The Dyrt – find campgrounds for tents, RVs, cabins, glamping and more.
Open in App
Map showing campground location near Royal, Nebraska
Camper submitted image from Grove Lake State Wildlife AreaView 33 Photos
CampingMap showing campground location near Royal, Nebraska

Grove Lake State Wildlife Area

2 ReviewsAdd Review

Anglers and hikers will find multiple access points at Grove Lake State Wildlife Area, which provides drive-in, walk-in, and boat-in camping options within a state-managed wildlife area. The Nebraska Game and Parks Commission maintains this dispersed campground with 14-day stay limits, featuring dirt and gravel pads that accommodate big rigs alongside smaller setups. Basic amenities include fire pits, elevated grills, picnic tables, and vault toilets, though campers report the restroom facilities need attention.

Walking trails connect the camping areas to the trout stream feeding the lake, while tree coverage provides shelter throughout most sites. Cell service is unavailable in the campground area. For additional camping choices, campsites near Royal offer alternatives with different amenity levels.

Check AvailabilitySuggest an Edit

RV Road Trip Guides

Oregon Trail Road Trip

Oregon Trail Road Trip

Oregon Trail Road Trip Segment: Independence, MO to North Platte

Independence to North Platte: 3 Day Road Trip

Build Your Trip

Plan a TripAdd

Map & DirectionsGrove Lake State Wildlife Area is located in Nebraska near Royal

Detail location of campground
Public Campground

Coordinates

42.36800039 N
98.11600036 W

Open in Google Maps

Connectivity

Presented byT-MobileT-Mobile is introducing T-Satellite to extend coverage in the outdoors
  • signal strength bars
    T-Mobile
    No Coverage
  • signal strength bars
    VerizonLTE
    Some Coverage
  • signal strength bars
    AT&TLTE
    Some Coverage

Connectivity

Presented byT-MobileT-Mobile is introducing T-Satellite to extend coverage in the outdoors
  • signal strength bars
    T-Mobile
    No Coverage
  • signal strength bars
    VerizonLTE
    Some Coverage
  • signal strength bars
    AT&TLTE
    Some Coverage

Access

  • Drive-In
    Park next to your site
  • Walk-In
    Park in a lot, walk to your site.
  • Boat-In
    Sites accessible by watercraft.

Site Types

  • Tent Sites
  • RV Sites
  • Standard (Tent/RV)

Features

For Campers

  • ADA Access
  • Phone Service
  • Drinking Water
  • Toilets
  • Alcohol
  • Pets
  • Fires

For Vehicles

  • Pull-Through Sites
  • Big Rig Friendly

Contact

General Info

Drive Time

2026 Explorer Giveaway

Review Campgrounds. Win Prizes.

Enter to Win

Nebraska Contest

Enter to Win

Reviews2 Camper Reviews - Grove Lake State Wildlife Area

Add Review

5 Stars

4 Stars

3 Stars

2 Stars

1 Star

50%
0%
0%
50%
0%

3.5

out of 5

2 Reviews

Reviewed Apr. 12, 2025

Beautiful location, unbearable noise.

This is a dispersed campground that allows stays up to 14 days. This is a beautiful place. Trees are beautiful. The lake is beautiful. If you're a fly fisherman, this place is paridise if you can't get to usual fly fishing locations.

There is only one piece of playground equipment for children. It is a merry - go - round that swings as it goes around.

Pit toilets are filthy dirty and smell horrible.

Pads are uneven and made up of dirt or gravel in a couple of locations. Lots of tree shelter in the campground. Fire pits and elevated grills in each camp spot.

Lots of walking trails.

Sadly, I will never go back. The other campers were rude, arrogant, loud, drunk, filthy mouthed, and looking for fights. Generators ran all night and day. Night time bonfires were huge and out of control.

We got there, and there was one other camper, and it was delightful. The situation changed quickly, and in my humble, modest opinion, this is not a place for normal decent people. We did not feel safe at all.

P.S.

There is absolutely NO cell service in this campground.

SiteNear lake (no numbers at sites)
Month of VisitApril
  • Review photo of Grove Lake State Wildlife Area by Bibs O., April 12, 2025
  • Review photo of Grove Lake State Wildlife Area by Bibs O., April 12, 2025
  • Review photo of Grove Lake State Wildlife Area by Bibs O., April 12, 2025
  • (19) View All
Reviewed Jan. 1, 2025

Free Camping, Lovely views

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.

Siteright by the lake
Month of VisitOctober
  • Review photo of Grove Lake State Wildlife Area by Charles C., January 1, 2025
  • Review photo of Grove Lake State Wildlife Area by Charles C., January 1, 2025
  • Review photo of Grove Lake State Wildlife Area by Charles C., January 1, 2025
  • (6) View All
Showing results 1-2 of 2 reviews

Frequently Asked Questions

Are there fishing opportunities at Grove Lake WMA?

Yes, Grove Lake WMA offers excellent fishing opportunities. The area features a lake and a trout stream that feeds into it. Fly fishing is particularly popular here, with the location described as a paradise for fly fishermen who can't access their usual fishing spots. The trout stream is accessible via the hiking trails throughout the property. The beautiful lake setting enhances the overall fishing experience at this wildlife management area.

How close is Grove Lake camping to Ashfall Fossil Beds?

The exact distance between Grove Lake camping and Ashfall Fossil Beds isn't specifically documented, but both attractions are located in northeastern Nebraska. Visitors planning to explore both locations should check with the Nebraska Game and Parks Commission for precise directions and travel time estimates. Ashfall Fossil Beds State Historical Park is a notable paleontological site in the region, making it a worthwhile side trip for those camping at Grove Lake WMA.

Where is Grove Lake Wildlife Management Area camping located in Nebraska?

Grove Lake Wildlife Management Area is located in northeastern Nebraska. The area is situated in a scenic natural setting with beautiful trees and a lake. While the exact address isn't specified, it's a dispersed camping area managed as a wildlife management area by the Nebraska Game and Parks Commission. For precise directions, visitors should check with the Nebraska Game and Parks website or contact them directly before planning their trip.

What camping facilities are available at Grove Lake Wildlife Management Area?

Grove Lake Wildlife Management Area offers free primitive camping with no hookups. The campground features flat dirt areas suitable for both tents and campers. Basic amenities include water hydrants, vault toilets, fire pits, and picnic tables. The site allows camping stays for up to 14 days. There are nice hiking trails throughout the area, primarily designed for access to the trout stream feeding the lake. While facilities are minimal, the natural setting provides a peaceful camping experience.

Keep Exploring