Free dispersed camping along a flat gravel road managed by the Nebraska Game and Parks Commission, Bassway Strip State Wildlife Area draws mostly road-trippers and overnighters passing through the Kearney area on I-80. There are no facilities on site. The stay limit is three nights within any six-day period, and no campfires are permitted.
The most consistent detail across reviews is highway noise. The campground sits roughly 200 yards from the interstate, and semi truck traffic is audible through the night. That said, placement matters. Campers who stay on the entrance side of the small bridge, rather than crossing to the road that runs directly beside the highway, report somewhat less noise exposure. Kelly B. found that with rain and a fan running, she "never heard the highway" at all. Those sensitive to traffic sound should plan accordingly.
Access is straightforward. A packed gravel and dirt road leads into the area, with multiple pull-offs suitable for tents and rigs alike. The bridge at the entrance has posted limits of 10 tons for dual-axle vehicles and 23 tons for trailers. The road surface has a heavy sand component in places, which one motorcyclist flagged as worth watching on a touring bike. Cell service is available. The site sits within campsites near Bassway Strip Wildlife Management Area, which gives context for what else is accessible in the corridor.
Vegetation is unmanicured. Grass and brush are not mowed, and at least one camper encountered ticks and pill bugs in summer. Mosquitoes can be heavy in late July. Wildlife is present too, including the occasional opossum. Fireflies have been noted during rainy summer nights.
Campers wanting developed facilities nearby can look at Fort Kearny SRA, a few miles to the southwest, or browse campgrounds near Kearney for a broader set of options.
RV Road Trip Guides
Map & DirectionsBassway Strip State Wildlife Area is located in Nebraska near Kearney
Coordinates
40.68400079 N
98.95200036 W
Connectivity
- T-Mobile5GExcellent CoverageVerified by 6 usersLast on 9/18/26
- VerizonLTESome CoverageVerified by 4 usersLast on 9/18/26
- AT&TLTESome CoverageVerified by 7 usersLast on 9/18/26
Connectivity
- T-Mobile5GExcellent CoverageVerified by 6 usersLast on 9/18/26
- VerizonLTESome CoverageVerified by 4 usersLast on 9/18/26
- AT&TLTESome CoverageVerified by 7 usersLast on 9/18/26
Access
- Drive-InPark next to your site
- Walk-InPark in a lot, walk to your site.
Site Types
- RV Sites
- Dispersed
Features
For Campers
- Phone Service
- Pets
For Vehicles
- Pull-Through Sites
- Big Rig Friendly
DISPERSED CAMPING
Enjoy dispersed camping on government land and leave no trace. Pack in and pack out. No (or limited) services at this camping area. Permit may be required.
PERMIT might be REQUIRED
We curate permit requirements across the US for our PRO members. Try PRO to see if Bassway Strip State Wildlife Area needs a permit.
Drive Time
- 35 min from Grand Island, NE
- 1 hr 39 min from Lincoln, NE
- 2 hrs 15 min from Omaha, NE
- 3 hrs 28 min from Manhattan, KS















