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.
$74 - $119 / night
"Ponca is awesome. It's set at the edge of rolling wheat fields over looking the Missouri river. The woods are lush and full of deer, turkeys and other critters (also ticks...)."
"Ponca State Park is beautiful. The drive from Omaha was so quick and easy. The park is beautiful with tons of trails and things to explore. The overlooks are great, you can see so much of the river."
$30 - $126 / night
"We pulled in after office ours and easily found several primitive walk up sites to choose from. We selected T45 for it’s proximity to a scenic Missouri River overlook and it’s flat, shaded ground."
"Need to pay the State Park entrance fee if you don't have an annual pass, but the campground is enjoyable. Close to recreational opportunities for the kids."
$18 - $30 / night
"The park is next to the YMCA and lots of walking biking paths along the water. WIFI very spotty. Bugs were bad at night."
"With it being on the edge of South Sioux City, Ne and across the river from Sioux City, Ia. there is lots of shopping options close by. "
$10 - $20 / night
"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."
"Lots of trails, a little man made lake and a playground in the park for the kids. Beautiful hills and scenery and so quiet!"
$15 / night
"Water is centrally located.
Each site has electric. Some are 50 some are 30. All have 20A/110.
This is attached to a public park and next to a high school. It’s a very nice area."
"There are water spickets around and I'm not about dump stations. You are surrounded by a football field, two baseball fields and a nice children's playground."
$30 / night
"We arrived on the cusp of the 100 year anniversary celebration of the Nebraska State Parks. Lots of fun extra things to do!
We found a great space in the Turkey Ridge campground."
"A lot of places in Iowa are closed to camping until April or even May. I looked west and quickly found this."
"The highway is very close so you do hear cars. Privacy fences around the site to block out the neighborhood. Very nice staff!"
"Super close to stores . Nice spot."
"This KOA just north of the Iowa border is first class. ! Friendly staff and perfect for kiddos. The pool and adventure area are right up your alley if traveling with kids."
"The dog park is not so well-maintained but was adequate and the pool was clean, and there is easy access to the freeway Both north and south"
$45 - $65 / night
"Clean lake with boating. Private lake so no fishing license required."
"I believe you can even rent or request a golf cart to make getting around easier.
The only regret I have is not staying longer. Truly a wonderful place.
Sprint/T-mobile data was around 56 Mbps down."
RangerI didn't camp here but stopped by to check it out as I was passing through. It's very quiet, if there is not a ball game happening. It's on the edge of town, not really walkable to anywhere. There are four spots, each with a concrete pad. There is an electric hookup at each site. There is a building onsite which is probably a restroom but I did not go inside.
My Verizon signal was very good here, over 100Mbit down. Strong 5G signal.
The website says the cost is $10 and can be paid at the Laurel City Office.
RangerLevel spots, water & electric. There is a dump station on site. Great Verizon and T-Mobile speeds here.
You must register online, and it's not easy to find the link. Here it is: https://properties.camping.com/dakota-city-cottonwood-cove-campground/Reservations
There is another review which says you pay the camp host, but they told me it must be done online now. The price in 2025 is $30/night for 30A (not sure if 50A is more), which I think is a little high considering you can camp in some beautiful spots for $30.
There is some kind of bathroom or shower house on site, but it requires a code and when I registered online it did not give me the code. There is quite a bit of traffic coming in and out of the small campground. Almost every camper has at least two cars parked with it, and people keep coming and going.
RangerLocated south of Yankton, SD and part of the South Dakota State Park system, this is a nice place to camp in a beautiful grove of cottonwood trees (I think). There are many campgrounds in the vicinity. This campground has 146 camping sites and 10 cabins. Bike/hike trails run through the woods and also along the water to Pierson Campground. There is a bandstand and 3 areas with playground equipment. Bathrooms have flush toilets and hot showers. There is a dump station along the road by the water. Individual sites have electricity but not water hookups. Hydrants are scattered throughout the campground. Wildlife in the area includes geese, ducks, turkeys, eagles, and beavers that I have seen. The sites are large and paved. No tent platforms, but two sites toward the back of the campground are designated for tents. I have visited 3 or 4 times and always in the Spring or Fall. This last trip was April and they just got the bathrooms/showers turned on. Other things to do: fishing, kayak or paddleboard, biking, and walking.
https://gfp.sd.gov/parks/detail/chief-white-crane-recreation-area/
GuideNot to far from the Interstate and Lewis and Clark State Park in Iowa. The gravel site we were on fit our 40 ft fifth wheel without a problem but was slightly off level. Amy and Ed are very helpful and friendly, the bathrooms/showers are beautiful and immaculate. Pool and family area won’t open until May, but look inviting to guests. We were able to look in one of the 3 silos for rent. One word to describe: WOW! We will be back!
TravelerWell from where I come from this is considered a boat landing not a camping spot still going to Camp here don't want to keep driving it is a nice spot right on the river looks like there's spots you could put a tent I'm driving an RV
LegendWe 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.
LegendThe campground is part of the town park in Pilger. There are five sites, all with electricity and two of them have water. The two sites with water had occupants but we did not see anyone when we were there. The camper pads and road are gravel. Sites have a picnic table and bbq grill.
The sites back up to Highway 15 and you will definitely hear (loud) road noise from cars and trucks. This park seems to cater more to the activities of the town– there is a ballfield, two covered picnic pavilions, and a pool. The pool looked very nice, but on a Monday before school let out, no one was there.
The restrooms/showers are near the pool and are open even when the pool is not. There is some ancient playground equipment and not sure why they left it (other than for nostalgia reasons) as there is new equipment in the same area.
We were there on a Monday afternoon in June and although there were three employees in the pool area, there was no one in the park at all!
RangerThis 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!
RangerWe 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.
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.
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."
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
According to TheDyrt.com, Ponca, NE offers a wide range of camping options, with 99 campgrounds and RV parks near Ponca, NE and 2 free dispersed camping spots.
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Ponca, NE is Riverfront Campground — Ponca State Park with a 4.7-star rating from 10 reviews.
According to TheDyrt.com, there are 2 free dispersed camping spots near Ponca, NE.
According to TheDyrt.com, there are 1 parks near Ponca, NE that allow camping, notably Bankhead National Forest and Chugach National Forest.
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