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Tent Camping near Royal, NE

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    Tent campground options near Royal, Nebraska include several primitive sites suitable for backcountry-style camping experiences. Lewis and Clark State Recreation Area offers tent camping options at both Miller Creek and Bloomfield locations along the Nebraska-South Dakota border. Goose Lake State Wildlife Area provides more isolated tent sites approximately 15 miles southwest of Royal for those seeking a more remote experience.

    The tent-only areas at Mnisose Wicote (Wandering River) remain open year-round but provide minimal amenities beyond basic toilets and drinking water. Surface types vary significantly between locations - with most sites consisting of natural ground with minimal site preparation. Most tent campgrounds in this region lack modern amenities like showers or electric hookups, requiring self-sufficient camping practices. The Lewis and Clark SRA locations offer basic amenities including picnic tables, fire rings, and vault toilets. Tent campers should note that some locations charge daily entry fees ranging from $6 per day to $15 for basic camping, in addition to required vehicle permits.

    The tent camping experience near Royal offers considerable isolation and natural surroundings. The Miller Creek area provides shaded sites under mature trees and access to Lewis & Clark Lake, which stretches 16 miles along the Nebraska-South Dakota border. Tent campers can enjoy water activities, fishing, and hiking in relatively uncrowded settings. Bloomfield's tent sites include locations directly along the water with sunset views across the lake. Weather conditions significantly impact camping comfort, with high mosquito activity reported during warmer months. A visitor noted, "There were so many mosquitos here we had a rough stay, the facility was otherwise nice." Access roads to some sites, particularly Miller Creek, become challenging after rainfall, so tent campers should plan accordingly when selecting primitive tent setups in this region.

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    Best Tent Campgrounds near Royal (8)

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      1. Goose Lake State Wildlife Area

      Be the first to review27mi from RoyalTents
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      2. Mnisose Wicote (Wandering River)

      4.0(1)38mi from RoyalTents
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      3. Mill Stone Wayside Park

      Be the first to review29mi from RoyalTents

      4. Bloomfield - Lewis and Clark SRA

      4.0(2)43mi from RoyalTents

      "v=umNkBK_PPGQ) so that we would remember the site numbers for the RV spots.  They have 4-6 spots along the water.  This is one of my favorite campgrounds. Amazing views!"

      5. Miller Creek - Lewis and Clark SRA

      2.0(1)42mi from RoyalTents
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      6. Madison County Taylor Creek Campground

      1.0(1)48mi from RoyalTents
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      7. Ben Bowman Kiwanis Roadside Park Campground

      Be the first to review46mi from RoyalTents

      8. Madison County Fairgrounds

      Be the first to review48mi from RoyalTents
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    Tent Camping Reviews near Royal, NE

    168 Reviews of 8 Royal Campgrounds

    • Bibs O.
      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.

    • NThe Dyrt PRO User
      Sep. 27, 2021

      Bloomfield - Lewis and Clark SRA

      Small

      FCFS 

      Rates: $15.00 basic $30.00 electric

       8 Basic tent only 12 RV sites w/electric 

      Picnic table Fire ring Toilets Playground Dump station Boat ramp Fishing dock

       The toilet was very clean with toilet paper and hand sanitizer. I was very impressed with the overall maintenance at the whole site.

       Sunsets are amazing along with the beautiful cliffs on the South Dakota side of the river. There is camping just below the hill so you will be closer to the sound of the water as it gently laps against the shore. Sites are marked and water views are worth the drive to the park. Mature trees provide nice shade which will help during the summer. 

      ALERT: Zebra mussels, an aquatic invasive species were found in Lewis& Clark Lake in 2014. They can damage boat motors and have other negative effects. Make sure you clean your water craft and outdoor recreation gear after each use. Never release unwanted pets or aquarium contents into the wild. CLEAN DRAIN DRY

       LNT 

      Better than when you found it 

      Stay safe Happy travels

    • Bibs O.
      Jul. 27, 2024

      Sand Creek Recreation Area

      Busy boat ramp, no other campers.

      This is a busy boat put in and take out. There are 8 camping sites. No electrical, no sewer or dump station 2 water spigot. One water spigot between sites 6 - 7 and a thread on at the vault toilet. Toilets are new. Thus, clean so far. Fire rings at each site. Picnic tables at each site. Sites 2 and 3 have some shade from the sun. Sites 1, 4,5,6,7,8 are located in direct sunlight. The price when we stayed (July 2024) was $11.67. There were no other campers during our stay.

    • 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!!

    • Charles C.The Dyrt PRO User
      Jan. 1, 2025

      Grove Lake State Wildlife Area

      Free Camping, Lovely views

      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.

      Nice camping trails exist, mostly for access to the trout stream that feeds the lake.

      This is a lovely place to hike, fish, kayak, paint, or just get in touch with your maker.

    • 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

    • Heather T.The Dyrt PRO User
      Apr. 27, 2026

      Modern Campground — Niobrara State Park

      Very Nice!

      A lovely State Park. The regular campground was a bit too close to the highway for my tastes, so I chose the equine campsite further in and atop of the hills. It was very quiet (it was April). Sites were level. All had picnic table, fire rings, and 30/50 amps. The grounds were clean as well as the vault toilets. There were toilets scattered everywhere, as well as water sources.

    • SThe Dyrt PRO User
      May. 15, 2026

      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.

    • 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.

    Guide to Royal

    Tent camping near Royal, Nebraska provides primitive camping opportunities in an area characterized by rolling prairies and river access points. The region sits at approximately 1,700 feet elevation with summer temperatures averaging 85°F and winter lows frequently below freezing. Sites throughout the area require self-sufficient camping preparation with variable road access conditions depending on recent rainfall.

    What to do

    Water activities on Lewis & Clark Lake: Bloomfield - Lewis and Clark SRA offers access to the expansive reservoir where campers can fish, kayak, or simply enjoy shoreline relaxation. "Sunsets are amazing along with the beautiful cliffs on the South Dakota side of the river. There is camping just below the hill so you will be closer to the sound of the water as it gently laps against the shore," notes reviewer N I.

    Wildlife observation opportunities: Goose Lake State Wildlife Area provides isolated camping with minimal facilities but excellent opportunities for observing local bird species and prairie wildlife. The natural setting creates ideal conditions for photographers and nature enthusiasts seeking undisturbed habitats.

    Hiking and outdoor exploration: Miller Creek - Lewis and Clark SRA provides access to undeveloped natural areas. Reviewer N I. mentions, "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 stretches approximately 16 miles with a maximum depth of 45 feet.

    What campers like

    Secluded waterfront tent sites: Bloomfield - Lewis and Clark SRA offers tent camping directly along the water. "They have 4-6 spots along the water. This is one of my favorite campgrounds. Amazing views!" reports Wandering The H. The campground maintains cleanliness standards that impress visitors.

    Clean, well-maintained facilities: Basic amenities at established campgrounds receive positive mentions. "The toilet was very clean with toilet paper and hand sanitizer. I was very impressed with the overall maintenance at the whole site," writes N I. about Bloomfield Campground. These basic but functional facilities make primitive camping more comfortable.

    Natural shade cover: Miller Creek campground provides natural protection from summer heat. "This campground is open and nicely shaded. Very quiet and secluded. Several mature trees surrounds the camp. The campground is very well maintained," states N I., highlighting the practical advantage of shade during hot Nebraska summers.

    What you should know

    Entry permits required: Nebraska state recreation areas require vehicle entry permits costing $6 daily or $30 annually for residents ($45 for non-residents). Camping fees at Miller Creek cost $15 per night for basic sites with check-in at 4 pm and check-out at 11 am.

    Road conditions impact access: Access roads to certain campgrounds become problematic after rainfall. "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," cautions reviewer N I.

    Environmental concerns: Mnisose Wicote (Wandering River) and other water-adjacent sites face seasonal challenges. "There were so many mosquitos here we had a rough stay the facility was otherwise nice," reports Jesse S. Additionally, Lewis & Clark Lake contains zebra mussels, requiring boaters to clean equipment thoroughly after use.

    Tips for camping with families

    Verify campground existence: Before planning family trips to lesser-known sites, confirm the location actually permits camping. "There is no camping here it is a golf course. The fairgrounds campsite is nearby and so is a municipal park campground," warns Chuck B. about Madison County Taylor Creek Campground.

    Consider site limitations: Some campgrounds near Royal offer minimal facilities appropriate only for experienced campers. Families should select locations with appropriate amenities for their needs and camping experience level.

    Insect protection essential: Prepare thoroughly for mosquito encounters, particularly in summer months near water. Pack repellent, screened shelters, and appropriate clothing to protect children from biting insects that can significantly impact camping comfort.

    Tips from RVers

    Size restrictions apply: Miller Creek accommodates only smaller recreational vehicles. "If you are planning a visit to Miller Creek you need to have a small rig or tent," advises N I., highlighting the limited access for larger RVs.

    Limited hookup availability: The best tent camping near Royal, Nebraska generally lacks electrical hookups except at specific sites. Bloomfield Campground provides some options, as noted by N I.: "Rates: $15.00 basic $30.00 electric. 8 Basic tent only 12 RV sites w/electric."

    Self-contained systems needed: Ben Bowman Kiwanis Roadside Park Campground and many primitive camping options near Royal require RVers to operate with fully self-contained systems as hookups, water connections, and dump stations remain unavailable at many locations.

    Frequently Asked Questions

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

    According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular tent campground near Royal, NE is Goose Lake State Wildlife Area with a 0-star rating from 0 reviews.

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

    TheDyrt.com has all 8 tent camping locations near Royal, NE, with real photos and reviews from campers.

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