Best Camping near Ponca, NE

Searching for the best camping near Ponca, NE? Enjoy the scenic camping, fun activities, and sights and sounds of Ponca. Find the best campgrounds near Ponca, NE. Read reviews from campers like you and find your perfect campsite.

Best Camping Sites Near Ponca, NE (98)

    Camper-submitted photo from Riverfront Campground — Ponca State Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Riverfront Campground — Ponca State Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Riverfront Campground — Ponca State Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Riverfront Campground — Ponca State Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Riverfront Campground — Ponca State Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Riverfront Campground — Ponca State Park

    1. Riverfront Campground — Ponca State Park

    17 Reviews
    87 Photos
    13 Saves
    Ponca, Nebraska

    Riverfront Campground has 20 first-come, first-served campsites

    Ponca's scenic pet-friendly Riverfront Campground offers spectacular views of the Missouri River and the rollings hills and bluffs that line it. This smaller RV campground sports just 20 sites, each with 30- and 50-amp electrical hookups but no water or sewer connections. Fire rings and picnic tables are available at all sites, and the campground also has a modern restroom.

    Riverfront Campground is open year-round, but some facilities are closed during the off-season All sites here are reservable up to one year in advance. with unfilled sites going on a first-come, first-served basis.

    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Electric Hookups
    • RVs
    • Tents
    • Standard (Tent/RV)
    Camper-submitted photo from Scenic Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Scenic Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Scenic Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Scenic Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Scenic Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Scenic Park

    2. Scenic Park

    16 Reviews
    29 Photos
    58 Saves
    Sioux City, Iowa
    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Electric Hookups
    • Phone Service
    • Reservable
    • ADA Access

    $18 - $30 / night

    Camper-submitted photo from Oak Bluff — Ponca State Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Oak Bluff — Ponca State Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Oak Bluff — Ponca State Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Oak Bluff — Ponca State Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Oak Bluff — Ponca State Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Oak Bluff — Ponca State Park

    3. Oak Bluff — Ponca State Park

    9 Reviews
    45 Photos
    3 Saves
    Ponca, Nebraska

    Oak Bluff campground has 37 Electric Plus sites that are reservable.

    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Electric Hookups
    • Reservable
    • RVs
    • Tents

    $30 / night

    Camper-submitted photo from Stone State Park Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Stone State Park Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Stone State Park Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Stone State Park Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Stone State Park Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Stone State Park Campground

    4. Stone State Park Campground

    9 Reviews
    34 Photos
    39 Saves
    North Sioux City, South Dakota

    Stay overnight in one of three camping cabins or at the park’s campground. Camping cabins contain heating and air conditioning, but do not offer sanitary facilities. The cabins are located near the campground, which contains electric sites, a large youth group campsite and a modern restroom and shower building. One-fourth of the campsites are available on a first-come, first-served basis and advance reservations can be made through the online reservation system for Stone State Park.

    Stone State Park is an urban wildlife sanctuary on the edge of Sioux City and the heart of the Loess Hills. The Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) built many of the park’s structures in the 1930s including entrance portals, the Calumet shelter, and a rustic stone lodge. Visitors can explore the natural history of the park by walking its many of miles trails, looking for wildlife and birds, or at the nearby Dorothy Pecaut Nature Center. Overnight in one of three camping cabins or at the park’s campground. Camping cabins contain heating and air conditioning, but do not offer sanitary facilities. The cabins are located near the campground, which contains electric sites, a large youth group campsite and a modern restroom and shower building. One-fourth of the campsites are available on a first-come, first-served basis and advance reservations can be made through the online reservation system for Stone State Park.

    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Electric Hookups
    • Phone Service
    • Reservable
    • ADA Access
    Camper-submitted photo from Elk Point City Park Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Elk Point City Park Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Elk Point City Park Campground

    5. Elk Point City Park Campground

    5 Reviews
    3 Photos
    19 Saves
    Westfield, Iowa
    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Electric Hookups
    • Phone Service
    • ADA Access
    • RVs

    $15 / night

    Camper-submitted photo from Sioux City North KOA
    Camper-submitted photo from Sioux City North KOA
    Camper-submitted photo from Sioux City North KOA
    Camper-submitted photo from Sioux City North KOA
    Camper-submitted photo from Sioux City North KOA
    Camper-submitted photo from Sioux City North KOA

    6. Sioux City North KOA

    5 Reviews
    6 Photos
    24 Saves
    North Sioux City, South Dakota
    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Electric Hookups
    • Phone Service
    • Reservable
    • ADA Access
    Camper-submitted photo from KOA Campground North Sioux City
    Camper-submitted photo from Lazy H Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Lazy H Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Lazy H Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Lazy H Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Lazy H Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Lazy H Campground

    8. Lazy H Campground

    7 Reviews
    19 Photos
    25 Saves
    Akron, Iowa

    The Lazy H Campground is a private campground where family and fun are a way of life. This new 235 acre campground is nestled between the Big Sioux River and the northern entrance of the scenic Loess Hills Byway in northwest Iowa. This picturesque campground features private cabins and spacious RV sites on Little Pearle Lake, a 50-acre fisherman’s haven stocked with freshwater fish, miles of hiking/biking trails, water activities and more.

    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Electric Hookups
    • Phone Service
    • Reservable
    • ADA Access

    $45 - $65 / night

    Camper-submitted photo from Union Grove State Park Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Union Grove State Park Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Union Grove State Park Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Union Grove State Park Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Union Grove State Park Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Union Grove State Park Campground

    9. Union Grove State Park Campground

    10 Reviews
    62 Photos
    27 Saves
    Beresford, South Dakota
    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Electric Hookups
    • Phone Service
    • Reservable
    • ADA Access

    $22 - $26 / night

    Camper-submitted photo from Turkey Ridge — Ponca State Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Turkey Ridge — Ponca State Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Turkey Ridge — Ponca State Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Turkey Ridge — Ponca State Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Turkey Ridge — Ponca State Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Turkey Ridge — Ponca State Park

    10. Turkey Ridge — Ponca State Park

    3 Reviews
    47 Photos
    3 Saves
    Ponca, Nebraska

    Turkey Ridge campground has 35 Electric Plus campsites that are first-come, first-served.

    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Electric Hookups
    • RVs
    • Tents
    • Standard (Tent/RV)

    $30 / night

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Showing results 1-10 of 98 campgrounds

Pet-friendly camping near Ponca

Recent Reviews in Ponca

293 Reviews of 98 Ponca Campgrounds


  • Pat V.
    Camper-submitted photo from Maskenthine Lake Recreation Area
    Oct. 16, 2024

    Maskenthine Lake Recreation Area

    Great Campground

    This campground is one of our favorites. It’s got clean restrooms and showers, plenty of water available plus the dump station. Nice lake for fishing or kayaking. Great trails for hiking or mountain biking. Super quiet place and some pretty great sunsets!

  • Pat V.
    Camper-submitted photo from Scenic Park
    Oct. 4, 2024

    Scenic Park

    Great spot close to everything

    We found the Scenic Park RV Campground when we were looking for a spot to stay close to Sioux City, IA for a sports event for our sons. We were extremely happy with this city run campground.

    The pads are in great shape. They offer full hookups. We did not have a full hookup site, but still had water, electric, and free cable tv. The view from our camper of the Missouri River and the Sioux City skyline was pretty great.

    The staff is friendly and welcoming. The location is quiet and everyone staying there seemed very nice as well. Will definitely be back when we’re up that way again next year.

  • RThe Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Osmond City Park
    Oct. 1, 2024

    Osmond City Park

    Great city park spot

    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. Right in the middle of the small town of Osmond. Bathrooms and playground with plenty of space to run. Just off the main road, but was quiet.

  • JThe Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Park Jefferson Campground & RV Park
    Sep. 11, 2024

    Park Jefferson Campground & RV Park

    A field around a lake near a speedway

    In another 4-5 years when the trees have grown and this is better maintained, it could be a nice campground.  Sadly, our trip there started with the Google directions leading us to the wrong side of the highway and a muddy, bumpy road.  I called and they gave me correct directions.  Once there, no office, no staff.  I called because the site I had reserved was occupied.  They said just pick any other.  We paid for lake side, but it was too muddy in the other available sites.  We were not offered a refund ($5).  We saw several dogs off leash and, while they were well-behaved, one never knows if they will stay where they belong.

    It was quiet at night.  We stayed on a Saturday night.

  • Steve R.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Decatur Bend Access
    Sep. 10, 2024

    Decatur Bend Access

    Quiet and safe. Been twice now

    We live(my dog and I) on a motorcycle - think Van Life on two wheels. A quiet place to put up a tent is so welcome. There are no amenities. It's strictly dry and pack out but a great place for a few tents or a couple vans. Highly motorcycle travel recommended

  • JThe Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Gavins Campground — Lewis And Clark Recreation Area
    Aug. 16, 2024

    Gavins Campground — Lewis And Clark Recreation Area

    Big spacious campground

    Big campground along river. Sites spaced nicely apart. Some riverfront sites with view. Trees, grass, bike path. Lots to do here. We camped at #116. This part seemed less crowded. We had no neighbors. Very pleasant. Clean bathrooms and warm showers!

  • Julia V.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Stone State Park Campground
    Aug. 14, 2024

    Stone State Park Campground

    Great for a night

    Had a grassy & shady tent site. There were vault/pit toilets close and regular restrooms with showers a little walk away (showers needed to be cleaned). Water spigot was close by too. Wish we had more time to explore the park itself because there was lots of hiking/waking trails. Overall no complaints

  • E
    Camper-submitted photo from Gunderson Park
    Aug. 10, 2024

    Gunderson Park

    Great Simple Free Spot!

    I found this on Campendium and google maps. It's a great little free park where you basically just park wherever. No designated spots, just park in the grass. The grass was not overgrown or anything, and there's a great little paved path that leads into town. Verizon cell service was pretty good and the park itself wasn't too crowded either. I imagine that the local county maintains it. Also tons of mulberry trees around! And be sure to go into town and pick up a breakfast sandwich and some donuts in the morning, it's a lovely walk in.

  • James P.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Chief White Crane Recreation Area
    Jul. 31, 2024

    Chief White Crane Recreation Area

    Calm and Peaceful

    Level blacktop sites. Flat campground. Fishing, playground, nice dump station. High tree canopy, large old growth trees. Aluminum picnic tables. Commercial fire rings (not an old truck wheel). Very nice, would camp here again.

  • Christopher W.
    Camper-submitted photo from Hildreth Lighthouse Campground
    Jul. 30, 2024

    Hildreth Lighthouse Campground

    Nice flat piece of grass

    Stayed July 2024,

    Good: Flat piece of grass to place two tents for only $ 20 bucks. Just what I needed at 10pm 

    Bad: One quote from son sums it nicely, "saw the mens room and so used the women's". Also, two miles of dirt road was less than fun. Would have been nice if the pay station had more directions.

    Future: I would remember to make a reservation at the KOA 10 minutes away.

  • Bibs O.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Viborg City Campground
    Jul. 29, 2024

    Viborg City Campground

    Great one night lay over.

    This is a 3 site campground. 7 day maximum stay. No water, no garbage. 30 - 15 amp service only. Sites 1 and 2 are shaded until mid afternoon. Site 1 is shaded late afternoon. Locals bring their dogs out to "run." They don't pick up after, so watch your step. We are ¼ mile from highway and semi's Jake break a good deal, so it's quite until they go through. For a one lighter, this is a good cheap place to stop.

  • Bibs O.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Peder Larsen City Park
    Jul. 29, 2024

    Peder Larsen City Park

    Busy local drive-through.

    They have just recently added 4 more sites. Sites hVe 50 - 30 - 15 amp connections. Bathrooms ate across the playground. Showers at the swimming pool. Picnic house (open) has 15, 110 outlets. Site 3 offers most sun protection. The rest of the sites are sunny all day. Playground is very large for such a small village. Disk golf is also found here.

  • Bibs O.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from City of Hartington Campground
    Jul. 27, 2024

    City of Hartington Campground

    Clean campground

    This is a nice clean campground. Full hookups. 50 - 30 - 15 amp service. Can be noisy next to busy city street. Large shade trees line between the 6 sites offered. Grills at each site, but no open fires allowed. Long cemented drives great for large rigs.

  • Bibs O.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Knox County Fairgrounds
    Jul. 27, 2024

    Knox County Fairgrounds

    Quite location

    $20.00 a night gives you 30amp service. Picnic tables, grass site. There is only one grill in the campgrounds, and that was located on site L. You have to call the number pictured, and police will come and unlock your electrical box. They will also take your money if you wish to pay them directly. They spray for mosquitoes, and they were not a problem while we were there. Many local dog walkers, they leave many, many land minds around. You can have shade in the morning, but for the most part, all sites see sunshine throughout the day. Nice place. I should mention showers are free. Bathrooms are clean and just across the road from where you can camp. Dump station is also just west of the bath house.

  • Bibs O.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Bloomfield City Park
    Jul. 27, 2024

    Bloomfield City Park

    Nice city campground

    15 campsites all pull throughs. Sites 1 - 7 are in the sun next to the road. Sites 8 - 24 are under beautiful shade treesAll have water electric and sewer hookups. 50 - 30 -15 amp service. Grills at each site. No firepits. No bathrooms. $25.00 a night. You MUST call to get electrics unlocked. Most of the campground was filled with workers. They were gone most of the day. These guys partied hard on the weekend.

  • Bibs O.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Gunderson Park
    Jul. 2, 2024

    Gunderson Park

    Up to 14 days free camping

    CAMPING IS NOW ONLY ALLOWED BETWEEN MEMORIAL DAY THROUGH LABOR DAY. NO WINTER CAMPING IS ALLOWED ANY LONGER.

    Gunderson Park is a nice little boondocking location just ½ mile from the downtown area of Centerville. They have 2 fire pit locations, but, after speaking with the official at city hall we found out you can camp pretty much anywhere in the park you would like.

    It is free to camp here, you can stay virtually as long as you wish to according to that same official. There are no hook-ups. No bathroom facilities. No picnic tables. No playground for children. You may fish with a South Dakota license in the lazy rolling Vermillion River that skirts the park on 3 sides. They have a cement boat ramp. I will say when we stayed there the river was so low you would have had great difficulties getting a boat launched. On the west side of the park there are park benches at the beginning (or end of the walk depending on your start location) with a cemented walk way along the road to the park and the Vermillion River. It runs close to a quarter mile long with benches about half way through the walk. The city keeps this park mowed during the summer months. This is an old old park dating back to 1800's. The trees are massive and just as old providing beautiful shade. There are remnants of old stone items remaing in the park, grape vine thingy, a stone fireplace and pillars. Our stay favored us with Bald Eagle sightings. 2 hung around the trees on the other side of the river in full view, it was wonderful.

    At the city park you can dump your tanks. We didn't need to so we didn't visit this location. At the four way stop sign located at the center of the town, turn west, travel one block and on the south side of the street you will find city hall. There they will tell you how to find the dump site.

    This seems to be a favorite location for locals to drive through. Sometimes we found traffic through the park on the heavy side but most of the time very quiet. People are small town friendly. Population is around 900 people. Town has a grocery store, convenience store, bank, medical clinic, pharmacy, restaurant, bowling alley, auto parts store, bakery and other businesses. We noticed 4 churches in our drive around the town. At the city park they have a community swimming pool, Frisbee golf, 2 ball diamonds, tennis courts, playground equipment, volleyball courts, 2 picnic house areas and a location for 4 RV campsites with electrical plug ins [2 50 amp and 2 30 amp) for $10.00 a night with limited stay.

  • Rich J.
    Camper-submitted photo from Cottonwood Cove Park Campground
    Jun. 30, 2024

    Cottonwood Cove Park Campground

    Nice

    Nice little city campground just a few miles off the interstate and right next to the Missouri River. Quiet large sites at a reasonable price. Picnic tables and fire rings. Water and electric only....there is a sewer dump near the bathrooms but not at the sites.

  • Elizabeth D.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Scenic Park
    Jun. 16, 2024

    Scenic Park

    Close to river.

    Great place very dog friendly. Spots are spacious and on pavement. Close to the river for your fishing needs.

  • JThe Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Scenic Park
    Jun. 13, 2024

    Scenic Park

    Beautiful city life in a park.

    Spacious site well cared for grounds. Close to everything in the city.

  • Joshua D.
    Camper-submitted photo from Ranney Knob Area
    Jun. 2, 2024

    Ranney Knob Area

    Small county park

    Small park, has some picnic tables, a toilet, and a trash can. Says you can pay to camp but no designated camp sites and limited parking. Does offer access for canoe/kayaking on the river. Camping is $10 a night, pay on site.

  • Marci S.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Clay County Park — Clay County
    May. 13, 2024

    Clay County Park — Clay County

    Nice trail system, near river, well-kept

    Electric, water, and dump station available here. In the trees, shaded, and a short walk along a pleasant trail to the Missouri River. The trail system, which is accessible from campground, is great. We were in site 18, which is near the playground. In busier months, that part of the campground could get loud.

  • M
    Camper-submitted photo from Lions Park
    May. 2, 2024

    Lions Park

    Good price

    I stopped here, May 1 of 2024. They have completely redone this park and it is open. There were two spots that had concrete pads. The pedestals look good. There were a couple that were just gravel when I was there. It was kind of muddy and I decided to continue on and go further that day, but I would gladly have stopped there. It was $10 for the night. There is water available. The lady said that there was a dump station. I did not see it, and only stay two nights

  • Renee H.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Cottonwood Cove Park Campground
    May. 1, 2024

    Cottonwood Cove Park Campground

    City campground in quiet neighborhood

    Concrete pads, very little leveling needed. Plenty of space in between sites. Dappled shade. Easily accessible for any size rig. We didn’t use bath/shower facility; it required a code from the city. Portapotties were available in campground. Garbage dumpster, but no recycling. Dump station available, but area may be a bit tight for larger rigs to access. Camp host on site. No laundry. Some train noise. Excellent Verizon signal. Nice park with boat ramp and scenic overlook on the Missouri River. Campground is located about 5 minutes off the interstate.

  • Fabian S.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Scenic Park
    Dec. 30, 2023

    Scenic Park

    Central Campground

    Very centrally located, well-kept complex, friendly and helpful staff, the restrooms and shower are very simple but clean.

  • Dax S.
    Camper-submitted photo from Burbach Park
    Nov. 7, 2023

    Burbach Park

    Pretty quiet park

    This was a very easy safe spot to spend the night. New sign states $10/night, second night is free. Unfortunately, I could not figure out where the city office is. According to Google it is in the corner of the park, but that looked like a shit down old car shop. Would have loved to pay since they provided electric hookups!

    The previous listing that says it's by a lake is wrong, that is "Burbach Campground" this is "Burbach Park".

    The camping pad can be a bit hard to see, it was covered in leaves when I got there so I didn't see it at first, but it is right at the gps location on the listing.



Guide to Ponca

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

What to do:

  • Hiking and Nature Walks: Explore the trails at Lewis and Clark State Park Campground. One visitor noted, "The campground is set in an Aspen glade. Very nice." This park is perfect for those who enjoy nature and want to stretch their legs.

  • Fishing and Boating: At Yankton — Lewis And Clark Recreation Area, you can enjoy fishing and boating. A reviewer mentioned, "Clean beach, spacious spots for our 35' camper, and nice bathrooms and parks!"

  • Wildlife Watching: The Riverfront Campground — Ponca State Park is a great spot for spotting deer and other wildlife. One camper shared, "The woods are lush and full of deer, turkeys and other critters."

What campers like:

  • Clean Facilities: Campers appreciate the cleanliness of the facilities. A review for Newton Hills Campground — Newton Hills State Park stated, "The spacious and clean facilities provided the perfect backdrop for our outdoor getaway."
  • Family-Friendly Atmosphere: Many families enjoy the welcoming vibe. One visitor at Yankton — Lewis And Clark Recreation Area said, "We love coming to Lewis and Clark Recreation Area because it's clean and perfect for families!"
  • Scenic Views: Campers rave about the beautiful views. A review for Cottonwood Campground noted, "It had nice views," highlighting the natural beauty of the area.

What you should know:

  • Reservations Recommended: Many campgrounds, like Riverfront Campground — Ponca State Park, recommend making reservations, especially during peak seasons. A camper mentioned, "Great place to camp!!! South Dakota has it right with making reservations!"
  • Limited Amenities: Some campgrounds may have limited amenities. A visitor at Willow Creek State Rec Area said, "Make sure you have quarters to get a shower!! We only found one shower house for over 100 campsites."
  • Wildlife Caution: While wildlife is a highlight, it can also be a nuisance. A camper at Cottonwood Campground warned, "There were bison and wild horses in the campground."

Tips for camping with families:

Tips from RVers:

  • Check Site Sizes: Make sure to check the size of the sites 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 RVers prefer sites with electric hookups. A review for Cottonwood Campground highlighted, "Good cell service with T-Mobile and ATT."
  • Be Prepared for Weather: Weather can change quickly, so be ready. A camper at Nebraska Tailwaters mentioned, "Only stayed one night, but was nice to finally have electric after two weeks of travel."

Camping near Ponca, Nebraska, has something for everyone, from families to RV enthusiasts. With beautiful parks and plenty of activities, it’s a great spot for your next outdoor adventure!

Frequently Asked Questions

  • What camping is available near Ponca, NE?

    According to TheDyrt.com, Ponca, NE offers a wide range of camping options, with 98 campgrounds and RV parks near Ponca, NE and 2 free dispersed camping spots.

  • Which is the most popular campground near Ponca, NE?

    According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Ponca, NE is Riverfront Campground — Ponca State Park with a 4.8-star rating from 17 reviews.

  • Where can I find free dispersed camping near Ponca, NE?

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

  • What parks are near Ponca, NE?

    According to TheDyrt.com, there are 1 parks near Ponca, NE that allow camping, notably Conestoga Lake and Saylorville Lake.