Niobrara State Park features fully furnished cabins with views of the Missouri and Niobrara rivers. Each cabin includes a television, refrigerator, dishes, and a back porch where visitors can relax. The cabins have electricity, heating, and air conditioning for year-round comfort. "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," notes one camper who appreciated the amenities. Additional cabin options can be found at Randall Creek Recreation Area, where camping cabins rent for $55 per night.
Rustic and deluxe cabins are both available, depending on the location. Wildwood Acres Park offers basic cabins for $35 per night, while Niobrara State Park provides more upscale accommodations. Most locations require reservations, especially during summer months when availability becomes limited. Pet policies vary by location, with some cabins like those at Niobrara State Park specifically welcoming dogs. A visitor mentioned, "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."
Most cabins include beds but require visitors to bring their own linens, towels, and toiletries. Niobrara State Park cabins are exceptions, providing dishes and kitchen facilities. Basic provisions can be purchased in nearby towns, though prices may be elevated compared to larger communities. Cooking options range from full kitchens in premium cabins to simple fire rings at more rustic locations. Firewood is available for purchase at some campgrounds, though one reviewer noted it was "at a sin for a price" at Randall Creek Recreation Area. During winter months, hunters often use the cabins at Niobrara State Park as base camps while hunting in surrounding areas.
"Cabins are super cute and fit the price. $55/night gives you AC, electricity, and a bed (2 twins, 1 full). Great view from the cabin deck. Verizon works good."
"The sites are well spaced. There is a dump station with drinking water. All sites have electricity. $30/night plus $15 park entrance fee. There are restrooms with showers."
"Flush toilets/showers. Picnic tables Playground."
$30 - $35 / night
"Different length back in sites with picnic table and fire ring with grill. Camp host available. Handicap pad sites. I would have given a five star except for the cost!"
"All around beautiful place. We had a great camping experience this summer. The grounds were clean, beautiful scenery, pet friendly and fun hiking trails!"
$29 - $35 / night
"Across the street from a spectacular city playground/ swimming pool. Owner very friendly and accommodating. Credit cards not accepted, cash and check allowed"
"Not walking distance but nice and quiet."
"I had hoped for more of a view of the river, but my site actually had lots of trees screening it. Made it a bit more private."
"This is a pretty park, probably primarily used by families that are boating or fishing the Missouri River. Playground for kids. Clean restrooms, was quiet at night."
$170 - $180 / night
"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."
"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."
"Great little city park. Showers/ restrooms were clean. I'm not sure how many sites in total. I know 5 were concrete slabs, the rest gravel. It's a little confusing in price/ paying."
"The electrical boxes are so buggy and cobwebby and dusty that it's hard to find a properly grounded working electric box."
$15 - $19 / night
"Picnic table and fire rings, too . Washroom was clean and stocked. Sites are nicely spaced. There were stairs down from our campsite to a gravel beach."
"The sites along the edge have wonderful views of the river and beyond. Quiet, large sites, picnic tables with shelters at each site."
$21 / night
"Weekends are typically booked during the summer but during the week can usually have any spot. The site is divided up into 2 areas about 10 sites in each area. Sites 1thru 11 are on the river."
GuideCabins are super cute and fit the price. $55/night gives you AC, electricity, and a bed (2 twins, 1 full). Great view from the cabin deck. Verizon works good. Close to the swimming beach and vault toilet.
GuideNice camping for extended stay of 14 days. Different length back in sites with picnic table and fire ring with grill. Camp host available. Handicap pad sites. I would have given a five star except for the cost!
We think $30/day for just electric is expensive but we’d been boon docking so we sprung for the expense for 3 nights. Showers are extra😳. Laundry available.
Little town of Niobrara, just a few miles away has limited shopping but a nice little grocery store, hardware store, museum, and fuel.
Confluence of the Missouri and Niobrara Rivers.
Nebraska State Parks have walk up and reservable spaces. We usually risk it and easily found a walk up on a Monday afternoon after the weekend crowd left.
We stayed in the RV campground but took a bike ride around the rest of the park. We stopped at the park office and chatted with assistant superintendent Nate. Very nice guy with lots of good info.. He told us about a nice loop we could continue our bike ride and we went around the picnic and tent area. Some incredible exclusive sites and great views of the Niobrara.
LegendI would have given this nice little campground a 3-star rating, but I felt the 8 foot pads were a little bit too small. To be fair, they have placed a handful of larger pads throughout, but it would be insanely cramped for larger units to maneuver and even turn their rigs around. $15.00 per night for campers. $10.00 a night for tents. Cabins ran $35.00 a night. They did have a men's and women's toilet building (flush or hole?) the building was locked, and we couldn't use it. They have 30 amp electric, 1 location to obtain water (communal water spigot), 1 picnic table per site, and garbage buckets provided for nearly all sites. Oak trees provide shade from the sun. One has to look up, though. we saw several locations where larger dead and broken branches were just hanging on by a thread. They have 2 cabins that are available. The entire campground is an easy stones throw from the city swimming pool. There are 2 large picnic pavillions, and electricity is provided. Walking trails are available (we did not walk on them this trip). There is a lazy little creek that meanders around the outskirts of the campgrounds. Playground equipment in 3 locations for the kids. Large fields for others playing around. We didn't need a dump site, and I'm sorry, I didn't think to look to see if they had one. They may have one, and I think I would have noticed it if they had, but take this with a grain of salt. Town is just down the road a half mile or so, and most needs can be met there. Finally, I have to mention the highway ¼ mile away. Heavy semi traffic. Campgrounds are located at the bottom of a hill. Those semi's blast those Jake brakes. Over and over again. 2 days of that, and we left early and drove to a new campground. Enough was enough.
LegendADA Accessible Firing range Lawn games Biking Swimming Flush toilets Pit toilets Showers Boating Volley ball Camping cabins Birding Disc golf Fishing cleaning station Electric Drinking water Water sites Shore Fishing
Fees $8.00 Per vehicle Day use $36.00 Annual
Campsite $26.00 Electric (115 campsites) Camping Cabin $55.00 (7 camping cabins)
Reservations: 800-710-2267 or travil.campsd.com
Open year round but Oct 1– April 30 water sourced amenities may be shut off
This is a beautiful park but a bit confusing to get to. Once you turn off the highway you will pass a couple of boat ramps and then a private campground on the right side. Continue on and the campground will be at the end of the road. There are several water sites and I don’t think you will find a bad site. When you are making reservations check site size because there are different lengths. Campground is well maintained
Trails: North Shore Path is a 1.2 mile loop and is good for all levels mainly used for hiking.
Directions: 1 mile northwest of Pickstown off US Hwy 281
ALERT: AIS Aquatic Invasive Species is spreading in the US. If you put a vessel of any type into the water please CDD. Clean, Drain, Dry for prevention. Please google and help to be the cure not the cause.
LNT
Better than when you found it
Stay safe Happy travels
GuideAll 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.
TravelerThis 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
LegendDaily Fee: $8.00 per vehicle or annual fee $36.00
Campsites $23.00 electrical
Camping cabins $55.00
Reservations 1-800-710-2267
randallcreek@state.sd.us
Park closed Nov 15 - 3rd Friday in March due to eagles nesting
Boating Fishing Volleyball Disc golf Boat Ramp Drinking water Dump station Fish cleaning station Shore fishing Fishing piers Flush toilets/showers Picnic tables Playground Pit toilet
Tailrace is located along the beautiful shoreline of Lake Francis Case and it is the perfect location for outdoor activities.
• PROS Outdoor activities• CONS Outdoor activities
If you love the outdoors this is the place for you.
The construction on the dam began in 1946 and started generating electricity in 1954. Most of the sites are smaller sites and great but there are some sites for larger rigs. Make sure you check on your size before making your plans. If you have a boat bring it or anything that you can put in the water, kayak, SUP, canoe, or any other type boat. The roads into the park and in the park are in very good shape and the landscape is well maintained.
For me a very big draw would be the bald eagles in the fall and winter. Birders will enjoy this area because of the opportunity to observe the majestic Bald Eagle. The eagles roost area in the park is a designated National Natural Landmark. Many bald eagles winter below the dam and catch their fish in the lake. They usually perch within 50 feet of the riverbank in the tall cottonwood trees. Check them out in the morning while feeding. Walkers and cross country skiers are allowed in the bald eagle area but you must not disturb the roosting bald eagles. Motorized traffic is not allowed in the roosting area as it may disturb them. If you are planning to visit the campground during the roosting season check with the campground to make sure they have not closed the campsites due to the possibility of the eagles being disturbed.
Location is 1 mile west of Pickstown off Hwy 281 below Randal Dam. 605-487-7046 GPS 43.05102-98.55514
LNT
Better than when you found it
Stay safe Happy travels
RangerReally nice campground. Shelters at each site. Picnic table and fire rings, too . Washroom was clean and stocked. Sites are nicely spaced. There were stairs down from our campsite to a gravel beach. Water was warm in Lake Francis Case on the Missouri River.
GuideA 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.
Cabin camping options near Spencer, Nebraska range from basic rustic structures to fully furnished accommodations across several state and local recreation areas. Spencer sits in the northern portion of Nebraska where the Niobrara River approaches its confluence with the Missouri River. Summer temperatures typically reach 85-90°F, while winter lows can drop below 10°F, making seasonal preparation essential for cabin stays.
Water recreation: Missouri River access is available at Snake Creek Recreation Area where "swimming in the Missouri was amazing" according to one camper. The swimming beach has some rocks but remains popular during summer months.
Wildlife viewing: Bald eagle watching draws visitors to Randall Creek Recreation Area during fall and winter months. "Eagles (mature and immature) by the dozens. Hundreds of cranes. Dozens of pelicans. Hawks. Deer. Geese, ducks, and turkeys," reports one visitor. The eagles roost in tall cottonwood trees within 50 feet of the riverbank.
Fishing: Multiple species can be caught in both the Niobrara and Missouri rivers. Snake Creek Recreation Area even offers a dedicated kids' fishing pond directly in the tent camping area. Fishing piers provide easy access for those staying in cabins without boats.
Quiet surroundings: Many cabins offer peaceful settings away from highways and town noise. At Oregon Trail RV Park, one visitor noted it was "nice and quiet" though "a bit far from town." Most cabin areas become especially peaceful during weekdays or shoulder seasons.
Clean facilities: Buryanek Recreation Area receives consistent praise for maintenance. One reviewer noted "washroom was clean and stocked" and that "sites are nicely spaced." This state recreation area features shelters at each site along with picnic tables and fire rings.
River views: Cabins at Springfield Recreation Area offer direct river access from sites 1-11. "Sites 1 thru 11 are on the river. Sites 12 thru 20 are not," explains a reviewer. Reservations are required and weekends book quickly during summer months.
Reservation requirements: Most cabins require advance booking, especially during peak season (May-September). Some parks like Springfield Recreation Area are "typically booked during the summer" on weekends according to reviewers.
Seasonal closures: Several recreation areas have limited winter operations. Randall Creek "closed Nov 15 - 3rd Friday in March due to eagles nesting" according to visitor information.
Rustic vs. deluxe options: Cabin amenities vary widely. Basic cabins at Wildwood Acres Park cost around $35 per night and have limited amenities. More equipped cabins at other parks include utilities but often require guests to bring linens and personal items.
Highway noise: Some campgrounds experience traffic noise that can disrupt the camping experience. At Wildwood Acres, a camper reported "heavy semi traffic" and noted "those semi's blast those Jake brakes. Over and over again."
Playgrounds and swimming: Multiple recreation areas offer family-friendly amenities. Armour Lions Park features "a playground and lots of open space for the kids to run around," making it ideal for families with younger children.
Water safety precautions: The Missouri River current can be strong in certain areas. At Buryanek Recreation Area, "stairs down from our campsite to a gravel beach" provide access to the water, but parental supervision remains essential.
Bug protection: Mosquitoes can be intense, particularly at dusk near water. One visitor to Niobrara State Park observed that "as the sun went down the mosquitos came out and they were ferocious."
Cabin availability: Family-sized cabins book quickly during summer months and holiday weekends. Availability increases significantly during weekdays and shoulder seasons (April-May, September-October).
Access roads: Some recreation areas have unpaved approach routes. For Buryanek Recreation Area, a reviewer warns to "be prepared for several miles of minimally maintained dirt road (with some big hills) to get there."
Pad sizes: Several campgrounds have limited space for larger units. At Wildwood Acres, "the 8 foot pads were a little bit too small" according to a recent visitor who noted it would be "insanely cramped for larger units to maneuver."
Dump station availability: Most state recreation areas maintain dump stations, but availability changes seasonally. At Randall Creek Recreation Area, a camper wondered about off-season services, noting "a dump station is available. We didn't use it, so was the water on?"
Electric options: Amperages vary between campgrounds. Some offer only 30-amp service while others provide 50-amp connections for larger RVs with higher power requirements.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular cabin campsite near Spencer, NE?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular cabin campground near Spencer, NE is North Point Recreation Area with a 4.4-star rating from 9 reviews.
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