Established Camping
Mormon Island State Recreation Area Campground
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.
Mormon Island State Recreation Area, near Doniphan, Nebraska, is a solid spot for campers looking to enjoy a mix of nature and convenience. With easy access right off the interstate, it’s a great place for a quick getaway or a longer stay, especially if you’re in the mood for some fishing or just relaxing by the water.
The campground offers a range of amenities, including electric hookups and clean shower facilities, which visitors appreciate. Many have mentioned the well-kept grounds and the friendly atmosphere, making it a comfortable place to set up camp. As one camper noted, “The sites are a little too close to each other but people are friendly and the park is well kept and clean.”
For those traveling with kids, there’s a playground and plenty of space for them to run around. The surrounding area features several lakes, perfect for swimming or fishing, and the variety of trees provides nice shade for those hot summer days. Just keep in mind that the sounds of the nearby highway can be noticeable, but it doesn’t seem to bother most campers.
If you’re looking for a convenient location with decent amenities and a friendly vibe, Mormon Island State Recreation Area is worth considering. Plus, with Grand Island just a short drive away, you can easily grab a bite to eat or pick up any supplies you might need.
Description
Nebraska Game and Parks Commission
Mormon Island State Recreation Area
Summary
Named for the winter stopover used by Mormon emigrants heading westward, Mormon Island State Recreation Area still offers comfort and conveniences to campers and other travelers on Interstate 80, as part of Nebraska's unique "Chain of Lakes." The first of these areas developed was Mormon Island. This area and companion Windmill SRA near Gibbon are the most intensely developed, because of their ready access to travelers.
Attractions
Mormon Island SRA hosts a spectacular gathering each spring, as hundreds of thousands of sandhill cranes stop to rest and pursue their courtship rituals. The world's largest concentration of these magnificent birds draws thousands of visitors to the region every year. Mormon Island lies on the eastern edge of this spring migration route.
Arriving in early to mid-February, the numbers peak about mid to late March. The cranes spend their days feeding and engaging in colorful courtship dances. After the first of April, the birds start flying to northern breeding grounds and are usually gone by mid-April.
A variety of geese, ducks and other waterfowl also come to the area before heading farther north. Ask park personnel for more information about the best times and locations to view these impressive wildlife displays.
Fishing, non-powered boating and boats with electric motors are permitted on the lake. Fish species available include: Largemouth bass, walleye, channel catfish and bluegill. Of course, anglers must have a fishing permit, available at the office.
There are picnic facilities, a shelter house and restrooms. Swimming is allowed only at the marked swimming beach. Change houses are provided.
Campground Notes
Mormon Island SRA offers modern camping facilities, restrooms, electrical hookups, a shower building and a laundromat. A trailer dump station and abundant picnic tables and firegrates are also available.
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.
Modern camping facilities are open (depending on weather conditions) beginning in May and normally through mid October. Camping is available year-round, including campsites with electricity. When modern facilities are closed, a winter rate camping fee is charged.
Non Licensed motorized vehicles are not allowed in the area.
Quiet hours are from 10 p.m. to 6 a.m. Generators may not be operated during these hours. Pets are allowed, but they must be kept on a leash that is no longer than 6 feet. Campers staying over must re-register by 2 p.m. Check in time is 4 p.m. and check out time is 2 p.m. Campers must vacate their campsite no later than 2:00 p.m. on the date the camping reservation or registration expires.
When a reservation is made one year to the date in advance, the arrival date must remain the same within that reservation. No cancellation of that arrival date is allowed.
A Nebraska State Park Permit is required to enter this park area. A Nebraska Licensed Vehicle Park Entry Permit is $30 for an Annual Permit, $15 for a Duplicate Annual Permit (used for that second vehicle in your family) or a Daily Permit which is $6 per day you are staying. A Non-Nebraska Licensed Vehicle Park Entry Permit is $60, $30 for a Duplicate Annual Permit or a Daily Permit which is $12 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.
Location
Mormon Island State Recreation Area Campground is located in Nebraska
Directions
MORMON ISLAND SRA - Interstate 80, Grand Island Interchange, Exit 312
Address
7425 S US Hwy 281
Doniphan, NE 68832-9526
Coordinates
40.82365401 N
98.37779782 W
Access
- Drive-InPark next to your site
- Walk-InPark in a lot, walk to your site.
- Boat-InSites accessible by watercraft.
Stay Connected
- WiFiUnknown
- VerizonAvailable
- AT&TPoor
- T-MobileAvailable
Site Types
- Tent Sites
- RV Sites
- Standard (Tent/RV)
- Group
- Equestrian
Features
For Campers
- Picnic Table
- Reservable
- WiFi
- Showers
- Drinking Water
- Electric Hookups
- Toilets
- Alcohol
- Pets
- Fires
For Vehicles
- Sanitary Dump
- Sewer Hookups
- Water Hookups
- Pull-Through Sites
- 30 Amp Hookups
- 50 Amp Hookups
- Big Rig Friendly
Contact
General Info
Reservations
Drive Time
- 9 min from Grand Island
- 1 hr 13 min from Lincoln
- 1 hr 50 min from Omaha
- 3 hrs 3 min from Manhattan