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Established Camping

Riverfront Campground — Ponca State Park

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.

CAMPER SUMMARY PRESENTED BYFord

Riverfront Campground, near Ponca State Park, is a fantastic spot for those looking to unwind by the Missouri River. With spacious grassy sites that come equipped with picnic tables and fire rings, it’s perfect for enjoying a campfire and soaking in the peaceful surroundings.

This campground is pet-friendly and offers clean facilities, including showers and pit toilets, which visitors appreciate. One camper noted, “We had the whole river to ourselves,” highlighting the tranquility that comes with camping here, especially during quieter weekdays.

For adventure seekers, there are miles of trails to explore, with stunning views of three states from the overlooks. The park also features a welcome center with games and puzzles, making it a great place for families to gather. As one reviewer mentioned, “So much to do on site,” ensuring that there’s never a dull moment.

Whether you’re tent camping or bringing an RV, Riverfront Campground provides a welcoming atmosphere and plenty of outdoor activities. With its beautiful scenery and well-maintained grounds, it’s a solid choice for a memorable camping experience.

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Location

Riverfront Campground — Ponca State Park is located in Nebraska

Detail location of campground

Directions

2 miles North of Ponca, NE on Spur 26E. About 25 miles north/west of Sioux City, IA on the Missouri River. From Omaha, we are about 2 hours. North on I-29 to just south of Sioux City. Take the Highway 20 West about 14 miles. Turn North (right) on Highway 12. It is 9 miles to Ponca from this point. Turn into the town of Ponca - there is a sign on each intersection and you will dead end into the park. From Lincoln we are about 3 hours. Take Highway 77 North to South Sioux City. Go west on Highway 20 to Highway 12. It is 9 miles to Ponca. Turn into Ponca, there is a sign on each intersection and you will dead end into the park.

Address

88090 Spur 26 E
Ponca, NE 68770

Coordinates

42.605736490813534 N
96.71788536271471 W

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Connectivity

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    T-Mobile5G
    Good Coverage
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    VerizonLTE
    Some Coverage
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    AT&T5G
    Excellent Coverage

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Drive Time

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Connectivity

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  • signal strength bars
    T-Mobile5G
    Good Coverage
  • signal strength bars
    VerizonLTE
    Some Coverage
  • signal strength bars
    AT&T5G
    Excellent Coverage

Access

  • Drive-In
    Park next to your site

Site Types

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

Features

For Campers

  • Market
  • Picnic Table
  • Reservable
  • Showers
  • Drinking Water
  • Electric Hookups
  • Toilets
  • Pets
  • Fires

For Vehicles

  • Sanitary Dump
  • Sewer Hookups
  • Water Hookups
  • 30 Amp Hookups
  • 50 Amp Hookups

Contact

General Info

Reservations


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Reviews

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10 Reviews

Reviewed Jul. 21, 2023

Riverfront Campground

We camped in the Riverfront campground. No one else there on a Thursday night so we had the whole river to ourselves. Very peaceful. Good-sized grassy sites. Table, fire ring, water, pit toilet. Large park with plenty of amenities. We were only stopping for the night so we didn’t explore the other areas. Nice overlook of the river and 3 states.

Site16
Month of VisitJuly
  • Review photo of Riverfront Campground — Ponca State Park by Janet K., July 21, 2023
  • Review photo of Riverfront Campground — Ponca State Park by Janet K., July 21, 2023
  • Review photo of Riverfront Campground — Ponca State Park by Janet K., July 21, 2023
  • (4) View All
Reviewed Jun. 27, 2021

Best in Nebraska?

Ponca is awesome. It's set at the edge of rolling wheat fields over looking the Missouri river. The woods are lush and full of deer, turkeys and other critters (also ticks...). Facilities are clean and well maintained. There are hiking trails, playgrounds, and even a water park.

Month of VisitJune
Reviewed Sep. 7, 2020

Beautiful Park

Ponca State Park is beautiful. The drive from Omaha was so quick and easy. The park is beautiful with tons of trails and things to explore. The overlooks are great, you can see so much of the river. Bathroom areas are well kept and so are the grounds. The campsites are well spread out and we found the perfect spot away from other sites and with great shade. Dog friendly was a huge perk. We definitely will return!

  • Review photo of Riverfront Campground — Ponca State Park by Kirsten , September 7, 2020
Reviewed May. 29, 2019

Great quiet pretty place

If you want a nice place to camp in NE Nebraska, this is it. Lots of shade, hiking, trail rides, campsites are pretty and easily usable. Enough space for 6 people easily. Showers, campfire rings. Nice place to spend a few days or just an overnight.

Month of VisitJune
Reviewed Oct. 25, 2018

Highly developed campground

This campground has seen huge improvements over the last decade. They now sport an impressive set of cabins and other facilities for the 21st century camper. Tent camping continues to be available and has better privacy than many sites throughout Nebraska. The park isn't far from a small town where you can easily get anything you might need for your trip. Explore some of the activites that staff hold weekly or go take a hike! There's also playgrounds and a pool for the kids.

Reviewed May. 20, 2018

Fishing, trails and fun.

So much fishing! River and lake. Very peaceful during the spring and fall. Great mushroom hunting in the hills. Lots of spots for rvs, tents, and they have cabins. Love the shooting range.

  • Review photo of Riverfront Campground — Ponca State Park by Molly M., May 20, 2018
  • Review photo of Riverfront Campground — Ponca State Park by Molly M., May 20, 2018
  • Review photo of Riverfront Campground — Ponca State Park by Molly M., May 20, 2018
  • (7) View All
Reviewed Sep. 7, 2017

Ponca State Park

Great family friendly campsite with multiple campsites throughout the park. Multiple hiking areas with generally easy to moderate trails. Multiple primitive sites that allow some campers to retreat far enough away to camp from others, if desired and on a first come basis.

SitePrimitive Site #2
Month of VisitApril
  • Review photo of Riverfront Campground — Ponca State Park by Austin B., September 7, 2017
  • Review photo of Riverfront Campground — Ponca State Park by Austin B., September 7, 2017
  • Review photo of Riverfront Campground — Ponca State Park by Austin B., September 7, 2017
  • (4) View All
Reviewed Oct. 1, 2016

Missouri River camping

They have a lot of different sleeping options, from tent to hotel-like cabins. We went a long time ago when it was just tent sites. Some were along the river but most are back in the forest. Aside from the river, there are trails and a pool. Friends have said there are many very recent additions including rock climbing walls, archery, horseback riding, etc. The charm of the area is still there: riverfront views, rolling hills, simple trails through nature. Many other small parks along the whole river nearby, plus a full golf course and Sioux City. Perfect for a road trip stopover or a long weekend for locals.

Frequently Asked Questions

What facilities and attractions are shown on the Ponca State Park map?

Ponca State Park features numerous attractions including miles of hiking trails ranging from easy to moderate difficulty, scenic river overlooks with Missouri River views, a water park, and a shooting range. The park offers fishing opportunities in both the river and lake. Recreation areas include playgrounds for children and picnic areas. The park is known for its natural beauty with lush woods home to wildlife like deer and turkeys. Additional facilities include clean bathroom areas, shower facilities, and various campgrounds spread throughout the park, including riverfront sites and more secluded forest locations.

How can I contact Ponca State Park for more information?

For specific information about Ponca State Park, you can contact the park directly. While specific contact details aren't provided here, Nebraska state parks typically have park offices with staff available to answer questions about reservations, facilities, and activities. For the most current contact information, visit the Nebraska Game and Parks Commission website, which maintains updated phone numbers, email addresses, and office hours for all state parks. The park is located near a small town where additional information may be available.

What camping options are available at Ponca State Park?

Ponca State Park offers diverse camping options to suit different preferences. For traditional campers, there are tent sites located along the river and back in the forest areas, providing good privacy compared to many Nebraska campgrounds. RV sites are available with good spacing between them. The Riverfront campground features good-sized grassy sites with tables, fire rings, water access, and pit toilets. For those seeking more comfort, the park has cabins ranging from basic to modern, hotel-like accommodations. The park also offers primitive sites for campers wanting more seclusion, available on a first-come, first-served basis.

How do I get to Ponca State Park from Omaha?

The drive from Omaha to Ponca State Park is quick and easy. The park is located in northeastern Nebraska, set at the edge of rolling wheat fields overlooking the Missouri River. Follow the main highways north from Omaha - the route is straightforward with good road conditions. Most visitors find the journey pleasant and convenient, making it an accessible weekend destination for Omaha residents. Upon arrival, you'll be greeted by the park's beautiful landscape featuring lush woods and river views. For specific directions, consult a GPS or the Nebraska Game and Parks Commission website.

What are the cabin accommodations and prices at Ponca State Park?

Ponca State Park has seen significant improvements to its cabin accommodations over the past decade. The park now offers an impressive range of cabins varying from basic to modern, hotel-like units designed for the 21st-century camper. These cabins are part of recent additions to the park's amenities. While specific pricing information isn't detailed here, Nebraska state parks typically offer cabins at various price points depending on size, amenities, and season. For the most accurate and current pricing, it's recommended to check the Nebraska Game and Parks Commission website or contact the park directly before planning your stay.