William E.
Scout
ScoutCottonwood Campground
Nice campground
Enjoyed it has hot showers
Camping near Niobrara, NE
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Niobrara State Park serves as the primary camping destination in the Niobrara, Nebraska area, offering a variety of accommodations where the Niobrara and Missouri Rivers converge. The park features three distinct camping areas: Modern Campground with electric hookups for RVs and tents, a dedicated Tent Camping Area with more secluded sites, and a Cabin Area with fully furnished accommodations. Additional camping options exist within driving distance, including Springfield Recreation Area and Wildwood Acres Park, providing alternatives for those seeking mixed-use campgrounds with various amenities and terrain features.
Campground facilities throughout the region remain open year-round, though services may be limited during off-seasons. "The water had been shut off in the off-season. We expected the $15 off-season price since there were no longer horse rides, pool or other activities but there were no showers or restrooms in the RV site," noted one visitor about winter camping. Most developed campgrounds require reservations, particularly on summer weekends when sites fill quickly. The Modern Campground area features paved campsites with electric hookups, while primitive tent sites offer more privacy but fewer amenities. Weather considerations include strong winds and mosquitoes during summer months, with temperatures varying significantly between seasons.
The confluence of the Niobrara and Missouri Rivers creates distinctive camping experiences with scenic overlooks and water recreation opportunities. Campers consistently mention the impressive views as highlights of their stay, particularly from sites near the cabin area and along scenic trails. Several visitors noted the excellent hiking opportunities and wildlife viewing potential throughout the park. "Beautiful views of the Missouri and Niobrara atop heavily 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," reported one tent camper. While some RV sites are positioned near the highway entrance, others offer more seclusion and proximity to fishing areas. The park balances developed camping amenities with natural features, providing access to hiking trails, horseback riding, fishing opportunities, and historic attractions related to Native American heritage and Lewis and Clark exploration.
Best Campgrounds near Niobrara (75)
1. Modern Campground — Niobrara State Park
"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."
from $30 - $35 / night
Check Availability2. Tent Camping Area — Niobrara State Park
"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."
from $35 / night
Check Availability3. Cabin Area — Niobrara State Park
"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."
from $170 - $180 / night
Check Availability4. Paulson RV Park
"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."
from $10 - $30 / night
Check Availability5. Big River Marsh RV Park
"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."
from $30 / night
6. Springfield Recreation Area
from $21 / night
Check Availability7. Sand Creek Recreation Area
from $12 / night
8. Mnisose Wicote (Wandering River)
9. Yankton — Lewis And Clark Recreation Area
"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 ."
from $15 / night
Check Availability10. Wildwood Acres Park
Drive Time
- 1 hr 31 min from Sioux City, IA
- 1 hr 49 min from Sioux Falls, SD
- 2 hrs 21 min from Grand Island, NE
- 2 hrs 48 min from Omaha, NE
Recent Camping Photos near Niobrara, NE
36 Photos of 75 Niobrara Campgrounds
Morgan V.
Modern Campground — Niobrara State Park
William P.
Paulson RV Park
Bibs O.
Wildwood Acres Park
Bibs O.
Weigand Campground — Lewis and Clark State Recreation Area
Charles C.
Grove Lake State Wildlife Area
Kimysue J.
Burbach Park
Warren W.
Cottonwood Campground
Shannon C.
Nebraska Tailwaters
Shannon M.
Chief White Crane Recreation Area
N I.
Randall Creek Recreation Area
Josh H.
South Shore Lakeside Use Area
Recent Reviews near Niobrara, NE
210 Reviews of 75 Niobrara Campgrounds
Jody D.ScoutChilvers Park
4 designated spots
Nice little park. Easy walk to Mary’s Restaurant for good food!
- SStillRVWanderer ..
LegendOrchard City Park
Inexpensive roadside camping with electric & showers
Orchard City Park is a cute, shaded city park that makes for a decent, budget-friendly stopover, though it has some limitations for larger rigs.
At $10 a day (as of May 2026), it includes electric hookups at the sites and an available dump station. The water situation is a bit tricky - there is only one shared water spigot for the entire park, located in the middle near the playground. It is pretty far from the actual campsites, so you would probably need at least a 100-foot hose if you wanted to fill when parked at the campsites.
Two of the sites are on paved pads and are quite level. There appears to be two more sites on grass. The park itself is on the smaller side and would be difficult for big rigs to navigate. There is a picnic shelter in the park, and individual picnic tables near the campsites. There is one charcoal grill available for use. They also have restrooms with a shower on-site; they are definitely very old, but they seemed usable.
The biggest downside is the noise level. Because the park sits right on the highway, there is a lot of traffic noise during the day; there are a lot of trucks on this route. It probably gets a little quieter at night, but it is very noticeable during the day.
I didn't see much of anything in this town as far as restaurants or other commercial establishments.
I had an ok Verizon 4G signal here that got 30Mbps down but only 1.5Mbps up.
- SStillRVWanderer ..Legend
Gilman Park
Four sites in a city park
If you are passing through northeast Nebraska, Gilman Park Campground in Pierce Nebraska is a convenient, budget-friendly stopover. It is a small, basic setup located right inside a lovely city park. There is not a dump station directly inside the park, but there is a public dump station located in the town about two minutes away. In May 2026 the nightly rate was $20, with a 5 night maximum stay.
The camping layout is very straightforward, with four campsites lined up together. There are two shared power pedestals, with each pedestal serving two campsites. These are 30-amp electric only. All four sites share a single water spigot as far as I could tell, so you may need a long hose to fill your tank. There is one shared charcoal grill, a trash can, and an area with a picnic table.
The surrounding park is beautiful and I enjoyed my time here. There is a lake with a fishing dock. There are two separate playgrounds and multiple picnic shelters equipped with their own grills. There is a brick bathroom building in the park, but I did not go inside.
Right next to the campsites sits a local Pioneer Museum. It wasn't open during our visit, but it looks like a neat historical feature when accessible.
Verizon is strong here, with a 5G signal providing 200Mbps down and 6Mbps up.
- SStillRVWanderer ..Legend
Spencer Park Fairgrounds
Basic campground near the South Dakota border
Spencer Park Fairgrounds in Spencer, Nebraska is a basically a square grass lot with campsites along one side. It's quiet and peaceful here. Each site has electric and water hookups. There is a dump station about a block away. The rate is $20/night and there is a drop box by the bathrooms.
You'll enter through the fairgrounds parking lot which is gravel and fairly bumpy. They don't have individual picnic tables or fire rings at the campsites, but I did notice a stack of fire rings sitting nearby, so it looks like they might put them out by the sites occasionally. For amenities, there's a public pool right there on the fairgrounds and a brand-new playground.
The bathrooms have concrete walls and concrete floors, and everything seemed very clean. It’s a single-occupancy setup with one shower, so only one person can use the bathroom or shower at a time.
I had a great Verizon 5G signal here with 350Mpbs down and 50Mbps up.
SagebrushVagabond F.
GuideNorth Point Recreation Area
Nice place
Well maintained campground. The staff are very friendly. The sites are well spaced. There is a dump station with drinking water. All sites have electricity. $30/night plus $15 park entrance fee. There are restrooms with showers.
- SStillRVWanderer ..Legend
Butte City Park
Small town city park offers inexpensive camping
Butte City Park in Butte, Nebraska, has about three or four RV sites available. There are gravel parking areas for two campers with 30 amp electrical hookups and space for maybe two other rigs without electricity. I found the sites to be very level. You could probably fit up to a 30 foot rig here (total - including the tow vehicle or toad). There is no shade for the campsites. There is one water spigot available to share for all the sites. There might be a place to empty your tanks; I found a PVC pipe sticking up out of the ground with a screw-cap on it, but there was no sign indicating it was for dumping.
The park has several playground areas and two picnic shelters, one small and one large. There are basketball courts on-site as well. There is a brand new restroom building, though it is currently under construction inside and not yet complete. The park is located right next to a highway, but it is not super busy and I did not notice any bothersome noise.
The nightly rate is $10 or $60 for the week. There is a payment drop box located in the downtown area. This is about a 10 minute walk or a couple minute drive from the park.
I had a good Verizon 5G signal here with 350 Mbps download and 30 Mbps upload. I also had a 5G signal from T-Mobile with 150 Mbps download and 25 Mbps upload.
- SStillRVWanderer ..Legend
Ewing City Park
Nearly free small town camping with full hookups
The Ewing City Park campground features about 10 gravel sites that are mostly level. Each site offers full hookups including power, water, and sewer for$13 a night. What a bargain!
The sites are fairly close together, spaced about 10 feet apart. There was nobody else here during my stay, so there was plenty of room and privacy. Houses and farm buildings surround the campground on two sides, which gives it a cozy feel. The campsites do not have any shade. I could see semi trucks and hear some highway noise from my position in campground. There are no fire rings, and only one site had a picnic table.
There are no restrooms located directly at the campground. However, there are restrooms at the city park/baseball field, which is about a 5 minute walk. They were older but functional. That city park also has a small playground, tennis courts, and a basketball court. There is a cell phone tower across the street, but evidently it is neither Verizon nor T-mobile. But I had a good Verizon 4G signal with 100 Mbps down and 5 Mbps up. My T-Mobile signal here was poor, at about 1 Mbps up and down.
The downtown area is within walking distance and had a few businesses. There is a scenic, historical mural in town.
Beth D.GuideLewis and Clark Lake Gavin section
Decent place
There’s electricity firings and picnic tables at the sites. They are in the trees. There’s no water or sewer at the sites, but there is when you first drive into the campground.
Guide to Niobrara
Niobrara, Nebraska camping options center around the confluence of the Niobrara and Missouri Rivers, with elevations ranging from 1,200 to 1,600 feet across the surrounding terrain. Summer temperatures typically range from 75-95°F with high humidity, while spring and fall offer milder conditions between 50-75°F. Campsites near Niobrara, Nebraska frequently experience strong winds due to their riverside location and limited natural windbreaks in certain areas.
What to do
Fishing opportunities: Multiple access points along both rivers provide excellent fishing locations. At Modern Campground, campers can take "a short walk to a clearing right on the riverbank for fishing" directly from spots like campsite 43, according to Morgan V.
Biking trails: The area offers extensive biking opportunities, particularly at Yankton — Lewis And Clark Recreation Area where "this beautiful campground has a bike trail that connects all the beaches" and includes "hiking trails, parks, and a georgous lake for swimming or boating," notes Courtney G.
Wildlife viewing: Birdwatchers can spot eagles and other wildlife throughout the region. At Sand Creek Recreation Area, visitors enjoy "eagle watching, quiet and peaceful" surroundings as part of their camping experience, according to Bruce G.
Swimming options: Several designated swimming areas exist throughout the region. Wildwood Acres Park is positioned "an easy stones throw from the city swimming pool" with "large fields for others playing around" and "playground equipment in 3 locations for the kids," notes reviewer Bibs O.
What campers like
Scenic overlooks: The elevated terrain provides exceptional viewpoints. At Tent Camping Area — Niobrara State Park, campers appreciate the "beautiful views of the Missouri and Niobrara atop hervily wooded hills" with sites either "along the paved 1 way road or farther back in the trees of the hills via a short trail," as described by West River J.
Clean facilities: Well-maintained amenities receive consistent praise. Modern Campground earns high marks because "bathrooms were cleaned everyday" and the entire facility is "very clean and put together. Everything is mowed well," according to Connor S.
Diverse site options: The region offers everything from primitive to full-service locations. The Cabin Area — Niobrara State Park provides fully-furnished accommodations where "the cabins are fully furnished back porch tv dishes all you need are good friends and family and your food to fill the fridge," reports Breanne L.
Water recreation: River and lake access points provide multiple recreation options. Big River Marsh RV Park offers "close proximity to the Missouri river boat dock" making it convenient for those who "waterfowl hunt and fish" since "this marsh and river is an excellent place to vacation," according to David B.
What you should know
Weather considerations: Mosquitoes can be intense during summer months. At Mnisose Wicote (Wandering River), one camper reported "there were so many mosquitos here we had a rough stay" despite the facility being "otherwise nice."
Reservation requirements: Many sites require advance booking, especially during peak seasons. At Springfield Recreation Area, visitors must "have reservations to stay. Weekends are typically booked during the summer but during the week can usually have any spot," explains Tara S.
Shower considerations: Some facilities charge for showers or have seasonal limitations. At Modern Campground, visitors should "bring your quarters for shower" despite the "updated shower and toilets," advises Julie M.
Noise factors: Some campgrounds experience traffic noise. Wildwood Acres Park is located near a highway where "heavy semi traffic" and "those semi's blast those Jake brakes. Over and over again" led one camper to leave early after two days, according to their review.
Tips for camping with families
Playground access: Multiple campgrounds feature dedicated play areas. Paulson RV Park is equipped for families with various accommodation types including "RV, tent, and mobile homes" with affordable rates where families can expect to pay around "$15 per day for short term. Cheaper if you are just going to park or pop a tent," according to William P.
Water safety: Rivers have varying current strengths depending on location and season. Cabin Area at Niobrara State Park provides family-friendly features as it's "designed for families, there is a playground and lots of open space for the kids to run around. Pets are welcome. There is a small pond stocked for fishing right in the middle of the tent camping area," explains Carly P.
Activity planning: Scheduled programs often run only on weekends or during peak season. Rick J. notes about Cabin Area that "being there during the week so early in the season we missed all of the activities that they have on weekends but enjoyed having the park to ourselves."
Tips from RVers
Site dimensions: Some locations have limited space for larger vehicles. At Wildwood Acres Park, "the 8 foot pads were a little bit too small" and while "they have placed a handful of larger pads throughout, it would be insanely cramped for larger units to maneuver and even turn their rigs around," cautions reviewer Bibs O.
Hookup availability: Electric connections are more common than full hookups. Modern Campground provides "paved camper lots" but some visitors noted that "the lots are kind of close. Not a huge deal but would have been nice to have a little extra space," according to Connor S.
Long-term options: Some parks offer monthly rates for extended stays. Paulson RV Park accommodates extended visits with rates at "Super cheap too. $200 per month for long term plus electric you are responsible for," notes William P.
Frequently Asked Questions
What amenities are available at Smith Falls State Park on the Niobrara?
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?
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?
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?
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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