Peaceful Prairie Campsites - Gering, Nebraska

Though we are two miles from highway 71 outside of Gering, Nebraska, we are a WORLD away on our own peaceful prairie!

Pitch your tent, camper van or pop up directly on the prairie. Big rigs and trailers must book one of our RV sites. You'll enjoy 200 acres of seclusion on the backside of the stunning Scotts Bluff National Monument.

You've never seen anything like the private view you will wake up to. The land features a wind and water cut canyon and Oregon Trail era prairie, home to a wide variety of wildlife.

Wake up to the song of the Meadowlark and the rosy hue of a prairie dawn. Make breakfast with fresh eggs from Lisa and Frank's clucks and slowly take in the beauty surrounding you. On this land, you will find your spirit invigorated by the unique bluff formations immortalized in the journals of the pioneers as they passed through on the Oregon Trail. Friendly senior horse Tigger and her miniature donkey pal, Martha will make you feel welcome. A small herd of cattle roam the area, and may become curious about your presence. In the evenings, you will likely be treated to the song of the coyote at dusk.

All campers have access to delicious, fresh water from a localized well, and the funky CAMP SHOWER. Tabletop propane cook stoves are welcome. It can be dry here, so campfires are only allowed if the conditions are safe, and ONLY in fire pits provided. There is no smoking of cigarettes or pipes, nor open flames allowed anywhere on the prairie at any time of the year.

In addition to the canyon and vast prairie on the property, you may enjoy mountain biking, hiking and climbing at varying degrees of challenge. Additional hiking is easily accessible on national park land which belongs to the people of the United States, and is part of the visual landscape of this site. It is prohibited to climb Dome Rock, however one may hike to the bottom "rung" and enjoy a stunning view of the whole valley. This land is also the perfect place to fly a kite.

Depending on when you are here, you'll see berry trees, wildflowers, American sagebrush, yucca, cactus, wild catnip, and a wide array of native prairie grasses and medicinal plants.

Our Base Camp, where we greet all campers, is just shy of two miles from Highway 71, and four miles from the heart of downtown Gering. You can drive 5 minutes into town and have a great breakfast and delicious specialty coffee at The Mixing Bowl, sit outside on the patio with a drink and eat a truly memorable prime rib at The Union, fill a prescription at USave Pharmacy, get groceries at Fresh Foods, gas up, and even visit the world-class Legacy of the Plains Museum in a mere 4-mile drive from your campsite.

But why leave your campsite? You could stay several days and not do the same hike twice.

Site rules:**

Check in to the prairie sites is from 4 p.m. until one hour before dark**. Note: it is advisable to arrive at about 6 pm during July's high heat. Earlier arrivals can be accommodated on a case basis, if we are able. Please note: we do not accept after dark arrivals due to safety reasons.

If you are pulling a trailer or big rig you must book an RV Site. The prairie is delicate and cannot accommodate pull behind trailers. Our RV Sites are still being developed, and each year, we make improvements, please bear with us as we work toward our goals. This season's improvements include the creation of a camp shower out of an old metal water tank. You will not be disappointed in the views here or the easy foot access to exceptional hiking on our 200 acres of prairie and the south side of the Scotts Bluff National Monument.

**Pets are allowed, **with dogs on leash at all times. Inquire with the host before booking with your pet. Off Leash Pets are not advisable on the prairie specifically because of the risk posed by coyotes.

Only one vehicle allowed per site. Additional vehicles must pay an additional $35 per night.

Ask Lisa on the day you arrive whether conditions are safe for a campfire.

**We do offer a porta potty at Base Camp, where the RV sites are also located. This is accessible to all campers, along with our fresh well water. **

Prepare to pack in and out with your trash. A trash receptacle is available at the RV area for your use.(Please leave only footprints behind).

Nebraska state laws are recognized on this land. Note: Those who do not follow the site rules will be asked to leave immediately.

No Firearms in the campsites or on the prairie.

IMPORTANT AND HELPFUL GUIDELINES

If you're not sure about hiking, Frank and Lisa will help you to find the right hike for you. Campers should wear appropriate shoes and long pants, as this is wild natural land where*rattlesnakes are not unheard of.

*A note about snakes and other wildlife: While they are mostly seen in the canyon, on the rock hills, sometimes on the road near and around our corral area, it is not likely you will see a snake. Should you encounter any snake on the prairie: Slowly back away and exit the area. Under no circumstances should you approach the snake, follow the snake, or try to tease or hurt the snake. If you are bitten by a rattlesnake, stay calm and immediately call 911, then call Lisa. At the earliest possible time, please report any rattlesnake sightings and general location to the camp host.

Other wildlife seen in this area include: Meadowlark, Great Horned Owl, Mule Deer, Coyote, Opossum, Raccoon, Skunk, Honey Badger, Fox, and a variety of birds of prey. Coyotes are generally not interested in people, but do protect the boundaries of their territory if they have a den of pups nearby. If you encounter a coyote: Stand your ground and make yourself as large as possible. Slowly back away from the animal while making a menacing sound. Do not run nor turn your back on the animal.

Book with us and discover why Hipcamp named Peaceful Prairie Campsites the best campsite to visit in Nebraska this year! We'd love to meet you.