North Platte sits at an elevation of 2,802 feet along the Platte River with summer temperatures averaging 87°F in July. The camping season generally runs from April through October, with most facilities closing during winter months. Primitive camping opportunities remain available year-round at several wildlife management areas surrounding the city.
What to do
Fishing access: Lake Maloney State Recreation Area provides excellent fishing opportunities with sites positioned along the water. "The lake is awesome and it is pet friendly. You pay at a Dropbox we believe as there were not clear instructions and no park rangers," notes Casey in a review of Lake Maloney State Recreation Area.
Children's activities: Families camping at I-80 Lakeside Campground can enjoy multiple recreation options. "We were nestled between the lake, the playground and the dog off-leash area. Our girls were able to go back and forth independently, as we could see them from our campsite," shares Melissa V.
Wildlife viewing: Cody City Park Campground offers animal viewing opportunities alongside camping. "A full list of Cody Park's amenities can be found below: Animal Enclosure: Including deer, elk, burros, sheep, peafowl, ducks and geese is also part of the park (all animals are shown in a natural setting)," explains Tori K.
What campers like
Budget-friendly options: Several campgrounds near North Platte offer economical camping. "Very inexpensive, even for out of staters. It was $5 for the day and $8 for the overnight. This worked well for us. We were traveling cross country and being the last leg, we were nearing broke," writes Melissa K. about Sutherland State Rec Area.
Free dispersed camping: Wildlife Management Areas provide no-cost alternatives to established campgrounds. "Great place to lay our heads for the night. Peaceful and quiet. Very rustic. No facilities whatsoever. Shared the space with some friendly livestock. Best part was that it was FREE," notes Paul L. about Box Elder Canyon WMA.
Convenience for interstate travelers: Holiday RV Park offers easy highway access for overnight stays. "Level gravel sites, right off of I80, close to shopping and restaurants. Will stay again. Visited with new friends and enjoyed our stay," writes Bonnie A. about Holiday RV Park.
What you should know
Weather considerations: Prepare for sudden weather changes in North Platte. "The weather did get really nasty this trip and with the lake, open fields and few trees, the lightening was pretty scary and we retreated to our truck to ride it out in the middle of the night," shares Melissa K. about Lake Maloney.
Insects can be problematic: Several campers report tick issues during warmer months. "We went with our pick up and a pull behind camper. Stayed there about 5 days, it was free. It's not a huge area but it's big enough. We managed to get a spot by the trees, which was nice for the shade but awful for the ticks!" warns Tasha B. about East Sutherland Wildlife Management Area.
Highway noise: Some campgrounds experience traffic noise due to proximity to I-80. "Road noise is kind of loud if you're outside. We travel with a white noise machine so it didn't bother us at night," mentions Courtney in her review of I-80 Lakeside Campground.
Tips for camping with families
Child-friendly campgrounds: Look for sites near recreational amenities. "We were nestled between the lake, the playground and the dog off-leash area. Our girls were able to go back and forth independently, as we could see them from our campsite. We'll definitely be back!" shares Melissa V. about I-80 Lakeside Campground.
Solo parent camping: Some campgrounds are well-suited for parents traveling alone with children. "Awesome stop! Loved the trees, lake, and hospitality. Big site didn't have to unhook which is nice for mom traveling with toddler. Safe environment and great fellow campers," notes Carrie S.
Budget options with attractions: Cody City Park Campground offers affordable rates with built-in entertainment. "I wouldn't use this campground as a destination, but it is a great stopover location on a roadtrip. There is a zoo-ish feel with various animals in cages that you can feed around the lake. A large playground for the kids as well as a community pool and tennis courts," explains Hayley K.
Tips from RVers
Pet-friendly considerations: Many North Platte campgrounds welcome dogs, with special amenities at some locations. "Lots of grassy areas to walk the dogs with waste stations and bags. Although we have no kids traveling with us, the playground area was in great shape and had lots to do," notes Jody J. about Holiday RV Park.
Free overnight parking for RVs: Wildlife management areas provide no-cost alternatives. "Less than 10 mins off the highway. Rolled in about 11pm; easy to find and a very quiet area. Great ATT phone service," reports Carson H. about Box Elder Canyon WMA.
Site sizes and accommodations: Check campground specifications before arrival. "I entered the south side camping which is much like other sites with close camping, there is electric and a vault toilet. If a person follows the small road at the end of the south side camping it takes you to the west side camping which is random spots along the road to camp next to the water," explains Tarrah C.
