Accessible directly off Interstate 80, Windmill State Recreation Area Campground provides overnight camping with full hookups for RVs up to 45 feet. The state-managed facility charges $20-25 per night and accepts reservations, though walk-up sites remain available for late arrivals. Out-of-state visitors pay an additional state park fee, bringing total costs to around $33 nightly.
The campground's proximity to I-80 creates a trade-off between convenience and noise levels. Claudia M. notes "freeway sounds were quite loud" and describes it as "not exactly a peaceful destination but still much better than a parking lot." Heavy truck traffic continues through the night, which several campers mention as a consideration for light sleepers. Sites in the back loops near Lake 6 experience less road noise than those closer to the highway.
The recreation area features multiple lakes for swimming, fishing, and kayaking, with reviewers consistently praising the cleanliness of the swimming area. Jen J. describes the "swimming lake was clean and well kept" though mentions "spots are super close" together. A walking trail winds through trees around the perimeter, providing space for dog exercise and morning walks.
Facilities include restrooms, showers, and a dump station, with most reviewers finding them adequately maintained despite their age. Cell service works well for most carriers, though Verizon users report slower speeds during peak hours. The campground operates year-round with drinking water and electric hookups at most sites.
For a quieter alternative, Fort Kearny State Recreation Area sits 8 miles southwest with similar amenities but less highway noise.
Description
Windmill State Recreation Area is one of two highly developed areas operated by the Nebraska Game and Parks Commission in the state's unique "chain of lakes" along Interstate 80.
Situated at the Gibbon Interchange, between Kearney and Grand Island, It was once a stopping spot for early-day travelers. It still serves travelers today with modern camping facilities, several man-made lakes, and a fascinating assortment of antique windmills.
It draws its name from the locale, Windmill Crossing, where the Pawnee Indians forded the Platte River during their annual buffalo hunts. The old-time windmills that add so much to the character of the area were acquired in the early 1970's. They have all been restored to working order.
Attractions
Windmill is a 154 acre area with 14 acres in 6 ponds. Located conveniently off of I-80 at the Gibbon Interchange, Exit 285. It has an improved campground with electrical hook-ups and a modern shower/latrine building with laundry facilities available. Primitive tent camping, swimming beach, picnicking is 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. There are picnic facilities, shelter houses and restrooms. Swimming is allowed only at the marked swimming beach. Change houses are provided.
Non Licensed motorized vehicles are not allowed in the areas.
Only one camping unit is allowed per campsite. An extra tent may be used for dependant children only. 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. All persons entering the campground must be registered. Upon arrival, campers MUST have their camping equipment and be prepared to set up.
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.
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.
RV Road Trip Guides
Map & DirectionsWindmill State Recreation Area Campground is located in Nebraska near Kearney
Directions
From Gibbon, NE: 3 miles south, or Windmill SRA is located at the Gibbon I-80 Interchange #285.
Address
PO Box 427
Gibbon, NE 68840-0427
Coordinates
40.70700053 N
98.846 W
Connectivity
T-Mobile is introducing T-Satellite to extend coverage in the outdoors
T-Mobile5GExcellent CoverageVerified by 8 usersLast on 5/24/26- Verizon5GExcellent CoverageVerified by 10 usersLast on 5/24/26
AT&TLTESome Coverage
Connectivity
T-Mobile is introducing T-Satellite to extend coverage in the outdoors- T-Mobile5GExcellent CoverageVerified by 8 usersLast on 5/24/26
- Verizon5GExcellent CoverageVerified by 10 usersLast on 5/24/26
- AT&TLTESome Coverage
Access
- Drive-InPark next to your site
Site Types
- Tent Sites
- RV Sites
- Standard (Tent/RV)
Features
For Campers
- Picnic Table
- Reservable
- 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
Drive Time
- 30 min from Grand Island, NE
- 1 hr 34 min from Lincoln, NE
- 2 hrs 11 min from Omaha, NE
- 3 hrs 24 min from Manhattan, KS
