North Platte camping areas offer varied experiences from April through November, with most tent sites closing during winter months. Located in the heart of Nebraska at 2,800 feet elevation, the area experiences wide temperature swings from below freezing in winter to hot, humid days in summer. Most campsites sit within 5 miles of Interstate 80, providing convenient access for cross-country travelers needing overnight accommodations.
What to do
Fishing opportunities: Lake Ogallala State Recreation Area provides accessible fishing just a short drive from North Platte. "Nice grass to pitch your tent on right next to the lake. Not too close to neighbor sites. Quiet," reports camper Bruce K. The area offers good catfishing directly from the shoreline.
Animal viewing: Cody City Park Campground features wildlife enclosures with deer, elk and waterfowl. "I did see some deer and geese in a fenced in area around a small lake or pond," notes camper Tori K. The park also includes playground facilities and tennis courts.
Disc golf course: Lafayette Park offers an adjacent disc golf course for campers seeking recreation. The park features "a nice view of lake along the outskirts of park" according to reviewer Deborah I., making it suitable for active visitors.
What campers like
Easy interstate access: Tent and RV campers appreciate the straightforward accessibility of North Platte campgrounds. At Ogallala KOA, campers note it's "less than a mile off i-80. Ease access and great wifi," making it convenient for overnight stays during cross-country trips.
Nebraska-shaped pool: Holiday RV Park features a distinctive swimming pool. "Pool is in the shape of the state of Nebraska," mentions Ben in his review. The park also offers "shaded, level sites, great wifi, and a nice pool" according to Brandon G., making it popular during summer months.
Quiet camping alternatives: Sutherland State Rec Area provides a less crowded option for campers seeking tranquility. "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.
What you should know
Tent sites placement: Not all RV parks prioritize tent campers equally. At Holiday RV Park, one camper noted, "Not a big fan of the location of the tent sites - they seem like 'last resort' placement in this campground, definitely a lower priority." They described their site as "right on the exit strip and next to the maintenance facilities."
Seasonal availability: Many campgrounds operate on limited schedules. Lake Ogallala State Recreation Area remains open year-round while I-80 Lakeside Campground operates from "May 1 to September 15" according to their listing information.
Water quality concerns: Water quality varies between North Platte camping locations. At Lincoln Highway RV Park, one camper reported, "water supply was full of black gunk that nearly ruined our system" requiring them to sanitize everything upon returning home.
Tips for camping with families
Look for playground amenities: I-80 Lakeside Campground offers family-friendly facilities with convenient site placement. "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," mentions Melissa V.
Budget-friendly options: City parks often provide affordable camping. Cody City Park Campground costs only $10 per night, with one camper noting it has "basic facilities, but at $10 you can't complain." The park includes "three playground areas" with "safe and fun structures for children to climb, swing, and play."
Consider weather factors: Nebraska experiences significant wind and storms. One camper at Sutherland State Rec Area reported it "got super windy by the reservoir," while another at Cody City Park Campground woke up to "our tents basically turning into makeshift floatation devices" after rain transformed their site "into a small pond."
Tips from RVers
Big rig accessibility: Lafayette Park Campground accommodates larger motorhomes. "Easy for large RVs that I saw to pull through," notes camper Charles C., though sites are "on grass or gravel and very close together" according to Deborah I.
Hookup options: Holiday RV Park provides full hookup sites ideal for extended stays. "Level gravel sites, right off of I80, close to shopping and restaurants," reports Bonnie A. The campground offers water, electric, and sewer connections.
Arrival timing matters: When arriving at I-80 Lakeside Campground, one camper noted, "Without a reservation, we were able to show up and get a spot with ALL our wants 50A—water—pull through site." Late arrivals at less formal campgrounds like Cody City Park use self-registration with "no need to book."
