Randy U.
Scout
ScoutPony Express Park Chappell
Good for a quick stop
Right near the interstate nice little spot we were the only people here in early March. 15 bucks pay at the stand.
Best Campgrounds near Ogallala, NE
Campers near Ogallala, Nebraska can choose from several camping styles ranging from full-service RV parks to more basic lakeside sites. Oregon Trail RV Park works well for people with motorhomes, with enough room to park larger rigs and basic amenities for comfort. The park sits close enough to Lake McConaughy that you can drive there quickly for day trips. If you want to camp right by the water, Lake Ogallala Campground puts you near the shoreline for fishing and boating, with a mix of shaded spots and open areas depending on what you prefer. Lone Eagle Campground has a quieter feel and sandy beaches for a more basic camping experience. Many of these campgrounds switch to first-come, first-served in slower months, but you'll want to book ahead during summer when they fill up fast. The roads to most camping areas stay in good shape, though it's smart to check conditions after rain storms. Finding your way to Lake McConaughy camping is straightforward with good signs pointing to the main camping sections. Ogallala makes a solid starting point for shorter or longer trips to see western Nebraska, with enough camping choices to match different needs.
Best Camping Sites Near Ogallala, Nebraska (51)
1. Lake Ogallala State Recreation Area Campground
30 ReviewsOgallala, NE7 milesWebsite+1 (308) 284-8800$10 - $30 / night
"This campsite is beautiful - a nice quiet lake with fishing & kayaking, shady spot with electric hookup, and a pretty nice fire pit."
"Lake Ogallala and it’s campground was beautiful!"
2. Ogallala Tri-Trails KOA
12 ReviewsOgallala, NE2 milesWebsite+1 (308) 284-2415"The first thing to note is that there are two KOAs in Ogallala: one is right on the highway next to a truck stop, and then this one is about a mile off the highway, behind the truck stops."
"Snug campground surrounded by corn fields. The hum of the highway can be heard but isn’t bad at all. We would definitely stay here again. Hosts were very kind."
3. Ogallala/I-80 KOA Journey
11 ReviewsOgallala, NE2 milesWebsite+1 (308) 284-1300$45 - $90 / night
"We were met outside as we arrived and check-in was quick. We were escorted to a standard pull-through site 35 with FHUs. The first thing we noticed was how immaculate the campground(CG) was kept."
"This was a tiny little campground that hit the spot after driving 14 hours. Spotless bathrooms, perfectly groomed campsite, and ridiculously wonderful management!"
4. Ogallala KOA
5 ReviewsOgallala, NE2 milesWebsite+1 (308) 284-1300"There is a small playground for the kids and several dog walks but that is about it. We did hear highway noise all night."
"Super easy to access from the highway. Close to several restaurants, gas stations, and a WalMart. Most impressive were the facilities for dogs. Highest recommendation. We will definitely be back."
5. Lone Eagle Campground
7 ReviewsOgallala, NE9 milesWebsite+1 (308) 284-8800$30 / night
"Awesome location. Take note. Water is shared and not at every site. Bring several hoses as it’s 40 - 50 feet away"
"Beautiful view of Lake McConaughey. Sites in Lone Eagle are not right on lake. Sites are large with great areas to have dogs. Cool breeze coming up off lake even though it was in the 90's today."
6. Martin Bay Campground — Lake McConaughy SRA
6 ReviewsOgallala, NE8 milesWebsite+1 (308) 284-8800$10 - $30 / night
"The way it works here is there's a main entrance to the State Recreation Area, then you choose between a few designated campgrounds."
"Extraordinary location given that you are in the middle of Nebraska. I didn’t expect to be camping on a beach! Beautiful scenery."
7. Little Thunder Campground
6 ReviewsOgallala, NE8 milesWebsite+1 (308) 284-8800$25 - $30 / night
"Within the State Rec Area, this is a good site for access to the lake and if you need the electrical hook ups, and probably the best bet for anyone with kids so bathrooms are close by."
"Beautiful white sandy beaches close by. In Lake McConaughy RA you can camp anywhere within the state park for $12, it doesn't have to be an actual site! "
8. Sandy Beach Campground — Lake McConaughy SRA
5 ReviewsOgallala, NE9 milesWebsite+1 (308) 284-8800$10 / night
"Felt like I was at an ocean beach in the middle of NEBRASKA. Paid the necessary dues at the entrance to the beach area and then drove along the water to find the perfect spot."
"As with other Nebraska parks be prepared to pay for a shower."
9. Cedar View Campground — Lake McConaughy
10 ReviewsLewellen, NE16 milesWebsite+1 (308) 284-8800$10 - $25 / night
"Though most lakes in Nebraska are man-made and muddy, this manmade lake is in the sandhills so it is all beach and clear water."
"On a tall cliff, lake breeze blowing through the popup window, sandy beach that is as big as the panhandle itself (these are the sandhills of Nebraska)."
10. Ogallala Beach
3 ReviewsOgallala, NE5 milesWebsite+1 (308) 284-8800"And you are rights at the foot of Mebraskas largest lake. Where boating fishing and beach’s are abundant."
Recent Camping Photos near Ogallala, NE
31 Photos of 51 Ogallala Campgrounds
Shannon G.
Ogallala/I-80 KOA Journey
JC
Ogallala Tri-Trails KOA
Rosie R.
Lake Ogallala State Recreation Area Campground
Daniel B.
Little Thunder Campground
Daniel B.
Martin Bay Campground — Lake McConaughy SRA
Lori C.
Lone Eagle Campground
Rico B.
Sandy Beach Campground — Lake McConaughy SRA
Therese T.
Cedar View Campground — Lake McConaughy
Josh U.
Oregon Trail RV Campground
Maui F.
Westshore Camping Area
Dwayne and Heather W.
Inlet Camping Area
Lori K.
Sutherland State Rec Area
Recent Reviews near Ogallala, NE
190 Reviews of 51 Ogallala Campgrounds
- TTraci K.Scout
Pony Express Park Chappell
Perfect for a quick overnight stop
Very nice public campground for $15. Not busy this time of year as we were the only rv campers there. Great place to walk dogs and picnic. Chappell is a great little town!
- EEmmalee N.Scout
Oregon Trail RV Campground
Great one night stay
Honestly this place was perfect for our overnight. Luke is wonderful- I would call to check availability, the Dyrt won’t let you book same day. Lovely heated bathroom and oh so quiet! Yes, there’s a train - but would take a train over excessive highway noise any day. We had a great night - thank you!
- Justin R.
GuideWestshore Camping Area
Nice lakeside spots
Lots of room to camp. There are nice spots that are lake side which are really nice!
- ddavid S.Guide
Hershey WMA Dispersed Camping
Easy Access Off I-80
Just a stone’s throw off I-80 … hence the 3 Stars for noise. Park right on the water. No amenities though and a 3 day stay limit. Gas and supplies just on the other side of the freeway.
- RRuth L.Scout
Oregon Trail RV Campground
Great location!
Helpful email before arrival with instructions. Extended stay by 4 nights because of the convenient location and beautiful scenery. Will stay here when visiting from now on.
Robert T.ScoutOregon Trail RV Campground
The stay!
Overall auto bad experience. Close to the highway and active train tracks. However, you’re still nice and out-of-the-way. Would stay here again.
- KKate B.
TravelerPony Express Park Chappell
Great stop
Beautiful. Only $15 a night
Gillian L.GuideMcGreer Camper Park
Loved it!
We were exhausted after a long windy day on I80 and this little stop was a god send. The owner is absolutely amazing and got us all set up over the phone with a last minute reservation. The sites are gravel, but very level. Full hookups with electric, water, and sewer. The sun was setting as we pulled in and it was gorgeous! The campground has a small office with what looks like a common room and showers (we did not use). A Maverik gas station is across the street with tons of amenities. A little bit of highway noise, as it’s right next to I80, but very minimal, didn’t disturb us. We will absolutely stop again!
Guide to Ogallala
Lake McConaughy, Nebraska's largest reservoir at 30,000 acres, creates a unique desert-like environment with white sandy beaches in the middle of the Great Plains. Camping near Ogallala, Nebraska offers a mix of lakeside spots and prairie campgrounds with summer temperatures often reaching the 90s. The area experiences significant seasonal water level fluctuations that can affect beach camping conditions throughout the year.
What to do
Fishing opportunities: Lake Ogallala State Recreation Area provides excellent fishing spots with easy shore access. "Nice grass to pitch your tent on right next to the lake. Not too close to neighbor sites. Quiet," notes Bruce K. about the lakeside camping experience.
Water sports: Little Thunder Campground offers direct lake access for various activities. "The lake itself is pretty small (large pond) especially compared to its neighbor Lake McConoughey. Morning catfishing right off the banks is excellent!" shares one camper about the fishing conditions.
Hiking trails: A 9-mile trail system connects various parts of the lake area for day hikes. "Lake Ogallala Trail is a 9 mile lightly trafficked out and back trail located near Ogallala, primarily used for hiking," notes a visitor who enjoyed exploring the area on foot.
What campers like
Beach camping access: Sandy Beach Campground allows vehicles to drive directly onto the shoreline. "Backed the Jeep up to the water and called it home for the night. It was a little windy the day I stayed there...hopefully it is calmer most days," explains Jim H. about his lakefront experience.
Shaded sites: Cedar View Campground offers treed areas for natural cooling. "We were able to find a primitive spot near some beautiful cedar and cotton trees that even had a walking path to the beach and water," shares Jessica C. about finding relief from the summer heat.
Quiet weekday atmosphere: Many campgrounds are significantly less crowded Monday through Thursday. "We camped here in Mid-July 2018. These were nice sized sites and we had a great spot a few steps from the beginning of the beach," reports Kristi B. about finding a prime location during peak season.
What you should know
Weather challenges: Strong winds can develop quickly across the open lake. "Real calm at dusk on this reservoir, it picked up real fast into a certified windstorm by 2AM when I felt like my tent was about to be blown away into oblivion," warns Dan X. about the unpredictable conditions.
Weekend crowds: Martin Bay Campground can become extremely busy on weekends. "This place was great up until around 10pm when I noticed a strange pick up in cars coming through. Later I realized these are all the people who don't want to pay and come in after the gate attendant leaves," explains Kayla M. about late-night arrivals.
Vegetation hazards: Several campgrounds have sticker burrs in grassy areas. "Ok so first off this was a pretty site BUT... we had a tent. There was some kind of thorny thing all over the ground it made it very hard for my kids to play or even have a blowup mattress," cautions Amy H. about tent camping challenges.
Tips for camping with families
Playground access: Several lakeside campgrounds feature playground equipment for children. "There is a playground for kids. All outer loop sites face the water," mentions Chris G. about the family-friendly setup at Lone Eagle Campground.
Varied bathroom facilities: Ogallala/I-80 KOA Journey maintains clean restrooms year-round. "This was a wonderful KOA that we arrived to at 11:15 at night too with no reservations. It was quick and easy to grab the after hours pack and find a spot. Bathroom and showers very clean," notes Hank F. about the late-night arrival experience.
Swimming areas: The white sandy beaches provide natural swimming spots for children. "We enjoyed the lake to paddleboard around. Tent camping one side and RV on the other. Bath house, boat launch, playground," shares Kim B. about the family-friendly activities available.
Tips from RVers
Hookup configurations: Ogallala Tri-Trails KOA offers full hookup sites for larger rigs. "Very well maintained RV park. They take pride in keeping it clean," mentions Tom S. about the overall campground condition.
Water pressure concerns: Several campsites have shared water connections between sites. "Take note. Water is shared and not at every site. Bring several hoses as it's 40 - 50 feet away," advises Phillip about managing hookups at Lone Eagle Campground.
Road access considerations: Some beach camping areas require 4WD vehicles for RVs. "Be careful coming down to the beach. If you drive the wrong way you will get stuck taking an rv down and you can pay for a bulldozer to pull it in if you need it," warns Rico B. about navigating sandy terrain with larger vehicles.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where are the best campgrounds in Ogallala, Nebraska?
Where are the best campgrounds in Ogallala, Nebraska?
Ogallala offers excellent camping options, with Cedar View Campground — Lake McConaughy being a standout choice featuring spectacular views from a tall cliff overlooking clear waters and sandy beaches. Campers love the lake breeze and full hookup options. Another popular option is Martin Bay Campground — Lake McConaughy SRA, which offers the unique experience of beach camping where you can drive your vehicle onto the sand. Other worthwhile campgrounds include Sandy Beach, Lone Eagle, and No Name Bay, all situated around Lake McConaughy. For those seeking camping closer to I-80, the Ogallala KOA provides convenient access for travelers passing through the area.
What is the cost of camping in Ogallala, Nebraska?
What is the cost of camping in Ogallala, Nebraska?
Camping costs in Ogallala vary by location and amenities. At Ogallala/I-80 KOA Journey, prices typically range from $40-60 per night for RV sites with hookups, while tent sites are more affordable at around $25-35. For state recreation areas like Lemoyne - Lake McConaughy SRA, expect to pay around $20-30 per night for basic sites, plus an additional Nebraska park entry permit ($6 daily or $31 annual for Nebraska residents, $12 daily or $61 annual for non-residents). Prices may increase during peak summer season, especially on weekends. Most campgrounds offer both reservation and first-come, first-served options, with reservation fees typically adding $5-10 to the total cost.
Can I go camping at Lake Ogallala and what amenities are available?
Can I go camping at Lake Ogallala and what amenities are available?
Yes, camping is available at Lake Ogallala State Recreation Area Campground, offering a quieter alternative to neighboring Lake McConaughy. The campground provides electric hookups (50-amp available), community water spouts for filling tanks, and fire pits at campsites. Amenities include beautiful shade from large cottonwood trees, fishing access, kayaking opportunities, and hiking trails including the 9-mile Lake Ogallala Trail. While the sites lack full hookups, dump stations are available in the area. The campground is considered somewhat primitive but offers spacious sites with morning catfishing right from your campsite. For those seeking nearby alternatives with more amenities, Sandy Beach Campground — Lake McConaughy SRA provides additional options with better access to the larger lake.
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