Michael D.
Scout
ScoutTa-Ha-Zouka Park
Very nice city campground/park
The sites are large with space, electric only,ok bath and shower. A large fenced dog park. Great stop for a night or two. Host very helpful.
Best Dog-Friendly Camping near Pierce, NE
Willow Creek State Recreation Area Campground offers tent and RV sites where pets are welcome on leashes. Dogs can join campers at this lakeside destination with designated swim areas for pets to cool off during summer visits. Some campsites feature lake access with paved trails throughout the recreation area allowing for easy dog walks. The bathrooms and showers are clean but sometimes require quarters to operate. Several reviewers note that their dogs enjoyed the shoreline areas, though occasional algae blooms during summer months can restrict water activities for both people and pets.
Nearby pet-friendly options include Osmond City Park with five RV pads offering water and electric hookups where campers can bring their dogs for a suggested donation of $10 per night. The park includes clean bathrooms, a playground, and plenty of space for dogs to exercise. Ta-Ha-Zouka Park in Norfolk maintains a large fenced dog park adjacent to its camping area with spacious sites set on concrete pads. The campground connects to the Cowboy Trail, providing excellent walking opportunities for dogs and their owners. Most local campgrounds enforce standard pet policies requiring dogs to remain on leash, proper waste disposal, and consideration of quiet hours to prevent barking disturbances. Veterinary services are available in Norfolk for emergency pet care during camping trips.
Best Dog-Friendly Sites Near Pierce, Nebraska (60)
1. Willow Creek State Recreation Area Campground
10 ReviewsPierce, NE3 milesWebsite+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
9 ReviewsNorfolk, NE14 milesWebsite+1 (402) 844-2000"A large fenced dog park. Great stop for a night or two. Host very helpful."
"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."
3. Osmond City Park
3 ReviewsPierce, NE11 milesWebsite+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
6 ReviewsRoyal, NE17 milesWebsite+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."
"There is a small grocery store downtown (a 5 minute walk from the park) as well as a wonderful coffee shop located in a historic building."
5. Veterans Memorial RV Park
2 ReviewsPierce, NE15 miles+1 (402) 337-05676. Tilden East City Park
1 ReviewPierce, NE18 milesWebsite+1 (402) 368-22327. Maskenthine Lake Recreation Area
3 ReviewsStanton, NE21 milesWebsite+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 ReviewsRoyal, NE26 milesWebsite+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."
9. Fred Penn Park
3 ReviewsRoyal, NE26 milesWebsite+1 (402) 887-406610. Yankton — Lewis And Clark Recreation Area
18 ReviewsHomme Lake, ND46 milesWebsite+1 (402) 388-4169$15 / night
"Nebraska is HORRIBLE!!! We quit the Nebraska State parks years ago! Putting in coins to take a shower?! Really?! South Dakota doesn’t do that!!! South Dakota State Parks ROCK!!!!!"
"We had a wonderfull Campside with view of the Lake .The campground is very big and Quiet. Very clean Bathhouses .Lot of Beaches and Playgrounds for Kids. We come back ."
Recent Dog-Friendly Camping Photos near Pierce, NE
9 Photos of 60 Pierce Campgrounds
Dog-Friendly Camping Reviews near Pierce, NE
226 Reviews of 60 Pierce Campgrounds
GoWhereYouAreDraw N.
LegendYankton - Missouri River KOA Journey
Best campground in area
Nice park on the east side of Yankton. Would rate much higher except roads need more gravel and there are a few serious dips and bumps in the roads. Really nice staff, super clean restrooms, and nice patio sites for the reasonable rate.
Dog park, pool and other amenities are well maintained.
- CCarly P.
GuideCabin Area — Niobrara State Park
Beautiful area to explore
This campground features cabins and tent camping. Designed for families, there is a playground and lots of open space for the kids to run around. Pets are welcome. There is a small pond stocked for fishing right in the middle of the tent camping area. Take a short hike to see where the Niobrara river dumps into the Missouri and take in some of the best views in Nebraska. In the winter months, hunters often use the cabins as home base and hunt in the surrounding woods.
- NN I.Legend
Nebraska Tailwaters
Huck Finn Time
Open year round
Reservations: Mid May - Mid May
FCFS Mid Oct - Mid May
42 sites 31 electric 11 non electric
Group camping with electric
ADA Accessible fishing pier 31 electric sites 11 non electric Modern showers Flush toilets Shore fishing Boat ramp Fish cleaning station RV dump station Group camping Picnic shelter Fire ring/grill Vault toilet Cell service Paved sites Pets allowed Trash Security lights Drinking water
This campground is a gem snuggled along the Missouri River on the Nebraska side of the river. Lewis and Clark journeyed up the Missouri River on their way to the Pacific Ocean. In 1874 a group of Mennonites settled along the now Lewis& Clark Lake. Ground was broken in 1952 at the damsite. Now the public is able to recreate in numerous campgrounds and recreation sites along the Nebraska and South Dakota shore line
- NN I.Legend
Cottonwood Campground
Best of Both States
Dates: April 15, 2021- October 17, 2021 October 17 2021– April 21, 2022
Fees:$16.00$18.00
- RV dump station is located just north of Cottonwood Campground off of Toe Road.
- 7 electrical sites
- 2 modern Bath house/toilets
- Trash
- Water sites
- Cell phone service
- Drinking water
- Flush toilets
- Grills/fire rings
- Lake access
- Paved roads
- Paved sites
- Pets allowed
- Picnic tables
- Playground
- Security lights
- Disc golf
- Shade
The Lewis and Clark Visitor Center: Contains exhibits on the Missouri River and area history including the Lewis and Clark Expedition with stunning views of Lewis and Clark Lake along with the Missouri River. Powerhouse Tours are available on weekends. Please contact the Lewis and Clark Visitor Center at (402) 667-2546 for more information.• The Gavins Point National Fish Hatchery and Aquarium• Visit nearby Yankton, South Dakota- the historic capitol of the Dakota Territory.• Located both upstream and downstream of Lewis and Clark Lake, visit the Missouri National Recreational River.
•• Latitude• 42° 51' 31.0000" N • Longitude• 97° 28' 57.0000" W••
From U.S. Hwy 81 in Yankton, South Dakota, drive four miles west on South Dakota Highway 52, then south on Dam Toe Road and follow signs
.• Check-In Time is 4:00 P.M./ Check-Out Time is 2:00 P.M.
All-Terrain Vehicles(ATVs/UTVs) and golf carts are not permitted.
Quiet hours are 10:00 P.M. to 6:00 A.M.
Fireworks are prohibited.
All pets must be on a leash of 6 feet in length or less. Pet waste must be picked up and properly disposed of promptly.
Firewood Alert: Don't Move Firewood!• Due to the spread of invasive insects(such as Emerald Ash Borer(EAB)) firewood from outside the area is not permitted. Help protect your forests by purchasing near your camping destination and burning it on-site. Firewood is not available for sale on-site, however several local businesses sell firewood a short distance away, see the campground host or attendant for more information.• Visit DontMoveFirewood.org for more information.
For questions or to contact park staff, please call: 402-667-2546 or email: gavinspoint.nwo@usace.army.mil. U.S. ARMY CORPS OF ENGINEERS GAVINS POINT PROJECT OFFICE P.O. BOX 710 YANKTON, SD 57078
Physical Address U.S. ARMY CORPS OF ENGINEERS COTTONWOOD CAMPGROUND 198 TOE RD YANKTON, SD 57078 Phone Number
For facility specific information, please call (402) 667-2546
Trails: There are at least 9 hiking trails on AllTrails that you will find around Lewis and Clark Recreation Area. Lewis and Clark has the best of both worlds since the lake borders South Dakota and Nebraska. That makes it easy to stay in your preferred state and location. In Yankton SD a great trail is the Chalk Bluffs Multi-Use Trail which is a 3.7 mile loop where you will find a lake and it is rated as moderate. Dogs are allowed but must be on leash. This trail is used for hiking, horses, mountain biking and birding and is accessible through out the year. There is a 3.8 mile lightly used round trip or one way out and back called Yankton South Shore Trail. Great for wildlife viewing and it is great for walking, hiking and just enjoying nature.
Fishing: Lewis & Clark offers many types of fish for all anglers out there, walleye, sauger, large and small mouth bass, crappie, catfish and bluegill. It depends on the season and temperature of the water as to what is biting.
Boating: Boating goes hand in hand with fishing and as with all things there are rules and regulations. You will find all types of boats, speedboats, pontoon, kayaks and personal watercraft. Make sure and wear your life jacket anytime you are on the water– Stay Safe and Alive. Make sure you are aware of the rules and regulations for boating around a dam area.
Another issue that has become an increasing problem is Aquatic Invasive Species (AIS) which is spreading in the United States. There are different types of AIS and they are being spread by several methods. Boaters, of all types, help spread or help stop the spread by taking care of their watercraft. Before leaving a boat launch practice the CLEAN, DRAIN, DRY technique. Many states require an AIS permit before you place watercraft in the water.
Birding: Birding at Lewis & Clark is great for watching bald eagles. You can get a list from Niobrara State Park for birds found around the lake.
Hunting: In season, of course, begins the Tuesday after Labor Day. White tailed deer, mourning dove, waterfowl and wild turkey, cottontail rabbits and squirrel. Make sure you follow all the regulations in the recreation area.
Winter sports: Adds a completely new option for recreation. When ice is thick enough the lake is open for ice fishing, skating and snowmobiles. Cross country skiing is also very popular.
Lewis & Clark Lake is formed from the Missouri and Niabrara Rivers. The lake travels for about 35 miles at a maximum pool 90 miles of shoreline. Maximum depth is 45 feet. It was named after the Lewis& Clark Expedition that camped nearby.
LNT
Better than when you found it
Stay safe– Happy Travels
Ashley L.GuideModern Campground — Niobrara State Park
Great Spot!
All around beautiful place. We had a great camping experience this summer. The grounds were clean, beautiful scenery, pet friendly and fun hiking trails! There's a lot of really cool cabins to choose from and the tent camping areas are in great locations scattered around the park. Definitely for the 3 hour drive up there.
James D.GuideCottonwood Campground
Another great park in the Missouri River Valley!
Great place for RV camping. My Uncle and I went through here back in 2011. All sites were reservable on-line. Every site had electric hookups. There is access to water and restrooms in each loop. Some of the sites are right near Lake Yankton. There was decent fishing but nothing too special. The park itself is very close to South Dakota, and you can visit the old time capitol of the Dakota Territory. I love the little history pieces like this so it was worth the side trip for me. It is also right near Lewis and Clark Lake which has really good fishing in the early morning. People we met were using the spot as they were passing through the area or for taking kids out for the weekend. Pets were allowed here too.
- SStillRVWanderer ..Legend
Gilman Park
Four sites in a city park
If you are passing through northeast Nebraska, Gilman Park Campground in Pierce Nebraska is a convenient, budget-friendly stopover. It is a small, basic setup located right inside a lovely city park. There is not a dump station directly inside the park, but there is a public dump station located in the town about two minutes away. In May 2026 the nightly rate was $20, with a 5 night maximum stay.
The camping layout is very straightforward, with four campsites lined up together. There are two shared power pedestals, with each pedestal serving two campsites. These are 30-amp electric only. All four sites share a single water spigot as far as I could tell, so you may need a long hose to fill your tank. There is one shared charcoal grill, a trash can, and an area with a picnic table.
The surrounding park is beautiful and I enjoyed my time here. There is a lake with a fishing dock. There are two separate playgrounds and multiple picnic shelters equipped with their own grills. There is a brick bathroom building in the park, but I did not go inside.
Right next to the campsites sits a local Pioneer Museum. It wasn't open during our visit, but it looks like a neat historical feature when accessible.
Verizon is strong here, with a 5G signal providing 200Mbps down and 6Mbps up.
Charles C.LegendLake North
Free Lakeside Camping with hookup
This camping area has open sites close to the edge of the lake. Electric hookups, toilets, and convenience store close by.
The lake is artificial and has steep metal walls like a reservoir, which was probably what it was. Next to the reservoir is a large wetland teaming with wildlife. There is a long paved trail that skirts the lake.
Columbus Nebraska has a lot going on including a rather mammoth waterpark.
Guide to Pierce
Willow Creek State Recreation Area offers outdoor enthusiasts a 700-acre reservoir surrounded by prairie landscape just north of Pierce, Nebraska. The recreation area sits at approximately 1,580 feet elevation with summer temperatures averaging in the mid-80s Fahrenheit. Camping sites are situated among scattered cottonwood trees that provide limited shade during hot Nebraska summers.
What to do
Archery practice: Willow Creek State Recreation Area features a dedicated archery area for visitors. "If you're into archery like we are, they have a great archery area. Nights are quiet and there are plenty of local spots nearby for the day time like a vineyard and for a little longer drive you can see ash fall fossil beds," notes Pat V. from Willow Creek State Recreation Area.
Biking trails: Explore paved trails that encircle the lake. "Awesome bike trails take you all around the lake and even across a bridge and dam for great views from multiple angles," shares Nate R. about Willow Creek. The nearby Ta-Ha-Zouka Park connects to the Cowboy Trail, with one reviewer noting: "The Cowboy Trail starts here and continues to Valentine, NE."
Birdwatching: Spring birdwatching opportunities abound around lake shorelines. "The May birding around this end of lake was fantastic," reports Mac M. about Willow Creek. At Maskenthine Lake Recreation Area, visitors can find "great trails for hiking or mountain biking" that also provide access to birding areas.
What campers like
Quiet atmosphere: Most campgrounds in the Pierce area offer peaceful settings. "We found this campground a few years back and have visited multiple times. The lake is huge and great for fishing. There are miles of trails that we enjoyed," writes a Willow Creek visitor. At Maskenthine Lake, one camper appreciates that it's a "super quiet place and some pretty great sunsets!"
Variety of fishing spots: Fishing opportunities exist at several area lakes. "This campground was nice. There were showers and restrooms available for use. Access to the water without walking through rocks is pretty slim but we did find a couple spots that our dogs could get in," reports Charlie M. about Willow Creek. Fred Penn Park provides "fishing. Located next to the Elkhorn River and Fred Penn Lake."
Clean facilities: Many campgrounds maintain their amenities well. "Clean restrooms and showers. Some sites have lake access. Well wooded," says Chris C. about Willow Creek. At Riverside Park in Neligh, visitors appreciate the "clean restroom and shower."
What you should know
Seasonal water quality issues: Several lakes in the region experience algae blooms. "The only issue I have is when the algae bloom happens every year, then there is no water activity permitted," explains Christopher L. about Willow Creek. Always check current water conditions before planning water activities.
Shower facilities vary: Shower availability and conditions differ between campgrounds. "Make sure you have quarters to get a shower!! We only found one shower house for over 100 campsites," advises Julie M. about Willow Creek. At Osmond City Park, there's a "nearby bathroom and shower," though quality varies by location.
Road conditions: Some campgrounds have challenging access roads. At Maskenthine Lake, a camper warns: "The roads getting there are terrible. The west road in is 2 miles of gravel then 3 miles on dirt. Won't make it if it rained. Don't even try. The east entry is 4-5 miles of 5 mph washboard."
Tips for camping with families
Playground access: Several campgrounds offer play areas for children. "It has a playground, and park," notes a reviewer about Osmond City Park. At Willow Creek, "Has a couple of playgrounds for the kids, the one our kids loved required a little bike trek from the campground to the north side of the lake."
Educational opportunities: Consider day trips to nearby attractions. "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)," recommends a Willow Creek visitor. This prehistoric site showcases remarkably preserved fossils.
Pet-friendly trails: For pet-friendly camping near Pierce, Nebraska, choose campgrounds with suitable walking paths. "Kids and families biking and walking and it has very nice paved areas," shares Mac M. about Willow Creek. At Ta-Ha-Zouka Park, "a large fenced dog park" adjacent to camping provides space for pets to exercise safely.
Tips from RVers
Hookup considerations: Check specific hookup availability before arrival. "Before we pulled up, we had to fill with water because there is no water at the sites themselves. And no sewer dump at the sites. (There is one on your way out). However, we had full 50 amp power," explains an RVer about Ta-Ha-Zouka Park.
Level sites: RV campers should note site conditions. "The sites are large with space, electric only, ok bath and shower," mentions Michael D. about Ta-Ha-Zouka Park. At Riverside Park, "Level sites. Will accommodate rigs of all sizes. 50amp electric. Water hook up. Dump station. All for $15 per night."
Space between campsites: Site spacing varies between campgrounds. At Willow Creek, sites are reasonably spaced. At Fred Penn Park, however, sites are "all grass with no defined driveways lined up next to each other with no privacy/separation between them."
Frequently Asked Questions
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Which is the most popular dog-friendly campsite near Pierce, NE?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular dog-friendly campground near Pierce, NE is Willow Creek State Recreation Area Campground with a 3.5-star rating from 10 reviews.
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What is the best site to find dog-friendly camping near Pierce, NE?
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