Best Dog-Friendly Camping near Royal, NE

Grove Lake State Wildlife Area provides free camping with pets allowed in flat dirt areas suitable for tents and RVs. Located near Royal, Nebraska, this wildlife management area offers vault toilets, fire pits, picnic tables, and water from hydrants. The area has walking trails primarily designed for access to the trout stream that feeds the lake. Multiple campgrounds within 30 miles of Royal welcome pets, including Orchard City Park, Riverside Park, and Chilvers Park, all with electric hookups. Riverside Park in Neligh offers water hookups, showers, and trash service for $15-20 per night with level sites that accommodate rigs of all sizes. The bathrooms can be inconsistently maintained at some locations, with cleanliness issues occasionally reported at Fred Penn Park.

Carney Park in O'Neill provides concrete pads with water and electric hookup for $20 per night, offering a quiet overnight stop for travelers with pets. Many small towns in Nebraska maintain city parks with RV facilities for travelers, often for free or reasonable donations. Osmond City Park has five RV pads with water and electric hookups for a suggested donation of $10 per night. Wildwood Acres Park in Verdigre accepts pets in both camping areas and cabins, with cabins priced at $35 per night. While most parks provide basic pet-friendly facilities, none of the data indicates dedicated dog parks or off-leash areas. Highway noise from Jake brakes can be an issue at some campgrounds, particularly at Wildwood Acres Park. Hiking trails, fishing opportunities, and swimming areas are available at many locations, making these pet-friendly campgrounds suitable for outdoor recreation with dogs.

Best Dog-Friendly Sites Near Royal, Nebraska (49)

    1. Grove Lake State Wildlife Area

    2 Reviews
    Royal, NE
    2 miles
    Website
    +1 (402) 296-0041

    "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."

    2. Orchard City Park

    1 Review
    Royal, NE
    6 miles
    Website

    "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."

    3. Riverside Park

    5 Reviews
    Royal, NE
    15 miles
    Website
    +1 (402) 887-4066

    "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

    4 Reviews
    Royal, NE
    17 miles
    Website
    +1 (402) 582-4928

    "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."

    5. Fred Penn Park

    3 Reviews
    Royal, NE
    15 miles
    Website
    +1 (402) 887-4066

    6. Bruce Park Campground

    1 Review
    Royal, NE
    14 miles
    Website
    +1 (402) 358-3557

    $10 - $15 / night

    7. Modern Campground — Niobrara State Park

    14 Reviews
    Niobrara, NE
    29 miles
    Website
    +1 (402) 857-3373

    $30 - $35 / night

    "All around beautiful place. We had a great camping experience this summer. The grounds were clean, beautiful scenery, pet friendly and fun hiking trails!"

    "There are trails to hike and sites to see nearby. There is not a place to get diesel nearby, so plan for that if you need too."

    9. Willow Creek State Recreation Area Campground

    10 Reviews
    Pierce, NE
    30 miles
    Website
    +1 (402) 329-4053

    $25 - $35 / night

    "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) Most RV campsites are within a minute or two walk to lake."

    "Kids and families biking and walking and it has very nice paved areas. The May birding around this end of lake was fantastic. Bath facilities were a walk away but very clean."

    10. Carney Park

    5 Reviews
    Royal, NE
    28 miles
    Website
    +1 (402) 336-3640

    $10 - $20 / night

    "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."

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Dog-Friendly Camping Reviews near Royal, NE

163 Reviews of 49 Royal Campgrounds


  • Michael D.The Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 10, 2023

    Ta-Ha-Zouka Park

    Very nice city campground/park

    The sites are large with space, electric only,ok bath and shower. A large fenced dog park. Great stop for a night or two. Host very helpful.

  • C
    Oct. 25, 2018

    Cabin Area — Niobrara State Park

    Beautiful area to explore

    This campground features cabins and tent camping. Designed for families, there is a playground and lots of open space for the kids to run around. Pets are welcome. There is a small pond stocked for fishing right in the middle of the tent camping area. Take a short hike to see where the Niobrara river dumps into the Missouri and take in some of the best views in Nebraska. In the winter months, hunters often use the cabins as home base and hunt in the surrounding woods.

  • 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

  • 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

  • Ashley L.The Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 3, 2021

    Modern Campground — Niobrara State Park

    Great Spot!

    All around beautiful place. We had a great camping experience this summer. The grounds were clean, beautiful scenery, pet friendly and fun hiking trails! There's a lot of really cool cabins to choose from and the tent camping areas are in great locations scattered around the park. Definitely for the 3 hour drive up there.

  • James D.
    Oct. 1, 2016

    Cottonwood Campground

    Another great park in the Missouri River Valley!

    Great place for RV camping. My Uncle and I went through here back in 2011. All sites were reservable on-line. Every site had electric hookups. There is access to water and restrooms in each loop. Some of the sites are right near Lake Yankton. There was decent fishing but nothing too special. The park itself is very close to South Dakota, and you can visit the old time capitol of the Dakota Territory. I love the little history pieces like this so it was worth the side trip for me. It is also right near Lewis and Clark Lake which has really good fishing in the early morning. People we met were using the spot as they were passing through the area or for taking kids out for the weekend. Pets were allowed here too.

  • E
    Aug. 16, 2022

    Chief White Crane Recreation Area

    Perfect for families

    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, and all around the campground are several fantastic playgrounds as well as a small beach and a dock. The sites didn't have full hookups but that worked fine for us because we snagged two sites right next to the water and bathroom/showers (and the playground!) The showers were much nicer than we expected for a state park. Lots of kids and families around, everyone was friendly and considerate. The sites were on the small side but since the price was reasonable for the amenities we didn't mind reserving two.

  • Nicole T.
    Jul. 19, 2021

    Modern Campground — Niobrara State Park

    Beautiful campground

    This campground is so nice. Electric hookup only, but full and dump station is close and nicely laid out. Campsites have lots of trees. It was quiet and peaceful. There are trails to hike and sites to see nearby. There is not a place to get diesel nearby, so plan for that if you need too. Sportsmen’s Bar & Two Rivers Hotel is a nice place to eat that’s nearby. No fuss, good food. There are however, a tremendous amount of ticks. If you bring pets, you may think about them not joining you on hikes.

  • NThe Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 30, 2021

    Miller Creek - Lewis and Clark SRA

    Country Roads

    • ARCHERY HUNTING ONLY

    • Must have a Vehicle Entry Permit

     Nebraska Resident         Non Resident 

    Annual  $30.00 Annual   $45.00

    Daily$ 6.00 per day          Daily$ 6.00 per day

    Basic camping per day $15.00

    • Picnic table

    • Fire ring

    • Boat ramp

    • Water

    • Pit toilet

    • Trash

    • Fishing pie

    r• Parking for boat launch

    • Check in 4 pm check out 11 am

    This campground is open and nicely shaded. Very quiet and secluded. Several mature trees surrounds the camp. The campground is very well maintained. If you want to get back to the basics this is your camp. Great for birding, kayaking, fishing or just kicking back.

    This campground is sitting on the second largest lake, Lewis & Clark which runs along the border of Nebraska and South Dakota. The lake is about 16 miles long and up to 3 miles wide. It has a maximum depth of 45 feet.

    If you are planning a visit to Miller Creek you need to have a small rig or tent. If you come by way of Springfield, South Dakota or Neobrara, Nebraska on Highway 12 then Highway 12 from the west of Miller Creek the road becomes dirt. If it has rained the dirt will turn to a nasty mud. The road is also very potted and rough.

    A bonus for visiting Miller Creek is the joy of feasting your eyes on the natural beauty of what makes Nebraska great. The rolling farm land and friendly locals that wave as you pass by. Whether fishing, birding, hiking, boating, or fishing is your passion a country campground in Nebraska can help sooth your soul.

    Firewood Alert: Please purchase firewood in the local area. Do not transport from another state, if you do please burn immediately due to the Emerald Ash Borer. Proper permits/Licenses and park entry passes may be purchased in advance online at http://ngpc-home.ne.gov/


Guide to Royal

Explore the great outdoors with your furry friends at various pet-friendly camping spots near Royal, Nebraska. These campgrounds offer a welcoming atmosphere for both you and your pets, ensuring a memorable experience.

Dog-friendly activities while camping near Royal

  • At Chilvers Park, pets are allowed, making it a great spot for a family outing with your dog while enjoying the park's playground and open spaces.
  • Riverside Park features a river nearby, perfect for a refreshing dip or a leisurely walk with your pet along the water's edge.
  • Willow Creek State Rec Area offers scenic views and trails where you can take your dog for a hike, ensuring both of you stay active and engaged.

Pet-friendly campgrounds include great amenities

Dog owners appreciate the welcoming environment

  • Fred Penn Park allows pets, providing a relaxed atmosphere for families traveling with their furry companions.
  • Carney Park is a well-reviewed spot where pets are welcome, making it easy to enjoy your time without leaving your dog behind.
  • Tilden East City Park offers a clean and rustic environment, perfect for pet owners looking for a peaceful getaway.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is the most popular dog-friendly campsite near Royal, NE?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular dog-friendly campground near Royal, NE is Grove Lake State Wildlife Area with a 3.5-star rating from 2 reviews.

What is the best site to find dog-friendly camping near Royal, NE?

TheDyrt.com has all 49 dog-friendly camping locations near Royal, NE, with real photos and reviews from campers.