I-80 Lakeside Campground sits about 8 miles from North Platte along Interstate 80, offering a convenient camping hub for travelers. The campground borders a small stocked fishing lake and operates seasonally from May through mid-September. Most sites include gravel pads suitable for tents, RVs, and glamping accommodations with varying levels of hookups.
What to do
Fishing opportunities: The small lake at I-80 Lakeside Campground provides catch-and-release fishing with equipment rentals available from the on-site store. "There's a nice little lake that you can swim and fish (catch and release only), or rent a kayak or little boat," notes one camper. The lake serves as the central feature of the campground.
Water recreation: Rent kayaks, paddle boats or rowboats for exploring the lake during warmer months. "We just stopped for the night to get some rest on our road trip... There was a store here, kayak rentals, a small lake, and playground. This was such a convenient stop and at a great price," shares a visitor who enjoyed the amenities during a brief stay.
Playground access: Families appreciate the central playground equipment at I-80 Lakeside. One camper reports, "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."
What campers like
Convenient interstate access: Blue Heron Campground provides easy highway access while maintaining a peaceful atmosphere. "I was greeted by the owner and his partner, and given a nice pull through site for my RV and toad," shares one traveler. Its location near exit 211 makes it ideal for interstate travelers needing overnight accommodations.
On-site store: The well-stocked camp store at I-80 Lakeside offers camping supplies and basic groceries. A repeat visitor explains, "The store is stocked with about anything you could need and the prices are great!" This eliminates the need to leave the campground for forgotten items.
Dog-friendly features: Multiple campgrounds accommodate pets with designated exercise areas. At Blue Heron, campers appreciate the natural surroundings: "A dried up creak right alongside the campground. Perfect for walking your dog. Well shaded." I-80 Lakeside includes two small fenced dog runs for safer off-leash play.
What you should know
Highway noise levels: Interstate proximity creates ambient traffic noise at most campgrounds in the area. At Cozad Lake Wildlife Management Area, a camper notes: "The noise from I-80 ist always there (about 200') but it's constant and was ok for us (rather than trains every 30 minutes)."
Seasonal operation: Most glamping facilities near North Platte operate during warm months only. I-80 Lakeside specifically runs from May 1 through September 15, closing completely during winter.
Site surfaces: Most campgrounds feature gravel or dirt surfaces rather than paved pads. At Blue Heron, a visitor observed, "Everything is dirt but not it's really nice here." Pack appropriate footwear and prepare for dusty conditions during dry periods.
Tips for camping with families
Playground proximity: Request sites near playground equipment for easier supervision. At I-80 Lakeside Campground, one parent shared their positive experience: "We stopped for one night only. There's a playground which our kids loved."
Solo parent considerations: For single parents traveling with young children, look for pull-through sites to minimize setup complexity. One mother recounts, "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."
Evening entertainment: Pack fishing gear and swimming supplies for lake activities. "Be prepared with food and don't forget fishing/swimming gear!" advises a parent who camped with a toddler at I-80 Lakeside.
Tips from RVers
Electrical options: Blue Heron Campground offers both 50-amp full hookup sites and water/electric options. "Check power at yr site before unpacking as some spots are locked. They plan to upgrade electrical but other things need doing first," suggests one RVer who stayed there during ownership transition.
Site sizes: Most glamping facilities near North Platte accommodate larger RVs with dedicated big-rig sites. "We're in a 30' bumper pull and there were bigger rigs in this campground as well," notes one I-80 Lakeside visitor. Blue Heron similarly features pull-through sites that can accommodate RVs with towed vehicles.
Ground hazards: Watch for natural debris that could damage equipment. One camper at I-80 Lakeside warns, "One thing to watch out for, are the little burrs that stick to your shoes. You'll hear your shoes clicking on the floor of the RV if you don't pick them out."
