Scenic Park in South Sioux City offers electric and full hookup sites along the Missouri River. Spacious pull-through sites accommodate large RVs with concrete pads at some locations. Sites near the river feature views of both the water and Sioux City skyline across the river. The campground includes tent camping areas along with four modern cabins. Recreational facilities include tennis courts, soccer fields, baseball fields, and riverside walking trails. Most visitors report the campground maintains clean facilities with multiple restroom buildings offering showers. Located 33 miles south of Ponca, the park serves as a convenient base for exploring the region while providing both city amenities and outdoor recreation.
What to do
Fishing access: Lewis and Clark State Park provides bank fishing and boat launch facilities for anglers. According to visitor Katie S., "This place has great fishing and is very well maintained not to mention that they have a replica of the Boat that Lewis and Clark traveled on many years ago. They will also occasionally take it out and give rides."
Hiking trails: The trail system at Clay County Park connects to the Missouri River and winds through wooded areas. A recent camper noted, "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."
Multi-use trails: Yankton — Lewis And Clark Recreation Area features dedicated bike trails connecting multiple beaches and recreation areas. One visitor shared, "This beautiful campground has a bike trail that connects all the beaches. It has hiking trails, parks, and a georgous lake for swimming or boating."
What campers like
Riverfront camping: Scenic Park offers sites directly along the Missouri River with impressive views. A camper reported, "Sites are easy to park in. Plenty of trees and grass. Some noise from train and city, but very bearable. Easy access from and to Sioux City and highway."
Shade trees: Chief White Crane Recreation Area features mature cottonwood trees providing ample shade throughout the campground. One visitor noted, "Level blacktop sites. Flat campground. Fishing, playground, nice dump station. High tree canopy, large old growth trees."
Spacious sites: Most campgrounds in the Ponca region provide ample space between camping spots. At Yankton — Lewis And Clark Recreation Area, a camper mentioned, "Large sites with bike trails right on lake." This sentiment is echoed at many area campgrounds, where privacy is valued.
What you should know
Site reservations: Most campgrounds near Ponca require reservations, particularly during peak season. At Lewis and Clark Recreation Area, one visitor advised, "The sites are electric only and sites get booked fast. If it is during peak season, you want to reserve a site 90 days in advance."
Seasonal considerations: While many campgrounds operate year-round, some facilities close or reduce services during winter months. Chief White Crane Recreation Area maintains electric sites throughout the year, but water access points may be limited in colder months.
Access to glamping options: Traditional glamping near Ponca, Nebraska often takes the form of cabin rentals rather than canvas tents. Clay County Park offers cabin accommodations for those seeking glamping-style comforts, with one visitor noting, "Clay County Park features 40 electric campsites, 8 tent sites, 1 cabin, a multi-use trail, picnic shelters, and a boat ramp."
Tips for camping with families
Playground access: Cottonwood Campground offers dedicated playgrounds for younger visitors. A camper shared, "This campground contains a disc golf course, playground and restrooms. The campground is named for the large amount of cottonwood trees, so be prepared to get cotton all over."
Open recreation areas: Chief White Crane Recreation Area features large green spaces for games and activities. A family camper noted, "Our family liked this place so much that we actually changed our itinerary to stay an extra night. The kids and pets especially enjoyed it! There is a huge green space in the middle of the campground."
Water activities: Lakes and river access points provide swimming opportunities during summer months. At Lewis and Clark State Park, a visitor mentioned, "It has a playground for the kids. nice updated bathroom facilities with showers. They also have a beach and boat dock."
Tips from RVers
Site selection: When booking at Scenic Park, experienced RVers recommend requesting river-view sites for better privacy. According to one review, "We stayed with our class A RV on our way to and from a further destination. First spot was one right along the river. All the spots are spacious...neighbors are not on top of you."
Hookup availability: Full hookup sites with water, electric, and sewer connections are available at Scenic Park and limited at other area campgrounds. For partial hookups, one RVer at Cottonwood Campground noted, "No water or sewer at the campsite, but they are close-by."
Road conditions: Access roads to some glamping and camping areas near Ponca may be challenging. A visitor to Veterans Memorial RV Park warned, "The area around here is all torn up the road in is cobblestone so it's real bumpy."
