The Dyrt is here to help plan your best camping near Ogallala. There's so much to see and do, from exhilarating hikes or bike rides to exploring the local dining and shopping. At The Dyrt, campers like you share their favorite spots, plus tips and photos. No matter where you're headed in Ogallala, you'll find the best spot for you and your camping crew.
Sandy Beach Campground — Lake McConaughy SRA
21 min away
Lakeview
21 min away
"Find a spot set up Camp that’s it. No real sights there. You are on the east side/backside of the damn. Sun sets a little earlier. Lol. Fishing. Bird watching."
"It was $8 in the ranger box, no staff on site. A cop drove through once. I don’t have 4x4 but there were spots I could still safely pull up to and feel right on the beach under the big trees."
"Was still a little bit crowded but would definitely recommend as there was plenty of space on the beach"
RangerThis review is for the West Campground, which is a Basic site with no hookups. There is water in a couple places but not at each site. The sites do have a picnic table, fire ring or grill. There are trash dumpsters, a playground, porta potties and a more modern restroom at the end of the campground. Most sites are fairly level and have trees for shade. Sites 1-17 are right on the lake, although the sites near the power generating have a strong surphur smell from the water.
This is a great place to stay if you don’t mind no hookups.
LegendCampground Review
Also known as Sutherland Reservoir North Shore Recreation Area, I found this place in Nebraska not long after a terrible thunderstorm came rolling in along I-80. The golf gods we're with me on this one, because I didn't even know until I got there that there was even a golf course. The storm was bad, but not bad enough from keeping me playing 9 holes the next day!
This place is surprisingly popular given how basic the amenities are. As a golfer, sure, it's a plus there's a course but this place is also on a huge reservoir lake and has a launch point nearby. Lots of people staying here had some sort of boat or jetski for fishing or recreation. As a tent camper my toilet options were two port-o poties on one end of the grounds (it's not a big campground) or a toilet with a sink attached to the golf course clubhouse. No showers. The staff at the place were very nice and even though they were full, they gave me a spot just on the grass somewhere so I could spend the night. It was cheap - only $10 all-in. You can also buy snacks and refreshments from the clubhouse.
The camp spots were tightly packed in and not a lot of space to roam around that wouldn't be on someone's campsite. Best enjoyed it seemed by big groups.
Ranger Review
As a Dyrt Ranger I am given products to test from time to time. I photograph a lot on my adventures with a DLSR and noticed the Matador Base Layer, and a lightweight, protective case for my camera would be GREAT. I was a big fan of the built-in rain fly as well. Matador makes a few products friendly for wet weather and conditions, and this is no exception.
The bag is easy to take on and off your camera, and its 'base layer' fabric is very reminiscent of a base layer jacket. It's well stitched so the insulated padding doesn't clump up in one area and keeps it well placed for protection.
Speaking of protection - yes it is a great bag for weather protection (rain,dust). No, it is not the best for high impact situations. It is a light case, and by default of that, it's protection is going to be limited. I wouldn't use this to wrap my DSLR + lens in if I was going to then put the camera in a larger bag and carrying/transport that around, but I would use it in situations where my camera would be out a lot and the impact risk is low.
Proc/Cons
When you need to use the camera, simply unclip the buckle and pull from the bottom. Very easy, very fast. One issue then is now you have a bag in your hand and you want to use your hands to take a photo. It's a little awkward trying to find a pocket big enough to stuff it. if you clip it back to the camera strap, it is awkward to then try and use your camera. You can clip it to a bag, sure, but what if you're not carrying a bag? I don't always and just hike with my camera and a water bottle.
I have enjoyed using this on day hikes in Colorado in Rocky Mountain National Park on easy trails, but would be worried about this as it swung from my neck/shoulder and then slipped on some trail and as I regain my balance (hopefully), it's swinging from my neck and knocks into some side wall or rock/tree. When you hold it in your hands you can tell it is super well made immediately, but I do wish the material was a bit thicker.
Version 2.0?
In a future iteration, I would love to see a camera sling bag made out of the same materials and buckle + rain fly system. Just a little thicker for more padded protection for higher impacts. Also, an integrated shoulder sling strap. On that strap there could even be a hidden pocket or inlet to clip camera lens covers to or something multi-purpose, like a stash cloth to wipe off lenses. Your NanoDry fabrics are pretty cool, perhaps some integration there would lead people to want to test out other products if they liked the base layer, like the towels or teardrop bags. That all-in one bag would still be lightweight and still have water/dust protection, but could then stay slung over my shoulder, leaving me hands- free for taking shots.
RangerThe camping was well set up fire rings and picnic tables at all sites. Great trails near by.
ScoutThis campsite is beautiful - a nice quiet lake with fishing & kayaking, shady spot with electric hookup, and a pretty nice fire pit. Huge cottonwoods surround us with birds chirping into the evening & the crickets singing at night. No water hookups at the site but there is water available - though not a RV fill/dump station. Paid showers available. A great retreat after a day on Lake Mac, which is right next door. No quiet hours on Saturday night. Worth it for the water access to Lake Ogallala!
LegendI 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. Some have tables and fire rings other do not. There is a vault toilet at the end of the loop.
$30 for electric sites $7 daily vehicle fee for NE license $14 daily vehicle fee for non- NE $15 tent sites
LegendHeads up - 4WD or AWD vehicles necessary. I had my first opportunity to drive my car onto a beach, and it was the coolest experience. What's also a cool experience? Car camping on a beach! Although the campground shows on a specific part of the map, our experience would be similar to anyone camping along the beach of huge Lake McConaughy. The way it works here is there's a main entrance to the State Recreation Area, then you choose between a few designated campgrounds. One would simply access the beach from different points along the road, probably at each designated campground. We found access to this gem by the Little Thunder campground, via a 4WD beach access road. Campfires, fire ban permitted, are allowed. You'll want to bring your own wood, but there's kindling. Visibility here for star gazing is supreme. For the lake's size, there's accommodation for a lot. That said, there can be a lot of people on a a nice weather weekend. That's not as much a privacy concern since it's easy to give each campsite plenty of space, but at night if there's people with their boats out on the water partying or chatting, the sound will carry so bring some ear plugs for the night. Great place for regular beach stuff. I also saw a lot of water sports being enjoyed, from paddle boarding to water skiing. A cool thing one family did was they had used the main entrance to the state park area to load their boat into the water and had driven the boat and anchored it close by their beach side campsite. Well done Nebraska.
TravelerWe paid for a site that resembled a dispersed camping site( and a poor one at that). We also left early, not wanting to stay an hour more. Site disorganized, unclean, with old nasty Porta potty’s. This campground is not for seniors! Mostly for low income Young families.  in addition to the camping fee we were required to pay $12 for a vehicle fee. No showers or even vault toilets. Walmart is a better deal?
GuideI 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. If you want some space though, it may not be for you (with tent camping that’s all they have). Big plus for me since it was so cold and windy, was that the restrooms and office were right next to me. They also offered to leave firewood that I wanted in my site, and in case of rain ended up setting it inside at the registration lobby since I came after office hours. One staff member checked to make sure I found everything okay and I appreciated that. They have a K-9 enclosure for a bit of pupper exercise, a playground, and a pool when it is in season. Not much of a view anywhere but they have cool old pioneer wagons all around so that was neat. No complaints and if it weren’t so windy I would have really enjoyed having a cozy site near possible new friends.
LegendWhen you pull off at Paxton Nebraska, there is a campground with 12 full hook ups next to the gas station(the Lodge). There is a car wash and hotel there too. The Rv sites are pull thru so easy to park. Each site is spacious with a BBQ grill but no fire rings or picnic tables. You register at the hotel and sites are $22/ night and include cable. If you are tired and need a place to pull over this area serves its purpose.
Tent camping near Ogallala, Nebraska offers a unique experience with beautiful lakeside views and a variety of outdoor activities. Whether you're looking for a peaceful retreat or an adventurous getaway, the area has something to offer every camping enthusiast.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular tent campsite near Ogallala, NE?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular tent campground near Ogallala, NE is Ogallala Beach with a 3.3-star rating from 3 reviews.
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TheDyrt.com has all 9 tent camping locations near Ogallala, NE, with real photos and reviews from campers.
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