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.

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Best Camping Sites Near Ogallala, Nebraska (50)

    1. Lake Ogallala State Recreation Area Campground

    30 Reviews
    Ogallala, NE
    7 miles
    Website
    +1 (308) 284-8800

    $15 - $45 / 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

    11 Reviews
    Ogallala, NE
    2 miles
    Website
    +1 (308) 284-2415

    "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."

    "I stayed at a tent site and it was small and very close to other campers (it’s like a parking lot in size and closeness), but I liked feeling a part of a community."

    3. Ogallala/I-80 KOA Journey

    11 Reviews
    Ogallala, NE
    2 miles
    Website
    +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. Martin Bay Campground — Lake McConaughy SRA

    6 Reviews
    Ogallala, NE
    8 miles
    Website
    +1 (308) 284-8800

    $20 - $60 / 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."

    5. Ogallala KOA

    4 Reviews
    Ogallala, NE
    2 miles
    Website
    +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."

    6. Lone Eagle Campground

    6 Reviews
    Ogallala, NE
    9 miles
    Website
    +1 (308) 284-8800

    $40 / 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."

    7. Little Thunder Campground

    6 Reviews
    Ogallala, NE
    8 miles
    Website
    +1 (308) 284-8800

    $35 - $40 / 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

    4 Reviews
    Ogallala, NE
    9 miles
    Website
    +1 (308) 284-8800

    $20 / 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."

    "Wake up walk into the lake. At night little frogs like to reveal themselves from the sand. Dog loved it. Kids loved it. It was very hot but the East access to the lake made it better."

    9. Cedar View Campground — Lake McConaughy

    9 Reviews
    Lewellen, NE
    16 miles
    Website
    +1 (308) 284-8800

    $20 - $35 / 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 Reviews
    Ogallala, NE
    5 miles
    Website
    +1 (308) 284-8800

    "And you are rights at the foot of Mebraskas largest lake. Where boating fishing and beach’s are abundant."

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Recent Reviews near Ogallala, NE

175 Reviews of 50 Ogallala Campgrounds


  • S
    Sep. 6, 2025

    Oregon Trail RV Campground

    Great campground

    Loved this small cozy campground.  It was clean and well-maintained.  Luke (the owner) was very helpful.  Did not use the restroom facilities, but they looked nice.  We only stayed one night passing through, but would have loved to stay longer!

  • alicianlv The Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 28, 2025

    Westshore Camping Area

    Westshore Camping Area,

    Arrived about 7p and plenty site choices. Dispersed sites are in back area of reservoir (down long packed dirt road around perimeter of reservoir) short distance away from sites is water and with narrow sand beach. Nice for those fishing although not sure if fishing is restricted to certain areas. Only saw a few other sites occupied. Saw two vault toilets although didn't use --we have our own toilet. Cost was $14 for out of state plates, plus $10 for primitive site. Only "negative" is mosquitoes hence 3 stars but what can one expect so close to water?

  • SThe Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 20, 2025

    State Park Thunder Bay

    Beautiful sandy beach

    And when you finally get to the park because the directions are so bad, it is really really nice Sandy Beach

  • Karen W.
    Aug. 2, 2025

    Oregon Trail RV Campground

    Great for an overnight stay

    We stayed one night on the way up to South Dakota and one night on the way back. It's a nice little campground for that. It was clean, the sites are level,  and it's well-maintained. Since the sewer is on the north side of each site, you may have to run your hose under the camper or use the sewer hookup in the lot next to you, if no one is parked there. The owners are still working on the building with the bathroom, but it's nice to have a toilet and shower, if you need to use them. 

    The only negative is that the campground is right next to train tracks, and trains travel past it often. The last one I heard before I fell asleep was around 11:00 pm. I woke up at 6:00 and counted three trains by 7:30.  They didn't bother me, but if you are a light sleeper, they might bother you. 

    I would stay here again.

  • Maui F.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jul. 29, 2025

    Westshore Camping Area

    Great spot

    10$ for dispersed campsite first come first serve and great being by lake be prepared to hear all sorts of animals.

  • Abby W.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jul. 20, 2025

    McGreer Camper Park

    Rowdy Night

    Fine for a quick sleepover. We unfortunately were parked next a drinking group and has the pleasure of hearing more than one person getting sick outside. It’s fine for a pit stop with hookups.

  • tThe Dyrt PRO User
    Jul. 11, 2025

    Oregon Trail RV Campground

    Peaceful

    This is a little RV park with a view of hay bales. Large cottonwood trees for shade and plenty of room for the dogs to run!

  • RThe Dyrt PRO User
    Jul. 6, 2025

    McGreer Camper Park

    Easy access and friendly

    We stopped for an overnight while traveling to Wyoming. The host was quite nice, and the price was about half of what we could've paid at the KOA nearby. It was a quiet place to rest for the night. It definitely served our purpose, but as others said. It is a farm. Though we didn't see many cows, the flies definitely know they are there! Oh my! We jokingly said "they're raising flies!!!" And they were BITING flies. We couldn't get out of there fast enough. If you're planning on staying in your camper the whole time, this will work.

  • Truly W.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jul. 1, 2025

    East Sutherland Wildlife Management Area

    Close to lake, good shade

    There’s 2 or so spots, a tree-shaded loop that you could probably RV/tent camp in, and then a spot close to the boat ramp. We didn’t see any ticks and not many mosquitos/biting flies either. Not far off the highway but the noise isn’t terrible from inside the car.


Guide to Ogallala

Camping near Ogallala, Nebraska, offers a mix of beautiful landscapes and unique experiences. Whether you're looking for a peaceful retreat or a fun family adventure, there are plenty of campgrounds to choose from.

What to do:

  • Fishing and Boating: Lake McConaughy is a popular spot for fishing and boating. Many campers enjoy the access to the water. One reviewer mentioned, "This lake is lovely and the campground would be best enjoyed if you have a boat or jet ski."
  • Hiking and Biking: The trails around the campgrounds provide great opportunities for hiking and biking. A camper noted, "Great flat roads for bike riding. Very few visitors off-season," highlighting the peacefulness of the area.
  • Beach Activities: Campers at Sandy Beach - Lake McConaughy SRA love the sandy shores. One family shared, "We camped right on the water. The spot was beautiful. Wake up walk into the lake."

What campers like:

  • Clean Facilities: Many campers appreciate the cleanliness of the campgrounds. A visitor at Ogallala Tri-Trails KOA said, "The bathroom and shower facilities were so wonderful - very clean and nice to use!"
  • Friendly Hosts: Campers often mention the helpfulness of the staff. One reviewer remarked, "The hosts were friendly and helpful. We stayed for an evening and were able to get all of our needs fulfilled."
  • Quiet Atmosphere: Many enjoy the peaceful environment. A camper at Lake Ogallala - Lake McConaughy State Rec Area noted, "Has been very quiet even when packed full."

What you should know:

  • Limited Amenities: Some campgrounds may lack certain amenities. A visitor at Lone Eagle Campground mentioned, "The bathhouse was not very clean but it is used by many people just here for day use activities."
  • Seasonal Access: Check the season before you go. For example, Ogallala/I-80 KOA Journey is open from April to October, so plan accordingly.
  • Road Noise: Some campgrounds near highways may have noise. A camper at Ogallala Lake McConaughy KOA noted, "Easy on and off to I80, but road noise as a result all day and night."

Tips for camping with families:

  • Kid-Friendly Activities: Look for campgrounds with playgrounds and pools. One family at Ogallala Tri-Trails KOA said, "Our kids were entertained by the pool, jumping pad, etc."
  • Safety Precautions: Be aware of your surroundings, especially at night. A camper at Lake Ogallala Campground shared, "I did not feel safe" due to rowdy neighbors.
  • Pack Essentials: Bring items like sunscreen and water toys for beach days. A reviewer at Sandy Beach - Lake McConaughy SRA suggested, "Canopy needed this time of year for sure."

Tips from RVers:

  • Check Hookups: Make sure your site has the necessary hookups. A camper at Ogallala/I-80 KOA Journey mentioned, "The utilities are in the middle with two sewer choices."
  • Space Considerations: Some sites may be close together. A visitor at Ogallala Tri-Trails KOA noted, "It was small and very close to other campers."
  • Plan for Wind: Be prepared for windy conditions, especially near the lake. A camper at Lake Ogallala - Lake McConaughy State Rec Area said, "It was blowing like crazy when we were there."

Camping near Ogallala, Nebraska, has something for everyone, from families to RV enthusiasts. Just remember to check the amenities and plan for the weather!

Frequently Asked Questions

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?

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?

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.