Yankee Hill Wildlife Management Area provides free camping near Wymore, Nebraska with a 3-day stay limit within any 6-day period. The camping area sits in primarily agricultural terrain surrounded by cornfields, with a large marshy pond that attracts wildlife. Access roads can present challenges in wet conditions, particularly for larger vehicles navigating the entrance which contains several deep ruts. Located approximately 17 miles from Lincoln, this dispersed camping option offers basic accommodations for those seeking no-cost camping opportunities.
What to do
Wildlife observation opportunities: Yankee Hill WMA features a marshy pond area where visitors can observe local bird species and aquatic wildlife. One camper notes, "Near Lincoln Nebraska, quiet area, reported good fishing" at Yankee Hill Wildlife Management Area.
Fishing excursions: The pond at Yankee Hill provides fishing opportunities for local species. Visitors should bring their own gear and check Nebraska Game and Parks regulations for license requirements and seasonal restrictions.
Day trips to Lincoln: With Lincoln just 17 miles away, campers can use Yankee Hill as a base camp for exploring the city's attractions. Travis A. recommends this setup, stating "No potable water, but Lincoln Nebraska is only 17 miles away."
What campers like
Easy overnight accessibility: The straightforward parking arrangement makes Yankee Hill ideal for quick overnight stays. According to Tim O., it's a "Big gravel parking lot, good for overnights, max 3 days, no fees. Some local traffic on weekends."
Basic waste management: Pottawatomie State Fishing Lake in nearby Kansas offers a more secluded alternative with picturesque surroundings. Rick M. describes it as "Not many insects, nice and secluded. Beautiful scenery, nice lake. Everything is perfect here."
Vehicle accessibility: Despite some rough entrance conditions, the interior roads at Yankee Hill remain navigable for most vehicles. Rick M. explains, "I had no issues taking my 12 foot tall short bus through there."
What you should know
Limited facilities: Campers at Yankee Hill should prepare for minimal amenities. The site includes a dumpster and vault toilet, but lacks potable water, electricity, and other services.
Fire restrictions: Open fires are prohibited throughout Yankee Hill WMA. Campers should plan alternative cooking methods such as propane stoves.
Insect preparation: The marshy environment creates significant mosquito activity during warmer months. Travis A. advises, "The WMA has a large marshy, stagnant pond, so bring mosquito repellent."
Tips for camping with families
Site selection strategy: Look for the most level areas away from the main entrance to minimize disruption from other visitors. At Yankee Hill Wildlife Management Area, Rick M. explains the setup: "The sites aren't technically sites. They're just little places off the side of the road that you can park."
Water planning: No drinking water exists on site, requiring families to bring all needed water supplies. Plan for at least 1 gallon per person per day, with additional water for cooking and cleaning.
Alternative options: Families seeking more amenities might prefer Pottawatomie State Fishing Lake, though it also lacks some basic facilities. Rick notes, "The only thing that would make it better is if they had trash cans, potable water and a grey water dump."
Tips from RVers
Road condition awareness: The entrance road at Yankee Hill contains significant ruts that larger RVs should approach with caution. Rick M. shares his experience: "The road coming in has some big ruts, but the rest of the park seems to be rut free."
Limited designated areas: RV camping at Yankee Hill consists of informal pull-offs rather than developed sites. Larger rigs should scout potential spots before committing to a parking location.
Self-contained requirements: With no hookups or dump facilities, RVers need fully self-contained setups when staying at this free camping area near Wymore, Nebraska. Plan to arrive with full water tanks and empty waste tanks.
