Campgrounds near St. Paul, Nebraska offer easy access to the Loup River basin with elevations averaging 1,800 feet above sea level. The area experiences hot summers with temperatures frequently reaching 90°F and cold winters dropping below freezing. Most campgrounds remain open from April through October, with limited winter accessibility at Mormon Island State Recreation Area.
What to do
Fishing opportunities: Ravenna Lake State Recreation Area provides a stocked lake for anglers. "There were a lot of people fishing and kayaking and a lot of dogs," notes Jennifer T. The area includes "a pet exercise area" and "the fountain was beautiful and shady in most areas."
Disc golf courses: Several campgrounds maintain disc golf facilities for campers. At Ravenna Lake State Recreation Area, "The Disc Golf course looked inviting," according to Charles C., though he warns "the mosquitoes were horrendous."
River exploration: Access the Loup River from multiple campgrounds for kayaking and wading. At North Loup State Rec Area, "the loup river is a short distance away and it is BEAUTIFUL," according to Jessica L., who adds there are "two small ponds for fishing" though she "wouldn't recommend swimming in them."
What campers like
Shaded sites: Many campgrounds provide tree cover for summer comfort. At George H Clayton Campground, Robert T. found that "the tent area is spacious, lots of shade, very soft grass," noting it was "the best campsite so far" after staying at 60 campsites during a cross-country cycling trip.
Affordable camping: Several parks offer low-cost or donation-based camping options. Streeter Park Campground operates on a donation system, with Mike B. noting it has "16 or something sites with H2O and 50 amp electric in this town park" and "no charge but donate if you wish." Sarah F. adds they "left a check for $30 for 2 nites" after enjoying the facilities.
Clean facilities: While basic, most campgrounds maintain usable restrooms and shower facilities. At Streeter Park, Mike B. found "at least 5 bathrooms, but these are a few hundred yards from the sites" along with "Public wifi, which was OK for streaming Sirius XM."
What you should know
Railroad proximity: Some campgrounds are situated near active rail lines. At Streeter Park, Madeleine B. "heard the train whistles, cicadas, locusts, froggies all night" while staying at this donation-based campground.
Seasonal crowds: Holiday weekends create significantly busier conditions at most campgrounds. Jennifer T. visited Mormon Island State Recreation Area on "Memorial weekend and it was crowded" finding they "were a little disappointed in our site because it was very small and kind of sandwiched between two big campers so not a lot of privacy."
Variable maintenance: Facility upkeep varies widely between campgrounds and seasons. Susan notes that Ravenna Lake is "Only getter better" with "Lots of work and upgrades in progress to facilities like bath house and hook ups" but relies on "Porta-Potties available and free remnant firewood boxes for fire rings."
Tips for camping with families
Swimming options: Several campgrounds feature designated swimming areas for families. Bader Memorial Park has "a swimming beach with a sandvolleyball net, and multiple fishing ponds" according to Shannon G., who appreciated that "you only heard nature around you…the leaves rustling as they blew in the wind, the crickets and frogs singing."
Budget accommodations: Families can stretch their camping budget at donation-based campgrounds. Greg A. found Streeter Park a "Fantastic free campsite with electric, water and a dump station!" adding it's a "Great little town, not far from the interstate."
Pet-friendly activities: Dog friendly campgrounds near St. Paul provide specific areas for pet exercise. Tarrah C. recommends Bader Memorial Park for campsites K, M, and N if "you will have a nice quiet stay," but warns "if you stay at the other be prepared for a noisy area."
Tips from RVers
Electrical hookups: Most RV sites provide electrical connections but vary in amp capacity. At Trade Winds, Shannon G. found "20 Rv/tent sites with electricity and shared water" though "the sites are very close together but have shade trees." She noted the campground is "3 miles East of Loup City" and "privately owned so you don't need a state pass."
Dump stations: Not all campgrounds with RV sites provide on-site dump stations. At Grand Island KOA, Peter W. found "We had full hookups which were all in good order" and noted "This campground is situated near interstate 80 and surrounded by cornfields, surprise surprise for Nebraska."
Site spacing concerns: RV sites at many campgrounds position vehicles close together. Mary T. reports at Grand Island KOA they were "on top of neighbors" and "Thought we might not be able to open our awning, only about 3 to 4 feet between sites" though she "Loved a lot of restrooms. Pool was nice."
