## Overview

 Located on the beautiful Oglala National Grassland in northwestern Nebraska, Toadstool Geologic Park is a stark, other-worldly landscape unlike any place in Nebraska. Its name was inspired by the narrow clay pedestals topped with slabs of sandstone that resemble toadstool mushrooms. It is one of the most memorable places in the grassland with its unique layers, formations, and scientifically valuable fossil deposits. Toadstool is a key link in understanding the earth's history from 38 to 24 million years ago. Formed by mostly volcanic ash and alluvial river deposits, geologists consider it the \"type section for the White River Geologic Group\", meaning that all other similar-aged deposits in North America are compared to the geological standard designated at Toadstool. The campground consists of twelve campsites with picnic tables, fire rings, upright grills, and two accessible vault toilets. There is no water. Special features: In 1984 the Forest Service constructed a sod house in the campground near the site of a sod house built in 1929. The new \"soddie\" provides a look into the past when homesteaders on the grasslands used the only abundant material available. The original sod house was lived in briefly before being abandoned and signs of the original structure no longer exist. 
## Recreation

 The trailhead at the campground provides access to three hiking trails each with varying degrees of difficulty. A one mile interpretive loop highlights many examples of eroded clay/sandstone formations. While on the trail, follow our brochure to learn the fascinating geology of the area. The Bison Trail leaves the interpretive loop at the half way point and continues up the canyon to the Hudson-Meng Education and Research Center. Toadstool Campground to Hudson Meng is 3 miles one way. \_\_A five mile loop begins at the campground and proceeds on the graveled section of the interpretive trail for a short distance before heading north through the badlands and grasslands on the Great Plains Trail. After 1.5 miles the Great Plains Trail intersects with the 918 Road. Follow the signs to return to the Bison Trail and Toadstool Campground. The loop can be done in reverse going the other direction on the interpretive trail as you leave the campground. The Great Plains Trail, developed by the Great Plains Trail Alliance, is a cross country network of public land trails and roads beginning in Guadalupe National Park and ending at the Canadian border. The Bison Trail, 918 Road, and part of the 5 mile loop are part of this network. Information on the Great Plains Trail can be found at www.greatplainstrail.org\_ 
## Nearby Attractions

 Hudson Meng Education and Research Center Located on the beautiful Oglala National Grassland in northwestern Nebraska, the Hudson-Meng Education and Research Center houses one of the most important paleo-archeological discoveries in North America. Visitors can tour the bonebed enclosure and discover the mysterious past of the Bison antiquus (extinct bison) that died here. A rancher first brought attention to the bonebed in 1954. This started an ongoing quest to discover what caused the death of so many bison. Archeologists continue to research the exact nature of past events and the role ancient Paleo-Indian people may have played in them. While theories are plentiful, there is still no clear answer to the mystery. The Hudson-Meng Education and Research Centers Bison Bonebed Tour encourages visitors to develop their own ideas based on the evidence presented. The Bison Trail connects the Hudson-Meng visitor center to Toadstool Geologic Park. This is an unforgettable three-mile (one way) hike across the Oglala Grassland. Toadstool Geologic Park is well-known for its unusual rock formations and fossils. The natural history dates as far back as 30 million years ago. The site is located in the shadow of Nebraska's picturesque Pine Ridge, overlooking the Oglala and Buffalo Gap National Grasslands and north to the Black Hills of South Dakota. If you make a discovery on a national grassland or national forest, make sure of its location and report it right away to the nearest Forest Service office. https://youtu.be/wM7gKaUP2dw

Toadstool (Ne) Nebraska Nf — Nebraska National Forests And Grasslands

Whether you're a tent camper, an RVer, or just passing through, Crawford, NE has a lot to offer. There are tons of hikes and other fun activities to partake in, as well as sights to see and explore. Discover great camping spots near Crawford, reviewed by campers like you.

Crawford

The Best Camping Near Crawford, Nebraska

The park is located ~20 miles from Crawford, Ne. Many of those miles are gravel roads. The park is full of a lot of very neat rock formations. There is a ~1 mile long looped hiking trail inside the park that has markers so you can read about the land and how the rock was formed. There is an outhouse style bathroom available and half dozen camping spots with fire rings. 

Great place for a short stop

Toadstool park has a small number of nonreservable camping spots that are nicely spaced, with honor system payment on site. Toilets are available but no running water or power. Access to the park is via dirt roads that can be difficult after heavy rain. Beautiful place to explore, where we found very friendly other campers.

Beautiful rock formations to explore, remote location

You must really want to go here as the access is via 12-13 miles of dirt road from either the north or the south. Our low-clearance van had no problem so unless it is muddy from the rain, I would think any car could handle the roads. There are six sites spaced a good distance apart; each has a covered picnic table (essential in the summer sun), bbq grate, fire pit, and garbage AND recycling bins. The only relief from the harsh sun (aside from the covered picnic tables) was a strong breeze. Summer is likely not the best time to camp here! There is no water available and the pit toilets were reasonably clean (but no hand sanitizer). There is a one-mile self-guided interpretive trail, which was very interesting and there are a couple of other hiking trails, which we did not explore. We met a couple who had honeymooned here 42 years ago! The only annoyance was the biting flies! You can't beat the price - $5 ($2.50 with senior pass) but it was posted that there is a proposed price increase to $15.

Surprisingly well-visited for such a remote location

Toadstool campground is found down a long accordion gravel road.  There are no trees so plan on only finding shade inside your tent, camper or the table shade.  There are pit toilets and no water. There are picnic tables with shades, fire rings, and upright grills. The area is most visited for it's unusual rock formation that formed by wind and water eroding the surrounding soils and rock and leaving capstones on elevated pedestals, hence the name Toadstool.

  

At the right time of the moon phase this would be a good dark sky area to observe the Milky Way since there is no town or development for several miles.  If you don't want to rough it and opt for more civilized camping, Fort Robinson is a few miles south.

Stark, hot, small

Super simple campground. Bathroom and a parking spot thats about it. 

No showers. 

Small campground with only 6 campsites. $15 a night includes the day use fee. Really cool quick hike around the toadstools makes staying here worth it for at least a night or two. Some longer hiking trails are marked and look nice, we didn’t venture too far from camp. Worth it if you are in the area for sure. 

Nice over nighter

Down a 10 mile dirt road, we got the 5th of 6 sites (4:00?) beautiful site - shade, picnic table and fire ring provided - great short hikes - clean, no water, gorgeous sunset and stars. Short interesting hikes - train sounds in the distance! Absolutely worth it!

Beautiful Remote Camping

one of the most spectacular campgrounds i’ve ever seen. SUPER FREAKIN WINDY. legit do not even try if you have a tent you will not stay on the ground. still, awesome
place only $15 a night w bathrooms, shade shelter, grills, n tables

Beautiful WINDY site

Beautiful scenery but no shade. Luckily it was not so hot that day. Very nice place for one or two days, it’s also not overcrowded. 

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