RV camping near York, Nebraska offers travelers convenient options along the I-80 corridor with varied amenities from free campgrounds to full-service RV parks. The region sits at approximately 1,600 feet elevation in the eastern Nebraska plains, where summer temperatures can reach into the 90s with high humidity. Camping facilities range from basic tent sites with minimal amenities to full-hookup RV parks that accommodate large motorhomes.
What to do
Fishing opportunities: Smith Creek Recreation Area offers a small lake with fishing docks. "Nice quite spot on a creek fed lake. Boat/fishing dock. Newly constructed restrooms on a concrete pad," notes Ron O.
Paddle boating: At Prairie Oasis Campground & Cabins, guests can enjoy complimentary paddle boats on the property pond. "Sweet little pond with bull frogs that my sons loved chasing after, paddle boats, swing set and sand box," shares Melissa H.
Disc golf course: Buckley Park Campground features an extensive disc golf course among other recreational facilities. "They have an 18 hole disc golf, tennis, volleyball, basketball, pool, and 3 playgrounds. They have really put a lot of work in this park," reports Chris H.
Walking trails: Take a short hike on the 1.1-mile loop trail at Recharge Lake Campground. "There's a 1.1 mile loop trail that skirts the North side of the lake with the trail head right off the tent site," says Matt H.
What campers like
Free camping options: Several campgrounds in the area offer free or donation-based camping. At Buckley Park Campground, "You pay what you can for a donation, with a four night limit," explains Chelsea R., while another camper adds that "The campground is free, but they have envelopes and a dropbox for donations."
Quiet surroundings: Despite proximity to I-80, many campsites provide peaceful settings. One camper at Smith Creek Recreation Area noted it was "a nice, relatively quiet park. The interstate is a few miles away so you can hear it but it's not overly loud."
Level sites: Many RV sites feature level concrete or gravel pads. A visitor to Prairie Oasis Campground & Cabins commented, "Site has a slight dip but was not a big deal," while another mentioned the "full service pull through sites that are all level."
Clean facilities: Campgrounds maintain clean restrooms and common areas. At Recharge Lake Campground, a visitor noted, "Bathroom was very clean and the space was well maintained," while another camper appreciated that "the grounds and bathrooms are well kept."
What you should know
Tent camping restrictions: Not all RV parks accommodate tent campers. A visitor to Western Campground (now Prairie Oasis) stated, "There is not an option for tent camping, van camping, or anything but RVs. The owner was kind, but explained that he has not allowed tent camping for two years."
Seasonal operations: Most campgrounds operate seasonally with limited winter availability. Beaver Crossing City Park operates "from April to November with 50 amp hookups and water connections," according to visitor reports.
First-come, first-served: Many campgrounds don't accept reservations. At Beaver Crossing City Park, "The RV campground is first-come, first-serve. A donation of $10 per nights is suggested," explains one camper.
Limited shade: Some campgrounds lack mature trees for shade. At Recharge Lake Campground, a camper noted, "In the tent area there is 0 shade and not all sites have a fit pit."
Tips for camping with families
Playground access: Several campgrounds feature play areas for children. At Recharge Lake Campground, visitors mention there's "playground equipment available for young children and fishing as well as a boat dock."
Swimming options: Look for campgrounds with swimming pools or beach access. One visitor to Buckley Park Campground noted, "They have a pool, and 3 playgrounds," while another mentioned "the pool is a short walk away."
Kid-friendly activities: Prairie Oasis offers various activities suitable for children. "There's a nice little pond to walk around too," mentioned one camper, while another appreciated the "Sand Volleyball Pit, a Sand Box with toys, and a swing set."
Budget-friendly options: Free camping at Buckley Park Campground makes family trips affordable. "FREE CAMPING with HOOKUPS! Flush Toilet and the pool is a short walk away and I was told you could use the showers for free!" reports Charles C.
Tips from RVers
Easy overnight locations: For travelers along I-80, several parks offer convenient pull-through sites. A visitor to Beaver Crossing City Park called it a "Perfect little spot right off the interstate. Clean, quiet, hookups."
Hookup availability: Most RV parks provide electric and water connections, though sewer hookups vary. At Beaver Crossing City Park, "There are 7 sites with 50amp electric and water. The electric and water connections are at the back of this gravel parking lot."
Length of stay limits: Be aware of maximum stay restrictions. At Buckley Park Campground, "it is a 4 day Max and you have to leave for 10 days before you can come back," as noted by Chris H.
Dump station locations: Not all parks have on-site dump stations. At Recharge Lake Campground, a visitor mentioned, "Dump station on the gravel road out of the park."
