Best Tent Camping near Niobrara, NE

Recent Tent Reviews near Niobrara, NE

172 Reviews of 9 Niobrara Campgrounds

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  Carly P.

  Guide

  

  Oct. 25, 2018

  Niobrara State Park Campground

  Beautiful area to explore

  This campground features cabins and tent camping. 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. Take a short hike to see where the Niobrara river dumps into the Missouri and take in some of the best views in Nebraska. In the winter months, hunters often use the cabins as home base and hunt in the surrounding woods.

• 

  West River J.

  Guide

  

  Aug. 9, 2018

  Niobrara State Park Campground

  Scenic Seclusion

  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. Vault toilets are plentiful as well as water spigots. Has several nice trails and points of interest. Was very clean theoughout and well cared for. Also offers cabins and an RV campground.

• 

  Amy C.

  Guide

  

  Jul. 14, 2020

  Weigand - Lewis and Clark SRA

  Quiet, clean

  Each campsite has a gravel pad, picnic table and fire pit. We had electric only but water is available. Tent sites are also available. Bathrooms are very clean and well stocked. Fishing and boating

• 

  Ashley L.

  Guide

  

  Oct. 3, 2021

  Niobrara State Park Campground

  Great Spot!

  All around beautiful place. We had a great camping experience this summer. The grounds were clean, beautiful scenery, pet friendly and fun hiking trails! There's a lot of really cool cabins to choose from and the tent camping areas are in great locations scattered around the park. Definitely for the 3 hour drive up there.

• K

  Kimysue J.

  Guide

  

  Jul. 24, 2022

  Weigand - Lewis and Clark SRA

  Just Ok

  RVs are very close to tent sites. Sites are a decent size. Campground us very open. Sites are a very long way from the lake, showers, and beach. They charge for showers bring a lot of quarters. Staff are very friendly. The marina store has a small selection of house hold items and fishing supplies.

• 

  Sarah H.

  Guide

  

  Jul. 26, 2016

  Yankton — Lewis And Clark Recreation Area

  Boating and Camping

  This place is gorgeous with its flat grassy camping area, distant hills, and lots or water and sky. Tent camped along the waterfront with friends. Spacious campgrounds were well maintained. Spent our mornings fishing for walleye, our afternoons were made up of great boating, tubing and water skiing. The nights were filled with stars. Went with friends this time, but am eager to bring my family for another visit.

• 

  James D.

  Guide

  

  Oct. 1, 2016

  Nebraska Tailwaters

  Had a good time fishing in the Missouri River

  This campground is situated along the Missouri River. There is a fishing pier and boat ramp. There are only about 10 tent campsites and a bunch of RV sites. The shower facilities were clean. It is near Lewis and Clark Lake which is a very nice lake. There is a dam which takes away from some of the natural feeling, but hey, there are showers here too. The Missouri River Valley is worth seeing at some point in your life. There are a lot of birds in the park which my wife appreciated.

• 

  Louis E.

  Scout

  

  Jul. 28, 2018

  Nebraska Tailwaters

  Look out for Camp Squatters

  We ended up at the Trailwater site because of a overbooking at lewis and clark. The afternoon was pleasant but as soon as it started to get dark all of the camp squatters started to arrive. First, about 9:30 PM, a group with several small children arrived and they were running all over the place crying screaming. The adults didn't seam to care and for some reason kept locking their car repeatedly. Beep, Beep, honk!This continued until about midnight when the children passed out. Then at 1:15 AM a large group with about 15 adults, several children, 2 dogs, 6 trucks and a boat arrived. They proceeded to set up their 6 tends even right next to ours and in front of our fire ring as if they were sharing it with us. They were loud and intoxicated. The yelling and commotion continued. They were carrying on as if it were the middle of the day. At 3:15 AM I asked if they could quite it down. I was met with hostility and and was told that they did not give a F@%*. Then they proceeded to mock and insult us in spanish. We felt very intimidated and scared for our safety. Needless to say we packed up our camp all wile being jeered and insulted and drive 2.5 hrs back home. DONT TENT CAMP HERE. We will never stay at this campground again.

• N

  N I.

  Legend

  

  Aug. 27, 2021

  Cottonwood Campground

  Best of Both States

  Dates: April 15, 2021- October 17, 2021 October 17 2021– April 21, 2022

  Fees:$16.00$18.00 

  • RV dump station is located just north of Cottonwood Campground off of Toe Road.
  • 7 electrical sites
  • 2 modern Bath house/toilets
  • Trash
  • Water sites
  • Cell phone service
  • Drinking water 
  • Flush toilets
  • Grills/fire rings
  • Lake access
  • Paved roads
  • Paved sites
  • Pets allowed
  • Picnic tables
  • Playground
  • Security lights
  • Disc golf
  • Shade

  The Lewis and Clark Visitor Center: Contains exhibits on the Missouri River and area history including the Lewis and Clark Expedition with stunning views of Lewis and Clark Lake along with the Missouri River. Powerhouse Tours are available on weekends. Please contact the Lewis and Clark Visitor Center at (402) 667-2546 for more information.• The Gavins Point National Fish Hatchery and Aquarium• Visit nearby Yankton, South Dakota- the historic capitol of the Dakota Territory.• Located both upstream and downstream of Lewis and Clark Lake, visit the Missouri National Recreational River.

  •• Latitude• 42° 51' 31.0000" N • Longitude• 97° 28' 57.0000" W••

  From U.S. Hwy 81 in Yankton, South Dakota, drive four miles west on South Dakota Highway 52, then south on Dam Toe Road and follow signs

  .• Check-In Time is 4:00 P.M./ Check-Out Time is 2:00 P.M.

  All-Terrain Vehicles(ATVs/UTVs) and golf carts are not permitted.

  Quiet hours are 10:00 P.M. to 6:00 A.M.

  Fireworks are prohibited.

  All pets must be on a leash of 6 feet in length or less. Pet waste must be picked up and properly disposed of promptly.

  Firewood Alert: Don't Move Firewood!• Due to the spread of invasive insects(such as Emerald Ash Borer(EAB)) firewood from outside the area is not permitted. Help protect your forests by purchasing near your camping destination and burning it on-site. Firewood is not available for sale on-site, however several local businesses sell firewood a short distance away, see the campground host or attendant for more information.• Visit DontMoveFirewood.org for more information.

  For questions or to contact park staff, please call: 402-667-2546 or email: gavinspoint.nwo@usace.army.mil. U.S. ARMY CORPS OF ENGINEERS GAVINS POINT PROJECT OFFICE P.O. BOX 710 YANKTON, SD 57078 

  Physical Address U.S. ARMY CORPS OF ENGINEERS COTTONWOOD CAMPGROUND 198 TOE RD YANKTON, SD 57078 Phone Number

  For facility specific information, please call (402) 667-2546 

  Trails: There are at least 9 hiking trails on AllTrails that you will find around Lewis and Clark Recreation Area. Lewis and Clark has the best of both worlds since the lake borders South Dakota and Nebraska. That makes it easy to stay in your preferred state and location. In Yankton SD a great trail is the Chalk Bluffs Multi-Use Trail which is a 3.7 mile loop where you will find a lake and it is rated as moderate. Dogs are allowed but must be on leash. This trail is used for hiking, horses, mountain biking and birding and is accessible through out the year. There is a 3.8 mile lightly used round trip or one way out and back called Yankton South Shore Trail. Great for wildlife viewing and it is great for walking, hiking and just enjoying nature. 

  Fishing: Lewis & Clark offers many types of fish for all anglers out there, walleye, sauger, large and small mouth bass, crappie, catfish and bluegill. It depends on the season and temperature of the water as to what is biting.

   Boating: Boating goes hand in hand with fishing and as with all things there are rules and regulations. You will find all types of boats, speedboats, pontoon, kayaks and personal watercraft. Make sure and wear your life jacket anytime you are on the water– Stay Safe and Alive. Make sure you are aware of the rules and regulations for boating around a dam area.

  Another issue that has become an increasing problem is Aquatic Invasive Species (AIS) which is spreading in the United States. There are different types of AIS and they are being spread by several methods. Boaters, of all types, help spread or help stop the spread by taking care of their watercraft. Before leaving a boat launch practice the CLEAN, DRAIN, DRY technique. Many states require an AIS permit before you place watercraft in the water. 

  Birding: Birding at Lewis & Clark is great for watching bald eagles. You can get a list from Niobrara State Park for birds found around the lake.

   Hunting: In season, of course, begins the Tuesday after Labor Day. White tailed deer, mourning dove, waterfowl and wild turkey, cottontail rabbits and squirrel. Make sure you follow all the regulations in the recreation area. 

  Winter sports: Adds a completely new option for recreation. When ice is thick enough the lake is open for ice fishing, skating and snowmobiles. Cross country skiing is also very popular. 

  Lewis & Clark Lake is formed from the Missouri and Niabrara Rivers. The lake travels for about 35 miles at a maximum pool 90 miles of shoreline. Maximum depth is 45 feet. It was named after the Lewis& Clark Expedition that camped nearby. 

  LNT 

  Better than when you found it

  Stay safe– Happy Travels

• S

  Shari M.

  Guide

  

  Aug. 3, 2021

  Niobrara State Park Campground

  Tree shade and spacious back in.

  Nice camping for extended stay of 14 days. Different length back in sites with picnic table and fire ring with grill. Camp host available. Handicap pad sites. I would have given a five star except for the cost!

  We think $30/day for just electric is expensive but we’d been boon docking so we sprung for the expense for 3 nights. Showers are extra😳. Laundry available.

  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.

  Nebraska State Parks have walk up and reservable spaces. We usually risk it and easily found a walk up on a Monday afternoon after the weekend crowd left.

  We stayed in the RV campground but took a bike ride around the rest of the park. We stopped at the park office and chatted with assistant superintendent Nate. Very nice guy with lots of good info.. He told us about a nice loop we could continue our bike ride and we went around the picnic and tent area. Some incredible exclusive sites and great views of the Niobrara.

• 

  Derek D.

  Guide

  

  Mar. 17, 2017

  Niobrara State Park Campground

  Niobrara state park

  This park has great views, plenty of site choices, and clean bathrooms. 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. Tented in an Adirondack shelter which was great cover from wind and rain.

• B

  Breanne L.

  Traveler

  

  Jun. 28, 2016

  Niobrara State Park Campground

  Hiking the Niobrara

  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. I unfortunately was not able to hike for too long due to the hot day I chose to venture off in the woods, but luckily enough was able to cool off in their breathtaking river and than in their pool. For camping this place is by far one of the best campgrounds I have been to. The cabins are fully furnished back porch tv dishes all you need are good friends and family and your food to fill the fridge... I will be there constantly while I'm in Nebraska, hope to see you there. Happy camping

• 

  Shelly S.

  Legend

  

  Oct. 23, 2018

  Niobrara State Park Campground

  Nowhere with a river

  Not to be mistaken as Fort Niobrara, Niobrara State Park , NE is near Niobrara and Verdel, NE. The popular Niobrara River runs along the far side of the park and one of the attractions is the old train bridge which is now part of the converted trail that you can explore.

  When we arrived the 80 degree temperatures from Kentucky did not arrive with us. The weather was windy, sprinkling and dropping with the sun. The night time low was about 43 degrees. I learned on another trip to pack all temperature range clothing especially this time of year, so I had my sniffle gear. We were one of three occupied sites in the campground. The other two sites had RV’s , I decided on truck camping and was glad I did.

  The actual campground is spacious and had some trees. The showerhouse was well maintained and something new to me had pay showers. I hadn’t packed any quarters but have now added another helpful tidbit to my list of must haves while camping. (Roll of quarters, check) I attempted to leave my windows open after throwing a tarp over the truck but even though the temperature was low the mosquitoes were FIERCE! I don’t even want to know how bad they are in warm weather. So with the truck closed up we snuggled in for the night. I was a little surprised when I was woken by my dogs barking at coyotes that could be heard very nearby. Considering how sparsely populated the area is it shouldn’t have been that surprising, you really feel like your out in the middle of nowhere. Just shows how Northern I am ;) I was disappointed it was overcast , the sky would have been phenomenal with no lights to ruin the view.

  This Park is laid out in a “horseshoe” and speed restrictions make it a long drive from end to end. The visitors center has some helpful employees that were very informative. Not surprisingly the river is the big draw in the area. The Ranger I spoke to said that there was a reinactment of the Lewis and Clark expedition due in that weekend. I was directed to the trailhead further in past the several cabins sitting in opportune locations along the road. The trail was moderately technical and you get to walk across the Niobrara on an old train bridge converted to a walkway. Unfortunately the far side was closed. There is also a horse trail ride offered (which would have been interesting with the boys).

  The one con of the campground is that though you have an excellent view of the Niobrara River there is no easy access to it from the sites. Definitely a destination campground if you enjoy the river sports.

• C

  Connor S.

  Traveler

  

  Jun. 12, 2023

  Niobrara State Park Campground

  Great time and very clean!

  Niobrara State Park is fantastic. Very clean and put together. Everything is mowed well. Paved camper lots. Little park for kids. Horseshoes and sand volleyball. Bathrooms were cleaned everyday. My only complaint is that the lots are kind of close. Not a huge deal but would have been nice to have a little extra space. Overall, awesome place and we will be back!

• 

  Angie G.

  Ranger

  

  Aug. 28, 2016

  Niobrara State Park Campground

  Awesome location, great times

  I have many good memories of this beautiful campground and fun times. Stayed at the campgrounds, then did a river float. It was everything I wanted in a camping trip--beautiful scenery, awesome sunsets and well maintained facilities. Floating down the Niobrara was an awesome time. You have access to get some things you might need or forget in town, but otherwise it's important to know it is fairly remote for access to things.

• 

  Shelly S.

  Legend

  

  Oct. 23, 2018

  Willow Creek State Rec Area

  Algae

  Unfortunately Willow Creek State Recreation Area, NE was under a health advisory when we arrived due to algae. We drove through the different areas and it was completely deserted so we continued on the Niobrara State Park. I did not check ahead because I just picked it off the map as we were driving. This seems like a nice , sparsely shaded area with water sports when it’s safe to be in the water......

• N

  N I.

  Legend

  

  Aug. 30, 2021

  Miller Creek - Lewis and Clark SRA

  Country Roads

  • ARCHERY HUNTING ONLY

  • Must have a Vehicle Entry Permit

   Nebraska Resident         Non Resident 

  Annual  $30.00 Annual   $45.00

  Daily$ 6.00 per day          Daily$ 6.00 per day

  Basic camping per day $15.00

  • Picnic table

  • Fire ring

  • Boat ramp

  • Water

  • Pit toilet

  • Trash

  • Fishing pie

  r• Parking for boat launch

  • Check in 4 pm check out 11 am

  This campground is open and nicely shaded. Very quiet and secluded. Several mature trees surrounds the camp. The campground is very well maintained. If you want to get back to the basics this is your camp. Great for birding, kayaking, fishing or just kicking back.

  This campground is sitting on the second largest lake, Lewis & Clark which runs along the border of Nebraska and South Dakota. The lake is about 16 miles long and up to 3 miles wide. It has a maximum depth of 45 feet.

  If you are planning a visit to Miller Creek you need to have a small rig or tent. If you come by way of Springfield, South Dakota or Neobrara, Nebraska on Highway 12 then Highway 12 from the west of Miller Creek the road becomes dirt. If it has rained the dirt will turn to a nasty mud. The road is also very potted and rough.

  A bonus for visiting Miller Creek is the joy of feasting your eyes on the natural beauty of what makes Nebraska great. The rolling farm land and friendly locals that wave as you pass by. Whether fishing, birding, hiking, boating, or fishing is your passion a country campground in Nebraska can help sooth your soul.

  Firewood Alert: Please purchase firewood in the local area. Do not transport from another state, if you do please burn immediately due to the Emerald Ash Borer. Proper permits/Licenses and park entry passes may be purchased in advance online at http://ngpc-home.ne.gov/

• D

  Denise A.

  Scout

  

  Oct. 10, 2021

  Yankton — Lewis And Clark Recreation Area

  Lewis & Clark Recreational area

  Great place to camp!!! South Dakota has it right with making reservations! 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!!!!!

• N

  N I.

  Legend

  

  Sep. 30, 2021

  Nebraska Tailwaters

  Huck Finn Time

  Open year round

  Reservations:  Mid May - Mid May

  FCFS  Mid Oct - Mid May

  42 sites    31 electric   11 non electric

  Group camping with electric

  ADA Accessible fishing pier 31 electric sites 11 non electric Modern showers Flush toilets Shore fishing Boat ramp Fish cleaning station RV dump station Group camping Picnic shelter Fire ring/grill Vault toilet Cell service Paved sites Pets allowed Trash Security lights Drinking water 

  This campground is a gem snuggled along the Missouri River on the Nebraska side of the river. Lewis and Clark journeyed up the Missouri River on their way to the Pacific Ocean. In 1874 a group of Mennonites settled along the now Lewis& Clark Lake. Ground was broken in 1952 at the damsite. Now the public is able to recreate in numerous campgrounds and recreation sites along the Nebraska and South Dakota shore line

• 

  Chip K.

  Guide

  

  Sep. 26, 2020

  Olivet Park

  Bare by the river

  A very small park that features a boat ramp to the river. About a dozen unkempt sites more suited for tents and pop ups. No hookups nor bathroom.

• H

  Heather E.

  Guide

  

  Sep. 13, 2020

  Weigand - Lewis and Clark SRA

  Wiegand Campground - on river

  Nice clean park right on the lake/river. Stayed in Wiegand Campground. Campsites close to eachother and has a lot of concrete. Beautiful sunset on the water. Mix of tents and RVs. Bring quarters if you will want to take a shower!

• a

  adelia

  Ranger

  

  Jul. 25, 2022

  Chilvers Park

  Wow Nebraska!

  So we stopped at the gas station across from this gem! Again, if boondocking is your thing, Nebraska is on target. Apparently most of the city parks allow up to 3 days camping at their city parks. It looks like showers are in the bathrooms but we didn’t go in. The last city park did have showers but hadn’t been used or cleaned in a while.

• S

  Scott B.

  Traveler

  

  Oct. 5, 2020

  South Scalp Creek Recreation Area

  Had what I was looking for

  Needed a camping spot for some hunting I was doing in the area. This worked great. Had good spots for pitching a tent and had fire rings for a camp fire. Vault toilets were located in the camping area as well.

• 

  Charles C.

  Legend

  

  Nov. 1, 2018

  Nebraska Tailwaters

  USACE camping just below Lewis and Clark Lake

  Army Corps Campground with all the bells and whistles. It was closed when we went, but we will return. The interpretive center was very informative and Lewis and Clark Lake is huge with nice beaches and great fishing.

  The ranger said that electric sites in season were only $16. That is less than the state parks at the lake. Yankton is nice but don't miss the Nebraska tribal museums.

• K

  Kimysue J.

  Guide

  

  Jul. 28, 2022

  Burbach Park

  Family Oriented

  Well maintained campgrounds. Good shade with a good view of the lake. Water is close. Spacious campsites. There are tent and RV sites with hook ups. Some are first come first serve and some are reservable. Well stocked camp store with friendly staff.
  There are showers but you pay for them, bring your quarters. It is pretty open between sites

• 

  Charles C.

  Legend

  

  Jan. 1, 2025

  Grove Lake State Wildlife Area

  Free Camping, Lovely views

  Grove lake is a lovely free camping area with flat dirt areas that would accommodate a camper or tent. No hookups but hydrants, Vault toilets, fire pits, and picnic tables exist.

  Nice camping trails exist, mostly for access to the trout stream that feeds the lake.

  This is a lovely place to hike, fish, kayak, paint, or just get in touch with your maker.

• W

  William P.

  Scout

  

  May. 19, 2020

  Paulson RV Park

  RV, tent, and mobile homes

  They had long term parking for campers not hooked up to anything and long term parking for full hookups. No dumping station because most the sites all have sewer. Were able to hook to water through the winter as well. 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. Cheaper if you are just going to park or pop a tent.