Campgrounds near Scottsbluff, Nebraska include a mix of developed facilities and scenic parklands set against the backdrop of regional landmarks. The city and surrounding area host several established camping options, including Robidoux RV Park in Gering with full hookups and concrete pads, and Riverside Park Campground in Scottsbluff offering tent sites alongside RV accommodations. Most campgrounds provide basic amenities such as picnic tables, restrooms, and drinking water, with many offering electric hookups for RVs. The region connects visitors to notable landmarks including Scotts Bluff National Monument and the North Platte River valley.
Seasonal considerations affect camping availability throughout the area, with many campgrounds operating between April and October. Robidoux RV Park and Wildcat Hills State Recreation Area remain open year-round, providing options during winter months when other facilities close. "Green grass, large sites, some sites have shade...choose carefully," noted one visitor about Robidoux RV Park, highlighting the importance of site selection during hot summer months. Weather patterns typically include hot, dry summers and cold winters, with spring and fall offering more moderate temperatures. Most established campgrounds require reservations, especially during peak summer months, while some city park campgrounds may have first-come availability. Cell service is generally reliable near town but may become spotty in more remote areas like Wildcat Hills.
Campers frequently mention the views of Scotts Bluff National Monument as a highlight of staying at area campgrounds. Many sites feature spacious layouts with grassy areas between camping spots. A review described Robidoux RV Park as having "cement pads, full hookup, large grassy area, great view of Scotts Bluff." Several campgrounds include riverside locations with access to walking paths and outdoor recreation. Scottsbluff camping areas offer varying levels of privacy, with some providing more secluded sites for those seeking a quieter outdoor experience. Reviews indicate that tent camping options are more limited than RV sites, with Riverside Park Campground offering dedicated tent areas. Visitors note that sites vary in levelness and shade coverage, with summer heat making shade trees particularly valuable. While campfires are permitted at some locations, including Riverside Park Campground, they are prohibited at others such as Robidoux RV Park, which may impact the traditional camping experience for some visitors.
"Great view of Scottsbluff. Highly recommend"
"Great view of Scotts Bluff. Staff went out of their way to get us a site that was fairly shaded as it was 99 degrees when we arrived."
"Within a short distance of Scottsbluff NPS, and that made it convenient for our plans. Try Sam & Louie’s pizza if you’re in town!"
"I tent camped and booked online earlier on the same day (use this link, the one listed above is incorrect: https://www.campspot.com/park/riverside-campground-scottsbluff-ne)."
"Small all gravel park, spaced rather close to each other but it works. Mostly surrounded by trees to help with wind. Small dog park and I believe there was a swing set as well."
"20 minutes from Scottsbluff popular spot, reservations are a good idea. Friendly host clean bathrooms."
"At Lake Minatare there are primative and normal campsites. The primative spots are where ever you feel is fit."
"Quiet campground, close to grocery shopping, gasoline, main street Scottsbluff, or Gering not far away. Scottsbluff National Monument 5.3 miles and Frontline bar & grill 1 mile away."
$35 - $55 / night
$15 / night
"If you love to hike and want to truly feel like you are away from it all check out Wildcat Hills."
"This spot is basically three gravel RV spots next to a park. The park was nice and the gravel was pretty flat. It has a dumpster, port-a-potty, shaded tables, and a water spigot."
"Three spots with electric and water next to a nice park. Convenient well stocked grocery store in town. Thank you Town of Bayard"
$30 / night
"Nice Campground near a lake. Site is clean end a view over the lake."
$30 / night
"Although this is the Butte View area, all the sites back up to the lake. We did not have reservations but there were plenty of walk up sites available."
TravelerA great little park in a small town of friendly people. Good water and power that are free with a free dump station next to the town library. The dump site also has water available. There is a small gas station with comparable prices so we fueled up before we left town.
TravelerHighly recommend. Just off 80, so convenient. we arrived in time to see the sun set over the reservoir, then saw the sunrise before heading back on the road. clean vault toilets, stocked with paper. a water spigot was nearby for filling campers, jugs, handwashing. they request that you register at the entrance, and suggest an optional $5 or $10 donation. a camp host told us the campground closes today, 10/31. but I don't see any gates. theres a dock and boat ramp. it seems like a huge area with day use areas and many campsites. We could hear some highway noise and the trains in a distance, but did not find it bothersome.
RangerWe booked this campground for it’s location to historic sights we wanted to visit. All sites face Chimney Rock. The restrooms were not open when we were there (they had just closed the office/store, but it still smelled like waffle cones! The owners were very accommodating when we made reservations and said we did not know how long we would stay. It was their shoulder season. There are many historic sights to see within 90 minutes or less. Of course Chimney Rock is just a mile down the road and it has an excellent museum regarding the Oregon Trail. Another Oregon Trail landmark is Courthouse and Jail Rock, 19 miles. Scottsbluff National Monument with outstanding views from on top of the bluff and another great history museum, 21 miles. Agate Fossil Beds National Monument with another great museum of dinosaur bones and a large display of Red Cloud’s artifacts and clothing, 70 miles. Finally, Carhenge. I just had to see it being this close. Patty would say it was OK, but the volunteer made it much more interesting with the history knowledge she had of the family that built Carhenge. 46 miles
We would definitely stay here again.
GuideWell maintained park. Friendly staff.
GuidePersonnel were very friendly. Parking is on dirt but it’s level and well packed sand. Full hookups at each site. Everything is clean and well manicured. Electric pedestals, water spigots, and sewer hookups are in excellent condition and easy to use. Picnic tables at most sites. I would definitely stay here again.
GuideNice Campground near a lake. Site is clean end a view over the lake.
ScoutNice campspot more secluded but not by the lake like most campsites. It has a few connected lakes with campsites, boating, swimming, fishing, and other water activities. Cost is $15 per night for camping and non-resident $14 per day.
GuideFree but ask for a donation to help with upkeep. Lots of trees an of course a reservoir, not to many level spots but worked for our 30 ft trailer. Just stopped for 1 night but would return for longer stay.
TravelerSuper friendly helpful locals. Clean water lake. We out in our canoe for late afternoon fishing. Our 25 ft trailer right on the little lake fed by the North Platte. No bugs to speak of!
Camping sites near Scottsbluff, Nebraska offer diverse terrain from riverside locations to high elevation prairie settings. The region sits at approximately 3,880 feet above sea level in Nebraska's panhandle, creating distinct seasonal variations. Most campsites remain open from April through October, with nighttime temperatures often dropping significantly even during summer months.
Fishing at local lakes: At Lake Minatare SRA, visitors can enjoy both camping and fishing opportunities. "The fishing is great there, just depends on the time of the year," notes one camper. The lake offers primitive and established camping options with spots right on the beach.
Hiking historical trails: The area features several trail systems connecting to important landmarks. "Wildcat offers Archery, gun range, biking, hiking, picnicking, a playground, nature center and hunting. I'd add that if you are a bird watcher you need to get to Wildcat hills," explains a visitor to the recreation area.
Visit nearby monuments: Camping locations provide convenient access to historical sites. "We stayed at Robidoux RV Park for one night in a pull through full hook up spot... This would be a great place to stay longer and check out the area," mentions a camper, referencing the proximity to regional landmarks.
Spacious campsites: Robidoux RV Park provides larger-than-average sites. "One nice thing was the sites are plenty big. We didn't feel like we were right on top of each other. Excellent cell coverage. We would stay again," reports one reviewer about the park layout.
Clean facilities: Campground maintenance stands out to visitors. "Immaculate Park. Reserved online E&W (no sewer) site 40 approx $50/night. Clean facilities, keyed entry, well manicured grassy sites concrete pads mostly level," notes a camper at Robidoux.
Prairie camping experience: Peaceful Prairie Campsites offers unique open-land camping. "We loved this experience, which is more than just camping. The prairie is beautiful and the views of the bluff are spectacular! Horses and cows roam. Camping is in an open prairie…plenty of space," shares an enthusiastic visitor.
Reservation requirements: Many campgrounds require advance booking. "Says you must reserve ahead of time online but it must be done before 12 hours prior. We need to make a stop because of pouring rain so called the number and spoke with camp host," explains one visitor to Riverside Park Campground.
Weather preparedness: Summer heat can be intense, while nights cool quickly. "Don't put a tent or anything you dont want getting wet on the grass next to your pad, the underground sprinklers come on like clock work," warns one camper about unexpected irrigation systems.
Limited tent options: Not all campgrounds accommodate tent camping equally. "This is a park for small rvs or tent campers. There are a few pull through just after the gun range but the rest of the sites down the road are very small. All sites are very close together," notes a visitor about camping options.
Playground access: Several campgrounds feature play areas for children. "The park across the street makes this spot worth staying at. Manicured LARGE lawn was begging me to run barefoot! Playground with swings, slides, & merry-go-round at the far end of the park next to a retired steam locomotive!" shares an enthusiastic camper at Bayard City Park.
Budget-friendly options: Free or low-cost camping exists in the region. "City park 3 free sites," notes one camper about Bayard, where visitors can stay "two nights for free, additional nights for a fee."
Educational opportunities: Nearby nature centers provide learning experiences. "There is a huge nature center that will provide a great place to cool off, stay dry or just for learning for the sake of learning," mentions a visitor about wildlife education resources.
Level sites: Many campgrounds provide level parking for easier setup. "Graveled spot level enough that I didn't bother to make adjustments. Each power post offers 50, 30, & 20 amp connections," notes a camper at Bayard City Park.
Dump station locations: Plan for waste disposal needs. "Dump station is 6 blocks away," advises a visitor to a city park campground, highlighting the need to research facility locations beforehand.
Electrical options: Butte View Campground and others offer various hookup configurations. "The reservable sites aren't too bad being paved and somewhat near the bathrooms," notes a visitor, though they caution about maintenance concerns at some lakeside locations.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where are the campgrounds near Scotts Bluff National Monument?
Several campgrounds are conveniently located near Scotts Bluff National Monument. Riverside Park Campground is just about 5 miles from the monument, offering full hookups and tent sites at reasonable rates ($10 for tent camping, $25 for full hookups). It's a popular choice for monument visitors due to its proximity and facilities. Robidoux RV Park in Gering provides excellent views of Scotts Bluff from its well-maintained sites with concrete pads. For those willing to travel a bit further, Lake Minatare State Recreation Area is about 20 minutes from Scottsbluff and offers water recreation opportunities alongside camping.
What RV camping options are available in Scottsbluff, Nebraska?
Scottsbluff offers several quality RV camping options. Captain Critters Country Campground is located between Mitchell and Scottsbluff on Highway 26, offering convenient access though some train noise should be expected. Chimney Rock Pioneer Crossing provides 15 pull-through sites between Bridgeport and Scottsbluff. Other options include Sunset Motel and RV Park for travelers seeking combined lodging and RV facilities, and J & C RV Park. Most RV parks in the area offer full hookups, with some featuring cement pads, WiFi, and other amenities to enhance your stay.
Are there any campgrounds currently open in Scottsbluff?
Yes, several campgrounds are currently open in the Scottsbluff area. West Wind - Lake Minatare SRA is open and popular among campers, with clean bathrooms and friendly hosts about 20 minutes from Scottsbluff. Reservations are recommended due to its popularity. Bayard City Park is another option, though travelers should note it can be difficult to locate (it's on East 11th Street and First Avenue). Be aware that some campgrounds like Riverside Park Campground operate seasonally, typically open from May 1 to October 1. For current availability, it's best to check online reservation systems or call ahead.
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