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Water
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People
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Nature

Established Camping

Sandy Channel State Rec Area

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Sandy Channel State Rec Area, near Elm Creek, Nebraska, is a laid-back spot perfect for those who enjoy a bit of nature without the frills. With sites that offer a good amount of shade and a peaceful ambiance, it’s a great place to kick back and soak in the sounds of nature, including a soothing bullfrog chorus at night.

This campground is all about simplicity. You won’t find modern amenities like showers or electric hookups here, but you will have access to picnic tables, fire rings, and plenty of firewood to keep the campfire going. Campers have noted the clear waters nearby, making it a solid choice for fishing and swimming, with some even calling it “the best place to go camping with your family.”

If you’re into fishing or just want to enjoy a quiet day by the water, you’ll appreciate the easy access to multiple ponds and lakes. The area is also great for hiking, with trails that lead you through beautiful scenery. Just remember to arrive early on weekends to snag the best spots, as they can fill up quickly.

Whether you’re pitching a tent or rolling in with an RV, Sandy Channel State Rec Area offers a relaxed atmosphere where you can unwind and enjoy the great outdoors.

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Location

Sandy Channel State Rec Area is located in Nebraska

Detail location of campground

Directions

From Exit 257 at Elm Creek, go 2 miles south on Highway 183 and look for the park entrance on the left.

Coordinates

40.684000639999994 N
99.37300040000001 W

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Access

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

Stay Connected

  • WiFi
    Unknown
  • Verizon
    Unknown
  • AT&T
    Available
  • T-Mobile
    Available

Site Types

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

Features

For Campers

  • Trash
  • Picnic Table
  • Firewood Available
  • Phone Service
  • Toilets
  • Alcohol
  • Pets
  • Fires

For Vehicles

  • Pull-Through Sites
  • Big Rig Friendly

Reviews

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56%
12%
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4.0

out of 5

9 Reviews

Reviewed Jul. 14, 2023

Very nice, no water,

Pretty shaded sites, very slight highway noise. The state map of the campground shows hand pump well,BUT THE WELL HAS BEEN REMOVED. $15 to camp, $12 to enter if you’re out of state. Wonderful, bullfrog chorus very peaceful .

Site8
Month of VisitJuly
Reviewed Jun. 22, 2023

Wrong directions!

We followed the directions on this site and ended up at a private gate that said property was for hunting. Called the number listed for Sandy rec area and ended up getting directions, but not to Sandy rec area. We ended up at Fort Kearney State Park, which is the telephone number that is liated for Sandy rec area. So confused... We wanted primitiva and ended up parking w/ the big rigs. All in all Fort Kearney is nice.

Site51
Month of VisitJune
Reviewed Mar. 17, 2023

Perfect camping and fishing

This is the best place to go camping with your family it's quiet but there's still people around to help you if you need anything beautiful scenery good fishing lots of nature walking it's just beautiful beautiful

Sitesandy channels
Month of VisitJuly
Reviewed Jun. 5, 2022

Peaceful

Wildlife, fishing, lake access, docks, pull through camp sites, outhouse only

Site14
Month of VisitMay
  • Review photo of Sandy Channel  State Rec Area by Brooke C., June 5, 2022
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  • Review photo of Sandy Channel  State Rec Area by Brooke C., June 5, 2022
  • (6) View All
Reviewed Jun. 5, 2022

Tent camping and fishing

Great smaller campground with lots of good fishing walking distance from all campsites and lots of hiking trails to multiple ponds

Site8
Month of VisitMay
  • Play button icon
  • Play button icon
  • Review photo of Sandy Channel  State Rec Area by Randy W., June 5, 2022
Reviewed Oct. 13, 2020

Tolerable in August, but only because we could swim a little

A short drive from the Interstate. Lots of sites to choose from on a weekday in August. The sites are spread among the sand channel ponds. Incredibly, we were not bothered by mosquitos. Sites had picnic tables and fire rings. Fire wood piles were all around to help yourself from. There is a small “beach” area designate for swimming in one of the ponds. It is small. Because we were there during the COVID restrictions, we waiting until almost everyone left before we felt we would have enough space to swim without being within 6 feet of others. The water was nice and cooled us down nicely.

The newly build vault toilet was OK. Our son reported the men’s side was terrible. The women’s side was just fine. We needed a spot to stay close to the Interstate for a cross-country trip and this was open and available. I would not return. But I do remember the fireflies fondly. There were tons.

Reviewed May. 11, 2019

Arrive Early

My husband and I did a long anniversary weekend here to enjoy the beautiful weather. We stayed here early October of 2016! Like I said in the title, if possible arrive early on the weekend or even a little earlier during the week to get the best spot in the area. We were lucky enough to get this spot and it must be a hot commodity because we had no less than 10 different people drove past to see if the spot was open. As you can see from the pictures, the spot is just a short walk from the small sand pit lake. Makes it ideal for early morning fishing and a quick kayak launch site. If you love fishing and floating around beautiful lakes, this is the spot for you. There is no modern amenities so you will have to rough it for a few days, which we don’t mind at all. Early October was a perfect time to go, the trees were still changing colors and the smell of fresh fall air was everywhere!

  • Review photo of Sandy Channel  State Rec Area by Sarah J., May 11, 2019
  • Review photo of Sandy Channel  State Rec Area by Sarah J., May 11, 2019
  • Review photo of Sandy Channel  State Rec Area by Sarah J., May 11, 2019
Reviewed Oct. 3, 2018

Clear water

Close to I80. Beautiful clear waters. No electricity. Swimming area.

Month of VisitSeptember

Frequently Asked Questions

  • What is the max vehicle length at Sandy Channel State Rec Area?

    Sandy Channel State Rec Area allows vehicles up to 50 feet.

  • Are fires allowed at Sandy Channel State Rec Area?

    Yes, according to campers on TheDyrt.com, fires are allowed at Sandy Channel State Rec Area, although make sure to check current fire restrictions in the area.

  • Is there cell phone reception at Sandy Channel State Rec Area?

    According to campers on TheDyrt.com, Verizon signal is unknown, AT&T is available, and T-Mobile is available.