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Wildcat Hills State Recreation Area

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CAMPER SUMMARY PRESENTED BYFord

Wildcat Hills State Recreation Area, near Gering, Nebraska, is a solid choice for those looking to enjoy the great outdoors with a touch of rugged charm. This campground offers a handful of sites perfect for tent and small RV camping, making it a convenient stop for travelers heading to Colorado or those wanting to soak in the stunning views.

The area is known for its hiking trails that wind through beautiful landscapes, providing a great opportunity to stretch your legs and explore. Visitors have noted the peacefulness of the campground, with minimal noise from the nearby gun range and a nice distance from road traffic. As one camper put it, “It was empty for us, however there are a limited number of established campsites.”

While amenities are basic—think pit toilets and waste containers—there's a nature center nearby that can be a great spot to cool off or learn something new. Bird watchers will find plenty to enjoy, as the area is home to diverse wildlife, including big horn sheep and deer, though sightings can be hit or miss.

If you're up for some adventure, the campground is just a stone's throw from geological wonders like Chimney Rock and Scott’s Bluff National Memorial Park. Whether you're here for a quick overnight stay or a longer retreat, Wildcat Hills offers a laid-back atmosphere and a chance to connect with nature.

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Location

Wildcat Hills State Recreation Area is located in Nebraska

Detail location of campground

Directions

From Hwy 92 and 71 at Gering go south 8 miles to entrance.

Address

210615 Hwy 71
Gering, NE 69341

Coordinates

41.70669384 N
103.67738428 W

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Connectivity

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    VerizonLTE
    Some Coverage
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    AT&TLTE
    Some Coverage

Drive Time

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Connectivity

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  • signal strength bars
    T-MobileLTE
    Some 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.
  • Hike-In
    Backcountry sites.

Site Types

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

Features

For Campers

  • Trash
  • Picnic Table
  • Phone Service
  • Reservable
  • Drinking Water
  • Toilets
  • Alcohol
  • Pets
  • Fires

For Vehicles

  • Pull-Through Sites

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Reviews

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3.0

out of 5

4 Reviews

Reviewed Jul. 6, 2022

Wild hills state rec

This was a great little campground for a one night stop on the way to Colorado . Campground was clean and looks maintained . It was empty for us , however there are a limited number of established campsites . This campground has some great views and a few hiking trails . It sits behind the local gun range but there was no noise , and it’s set back far enough from the road so there zero traffic noise

Site2
Month of VisitJuly
  • Review photo of Wildcat Hills State Recreation Area by Chris C., July 6, 2022
  • Review photo of Wildcat Hills State Recreation Area by Chris C., July 6, 2022
Reviewed May. 23, 2021

Peaceful

This is a park for small rvs or tent campers. There are a few pull through just after the gun range but the rest of the sites down the road are very small. All sites are very close together. Pit toilet and waste containers.

Site11
Month of VisitMay
  • pull through sites
  • Review photo of Wildcat Hills State Recreation Area by N I., May 23, 2021
  • Review photo of Wildcat Hills State Recreation Area by N I., May 23, 2021
  • (8) View All
Reviewed Oct. 22, 2018

Ranger Review Wildcat Hills SRA campground and INNO INH 330 Aero Light

Ranger review of Wildcat Hills SRA. If you love to hike and want to truly feel like you are away from it all check out Wildcat Hills. This beautiful recreation area just South of Gering Nebraska is just minutes away from geological wonders such as Chimney Rock, Jailhouse Rock and Scott’s Bluff National Memorial Park. Wildcat offers Archery, gun range, biking, hiking, picnicking, a playground, nature center and hunting. I’d add that if you are a bird watcher you need to get to Wildcat hills. There are also big horn sheep, wildcats, rattle snakes, elk, and deer in the area although we didn’t see any in our two days and nights at the park. There is a huge nature center that will provide a great place to cool off, stay dry or just for learning for the sake of learning. 4 main trail heads interconnect through rough, minimally maintained hiking trails that climb up to 5,000 feet. Backpack a lunch to the bottom of the canyon and try to find the Game of Thrones shelter (my pet name for it). I’ve given this park 4 stars because we were fortunate enough to camp at the group site that an area boy-scout troop updated. There are two other camp sites along the dirt road leading to the group site. Those 12 total sites are very close together and I wouldn’t recommend anything more than a pop up camper in those spots which are right on the road. If you have to camp in one of those 12 sites I’d rate the camping at 2 or 3 stars. this park hits it out of the ball park with the hiking and nature center.

Ranger review INNO INH 330 Aero Light Bike Rack

I had the opportunity to review the INNO INH 330 Aerolight QM bike rack. I have put hundreds of miles on this 2 bike rack from state parks to urban use. INNO has created a rack that is worthy of consideration among high end bike racks. The INNO arrived in a large clean and well packaged box and was nearly fully assembled. There are a number of pros and cons to be considered with this rack as with any product. I’ve listed those below.

Pros: Well made light metal and plastic construction that I believe will hold up for a very long time. Innovative locking cable for piece of mind. Fits both 1.5” and 2” receiver. Quiet ride. Exceptionally study bike securement if you don’t have attachment and you have a triangular bike frame. Protects your bike from banging into other bike like on hanging style racks.

Cons: awkward fit on height bar strap if you have a water bottle or bike tire pump attachment. If you are mounting different bikes often there a few adjustment steps that will take some time before you can secure your bike. The pins that secure the arms in the lower and upper positions can stick and require some force to pull out and place. I think some WD40 would probably resolve that issue. Bikes without the traditional triangle frame do not strap well to the veritable bar.

In the end, I’d give this rack 3.5 stars I would give it 4 if it fit my son’s non-triangle frame bike. I recommend that you consider the INNO and determine if it will fit your bikes and your needs. This rack has become my go to if I only need to take my bike or one other. Find your local retailer and try it out with your bikes.

Sorry about the oddly formatted photos. They flipped during upload.

SiteGroup Site
Month of VisitJuly
  • Review photo of Wildcat Hills State Recreation Area by Joe R., October 22, 2018
  • Review photo of Wildcat Hills State Recreation Area by Joe R., October 22, 2018
  • Review photo of Wildcat Hills State Recreation Area by Joe R., October 22, 2018
  • (44) View All
Reviewed Aug. 25, 2016

Wildcat Hills Canping

There are only about 4 campsites in Wildcat Hills but there are various campsites around the area. The campsite is right off a well traveled road in the park. They are also at the trailhead of a very nice trail that splits into various trails along the way. The campsites are very close together but camping there is not very popular.

Frequently Asked Questions

What outdoor activities can visitors enjoy at Wildcat Hills State Recreation Area?

Wildcat Hills State Recreation Area offers excellent hiking opportunities on a network of trails that split into various routes along the way. The recreation area provides beautiful views and a genuine feeling of getting away from it all. Visitors can also use the gun range on site. The location is ideal for those interested in exploring nearby geological wonders such as Chimney Rock, Jailhouse Rock, and Scotts Bluff National Monument, all within a short drive from the recreation area.

What camping facilities are available at Wildcat Hills State Recreation Area?

Wildcat Hills State Recreation Area offers a small, rustic camping experience with approximately 4 established campsites. The sites are situated close together near a trailhead and are best suited for tent camping or small RVs. There are a few pull-through sites located just after the gun range, with additional smaller sites further down the road. Amenities are minimal, consisting of pit toilets and waste containers. No hookups are available, so campers should come prepared for a more primitive camping experience.

What should visitors know about Wildcat Hills State Recreation Area before visiting?

Wildcat Hills State Recreation Area is best suited for those seeking a quiet, natural experience with limited amenities. The campground is located near a well-traveled park road and sits behind the local shooting range. While the area offers spectacular views and well-maintained, clean grounds, camping spaces are very limited and close together. The recreation area works well as a one-night stopover when traveling to destinations like Colorado. Be prepared for minimal facilities with only pit toilets available. The area's true appeal lies in its scenic beauty, hiking trails, and proximity to notable landmarks in western Nebraska.