2 campgrounds · Check availability for any dates.
Two free dispersed camping options exist near Raymond, Nebraska. Yankee Hill Wildlife Management Area provides primitive campsites with vault toilets and trash disposal but no potable water. The parking area accommodates tents and RVs with a 3-day stay limit in any 6-day period. Mosquitoes can be prevalent near the marshy pond. According to one visitor, "The sites aren't technically sites. They're just little places off the side of the road that you can park." No open fires are permitted, and the entrance road has significant ruts.
Smiths Creek Recreational Area offers a higher level of amenities while remaining primitive. Located about 20 minutes off I-80, this area features potable water, trash cans, picnic tables, and fire pits. The campground surrounds a small lake with areas for both drive-in and walk-in camping. The dirt access road can become slippery when wet. As described in feedback on The Dyrt, campers can find "space for tents next to the lake and below the dam," making this a versatile option for overnight stays. The 14-day maximum stay makes it suitable for longer visits than Yankee Hill.
"Near Lincoln Nebraska, quiet area, reported good fishing. Big gravel parking lot, good for overnights, max 3 days, no fees. some local traffic on weekends. No open fires."
"About 3 turns off the highway via dirt road. Very pretty, clean toilets, potable water, has picnic tables and grills. Definitely staying again on my way back east"
"And the state is 14 days. No gray water dump site. Use Love's instead. The dirt road coming in is a bit slippery when wet. We slid all over the road, but there's no potholes."
ScoutAbout 3 turns off the highway via dirt road. Very pretty, clean toilets, potable water, has picnic tables and grills. Definitely staying again on my way back east
RangerThere are trash cans and a water spigot at this free campground. It's nice and large where you can park a 40-foot RV if you'd like, even longer. And the state is 14 days.
No gray water dump site. Use Love's instead. The dirt road coming in is a bit slippery when wet. We slid all over the road, but there's no potholes.
ScoutIt was not far off the highway but no road noise. Great place for a free overnight camp.
GuideNot far from the highway but not too loud. Lots of picnic tables and fire pits, space for tents next to the lake and below the dam (walk over the knoll behind the playground). Clean pit toilet and water pump. Woke up to cheery birdsong.
TravelerPulling 13’ trailer and parked in gravel lot. Do not appear to be official sites for trailers. Lots of tent sites with grills and tables. Arrived around 3 and no one here. Quiet, snow on ground. Dirt roads to get here well maintained and easy. Seems like there may be a path around the lake.
ScoutGreat for a day stop and stayed the night in my campervan. Was quiet with little traffic. There were a lot of flies.
TravelerGreat hidden gem in between beautiful farms. Plenty of space to park with on site bathroom
TravelerVery easy to find, free and simple. Pull up, park, sleep, enjoy lake in the morning!
ScoutNice little place right off the interstate to get a quiet nights rest and a beautiful sunrise over a frozen lake
Dispersed camping near Raymond, Nebraska offers convenient overnight options for travelers passing through on I-80 and locals seeking quick getaways. The area features small lakes nestled among agricultural lands at approximately 1,200 feet elevation. During summer months, temperatures typically range from 65-90°F with higher humidity levels, while spring and fall camping presents more moderate conditions.
Fishing opportunities: Smiths Creek Recreational Area's small lake supports multiple fishing spots around its perimeter. "Great hidden gem in between beautiful farms. Plenty of space to park with on site bathroom," notes Matthew Z. about the Smiths Creek Recreational Area.
Bird watching: Early mornings provide excellent bird watching opportunities for casual wildlife observers. According to Anna P., campers awaken to "cheery birdsong" at Smiths Creek, making dawn hours particularly rewarding for nature enthusiasts.
Playground access: Families with children can utilize the playground facilities at Smiths Creek. "Walk over the knoll behind the playground" to find additional camping spots, suggests Anna P., indicating the recreation area has multiple activity zones beyond just camping.
Convenient I-80 access: Yankee Hill Wildlife Management Area provides quick overnight stops for cross-country travelers. Travis A. notes it's "situated in the middle of corn fields" but "Lincoln Nebraska is only 17 miles away" for supplies or amenities.
Clean facilities: Many campers appreciate the maintained conditions despite the primitive setup. "The parking area is clean. There is a dumpster and vault toilet," reports Travis A. about Yankee Hill Wildlife Management Area.
Quiet atmosphere: Despite proximity to travel routes, these areas remain relatively peaceful. William R. describes Smiths Creek as "Very easy to find, free and simple. Pull up, park, sleep, enjoy lake in the morning!" highlighting the straightforward camping experience.
Stay limits: Both locations enforce specific camping duration restrictions. Tim O. confirms Yankee Hill offers "no fees" but requires a "max 3 days" stay, while Rick M. notes that at Smiths Creek Recreational Area "the state is 14 days" for maximum stays.
Road conditions: Access roads to these dispersed camping areas may present challenges depending on weather. Rick M. warns that at Smiths Creek "The dirt road coming in is a bit slippery when wet. We slid all over the road, but there's no potholes."
Limited amenities: While both locations provide basic facilities, campers should prepare accordingly. Mary S. mentions Smiths Creek has "Good latrines, potable water, and trash bins" but lacks other conveniences.
Playground accessibility: Families can benefit from the recreational facilities at Smiths Creek. Anna P. describes "space for tents next to the lake and below the dam" providing multiple options for setting up camp near play areas.
Water precautions: Parents should supervise children near Yankee Hill Wildlife Management Area's pond. Travis A. cautions about "a large marshy, stagnant pond, so bring mosquito repellent" which presents both wildlife viewing opportunities and safety considerations.
Morning activities: Plan morning exploration with children when temperatures are cooler. "Enjoy lake in the morning!" suggests William R. about Smiths Creek, indicating optimal timing for family activities before midday heat.
Parking logistics: Large vehicles can access these areas with proper planning. Brittany M. reports their "30-foot Class A with a towed car fit easily" at Smiths Creek Recreational Area though advises "I'm glad we got the first spot" suggesting early arrival is beneficial.
Size accommodation: Both locations can accommodate larger rigs. Rick M. states Smiths Creek is "nice and large where you can park a 40-foot RV if you'd like, even longer" making it suitable for substantial recreational vehicles.
Resource management: RVers should plan for limited waste disposal options. Rick M. advises "No gray water dump site. Use Love's instead" for those needing to manage holding tanks while staying at Smiths Creek.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular dispersed campsite near Raymond, NE?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular dispersed campground near Raymond, NE is Yankee hill wildlife management area with a 3.6-star rating from 5 reviews.
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