49 campgrounds · Check availability for any dates.
Campgrounds around St. Paul, Nebraska provide a mix of developed facilities and scenic outdoor spaces along rivers and lakes. North Loup State Recreation Area offers basic tent and RV camping with access to fishing ponds and the Loup River, while George H. Clayton Campground features electric hookups, showers, and well-maintained concrete pads for RVs. The majority of camping areas in the region are established campgrounds rather than dispersed sites, with most offering electric hookups and basic amenities like picnic tables and fire rings.
Access to camping areas varies seasonally, with most campgrounds operating from April through October. Several facilities, including Streeter Park Campground and Ravenna Lake State Recreation Area, close entirely during winter months. Tent and RV sites typically require state recreation permits at state-managed areas, while county and city parks often have their own fee structures. Water access is inconsistent across the region's campgrounds, with some offering full hookups and others providing only shared spigots. A visitor noted that "North Loup State Rec Area is just a rock parking area with electric hook up spaced out, next to lake, so no designated spots. Because it is popular for fishing you may have people walking through your campsite."
Fishing access ranks as the primary attraction at most camping areas near St. Paul, with several campgrounds situated directly adjacent to lakes, ponds, or the Loup River. Mormon Island State Recreation Area and Sherman Reservoir State Recreation Area both receive positive reviews for their water access and fishing opportunities. Camping facilities range from basic to moderately developed, with most offering at least vault toilets and picnic tables. Reviews indicate that privacy varies considerably between campgrounds, with some featuring well-spaced sites and others placing campers in close proximity. According to feedback on The Dyrt, "Bader Memorial Park has tons of little ponds and a small lake for swimming, large beach with nets for volleyball and a playground. The tent sites are a mix of being right in the middle of everything or far away."
"The loup river is a short distance away and it is BEAUTIFUL."
"This campground is situated near interstate 80 and surrounded by cornfields, surprise surprise for Nebraska. Nice people, clean bathrooms and well kept property."
"The location is great and feels tucked away every though it isn't far from the highway. The staff were very helpful. I would definitely recommend!"
"Though located on the North side of the Missouri River, this campground is considered to be in Nebraska. Run by the US Corp of Engineers, there are no state permits required."
"Cool campground with lots of playground equipment, easy access to walking and bike paths and right next to Stuhr Museum which is well worth a trip!"
"Beautiful park on the outskirts of town. I counted 20 concrete rv pads and numerous tent sites. Access to water and dump station with electricity at the site. $30 per night."
from $15 - $30 / night
Check Availability"We wanted a camp ground that was close to a city and only a 2 hour drive from our home if we needed to get something or an accessory that we forgot to pick up before leaving. "
"This park is right off I-80 off one of the Grand Island exits. This park was actually a surprise to me. It was pretty clean, especially for as packed as it was."
from $25 - $30 / night
Check Availability"There's a playground nearby and several walking paths as well as a restroom. these cell service was great and the camp even has free wi-fi provided by the city."
"Nice city park trail through the trees for a good morning walk. "
"You have the option to fish from 3 or 4 ponds plus the river is walking distance. Beach area for kids seems to have people there often. Good weekend get away."
"Some nice hiking trails near the Platte River, bird watching hut to hike out to and small ponds for fishing. Nice clean sites. Small playground."
"Finding a camping spot with access to the lake is difficult. After driving around the lake, we found one, and it was an amazing spot! Clean outhouses. "
"They are Electric with water and dump close by. The week days are super quiet, and weekends are packed with campers. Off season there might be only 5 rvs. Lake access for boats and fishing."
from $15 - $30 / night
Check Availability"There are showers and bathrooms but they are up near the entrance to the campground although they did have porta potties near the campsites."
LegendNot a great campground but clean enough and conveniently located. Sites are way too close together and utilities are old and somewhat poorly placed because the sites are so tight.
Hopefully, you don't need to talk to any employees because we never found anyone working in the office.
RangerWe had originally gone to another free site nearby, but there was a guy there with a couple dogs, and one was off leash, so we decided to keep driving. Found this spot and appreciated all the amenities! This was a nice oasis during our road trip to Utah.
ScoutVery clean facility. Easy access. Super friendly staff. Nice level concrete pads. Close to interstate but inside the camper you would never know it. Bish RV sales repair within a mile and super friendly place also. Will definitely stay here again when visiting family.
ScoutWe found this little place and we are so happy we stopped here. They’ve got a little market that’s open until 6 PM. They’ve got the pizza delivery. The delights are very nice the sites they have a nice patio area with a barbecue and Adirondack chairs and picnic tables it’s got some play equipment for children. It does not have a dog park and it does not have a swimming pool, but it does have great shade and things for the kids to play on.
TravelerRenovations and it's absolutely beautiful
GuideSites are grass with a little gravel. Some are somewhat level and others are not. Some sites are very short. Lakes were pretty mossy when we were there. Shady spots for the most part. Some nice picnic shelters if you had a larger group. Not well mowed. I didn't use the RR or shower house, but someone in our group did and she was not impressed. They have modern RR right next to the pit toilet and no other pit toilet in other areas of the campground. Signage could be better as we had to drive around the whole campground because we missed the turn due to no sign telling us where our sites were. Didn't see the campground host at all over the weekend. There was a fire ring with a grill that you could move up and down but not off. Some sites on top of each other while others more room between them. It just depends where you are.
GuideHad a grassy spot next to the pool, close to the showers and restrooms but not too close close vicinity to the game room as well just here for one night day had a fire picnic table. Everything was in good working order clean restrooms and showers.
ScoutWeather was permitting. Slept with a huge comforter over me in a rooftop tent and didn’t get hot. Looks like there were lots of mosquitoes or gnats but we were able to keep them out of the tent. the launch into the water was beautiful to sit and watch the sunset and have dinner. We got here at dusk and we were the only ones here all night. You can hear highway 80 the whole time but it didn’t bother us.
TravelerQuiet campground with full hook ups available. We stayed in a section with electric only. No showers available. Bathroom has cold water only. Has swimming at a beach and a playground.
Camping areas near St. Paul, Nebraska sit at elevations ranging from 1,800 to 2,200 feet in the Loup River Valley region. The area experiences four distinct seasons with hot summers averaging 85°F and winter temperatures often dropping below freezing. Most campgrounds in this region operate seasonally with limited winter services, and many require state park permits costing $6 daily or $31 annually for vehicles.
Disc golf opportunities: Ravenna Lake State Recreation Area has a complete disc golf course that attracts players despite maintenance challenges. "The Disc Golf course looked inviting, but the mosquitoes were horrendous," notes one visitor to Ravenna Lake State Recreation Area.
Wildlife observation: The wetlands and prairie areas support diverse bird populations and small mammals. At Bader Memorial Park, visitors can experience "acres of prairie wetlands and miles of trails" where you can hear "the leaves rustling as they blew in the wind, the crickets and frogs singing and the coyotes chattering in the distance."
Local swimming: Several parks offer swimming options during summer months. "Bader Park has a swimming beach with a sandvolleyball net, and multiple fishing ponds," according to a camper who visited this destination in warmer months.
Train watching: Railroad tracks run near several campgrounds, providing opportunities to observe passing trains. A camper at North Loup State Rec Area mentioned: "Small park with no extras...no running water, no playground equipment, no electricity. The grounds were kept up nicely and there is an outhouse for use. The mosquitos were terrible."
Nature sounds: The relative isolation of some campgrounds allows for peaceful evenings with natural ambiance. One review noted: "You only heard nature around you...the leaves rustling as they blew in the wind, the crickets and frogs singing and the coyotes chattering in the distance. So very relaxing."
River access: The Loup River provides recreational opportunities beyond just fishing. A North Loup visitor shared: "The loup river is a short distance away and it is BEAUTIFUL."
Gate closing times: Some campgrounds have strict entrance policies. "A sign indicates gates close at 8:30. So if you are arriving late, or wanting a night out in town this may not be the campground for you," warns a visitor to George H Clayton Campground.
Site privacy varies significantly: Campsite spacing differs widely between locations. At Grand Island KOA, "The sites are tight, like right on top of each other," while at George H Clayton Campground, sites are "shady, tons of space between sites."
Seasonal maintenance issues: The level of maintenance fluctuates throughout the season. "The lake was nice and probably had good fishing... but the mosquitoes were horrendous and the Toilet disgusting," reported one Ravenna Lake visitor during peak summer season.
Playground access: Several campgrounds offer play facilities for children. At Grand Island KOA, a visitor noted, "There is lots to keep kids busy... our 3 year old spent most of the evening catching toads."
Beach recreation: Sand beaches provide swimming opportunities during summer months. According to a review, Ravenna Lake has facilities that include "volleyball net setup disc golf available a pet exercise area the fountain was beautiful and shady in most areas."
Frequently Asked Questions
What camping is available near St. Paul, NE?
According to TheDyrt.com, St. Paul, NE offers a wide range of camping options, with 49 campgrounds and RV parks near St. Paul, NE and 5 free dispersed camping spots.
Which is the most popular campground near St. Paul, NE?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near St. Paul, NE is North Loup State Rec Area with a 3.3-star rating from 3 reviews.
Where can I find free dispersed camping near St. Paul, NE?
According to TheDyrt.com, there are 5 free dispersed camping spots near St. Paul, NE.
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