Pony Express Park Chappell sits around a small lake just off Interstate 80, providing free overnight camping with basic amenities for travelers crossing Nebraska. This municipal park operates on an honor system, with campers following the simple rule to "leave it cleaner than you found it," as Richard R. learned from fellow visitors.
The campground allows drive-anywhere camping across its grounds, with no designated sites or hookups. A single unisex bathroom provides flush toilets and running water, while picnic shelters with grills dot the property. Campers can set up tents or park RVs of any size around the lake's perimeter. The sandy soil requires deep tent stakes due to Nebraska panhandle winds.
Cell service reaches the park reliably, making it workable for remote professionals. Train tracks and the interstate create background noise throughout stays. Dumpsters and garbage cans handle waste disposal. Dogs can explore the area but may encounter thistle plants. Landon C. found it "a perfect place for me to sleep at" during solo travel.
Recent visitors report a $15 overnight fee has replaced the free camping policy, with payment collected at an on-site stand. The park remains accessible year-round, though some facilities may close seasonally. Most campers use it for single-night stops while traveling cross-country. Local gas station staff confirm a three-night maximum stay.
For campers wanting full hookups, Creekside RV Park and Campground operates less than half a mile north with standard RV amenities.
RV Road Trip Guides
Map & DirectionsPony Express Park Chappell is located in Nebraska near Julesburg
Coordinates
41.08361061 N
102.47116397 W
Connectivity
T-Mobile is introducing T-Satellite to extend coverage in the outdoors
T-Mobile5GExcellent CoverageVerified by 6 usersLast on 6/3/26- Verizon5GExcellent CoverageVerified by 11 usersLast on 6/3/26
AT&TLTESome CoverageVerified by 2 usersLast on 6/3/26
Connectivity
T-Mobile is introducing T-Satellite to extend coverage in the outdoors- T-Mobile5GExcellent CoverageVerified by 6 usersLast on 6/3/26
- Verizon5GExcellent CoverageVerified by 11 usersLast on 6/3/26
- AT&TLTESome CoverageVerified by 2 usersLast on 6/3/26
Access
- Drive-InPark next to your site
- Walk-InPark in a lot, walk to your site.
Site Types
- Tent Sites
- RV Sites
- Standard (Tent/RV)
- Group
Features
For Campers
- ADA Access
- Trash
- Picnic Table
- Phone Service
- Drinking Water
- Toilets
- Alcohol
- Pets
- Fires
For Vehicles
- Pull-Through Sites
- Big Rig Friendly
FREE established camping
Enjoy camping on government land. Limited or no services at this camping area.
PERMIT might be REQUIRED
We curate permit requirements across the US for our PRO members. Try PRO to see if Pony Express Park Chappell needs a permit.
Drive Time
- 1 hr 41 min from Cheyenne, WY
- 2 hrs 14 min from Greeley, CO
- 2 hrs 24 min from Fort Collins, CO
- 2 hrs 25 min from Denver, CO
