Best Dog-Friendly Camping near Royal, NE

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.

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.

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.

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

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.

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

Me, my husband and grandson went there couple weeks ago. We’re supposed to stay for three days. We brought our three dogs. The host just got pissed off at us and told us we had to leave because one of our dogs kept barking at three in the morning well who in the hell walked by a camper at 3 o’clock in the morning because that’s the only reason why he would bark is because somebody was right there. And I paid for three days and didn’t get my money back. Didn’t get anything which is a bunch of bullshit.

The campground was nice. There were showers and restrooms available for use. Access to the water without walking through rocks is pretty slim but we did find a couple spots that our dogs could get in. There is no dump station available at the park, you have to drive to town to dump your tanks at the courthouse.

There are 9, possibly 10, back in camping spots. $25.00 a night, which I thought very reasonable for all they offer. Bathrooms with showers. Water and sewer at all sites. 50 - 30 - 15 amp service at all sites. Picnic tables and fire pits with grates at all sites. Picnic area with cement floors and cover. Dogs across the way are noisy, but we hope they get used to things and quite down. Money for stay needs to be brought downtown to a bar, or you can call a number, and so.eone will come out and pick it up. Grass is very long at the sites, which seems to encourage the bugs and mosquitoes .

We are usually tent campers but stayed in a cabin this trip which worked out well because as the sun went down the mosquitos came out and they were ferocious. The cabin was very nice and we were allowed to bring our dogs. We were there the first day the pool opened for the year so the water was very cold but we had so much fun. We did some hiking and a lot of bike riding. Being there during the week so early in the season we missed all of the activities that they have on weekends but enjoyed having the park to ourselves. This park is out of the way so probably doesn't get as much traffic as some other parks. We will definitely go back some day.

$20.00 a night gives you 30amp service. Picnic tables, grass site. There is only one grill in the campgrounds, and that was located on site L. You have to call the number pictured, and police will come and unlock your electrical box. They will also take your money if you wish to pay them directly. They spray for mosquitoes, and they were not a problem while we were there. Many local dog walkers, they leave many, many land minds around. You can have shade in the morning, but for the most part, all sites see sunshine throughout the day. Nice place. I should mention showers are free. Bathrooms are clean and just across the road from where you can camp. Dump station is also just west of the bath house.

We love to camp and birdwatch throughout Nebraska, though occasionally a final campsite at days-end can be hard to locate. One of the fascinating features of the state's hospitality is the number of towns that provide top-notch RV facilities for free to travelers. It really takes the stress out of travel.

The Osborn City Park is one such park in a town of only 600-700 residents. One block off Hwy 20 in northeast Nebraska, this is loaded with amenities.: a public swimming pool, 2 well built RV pads with water and electrical hookups, a nearby bathroom and shower, grill, gazebo, and a railway caboose. The park is covered with trees and is fairly large, so we had complete privacy. There is a nearby sewer dump station. Who could ask for more? And it's all free, but you can leave a donation.

Great overnight stop on our way through Nebraska. This city park has 5 RV/trailer pads with water and electric hookup. Suggested donation of $10/night. Right in the middle of the small town of Osmond. Bathrooms and playground with plenty of space to run. Just off the main road, but was quiet.

So we stopped at the gas station across from this gem! 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. It looks like showers are in the bathrooms but we didn’t go in. The last city park did have showers but hadn’t been used or cleaned in a while.

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.

More then once as a Dyrt Ranger I have searched in vain for a campsite listed on a map. I was completely surprised when I found the Tyndall City Park AND it had places to camp!

When you first drive to the park it looks like your typical city park, nice fishing pond for the kids , cemented walking path, ballfields, disc golf, etc. But then down at the very end next to the ballfields are electric hookups and parking for RVs! Mind you this is no luxury campground, it’s the basics. On further exploration of the immediate area I came to the conclusion that this site is probably mostly used by visiting participants in 4H. There is a 4H complex across the street from the hookups.

The park is located off the local neighborhood and quiet. There is no shade at the RV sites. No picnic tables or fire rings on the cement lot where the electric boxes are located. This is definitely an event oriented “campground” or overnight/visiting relatives pit stop. There is an honor box and small latrine near the sites. No privacy if it’s busy but we were totally alone and saw few people when we visited.

The dogs enjoyed the walk around the fishing pond and it was a very relaxed atmosphere, at least to me. I did not attempt to start a fire, no one to ask if I could and no fire rings. There was a grass area by the camp sites with picnic tables and shade, you could easily put a tent/hammock in that area but I don’t know if it’s permitted.

Overall a useful area, in town, near shopping and fuel but not a vacation destination in my opinion.

This park has so much to offer, it is located where the Niobrara and the Missouri River meet. Many amazing views beautiful clean water and miles of hiking trails. I unfortunately was not able to hike for too long due to the hot day I chose to venture off in the woods, but luckily enough was able to cool off in their breathtaking river and than in their pool. For camping this place is by far one of the best campgrounds I have been to. The cabins are fully furnished back porch tv dishes all you need are good friends and family and your food to fill the fridge... I will be there constantly while I'm in Nebraska, hope to see you there. Happy camping

Not to be mistaken as Fort Niobrara, Niobrara State Park , NE is near Niobrara and Verdel, NE. The popular Niobrara River runs along the far side of the park and one of the attractions is the old train bridge which is now part of the converted trail that you can explore.

When we arrived the 80 degree temperatures from Kentucky did not arrive with us. The weather was windy, sprinkling and dropping with the sun. The night time low was about 43 degrees. I learned on another trip to pack all temperature range clothing especially this time of year, so I had my sniffle gear. We were one of three occupied sites in the campground. The other two sites had RV’s , I decided on truck camping and was glad I did.

The actual campground is spacious and had some trees. The showerhouse was well maintained and something new to me had pay showers. I hadn’t packed any quarters but have now added another helpful tidbit to my list of must haves while camping. (Roll of quarters, check) I attempted to leave my windows open after throwing a tarp over the truck but even though the temperature was low the mosquitoes were FIERCE! I don’t even want to know how bad they are in warm weather. So with the truck closed up we snuggled in for the night. I was a little surprised when I was woken by my dogs barking at coyotes that could be heard very nearby. Considering how sparsely populated the area is it shouldn’t have been that surprising, you really feel like your out in the middle of nowhere. Just shows how Northern I am ;) I was disappointed it was overcast , the sky would have been phenomenal with no lights to ruin the view.

This Park is laid out in a “horseshoe” and speed restrictions make it a long drive from end to end. The visitors center has some helpful employees that were very informative. Not surprisingly the river is the big draw in the area. The Ranger I spoke to said that there was a reinactment of the Lewis and Clark expedition due in that weekend. I was directed to the trailhead further in past the several cabins sitting in opportune locations along the road. The trail was moderately technical and you get to walk across the Niobrara on an old train bridge converted to a walkway. Unfortunately the far side was closed. There is also a horse trail ride offered (which would have been interesting with the boys).

The one con of the campground is that though you have an excellent view of the Niobrara River there is no easy access to it from the sites. Definitely a destination campground if you enjoy the river sports.