amenities: Not all campgrounds have full amenities. For example, Toadstool Geological Park & Campground has no showers or electric hookups, so plan accordingly.
  • Seasonal availability: Some campgrounds have specific seasons. Chadron State Park Campground is open from April 15 to November 15, so check the dates before you go.

Tips for camping with families:

  • Activities for kids: Look for campgrounds with pools or playgrounds. Crawford City Park has a great playground for kids, making it a fun stop for families.
  • Short hikes: Choose campgrounds with easy trails for younger kids. Campers at Toadstool Geological Park & Campground enjoyed "great short hikes," perfect for little legs.
  • Pack snacks: Keep everyone happy with snacks on hand. One camper at Chadron State Park Campground appreciated the "soda vending machine," which is a nice treat after a long day.

Tips from RVers:

  • Check site sizes: Make sure your RV fits the site. A reviewer at Red Cloud Campground advised, "I wouldn't recommend any rig larger than a truck camper," so be cautious when booking.
  • Electric hookups: Look for campgrounds with electric hookups if you need them. Chadron State Park Campground offers electric hookups, which can be a lifesaver for longer stays.
  • Plan for road noise: If you're sensitive to noise, consider campgrounds further from highways. Campers at Crawford City Park noted the noise from trains, so keep that in mind when choosing your spot.

Camping near Nebraska National Forests and Grasslands can be a fantastic experience with the right preparation. Enjoy the great outdoors!

Frequently Asked Questions

What camping is available near Nebraska National Forests and Grasslands?

According to TheDyrt.com, Nebraska National Forests and Grasslands offers a wide range of camping options, with 35 campgrounds and RV parks near Nebraska National Forests and Grasslands and 4 free dispersed camping spots.

Which is the most popular campground near Nebraska National Forests and Grasslands?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Nebraska National Forests and Grasslands is Chadron State Park Campground with a 4.3-star rating from 17 reviews.

Where can I find free dispersed camping near Nebraska National Forests and Grasslands?

According to TheDyrt.com, there are 4 free dispersed camping spots near Nebraska National Forests and Grasslands.

What parks are near Nebraska National Forests and Grasslands?

According to TheDyrt.com, there are 5 parks near Nebraska National Forests and Grasslands that allow camping, notably Bankhead National Forest and Chugach National Forest.