Join the fun near Niobrara. With tons of outdoor activities and scenic camping, this is an excellent vacation spot for all kinds of travelers. There's so much to see and do, from exhilarating hikes or bike rides to exploring the local dining and shopping. Search nearby campsites and find top-rated spots from other campers.
Gavins Horse Camp — Lewis And Clark Recreation Area
35 min away
Platte Creek State Rec Area
1 hr 45 min away
$30 - $35 / night
"Little town of Niobrara, just a few miles away has limited shopping but a nice little grocery store, hardware store, museum, and fuel.
Confluence of the Missouri and Niobrara Rivers."
"Not to be mistaken as Fort Niobrara, Niobrara State Park , NE is near Niobrara and Verdel, NE."
$35 / night
"Park overlooks the confluence of the Niobrara river and the Missouri River. There was an old train bridge turned into a hiking trail, very cool being so close to the river."
"Beautiful views of the Missouri and Niobrara atop hervily wooded hills. Tent sites are either along the paved 1 way road or farther back in the trees of the hills via a short trail."
$160 - $170 / night
"Designed for families, there is a playground and lots of open space for the kids to run around. Pets are welcome."
"This park has so much to offer, it is located where the Niobrara and the Missouri River meet. Many amazing views beautiful clean water and miles of hiking trails."
$10 - $30 / night
"No one else around could hook us up to water. Super cheap too. $200 per month for long term plus electric you are responsible for and $15 per day for short term."
$30 / night
"The convenience of this full hook-up RV Park and its close proximity to the Missouri river boat dock makes this park one of our favorites."
"Nice simple RV Park very close to the boat ramp. We like to waterfowl hunt and fish and this marsh and river is an excellent place to vacation."
$15 / night
"Nebraska is HORRIBLE!!! We quit the Nebraska State parks years ago! Putting in coins to take a shower?! Really?! South Dakota doesn’t do that!!! South Dakota State Parks ROCK!!!!!"
"We had a wonderfull Campside with view of the Lake .The campground is very big and Quiet. Very clean Bathhouses .Lot of Beaches and Playgrounds for Kids. We come back ."
ScoutWe recorded our last visit (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=umNkBK\_PPGQ) so that we would remember the site numbers for the RV spots.
They have 4-6 spots along the water. This is one of my favorite campgrounds. Amazing views!
GuideWater and electric with pad and picnic tables and trees for $20! Also some tent sites. Nice place for an evening or morning walk to stretch legs around rodeo arena, between baseball fields and then around and small pond. Self serve payment envelopes. A handful of other campers around the CG that has about 16 (?) sites
TravelerGreat park. You do have to pay to shower though. Make sure you make it to the scenic overlook in the cabin area. There are beautiful views of the Missouri River!
TravelerEasy hook up, many sites with shade $20 per night. There is a shower and flush toilets but not very clean! That’s why only four stars!
LegendLocated in a small city park with only 3 obvious sites. There is a pool nearby, tennis courts, playground, picnic shelter, and park. There are businesses right across the street so quite a bit of activity during the day. Stayed here previously a few years ago and happened to be passing through again.
Legendquiet in this remote area with fishing. Located next to the Elkhorn River and Fred Penn Lake, this park offers primitive camping for $5/Day - first come, first serve. It is a great location to enjoy a nice quite picnic with your family.
RangerI didn't camp here, but I stopped as I was passing through. There are two camping areas, one area has 3 spots, this area is a little more private if you are the only one in this area. There is a little bit of road noise, you can see the highway through the trees.
The other area is a wider open space. It is farther from the highway and will have less noise.
The sites have water and electric. I only saw a 30A plug on the one I checked but other sites may have 50A.
There is a downtown area a short distance away, probably a 5-10 minute walk.
Verizon and T-mobile were pretty slow here, but usable. On Verizon I got about 6Mbit down and 3 up. On T-mobile I got 5 down and 1 up. Both were 4G signals.
ScoutNice place to camp .Clean restroom clean campground. Fishing , eagle watching, quiet and peaceful
RangerLocated south of Yankton, SD and part of the South Dakota State Park system, this is a nice place to camp in a beautiful grove of cottonwood trees (I think). There are many campgrounds in the vicinity. This campground has 146 camping sites and 10 cabins. Bike/hike trails run through the woods and also along the water to Pierson Campground. There is a bandstand and 3 areas with playground equipment. Bathrooms have flush toilets and hot showers. There is a dump station along the road by the water. Individual sites have electricity but not water hookups. Hydrants are scattered throughout the campground. Wildlife in the area includes geese, ducks, turkeys, eagles, and beavers that I have seen. The sites are large and paved. No tent platforms, but two sites toward the back of the campground are designated for tents. I have visited 3 or 4 times and always in the Spring or Fall. This last trip was April and they just got the bathrooms/showers turned on. Other things to do: fishing, kayak or paddleboard, biking, and walking.
https://gfp.sd.gov/parks/detail/chief-white-crane-recreation-area/
Camping near Niobrara, Nebraska, offers a mix of beautiful scenery and fun activities for everyone. Whether you're looking for a peaceful getaway or an adventure-filled trip, this area has something for you.
Camping near Niobrara, Nebraska, is a great way to enjoy the outdoors with family and friends. With beautiful parks and plenty of activities, you're sure to have a memorable experience!
Frequently Asked Questions
What amenities are available at Smith Falls State Park on the Niobrara?
Smith Falls State Park offers essential camping amenities including potable water, vault toilets, picnic tables, and fire rings. The park has designated tent camping areas, river access for kayaking and tubing, and hiking trails that lead to Nebraska's highest waterfall. While the park itself doesn't offer electrical hookups, nearby Willow Creek State Recreation Area Campground provides more developed options. The park is typically open May through September with peak accessibility in summer months. Visitors should bring sufficient supplies as store options are limited, though basic items may be available at the park office during regular hours.
What are the best times of year to visit the Niobrara National Scenic River?
The prime time to visit the Niobrara National Scenic River is late spring through early fall (mid-April through mid-October). The Cabin Area — Niobrara State Park is typically in full operation during this period, with summer being most popular for water activities when temperatures reach 80+ degrees. For a less crowded experience, consider visiting in May or September when temperatures are milder but still pleasant for river activities. Winter visits to Mnisose Wicote (Wandering River) offer a tranquil, snow-covered landscape but require cold-weather preparation as many facilities close seasonally.
Do I need a permit for tubing or kayaking on the Niobrara River?
Yes, you need a permit for recreational activities on the Niobrara River. When visiting Cottonwood Campground, note that the river is managed by the National Park Service and requires a launch permit for tubing, kayaking, or canoeing. These permits are available at authorized outfitters and visitor centers. For areas near Miller Creek - Lewis and Clark SRA, you'll also need a Vehicle Entry Permit ($6 daily or $30-45 annually depending on residency). Always check current regulations before your trip as requirements may change seasonally.
Where are the best spots to camp along the Niobrara River?
Niobrara State Park offers exceptional camping with panoramic views where the Niobrara and Missouri Rivers meet. The park features multiple camping areas with electrical hookups, clean facilities, and easy river access. For a more rustic experience, Tent Camping Area — Niobrara State Park provides wooded sites along the hills with vault toilets and water spigots. Many sites offer stunning views of both rivers, and there are trails connecting to points of interest, including a converted railroad bridge trail that offers unique river perspectives.
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