Established Camping
Fort Kearny State Recreation Area
Warning 1 Alert is In Effect
There is 1 alert for this campground. Camp safely!
Warning 1 Alert is In Effect
There is 1 alert for this campground. Camp safely!
The Nebraska Game & Parks Commission maintains the right to establish "black-out" dates and reserve facilities or lodging for Special Events and maintenance related needs.
Fort Kearny State Recreation Area, near Kearney, Nebraska, is a solid choice for campers looking for a peaceful spot with some nice amenities. The campground is surrounded by old-growth trees and beautiful pastures, making it a relaxing place to unwind after a long drive.
You’ll find a mix of tent and RV sites, many equipped with electric hookups and fire rings for those cozy campfire evenings. Visitors have mentioned the friendly staff and the availability of free bike rentals, which is a fun way to explore the area. As one camper noted, “The park is quiet, plenty of room for your site,” making it a great stop for travelers.
While the campground offers showers and toilets, some campers have pointed out that the facilities could use a bit more attention. However, the overall vibe is peaceful, with plenty of shade and space to enjoy the outdoors. If you’re into fishing, there are some ponds nearby that add to the charm of the area.
Whether you’re just passing through or planning a longer stay, Fort Kearny provides a convenient and enjoyable camping experience. Plus, with easy access to nearby hiking trails, you can soak in the natural beauty of Nebraska while enjoying your time outdoors.
Description
Nebraska Game and Parks Commission
Fort Kearny State Recreation Area
Summary
Fort Kearny SRA offers 186 acres dotted with sandpit lakes. In the spring, the world's largest concentration of sandhill cranes and waterfowl gathers in the central Platte River valley. Facilities include electrical and primitive camp pads, showers, dump station, modern restrooms, water at the dump station, picnic tables, grills, shelters, wheelchair-accessible fishing pier, nature trail, non power boating and hike-bike trail.
Attractions
Fort Kearny SRA boasts excellent camping facilities, eight sandpit lakes for fishing, a swimming beach, nature trails and historical exhibits at nearby Fort Kearny State Historical Park.
Campground Notes
Fort Kearny provides modern and primitive tent camping. There are showers and modern restrooms, plus a trailer dump station. Stately cottonwood trees, some over 100 years old, shade much of the camping area.
Camping reservations may be made a minimum of three days in advance of arrival and a maximum of 180 days in advance of arrival.
CHECK IN AND OUT SCHEDULE- If you check out early, the unused portion of your payment will be forfeited.
A Nebraska State Park Permit is required to enter this park area. A Nebraska Licensed Vehicle Park Entry Permit is $35 for an Annual Permit, $17 for a Duplicate Annual Permit (used for that second vehicle in your family) or a Daily Permit which is $7 per day you are staying. A Non-Nebraska Licensed Vehicle Park Entry Permit is $70, $35 for a Duplicate Annual Permit or a Daily Permit which is $14 per day. You may purchase your Park Permit prior to your stay by shopping online at OutdoorNebraska.org. All vehicles entering a Nebraska Park Area are required to have a valid park entry permit.See Reservation Policies details
Location
Fort Kearny State Recreation Area is located in Nebraska
Directions
To get to Fort Kearny State Recreation Area, you would take I-80 to the Minden exit, 279 south on Hwy 10 for 3 miles. Next, turn west onto Hwy 50A for 3 miles. Or from the Kearney exit, 272 south on Hwy 44 for 2 miles. Then east on Hwy 50A for 4 miles. Fort Kearny State Recreation Area, is 1 mile east and 1 mile north of the Historical Park.
Address
1020 V Road
Kearney, NE 68847-8043
Coordinates
40.652185275093586 N
98.98936454902945 W
Access
- Drive-InPark next to your site
- Walk-InPark in a lot, walk to your site.
Stay Connected
- WiFiAvailable
- VerizonAvailable
- AT&TUnknown
- T-MobileUnknown
Site Types
- Tent Sites
- RV Sites
- Standard (Tent/RV)
- Group
- Tent Cabin
- Equestrian
Features
For Campers
- Picnic Table
- Reservable
- Showers
- Drinking Water
- Electric Hookups
- Toilets
- Alcohol
- Pets
- Fires
For Vehicles
- Sanitary Dump
- Sewer Hookups
- Water Hookups
- 30 Amp Hookups
- 50 Amp Hookups
- Big Rig Friendly
Contact
General Info
Reservations
Drive Time
- 37 min from Grand Island
- 37 min from Grand Island
- 1 hr 41 min from Lincoln
- 1 hr 41 min from Lincoln
- 2 hrs 18 min from Omaha
- 2 hrs 18 min from Omaha
- 3 hrs 31 min from Manhattan
- 3 hrs 31 min from Manhattan