The Dyrt – find campgrounds for tents, RVs, cabins, glamping and more.
Open in App

Best Tent Camping near Ponca, NE

284 Reviews
CAMPER SUMMARY PRESENTED BYFord

The northeastern Nebraska region surrounding Ponca offers several tent camping options for those seeking primitive outdoor experiences. Bow Creek Recreation Area in Wynot provides free walk-in and hike-in tent sites with fires allowed, though campers should note alcohol and pets are not permitted. Village Park in Wynot and Ranney Knob Area in Washta, Iowa also accommodate tent campers looking for basic sites within driving distance of Ponca. These locations provide varying levels of amenities and access to natural features typical of the Missouri River valley region.

Most tent campgrounds in the area offer minimal amenities, requiring self-sufficiency from campers. At Ranney Knob Area, visitors will find basic facilities including toilets but should prepare to bring their own water and supplies. According to a recent visitor, this small county park offers "some picnic tables, a toilet, and a trash can" with camping available for $10 per night, paid on-site. The park has no designated campsites and limited parking, making early arrival advisable during peak seasons. Fires are permitted at some locations, but firewood is not provided, so campers should bring their own or gather where allowed.

Tent-only sites in this region often provide access to water recreation opportunities. Ranney Knob Area offers river access for canoe and kayak enthusiasts, making it popular with paddlers seeking primitive tent camping. At Hildreth Lighthouse Campground, campers noted the "flat piece of grass" suitable for placing tents, available for $20 per night. However, visitors should be prepared for potentially rough access roads, as one camper mentioned "two miles of dirt road was less than fun." The basic nature of these campgrounds appeals to tent campers seeking simplicity rather than amenities, with most sites offering level ground for pitching tents but requiring visitors to bring all necessary camping equipment and supplies.

Map showing campgrounds near Ponca, NebraskaExplore the Map

Best Tent Sites Near Ponca, Nebraska (4)

Show More
Showing results 1-4 of 4 campgrounds

2025 Detourist Giveaway

Presented byToyota Trucks

Review Campgrounds. Win Prizes.

Enter to Win

Ponca Contest

Enter to Win

Recent Tent Camping Photos near Ponca, NE

2 Photos of 4 Ponca Campgrounds

Tent Camping Reviews near Ponca, NE

284 Reviews of 4 Ponca 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.

  • 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!!

  • S
    Sep. 19, 2021

    Stone State Park Campground

    Quick weekend trip

    Planned to stay for the weekend to test out new tent but storms came through & we left after one night. Basic campground in shady area under trees. We did not get an electric hookup. Ground was mostly dirt not grass on our site & mostly dry. Large trees provided shade which helped as very hot & humid. We were next to a ravine but with plenty of bug spray did not get many bites. Hiked the Bear & Buffalo trails. Campground very quiet though a few people came & went. Washrooms are very basic & chose not to use shower. The Park Ranger did check on us & advise on weather conditions. Picnic table & fire pit were fine. Got only 1 bar signal on both Verizon & AT&T. No WiFi. Overall basic, woody/shaded. Good for short stay.

  • 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

  • S
    Sep. 19, 2021

    Lewis and Clark State Park Campground

    Short weekend getaway

    Nice campground. Very few tent only - mostly RVs/trailers. Washrooms basic but clean. Large site under trees with mix of sun & shade. Grassy area for tent. Access to water close by. Large playground for kids. Campground host had firewood. Picnic table & firepit with grill rack in good condition. Nearby boat ramp to load kayak onto Blue Lake. Many water lilies but sheltered at one end so good for kayak. Everyone seemed friendly though some folk stayed up pretty late on Friday!

  • 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.

  • SThe Dyrt PRO User
    Feb. 28, 2021

    Turkey Ridge — Ponca State Park

    Great Winter Camp

    A lot of places in Iowa are closed to camping until April or even May. I looked west and quickly found this. There are areas of the park that are "closed for winter", but I was able to find a primitive spot for an overnight to get out and enjoy the rebound from the subzero weather of the previous weeks. Some sites in that section are quite spacious.....although it was just me, so I had a lot of space! there were several water spigots in that section as well, so water is available during the camping season. There was a restroom fairly close by, and in the 15 hours I was there, the ranger checked on the restrooms twice. I didn't use it, but that is an indication that they aren't torn apart. No one was at the entrance, so I had to go the the education center to find self registration. The primitive rate is$15, but they reduced it to$10 in the off-season. A pass is required to camp, so you can add another$5 if you're a Nebraska resident, and$8 if you're from out of state. Season passes are also available.$40 resident,$45 non-resident. All primitive sites had shade. Lots of trees throughout the park. Beautiful.

  • Joe R.The Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 9, 2019

    Oak Bluff Campground — Ponca State Park

    Gorgeous Nebraska State Park, primitive site T45 review

    I had the please of staying at this beautiful Nebraska state park with my youngest son on a return trip home from North Dakota over the July 4th weekend 2019. 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. Ponca SP is a large clean and hilly state park offering just about everything you could want from Glamping in cabins to roughing it on one of several pack in trails. There is plentiful wildlife to observe. We witnessed deer and many species of birds in our one evening and morning stay. Guests to the park can partake in horse trail rides($), golf($), fishing, hunting, shooting/ archery range, biking/hiking, water activities such as kayaking or canoeing on the Missouri River, and a large pool near the entrance. Food service is also available on site if you get tired of cooking at your camp. If you want a power site for an RV I’d highly recommend reserving well in advance because this is a popular SP. For those of us who tent camp without power you’ll likely find the perfect spot for your small to large tent on a walk up site with plentiful shade trees at all of the sites that I observed. I highly recommend trying to get the site one spot to the North of T45, it literally looks right over the Missouri River and sits just steps away from the scenic overlook. The bathroom facility right by T45 was clean and well maintained and there was a water faucet next to this site as well as the trash bins. Scenic hikes, drives, or bike rides around the park are largely shaded with a rich tree canopy over rolling hills throughout the park. There are at least two scenic river overlooks with historical referenced to the area’s rich history including the Lewis and Clark expedition. Check the park’s web site at outdoornebraska.gov/Ponca/ to find out what educational and fun events might be happening at the park. They hold a Harvest/Halloween event over a few days in October each year, but you’ll have to book a site a year in advance if you want to for sure get a spot during that time. Don’t forget to stop in to the education center and learn all about the river’s history. The education center is top notch and one of our favorite things about the park. This is a five star state park by any measure and I can’t wait for a return trip to this park.

  • NThe Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 30, 2021

    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

Guide to Ponca

Tent campsites near Ponca, Nebraska range from basic county parks to riverside spots along the Missouri River. The region's gently rolling topography offers camping on flat grasslands at elevations between 1,100 and 1,400 feet. Summer temperatures typically reach 85-95°F with high humidity, while spring and fall camping brings cooler temperatures and fewer crowds.

What to do

Riverside recreation access: At Ranney Knob Area, campers can launch canoes and kayaks directly into the river. "Does offer access for canoe/kayaking on the river," notes Joshua D., making this small county park a convenient base for paddlers.

Bird watching opportunities: The Missouri River corridor serves as a major flyway for migratory birds, particularly during spring and fall seasons. Many tent camping areas provide direct access to bird watching locations where waterfowl, shorebirds and songbirds can be observed.

Historic site exploration: Several camping areas provide convenient access to local historical landmarks including Native American cultural sites and Lewis and Clark expedition points of interest. Many tent sites are within a 20-minute drive of these educational destinations.

What campers like

Budget-friendly options: Many tent camping locations near Ponca offer affordable rates. At Hildreth Lighthouse Campground, Christopher W. found "a flat piece of grass to place two tents for only $20 bucks," which met his basic needs for an overnight stay.

Minimal development: The tent sites around Ponca maintain a primitive character that appeals to those seeking simplicity. Many campsites have limited infrastructure, allowing visitors to experience a more natural setting without extensive facilities or development.

Quiet weekday camping: Most tent camping areas in the region experience lower visitation during weekdays, particularly outside summer months. This creates opportunities for campers seeking solitude and peaceful outdoor experiences with less competition for available spaces.

What you should know

Limited facilities: Most tent camping options near Ponca provide only basic amenities. As Joshua D. describes Ranney Knob Area: "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."

Road conditions vary: Access roads to some camping areas may be unpaved and potentially challenging in wet conditions. Christopher W. noted about his Hildreth Lighthouse Campground experience that "two miles of dirt road was less than fun."

Variable payment systems: Payment methods and instructions differ between camping locations. Some sites use honor systems or have minimal signage explaining camping procedures. One visitor mentioned it "would have been nice if the pay station had more directions."

Tips for camping with families

Bathroom considerations: Facilities vary significantly between camping locations. At Village Park, visitors should prepare for minimal restroom infrastructure, making it important to bring portable toilet options for young children or plan accordingly.

Safety near water: Many tent camping areas near Ponca provide river access, requiring extra vigilance with children. Establish clear boundaries near water features and bring appropriate flotation devices if planning water activities.

Wildlife awareness: The river corridor hosts diverse wildlife including deer, raccoons, and occasional coyotes. Teach children proper food storage practices and appropriate wildlife viewing distances to ensure safety and minimize campsite disruptions.

Tips from RVers

Limited access for larger vehicles: Most tent-focused campsites near Ponca have restricted access for larger vehicles. At Bow Creek Recreation Area, the walk-in and hike-in nature makes it unsuitable for RVs of any size, restricting use to tent campers willing to transport gear from parking areas.

Consider alternative accommodations: RV travelers visiting the Ponca area may need to choose established campgrounds with designated RV spaces rather than the primitive tent-focused sites. Many RVers recommend using the tent-only areas for day use activities instead of overnight stays.

Road width challenges: Several access roads to tent camping areas feature narrow sections that may be difficult for wider vehicles to navigate safely. Scouting routes in advance or contacting local authorities about road conditions can prevent accessibility issues.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular tent campground near Ponca, NE is Bow Creek Recreation Area with a 0-star rating from 1 review.

What is the best site to find tent camping near Ponca, NE?

TheDyrt.com has all 4 tent camping locations near Ponca, NE, with real photos and reviews from campers.

Keep Exploring

  2. View all Nebraska cities for camping