Best Campgrounds near Pierce, NE

The area surrounding Pierce, Nebraska features several developed campgrounds catering to different camping preferences. Willow Creek State Recreation Area stands as the region's primary campground, offering both tent and RV accommodations with electric hookups, water access, and modern amenities including showers and sanitary facilities. Additional camping options extend to nearby communities, with Ta-Ha-Zouka Park in Norfolk (approximately 15 miles southeast) and Osmond City Park (about 13 miles north) providing alternative established camping areas with varying levels of amenities.

Most campgrounds in northeast Nebraska operate seasonally, with fullest services available from April through October. Willow Creek remains open year-round but with reduced winter amenities. Several campgrounds implement water restrictions during summer months due to algae blooms, which can impact recreational activities. Electric hookups are commonly available at most sites, though water connections and dump stations vary by location. Weather patterns significantly influence camping conditions, with summer temperatures typically ranging from 75-90°F and occasional thunderstorms. As noted in visitor feedback, "Unfortunately Willow Creek State Recreation Area was under a health advisory when we arrived due to algae."

Campers consistently rate lakeside camping options as highlights of the region. Willow Creek State Recreation Area receives positive reviews for its combination of water access, wooded campsites, and recreational opportunities including fishing, hiking trails, and archery facilities. The campground features paved areas ideal for biking and walking, making it family-friendly. Many smaller municipal parks offer free or donation-based camping with basic amenities. One visitor described Osmond City Park as "a perfect surprise" noting that "it's loaded with amenities: a public swimming pool, well-built RV pads with water and electrical hookups, nearby bathroom and shower, grill, gazebo...and it's all free, but you can leave a donation." These community-based camping areas provide convenient overnight options for travelers exploring northeast Nebraska without requiring extensive planning or reservations.

Best Camping Sites Near Pierce, Nebraska (87)

    1. Willow Creek State Recreation Area Campground

    10 Reviews
    Pierce, NE
    3 miles
    Website
    +1 (402) 329-4053

    $25 - $35 / night

    "We stayed here on our visit up to Ashfall Fossil Beds(which is a must see for anyone with kids, and is only a 30 minute drive from campsite) Most RV campsites are within a minute or two walk to lake."

    "Kids and families biking and walking and it has very nice paved areas. The May birding around this end of lake was fantastic. Bath facilities were a walk away but very clean."

    2. Ta-Ha-Zouka Park

    7 Reviews
    Norfolk, NE
    14 miles
    Website
    +1 (402) 844-2000

    "Park is nice, pretty little pond with fountain and immediate access to the Cowboy Trail. Right on the edge of the town of Norfolk, access to everything you may need."

    "Norfolk is nearby and has a lot of restaurants and shopping. The Cowboy Trail starts here and continues to Valentine, NE. Clean bathrooms and showers as well."

    3. Osmond City Park

    3 Reviews
    Pierce, NE
    11 miles
    Website
    +1 (402) 748-3800

    "We love to camp and birdwatch throughout Nebraska, though occasionally a final campsite at days-end can be hard to locate."

    "Great overnight stop on our way through Nebraska. This city park has 5 RV/trailer pads with water and electric hookup. Suggested donation of $10/night."

    4. Chilvers Park

    4 Reviews
    Royal, NE
    17 miles
    Website
    +1 (402) 582-4928

    "Again, if boondocking is your thing, Nebraska is on target. Apparently most of the city parks allow up to 3 days camping at their city parks."

    5. Veterans Memorial RV Park

    2 Reviews
    Pierce, NE
    15 miles
    Website
    +1 (402) 337-0567

    6. Tilden East City Park

    1 Review
    Pierce, NE
    18 miles
    Website
    +1 (402) 368-2232

    7. Maskenthine Lake Recreation Area

    3 Reviews
    Stanton, NE
    21 miles
    Website
    +1 (402) 371-7313

    "Nice lake for fishing or kayaking. Great trails for hiking or mountain biking. Super quiet place and some pretty great sunsets!"

    "Also has a mountain bike trail."

    8. Riverside Park

    5 Reviews
    Royal, NE
    26 miles
    Website
    +1 (402) 887-4066

    "Bathrooms were clean and close by. The river runs by so we had a fun night out on a sand bar. It's in town which has several restaurant choices."

    "Fairly quiet, some highway noise but not bad. Clean restroom and shower. Would stay here again."

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Recent Reviews near Pierce, NE

210 Reviews of 87 Pierce Campgrounds


  • Morgan V.
    Sep. 15, 2025

    Modern Campground — Niobrara State Park

    Great little getaway

    We ended up having nearly the whole place to ourselves! Spots 43/44 were absolutely perfect! On the end which is always nice. Also far enough from the road so it wasn’t too noisy. It was downhill from the horse riding spot and there’s some dogs up there who were barking and came down to our camp twice. Level and spacious enough for our tent (some of the other spots were valleys). It was a short walk to the bathroom/shower.

    Right off of spot 43 is a path to a clearing right on the riverbank for fishing. You might not like that spot if it’s busy and people are walking through your camp set up to get to it.

    Showers and bathrooms were quite clean aside from bugs. Water had that icky egg smell lol.

    Lots of bugs around in general! Mosquitoes, gnats and spiders were especially bad for us.

    We drove around and looked at some of the other spots nearby. The primitive campsites looked super private and the cabins had some amazing views, I think cabin 10 would’ve been the best view but cost $170 per night.

  • AThe Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 11, 2025

    Ta-Ha-Zouka Park

    Perfect city park overnighter

    Nice roomy clean sites. Park is nice, pretty little pond with fountain and immediate access to the Cowboy Trail. Right on the edge of the town of Norfolk, access to everything you may need. Across the highway from a cubby’s and love’s truck stops but the stay was still peaceful and quiet. Very nice large city park.

  • Travis A.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 8, 2025

    Mulberry Bend Wildlife Management Area

    Mulberry Bend Wildlife Management Area

    Nice spot to overnight for a day or two. Not a very large spot but enough room for 6 or 7 rigs. I tow a 20ft trailer Next to Vermilliom river. 1 picnic table, pit toilet, boat ramp. Easy to get to. Well maintained gravel road. No potable water. Walmart is 5.3 miles away.

  • RThe Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 16, 2025

    Mulberry Bend Wildlife Management Area

    Open in August 2025. No idea what all the fuss is about.

    I almost skipped this spot because people were complaining about it being roped off or closed, or it didn't look safe or whatever, and it couldn't be farther from the truth. Whoever is writing those is probably either overly conscious, or they're trying to dissuade other campers so that they can have the spot to themselves. But it's such a big place and a lot of places to park that it doesn't really make a whole lot of sense to do that, so I don't know what their motive was.

    There are trash cans and if you can do water procurement, there's the Missouri River. I don't see a grey dump though.

    No problem at all getting my bus in here.

  • W
    Jul. 25, 2025

    Bloomfield - Lewis and Clark SRA

    Quick Tour

    We recorded our last visit (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=umNkBK\_PPGQ) so that we would remember the site numbers for the RV spots. 

    They have 4-6 spots along the water.  This is one of my favorite campgrounds. Amazing views!

  • Jessica K.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jul. 19, 2025

    Mulberry Bend Wildlife Management Area

    Nice stop

    Not too far down a gravel road. Great views and breeze of the Missouri River. No signs about camping or not. I see a vault toilet but didn't try it.

  • Jessica K.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jul. 19, 2025

    Mulberry Bend Wildlife Management Area

    No longer a boat ramp - CLOSED

    This is now closed off w a fence. There are houses around the area too, off a gravel, curvey road that doesn't seem safe to stay on for the night. No pull off at all anymore.

  • HThe Dyrt PRO User
    Jul. 10, 2025

    Modern Campground — Niobrara State Park

    Beautiful Park

    Great park. You do have to pay to shower though. Make sure you make it to the scenic overlook in the cabin area. There are beautiful views of the Missouri River!

  • Rob C.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jun. 14, 2025

    Riverside Park

    Great Campground

    Easy hook up, many sites with shade $20 per night. There is a shower and flush toilets but not very clean! That’s why only four stars!


Guide to Pierce

Camping near Pierce, Nebraska, offers a mix of beautiful landscapes and family-friendly activities. Whether you're looking for a peaceful getaway or an adventure-filled trip, there are several campgrounds to choose from.

What to do:

  • Fishing: Many campers enjoy fishing in the nearby rivers and lakes. One visitor at Niobrara State Park Campground said, "Views of the Missouri River were amazing. Enjoyed a hike with the interpreter. Worth a stop for sure."
  • Hiking: Explore the scenic trails around the campgrounds. A reviewer at Riverfront Campground — Ponca State Park mentioned, "So much to do on site. Miles of trails! My family did 7 miles."
  • Wildlife Watching: Campers often spot deer and other wildlife. One camper at Oak Bluff — Ponca State Park shared, "We saw unusual flowers, birds, and wildlife."

What campers like:

  • Clean Facilities: Campers appreciate well-maintained restrooms and showers. A visitor at Nebraska Tailwaters noted, "The bathrooms are the cleanest bathrooms I have ever seen at a campground!"
  • Spacious Sites: Many campgrounds offer roomy spots for tents and RVs. A reviewer at Yankton — Lewis And Clark Recreation Area said, "Clean beach, spacious spots for our 35' camper."
  • Family-Friendly Atmosphere: Campgrounds often have playgrounds and activities for kids. One family at Chief White Crane Recreation Area mentioned, "The kids and pets especially enjoyed it!"

What you should know:

  • Reservations Recommended: Some campgrounds fill up quickly, especially during weekends. A camper at Niobrara State Park Campground advised, "Definitely worth the 3-hour drive up there."
  • Limited Amenities: Not all campgrounds have full hookups or water access. A visitor at Willow Creek State Rec Area noted, "There is no dump station available at the park; you have to drive to town to dump your tanks."
  • Wildlife Caution: While wildlife is a highlight, be aware of ticks and other critters. A camper at Nebraska Tailwaters mentioned, "There are a tremendous amount of ticks."

Tips for camping with families:

  • Choose Campgrounds with Play Areas: Look for campgrounds that have playgrounds and open spaces. A family at Chief White Crane Recreation Area enjoyed the "huge green space in the middle of the campground."
  • Pack Family-Friendly Activities: Bring games and outdoor toys to keep kids entertained. One reviewer at Yankton — Lewis And Clark Recreation Area mentioned, "Beautiful dark skies with lots of stars."
  • Plan for Quiet Time: Respect quiet hours to ensure everyone has a good night's sleep. A camper at Riverfront Campground — Ponca State Park noted, "Everyone seemed to respect the 10:00 PM quiet time."

Tips from RVers:

  • Check Site Sizes: Make sure your RV fits the site before booking. A visitor at Oak Bluff — Ponca State Park said, "Tight squeeze for larger campers, not all sites are 50 amp."
  • Look for Electric Hookups: Many campgrounds offer electric sites, which can be a lifesaver. A reviewer at Nebraska Tailwaters mentioned, "Nice large sites and enough room to move around."
  • Bring Extra Supplies: Some campgrounds may not have stores nearby. A camper at Willow Creek State Rec Area advised, "Make sure you have quarters to get a shower!"

Camping near Pierce, Nebraska, has something for everyone, from families to RV enthusiasts. With beautiful scenery and plenty of activities, it’s a great spot to unwind and enjoy nature.

Frequently Asked Questions

What camping is available near Pierce, NE?

According to TheDyrt.com, Pierce, NE offers a wide range of camping options, with 87 campgrounds and RV parks near Pierce, NE and 2 free dispersed camping spots.

Which is the most popular campground near Pierce, NE?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Pierce, NE is Willow Creek State Recreation Area Campground with a 3.5-star rating from 10 reviews.

Where can I find free dispersed camping near Pierce, NE?

According to TheDyrt.com, there are 2 free dispersed camping spots near Pierce, NE.