William E.
Scout
ScoutCottonwood Campground
Nice campground
Enjoyed it has hot showers
Camping near Royal, NE
66 campgrounds · Check availability for any dates.
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Campgrounds and parks surround Royal, Nebraska with varied opportunities for tent and RV campers. Grove Lake State Wildlife Area offers free primitive camping with picnic tables, fire pits, and vault toilets approximately 4 miles southwest of Royal. Several nearby towns provide city park camping, including Orchard City Park with electric hookups and sanitary dump facilities, while Riverside Park in Neligh (20 miles south) features water and electric sites with shower facilities. The region includes both free and fee-based options, with most sites accommodating both tent and RV camping.
Most campgrounds in the Royal area operate seasonally from April through October, though several remain open year-round with limited services during winter months. City park campgrounds typically provide concrete pads with electric hookups, while wildlife management areas offer more primitive experiences. Grove Lake Wildlife Area provides hydrants and vault toilets but no hookups, making it suitable for self-contained camping. Cell service can be limited or non-existent, particularly in wildlife areas. A visitor commented, "Grove Lake is a lovely free camping area with flat dirt areas that would accommodate a camper or tent. No hookups but hydrants, vault toilets, fire pits, and picnic tables exist."
Campers report mixed experiences with facilities at public campgrounds in the region. Bathroom and shower cleanliness varies significantly between locations, with some city parks maintaining clean facilities while others receive criticism. Several visitors mentioned enjoying fishing opportunities, with Grove Lake offering trout fishing and scenic views. Road noise can be an issue at some locations, particularly those near highways. Small town camping parks provide convenient access to local services and businesses. As described in feedback on The Dyrt, "These small towns in NE have the right idea with these free community campgrounds. It's just the reason we need to stop and visit local businesses and explore a town we would normally just pass through."
Best Campgrounds near Royal (66)
1. Orchard City Park
"The water situation is a bit tricky - there is only one shared water spigot for the entire park, located in the middle near the playground."
"This playground has two parking pads with power and a bathroom behind it. Picnic table, playground and pavilion and grill. Sweet little find for boondocking."
2. Grove Lake State Wildlife Area
"Grove lake is a lovely free camping area with flat dirt areas that would accommodate a camper or tent. No hookups but hydrants, Vault toilets, fire pits, and picnic tables exist."
3. Riverside Park
"Bathrooms were clean and close by. The river runs by so we had a fun night out on a sand bar. It's in town which has several restaurant choices."
"Fairly quiet, some highway noise but not bad. Clean restroom and shower. Would stay here again."
4. Chilvers Park
"Again, if boondocking is your thing, Nebraska is on target. Apparently most of the city parks allow up to 3 days camping at their city parks."
"There is a small grocery store downtown (a 5 minute walk from the park) as well as a wonderful coffee shop located in a historic building."
5. Ewing City Park
"Houses and farm buildings surround the campground on two sides, which gives it a cozy feel. The campsites do not have any shade."
6. Fred Penn Park
7. Bruce Park Campground
from $10 - $15 / night
Check Availability8. Modern Campground — Niobrara State Park
"Nebraska State Parks have walk up and reservable spaces. We usually risk it and easily found a walk up on a Monday afternoon after the weekend crowd left."
"We ended up having nearly the whole place to ourselves! Spots 43/44 were absolutely perfect! On the end which is always nice. Also far enough from the road so it wasn’t too noisy."
from $30 - $35 / night
Check Availability9. Wildwood Acres Park
10. Carney Park
"Nice place for an evening or morning walk to stretch legs around rodeo arena, between baseball fields and then around and small pond. Self serve payment envelopes."
from $10 - $20 / night
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Drive Time
- 1 hr 31 min from Sioux City, IA
- 1 hr 58 min from Grand Island, NE
- 2 hrs 19 min from Sioux Falls, SD
- 2 hrs 31 min from Omaha, NE
Recent Camping Photos near Royal, NE
28 Photos of 66 Royal Campgrounds
Charles C.
Grove Lake State Wildlife Area
Bibs O.
Wildwood Acres Park
Carissa W.
Carney Park
Morgan V.
Modern Campground — Niobrara State Park
Charlie M.
Willow Creek State Recreation Area Campground
William P.
Paulson RV Park
Kimysue J.
Burbach Park
Bibs O.
Weigand Campground — Lewis and Clark State Recreation Area
Shannon C.
Nebraska Tailwaters
Warren W.
Cottonwood Campground
Shannon M.
Chief White Crane Recreation Area
Recent Reviews near Royal, NE
179 Reviews of 66 Royal Campgrounds
Jody D.ScoutChilvers Park
4 designated spots
Nice little park. Easy walk to Mary’s Restaurant for good food!
- SStillRVWanderer ..
LegendOrchard City Park
Inexpensive roadside camping with electric & showers
Orchard City Park is a cute, shaded city park that makes for a decent, budget-friendly stopover, though it has some limitations for larger rigs.
At $10 a day (as of May 2026), it includes electric hookups at the sites and an available dump station. The water situation is a bit tricky - there is only one shared water spigot for the entire park, located in the middle near the playground. It is pretty far from the actual campsites, so you would probably need at least a 100-foot hose if you wanted to fill when parked at the campsites.
Two of the sites are on paved pads and are quite level. There appears to be two more sites on grass. The park itself is on the smaller side and would be difficult for big rigs to navigate. There is a picnic shelter in the park, and individual picnic tables near the campsites. There is one charcoal grill available for use. They also have restrooms with a shower on-site; they are definitely very old, but they seemed usable.
The biggest downside is the noise level. Because the park sits right on the highway, there is a lot of traffic noise during the day; there are a lot of trucks on this route. It probably gets a little quieter at night, but it is very noticeable during the day.
I didn't see much of anything in this town as far as restaurants or other commercial establishments.
I had an ok Verizon 4G signal here that got 30Mbps down but only 1.5Mbps up.
- SStillRVWanderer ..Legend
Gilman Park
Four sites in a city park
If you are passing through northeast Nebraska, Gilman Park Campground in Pierce Nebraska is a convenient, budget-friendly stopover. It is a small, basic setup located right inside a lovely city park. There is not a dump station directly inside the park, but there is a public dump station located in the town about two minutes away. In May 2026 the nightly rate was $20, with a 5 night maximum stay.
The camping layout is very straightforward, with four campsites lined up together. There are two shared power pedestals, with each pedestal serving two campsites. These are 30-amp electric only. All four sites share a single water spigot as far as I could tell, so you may need a long hose to fill your tank. There is one shared charcoal grill, a trash can, and an area with a picnic table.
The surrounding park is beautiful and I enjoyed my time here. There is a lake with a fishing dock. There are two separate playgrounds and multiple picnic shelters equipped with their own grills. There is a brick bathroom building in the park, but I did not go inside.
Right next to the campsites sits a local Pioneer Museum. It wasn't open during our visit, but it looks like a neat historical feature when accessible.
Verizon is strong here, with a 5G signal providing 200Mbps down and 6Mbps up.
- SStillRVWanderer ..Legend
Spencer Park Fairgrounds
Basic campground near the South Dakota border
Spencer Park Fairgrounds in Spencer, Nebraska is a basically a square grass lot with campsites along one side. It's quiet and peaceful here. Each site has electric and water hookups. There is a dump station about a block away. The rate is $20/night and there is a drop box by the bathrooms.
You'll enter through the fairgrounds parking lot which is gravel and fairly bumpy. They don't have individual picnic tables or fire rings at the campsites, but I did notice a stack of fire rings sitting nearby, so it looks like they might put them out by the sites occasionally. For amenities, there's a public pool right there on the fairgrounds and a brand-new playground.
The bathrooms have concrete walls and concrete floors, and everything seemed very clean. It’s a single-occupancy setup with one shower, so only one person can use the bathroom or shower at a time.
I had a great Verizon 5G signal here with 350Mpbs down and 50Mbps up.
- SStillRVWanderer ..Legend
Mill Race Park & Campground
Small park outside of town with electric, level sites. Dusty.
Mill Race Campground is located right on the edge of town. The sites are either gravel or grass and are fairly level. This campground does not take reservations. You fill out a paper slip when you arrive and drop it in a box along with your payment. There are a lot of trees that provide some shade. The park has two storm shelters for inclement weather. The sites have electric, but no water and there is no dump station. There are a few water spigots at the campground but they are not easily accessible. I would not count on being able to get water here. They are doing construction at the park (looks like a new picnic shelter), so perhaps this will change.
The road into the campground is gravel. Access to the nearby golf course is had through the park, so there is quite a bit of traffic. The road is a very fine, sandy gravel that gets dusty when cars drive through. The area is posted 15 mph but I see a lot of people going faster than that. It seems like every time I go for a walk I am getting chased by clouds of dust. I probably won't stay here again just for that reason.
There is a bathroom building, but it is pretty basic but clean. It has one shower and one bathroom stall. There is a nice, paved walking trail that divides the golf course and the campground. It is about a half mile long and is very scenic. There are benches along the path, and it goes through grasses and trees with a lot of birds and squirrels. The path smells like pine and blooming flowers.
This trail does not go all the way into town, so you have to walk or bike on the highway if you are not driving. It is about a 20 to 30 minute walk to get to downtown. Although the campground is located right on the highway, there is not much traffic on it and I didn't really notice any road noise.
I had great cellular signals here. I had a Verizon 5G signal with 350 Mbps down and 30 Mbps up. I also had a strong 5G signal on T-Mobile with 200 Mbps down and 30 Mbps up.
- SStillRVWanderer ..Legend
Ewing City Park
Nearly free small town camping with full hookups
The Ewing City Park campground features about 10 gravel sites that are mostly level. Each site offers full hookups including power, water, and sewer for$13 a night. What a bargain!
The sites are fairly close together, spaced about 10 feet apart. There was nobody else here during my stay, so there was plenty of room and privacy. Houses and farm buildings surround the campground on two sides, which gives it a cozy feel. The campsites do not have any shade. I could see semi trucks and hear some highway noise from my position in campground. There are no fire rings, and only one site had a picnic table.
There are no restrooms located directly at the campground. However, there are restrooms at the city park/baseball field, which is about a 5 minute walk. They were older but functional. That city park also has a small playground, tennis courts, and a basketball court. There is a cell phone tower across the street, but evidently it is neither Verizon nor T-mobile. But I had a good Verizon 4G signal with 100 Mbps down and 5 Mbps up. My T-Mobile signal here was poor, at about 1 Mbps up and down.
The downtown area is within walking distance and had a few businesses. There is a scenic, historical mural in town.
Beth D.
GuideLewis and Clark Lake Gavin section
Decent place
There’s electricity firings and picnic tables at the sites. They are in the trees. There’s no water or sewer at the sites, but there is when you first drive into the campground.
elizabeth B.
TravelerTa-Ha-Zouka Park
Its okay
Quiet place next to a lake but it costs $30/night and there alis no water hookup. I recommend totally filling your potable water tank on the way in at the little vestibule thing because I ran out at the very end of my shower.
Guide to Royal
Camping spots near Royal, Nebraska range from free primitive sites to amenity-filled state parks within a 30-mile radius. The region experiences hot summers with temperatures regularly exceeding 90°F from June through August, while winter temperatures can drop below 10°F. Severe thunderstorms and occasional tornadoes occur primarily from May through July, requiring campers to monitor weather forecasts during these months.
What to do
Fly fishing opportunities: At Grove Lake State Wildlife Area, the trout stream feeding the lake provides excellent fishing. "This is a beautiful place. Trees are beautiful. The lake is beautiful. If you're a fly fisherman, this place is paradise if you can't get to usual fly fishing locations," reports one camper who visited the wildlife area.
Swimming options: City park campgrounds with pools offer relief during hot summer months. During warmer seasons, campers at Chilvers Park can access the adjacent swimming pool. One visitor noted, "This park is right off Highway 30 and if you are passing through and want power and water for a few days this should be your stop. I would assume that campers would have use of the shower facility at the pool."
Hiking and nature trails: Many campgrounds feature walking paths for exploring the local terrain. The Niobrara State Park offers various trail options. A visitor shared, "There are trails to hike and sites to see nearby. There are, however, a tremendous amount of ticks. If you bring pets, you may think about them not joining you on hikes."
What campers like
Affordable camping options: Many small towns provide free or low-cost camping areas. At Chilvers Park, a camper observed, "These small towns in NE have the right idea with these free community campgrounds. It's just the reason we need to stop and visit local businesses and explore a town we would normally just pass through."
Quiet, remote camping: Several locations offer peaceful settings away from crowds. While visiting Willow Creek State Recreation Area, a camper noted, "Clean restrooms and showers. Some sites have lake access. Well wooded." Another mentioned, "Nights are quiet and there are plenty of local spots nearby for the daytime like a vineyard."
Fishing access: Multiple water bodies provide angling opportunities throughout the region. One visitor to Willow Creek State Recreation Area mentioned, "The lake is huge and great for fishing. There are miles of trails that we enjoyed. If you're into archery like we are, they have a great archery area."
What you should know
Seasonal lake issues: Some lakes experience algae blooms during warmer months. At Willow Creek State Recreation Area, a visitor warned, "Beautiful lake with nice beaches, however, when we went, the water has a 'no contact order' from May-end of September. This was not disclosed when booking."
Limited cell service: Many rural campgrounds have poor connectivity. At Bruce Park Campground, a visitor reported, "Verizon and T-mobile were pretty slow here, but usable. On Verizon I got about 6Mbit down and 3 up. On T-mobile I got 5 down and 1 up. Both were 4G signals."
Bathroom maintenance varies: Facility cleanliness differs significantly between locations. A camper at Fred Penn Park noted, "Nice campground but the bathrooms were disgusting. Mud on the floor in the shower. Spider webs and dead bugs everywhere. 20 min of cleaning could have made it enjoyable."
Tips for camping with families
Playground access: Several campgrounds feature play equipment for children. At Riverside Park, a visitor noted, "I camped in the park for a friend's wedding. I was pleasantly surprised at how nice it is. You park in the grass. Pull through is an option. Bathrooms were clean and close by."
Educational opportunities: Some locations offer learning experiences for children. Willow Creek State Recreation Area provides access to nearby attractions. A camper shared, "We stayed here on our visit up to Ashfall Fossil Beds (which is a must see for anyone with kids, and is only a 30 minute drive from campsite)."
Swimming options: When available, public pools near campgrounds provide recreation for children. A visitor to Chilvers Park mentioned, "I would assume that campers would have use of the shower facility at the pool, but if not, you could just spend a few bucks and swim all day and shower at the end."
Tips from RVers
Electric hookup availability: Most city parks offer at least basic electrical connections. At Bruce Park Campground, a visitor observed, "The sites have water and electric. I only saw a 30A plug on the one I checked but other sites may have 50A."
Pad size limitations: Some campgrounds have restricted space for larger rigs. At Wildwood Acres Park, a camper warned, "I would have given this nice little campground a 3-star rating, but I felt the 8 foot pads were a little bit too small. To be fair, they have placed a handful of larger pads throughout, but it would be insanely cramped for larger units to maneuver."
Dump station locations: Not all campgrounds with RV parking provide on-site dump facilities. A camper at Willow Creek State Recreation Area noted, "There is no dump station available at the park, you have to drive to town to dump your tanks at the courthouse."
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular campground near Royal, NE?
Which is the most popular campground near Royal, NE?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Royal, NE is Orchard City Park with a 4.5-star rating from 2 reviews.
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