Best Dog-Friendly Camping near Nebraska National Forests and Grasslands
Pine Ridge Dispersed Camping offers free primitive camping with pet access approximately one mile above Chadron State Park. Located within the Nebraska National Forest, these rustic sites permit fires and welcome tent or RV camping without hookups or facilities. Sites require positioning within 300 feet of Forest Service road 714-A, with limited suitable spots for vehicles due to hidden drainage ditches along the roadside. The dispersed area provides stunning views stretching to the horizon, with sites positioned 700 feet above the plains below.
Chadron State Park Campground accommodates pets at both electric and primitive sites, offering 70 electric and 18 primitive camping options. The park also features pet-friendly cabins for visitors preferring enclosed accommodations. The campground maintains clean facilities with regular rounds from camp hosts and staff. Dogs must remain leashed while exploring the park's extensive hiking and mountain biking trails. Water access is available for pets needing to cool off during summer months. The park's location within the Nebraska National Forest provides numerous opportunities for wildlife viewing, including woodpeckers, white-tailed deer, mule deer, and potentially bighorn sheep in fall months. Visitors with dogs particularly enjoy the less crowded upper loop (sites in the 60s) which offers more space between campsites despite having less shade than lower areas.





