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Best Tent Camping near Pierce, NE

187 Reviews

Tent camping options near Pierce, Nebraska are limited but can be found at several established parks within driving distance. Centennial Park Campground and Taylor Creek Campground both accommodate tent campers, though Taylor Creek has been noted as potentially being a golf course rather than a dedicated campground. Other options include the Madison County Fairgrounds, which offers basic tent sites within an hour's drive of Pierce.

Campsites typically feature minimal amenities, with varying levels of facilities across locations. Centennial Park provides picnic tables, water hookups, and trash service, making it more suitable for those who prefer some conveniences while tent camping. Fire rings are available at select campgrounds, though fire restrictions may apply seasonally. Many sites operate on a first-come, first-served basis rather than reservation systems. Most tent camping areas near Pierce lack showers, with only basic toilet facilities available at certain locations. A review mentioned, "The toilet was very clean with toilet paper and hand sanitizer," referring to one of the Lewis and Clark Recreation Area campgrounds.

Tent campers in the Pierce region can enjoy relatively peaceful surroundings with natural scenery. The Lewis and Clark State Recreation Area provides water access with boat ramps and fishing opportunities, making it attractive for tent campers interested in water activities. Sites at Bloomfield Campground feature mature trees that "provide nice shade which will help during the summer." Areas near water bodies like Lewis and Clark Lake offer scenic views, though campers should be prepared for seasonal mosquito activity. One camper noted that Mnisose Wicote had "so many mosquitos" that they "had a rough stay," despite the facility being otherwise nice. The campgrounds near waterways typically offer pleasant settings with views of sunsets over the water, particularly at locations like Bloomfield Campground where some sites have direct water views.

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Best Tent Sites Near Pierce, Nebraska (10)

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Recent Tent Camping Photos near Pierce, NE

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Tent Camping Reviews near Pierce, NE

187 Reviews of 10 Pierce Campgrounds

  • Bibs O.The Dyrt PRO User
    Mar. 13, 2025

    Weigand Campground — Lewis and Clark State Recreation Area

    March Swag Camp, we are the only ones here.

    We are staying at a basic tent camping site. There is available to us a pit toilet. Water is still shut down for the season.

    Luckily, they do offer off-season rates. A Nebraska park permit is required for your vehicle.

    Picnic table and fire ring are also here for us.

    We are the only ones here in the entire park (mid-March 2025). Grounds are clean. Our site (site 5) is very large, and located on a small Bluff above the Missouri river.

    Walking paths, frisbee golf, playgrounds, fishing, and boating are all available.

    I have 4 bars of 5G cell service at my camp site. A WIFI hot spot is available at the camp office as well.

  • NThe Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 27, 2021

    Bloomfield - Lewis and Clark SRA

    Small

    FCFS 

    Rates: $15.00 basic $30.00 electric

     8 Basic tent only 12 RV sites w/electric 

    Picnic table Fire ring Toilets Playground Dump station Boat ramp Fishing dock

     The toilet was very clean with toilet paper and hand sanitizer. I was very impressed with the overall maintenance at the whole site.

     Sunsets are amazing along with the beautiful cliffs on the South Dakota side of the river. There is camping just below the hill so you will be closer to the sound of the water as it gently laps against the shore. Sites are marked and water views are worth the drive to the park. Mature trees provide nice shade which will help during the summer. 

    ALERT: Zebra mussels, an aquatic invasive species were found in Lewis& Clark Lake in 2014. They can damage boat motors and have other negative effects. Make sure you clean your water craft and outdoor recreation gear after each use. Never release unwanted pets or aquarium contents into the wild. CLEAN DRAIN DRY

     LNT 

    Better than when you found it 

    Stay safe Happy travels

  • Bibs O.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jul. 27, 2024

    Sand Creek Recreation Area

    Busy boat ramp, no other campers.

    This is a busy boat put in and take out. There are 8 camping sites. No electrical, no sewer or dump station 2 water spigot. One water spigot between sites 6 - 7 and a thread on at the vault toilet. Toilets are new. Thus, clean so far. Fire rings at each site. Picnic tables at each site. Sites 2 and 3 have some shade from the sun. Sites 1, 4,5,6,7,8 are located in direct sunlight. The price when we stayed (July 2024) was $11.67. There were no other campers during our stay.

  • LThe Dyrt PRO User
    Jul. 17, 2022

    Pierson Ranch Recreation Area

    Hot and humid

    I evidently chose the one site that has no daytime shade. There was shade early and late, but nothing in the middle of the day. Crews were pruning a lot of dead branches in the park as well. Access to water was not convenient unless you drove.
    Most campers showed up in the evening. Campground was about 75% full by nightfall. Just up the road in Lewis and Clark SP. I drove through and it was pretty full. All sites are electric. Fairly close together. Free showers were great to rinse off sweat from heat and humidity. Oh yes - Fireflies!!

  • Charles C.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jan. 1, 2025

    Grove Lake State Wildlife Area

    Free Camping, Lovely views

    Grove lake is a lovely free camping area with flat dirt areas that would accommodate a camper or tent. No hookups but hydrants, Vault toilets, fire pits, and picnic tables exist.

    Nice camping trails exist, mostly for access to the trout stream that feeds the lake.

    This is a lovely place to hike, fish, kayak, paint, or just get in touch with your maker.

  • NThe Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 27, 2021

    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

  • Louis E.
    Jul. 28, 2018

    Nebraska Tailwaters

    Look out for Camp Squatters

    We ended up at the Trailwater site because of a overbooking at lewis and clark. The afternoon was pleasant but as soon as it started to get dark all of the camp squatters started to arrive. First, about 9:30 PM, a group with several small children arrived and they were running all over the place crying screaming. The adults didn't seam to care and for some reason kept locking their car repeatedly. Beep, Beep, honk!This continued until about midnight when the children passed out. Then at 1:15 AM a large group with about 15 adults, several children, 2 dogs, 6 trucks and a boat arrived. They proceeded to set up their 6 tends even right next to ours and in front of our fire ring as if they were sharing it with us. They were loud and intoxicated. The yelling and commotion continued. They were carrying on as if it were the middle of the day. At 3:15 AM I asked if they could quite it down. I was met with hostility and and was told that they did not give a F@%*. Then they proceeded to mock and insult us in spanish. We felt very intimidated and scared for our safety. Needless to say we packed up our camp all wile being jeered and insulted and drive 2.5 hrs back home. DONT TENT CAMP HERE. We will never stay at this campground again.

  • C
    May. 29, 2023

    Howells Community Park

    Good overnight spot while traveling.

    Pros

    -Water/Electricity/Dump station

    -Public restroom 

    -Near a gas station and convenience mart

    -Free will donation for firewood

    -Flat camping spots

    -Park nearby

    -Fire Rings

    Cons

    - There are only around 6 spots

    -You share your water connection with your neighbor

    -RV slips are right at the park entrance so there is the risk of traffic non stop if the park is being used for an event

    I came in a couple days before memorial weekend and all of the RV spots were reserved so I only did a short drive around grabbing some photos. It looks like a great spot to swing in overnight if there are any open spots.

  • Charles C.The Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 29, 2018

    Modern Campground — Niobrara State Park

    Beautiful But Without Water in the Off Season

    Electric sites by the highway near the park entrance, but don't overlook the 4 RV sites by the fishing pond. Cabins, primitive camping, hiking, and lovely scenery.

    Campsite #43 is the only site with what I would call a view, but the view from there is excellent. The hiking was great. The area is pretty cool with Native American exhibits, the casino, and Lewis and Clark Lake nearby.

    Though we loved the scenery and wanted to stay, the park had shut off all the water. We expected the $15 off-season price since there were no longer horse rides, pool or other activities but there were no showers or restrooms in the RV site. No water to wash dishes in!

    The regular season is $20 a night but they are discussing raising that. Don't bother with the off-season.

    Also, see my reviews of Crofton and Verdigre. Camping there is not as nice but they are close and more affordable.

Guide to Pierce

Tent camping options near Pierce, Nebraska include several established campgrounds within a 50-mile radius. The area features rolling prairie landscapes with stands of cottonwood trees along waterways. Summer temperatures average 75-85°F with occasional thunderstorms, while spring and fall offer milder conditions with fewer insects.

What to do

Fishing from shore: Bloomfield Campground provides excellent bank fishing access with a dedicated fishing dock. "Sunsets are amazing along with the beautiful cliffs on the South Dakota side of the river," notes camper N I., highlighting the scenic backdrop for anglers.

Kayaking on Lewis & Clark Lake: Miller Creek offers direct water access for paddlers on the second largest lake in the region. "This campground is sitting on Lewis & Clark which runs along the border of Nebraska and South Dakota. The lake is about 16 miles long and up to 3 miles wide with a maximum depth of 45 feet," according to a reviewer.

Wildlife viewing: Spring and fall bring migrating waterfowl to the waterways near Pierce. Campers report spotting deer, wild turkeys, and various songbirds around the quieter campgrounds. The secluded locations provide natural habitats with minimal disturbance.

What campers like

Quiet atmosphere: Centennial Park Campground receives praise for its peaceful environment. "Small towns tend to be quiet areas anyway and this is surrounded by small towns. Therefore it has that ALL is welcome feel, quiet and beautiful grounds," reports MomOfBoys W.

Water views: Several campers mention the appeal of waterfront sites at Lewis and Clark Recreation Area. "They have 4-6 spots along the water. This is one of my favorite campgrounds. Amazing views!" notes one reviewer about Bloomfield's waterfront locations.

Well-maintained facilities: Basic campgrounds still receive regular maintenance. A camper at Bloomfield noted, "The toilet was very clean with toilet paper and hand sanitizer. I was very impressed with the overall maintenance at the whole site."

What you should know

Reservation systems vary: Most campgrounds operate on a first-come, first-served basis. Bloomfield Campground operates as FCFS with rates of "$15.00 basic, $30.00 electric" according to visitor feedback.

Access challenges: Some campgrounds have limited access roads that become problematic in wet weather. Miller Creek access requires careful planning: "If you come by way of Springfield, South Dakota or Neobrara, Nebraska on Highway 12 then Highway 12 from the west of Miller Creek the road becomes dirt. If it has rained the dirt will turn to a nasty mud."

Campground verification: Before planning a trip, verify current status of smaller locations. One reviewer noted about Taylor Creek Campground: "There is no camping here it is a golf course. The fairgrounds campsite is nearby and so is a municipal park campground."

Tips for camping with families

Shade considerations: When tent camping near Pierce with children, select shaded sites during summer months. At Bloomfield, "Mature trees provide nice shade which will help during the summer," according to a camper review.

Recreation options: Look for campgrounds with playgrounds or open spaces for children. Bloomfield Campground includes playground facilities within walking distance of camping areas.

Water safety awareness: Mnisose Wicote and other waterfront locations require vigilance with children. Visitors should also note the zebra mussel warning: "Zebra mussels, an aquatic invasive species were found in Lewis & Clark Lake in 2014. They can damage boat motors and have other negative effects."

Tips from RVers

Size limitations: Most tent camping areas near Pierce have limited space for larger vehicles. A Miller Creek visitor advises, "If you are planning a visit to Miller Creek you need to have a small rig or tent."

Limited hookups: Few campgrounds offer full RV amenities. At Lewis and Clark SRA locations, expect primarily basic camping with minimal facilities. Most tent-focused campgrounds offer fire rings and picnic tables but limited RV-specific amenities.

Road conditions: Smaller vehicles fare better on access roads to the best tent camping near Pierce, Nebraska. One camper described Miller Creek's approach as "very potted and rough," suggesting campers with trailers or larger RVs consider alternative locations.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is the most popular tent campsite near Pierce, NE?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular tent campground near Pierce, NE is Mill Stone Wayside Park with a 0-star rating from 0 reviews.

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