Best Tent Camping near Spencer, NE

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. There is a small pond stocked for fishing right in the middle of the tent camping area. Take a short hike to see where the Niobrara river dumps into the Missouri and take in some of the best views in Nebraska. In the winter months, hunters often use the cabins as home base and hunt in the surrounding woods.

All 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.

Beautiful views of the Missouri and Niobrara atop hervily wooded hills. Tent sites are either along the paved 1 way road or farther back in the trees of the hills via a short trail. Vault toilets are plentiful as well as water spigots. Has several nice trails and points of interest. Was very clean theoughout and well cared for. Also offers cabins and an RV campground.

This park has great views, plenty of site choices, and clean bathrooms. Park overlooks the confluence of the Niobrara river and the Missouri River. There was an old train bridge turned into a hiking trail, very cool being so close to the river. Tented in an Adirondack shelter which was great cover from wind and rain.

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.

They had long term parking for campers not hooked up to anything and long term parking for full hookups. No dumping station because most the sites all have sewer. Were able to hook to water through the winter as well. No one else around could hook us up to water. Super cheap too. $200 per month for long term plus electric you are responsible for and $15 per day for short term. Cheaper if you are just going to park or pop a tent.

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. 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

This was a very pleasant surprise. I normally do not go to campsites (that is put in for context) but was passing through on a business trip and needed a place with electric hookups. After a Harvest Host disaster I found this. Like I said, very pleasantly surprised. While there were a lot of campers who seemed to be setting up elaborate sites with everything you would need to live there for a year (laundry lines, flag poles, pens for their dog), I was able to get a spot that backed right up to the beautiful river and had plenty of space on all sides. The campsite was surprisingly quiet for how large it was. The sunset paddle boarding on the river was a real treat. Kinda cool to say you SUP'd from South Dakota to Nebraska with a beer on the board. 

Bathrooms were clean and had showers. Garbage and recycling on premises. AT&T signal was strong.

Leave no trace.

We are usually tent campers but stayed in a cabin this trip which worked out well because as the sun went down the mosquitos came out and they were ferocious. 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. We did some hiking and a lot of bike riding. Being there during the week so early in the season we missed all of the activities that they have on weekends but enjoyed having the park to ourselves. This park is out of the way so probably doesn't get as much traffic as some other parks. We will definitely go back some day.

More then once as a Dyrt Ranger I have searched in vain for a campsite listed on a map. I was completely surprised when I found the Tyndall City Park AND it had places to camp!

When you first drive to the park it looks like your typical city park, nice fishing pond for the kids , cemented walking path, ballfields, disc golf, etc. But then down at the very end next to the ballfields are electric hookups and parking for RVs! Mind you this is no luxury campground, it’s the basics. On further exploration of the immediate area I came to the conclusion that this site is probably mostly used by visiting participants in 4H. There is a 4H complex across the street from the hookups.

The park is located off the local neighborhood and quiet. There is no shade at the RV sites. No picnic tables or fire rings on the cement lot where the electric boxes are located. This is definitely an event oriented “campground” or overnight/visiting relatives pit stop. There is an honor box and small latrine near the sites. No privacy if it’s busy but we were totally alone and saw few people when we visited.

The dogs enjoyed the walk around the fishing pond and it was a very relaxed atmosphere, at least to me. I did not attempt to start a fire, no one to ask if I could and no fire rings. There was a grass area by the camp sites with picnic tables and shade, you could easily put a tent/hammock in that area but I don’t know if it’s permitted.

Overall a useful area, in town, near shopping and fuel but not a vacation destination in my opinion.

I 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.

This is a very comfortable location with power, water and a nearby dump station. It's an easy walk to any place in town. Also a go jumping off point for all of Boyd County...

It’s a city park, a play ground. Portapotties on site. Found it on Dyrt so we are hoping it’s okay to boondocks here. There are no signs saying you can’t park overnight, but also no signs saying you can camp. Guess we will try it.

Good little spot in a small town. Electrical hook ups but no water. There was a spigot for water but it wasn’t turned in. A couple of porta potties there but we didn’t use them. Room for only one camper with hookups but room for another camper or 2 to park. Some noise from the highway which is right by the park but it wasn’t bad. There’s a playground for the kids. We had our two dogs with us and didn’t see any signs about no pets.

There are 9, possibly 10, back in camping spots. $25.00 a night, which I thought very reasonable for all they offer. Bathrooms with showers. Water and sewer at all sites. 50 - 30 - 15 amp service at all sites. Picnic tables and fire pits with grates at all sites. Picnic area with cement floors and cover. Dogs across the way are noisy, but we hope they get used to things and quite down. Money for stay needs to be brought downtown to a bar, or you can call a number, and so.eone will come out and pick it up. Grass is very long at the sites, which seems to encourage the bugs and mosquitoes .

Nice spots, beautiful lake and beach, not crowded at all. Only negative point is it’s close to the street. But since there is not a lot of traffic it was pretty quiet. Bring your insect spray and enjoy 😉

When you turn off the highway you will encounter the South Shore Swimming Beach. Lined with mature trees to offer a nicely shaded picnic area with a large parking area. There are some primitive campsites at the swimming beach with fire rings, picnic tables, covered picnic table, gravel beach, pit toilet, water, and trash

Fees:  $8.00 Per vehicle Day use   $36.00 Annual Pass

Campsite  $11.67 per night

South Shore Primitive Camping

FCFS   Pit toilet   Fire ring   Trash   Small covered pavilion with a picnic table   Drinking water

To reach the second section of South Shore pull back onto the secondary road and turn right. Less than 1/10 of a mile you will see the well maintained sites. The road is in good shape and the campground is exceptional for a primitive site. A few sites are on the water and the remaining just on the other side of the camp road. There are no bad sites, just not many of them. This campsite runs along the Missouri River and Lake Francis Case.

Lake Francis Case has a shoreline of 540 miles and a depth of 140 feet. The area is rural and shopping can be difficult. I suggest buying local when possible but stock up before you arrive.

Fishing from shore. Fishing: walleye northern pike sauger sunfish perch common carp black bullhead channel catfish smallmouth bass

Enjoy watching the bald Eagles during the winter months

LNT

Better than when you found it

Stay safe Happy travels

Relative to North Point Rec Area, this campground and day use beach were significantly less crowded. All sites seemed to have some shade, picnic table, and fire pit.

This is an underrated campground. It’s got one pit toilet, clean, no hookups so no RVs, except me, a great view from any site, and, most of all not crowded, in fact I’ve been here twice now, once in mid to late fall and also late June and have been the only camper. That’s good! If you like that sort of thing. Don’t we all dream of that perfect camp with no one else around? Give this place more credit. I do see a reserve for the 4th Of July weekend and that is to be expected. I say, don’t camp here, only because I want it to myself. Have fun!

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

Fee:  Daily  $8.00

Annual       $36.00

Campsite   $26.00 electrical

                    $22.00  non electrical

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. Mature trees dot the landscape,  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 when they normally feed. 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 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

Daily 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

ADA 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