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Best Dispersed Camping in Nebraska

43 Reviews

Nebraska's Wildlife Management Areas (WMAs) offer several free dispersed camping options, particularly along Interstate 80. Pine Ridge Dispersed Camping near Chadron in northwest Nebraska provides scenic boondocking opportunities on Forest Service Road 714-A with elevation views and hiking trail access. Wood River West State WMA and Blue Hole WMA serve as convenient overnight stops for cross-country travelers, though reviews indicate varying experiences with road noise, accessibility, and occasional safety concerns.

Wildlife Management Areas throughout Nebraska typically have minimal or no facilities. Smith's Creek Recreational Area stands out with potable water, picnic tables, trash bins, and vault toilets. Many sites permit both tent and RV camping, though some areas have restrictions or challenging access. As one camper noted about Wood River West, "There's a bit of daytime traffic due to people accessing the hiking trailhead at the end of the road." Several WMAs have fire restrictions, and campers should be prepared for self-sufficient stays, as most locations lack hookups or amenities. Ticks can be prevalent in grassy areas during warmer months, and highway noise affects sites near interstates.

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Best Dispersed Sites in Nebraska (20)

    1. Smiths Creek Recreational Area

    10 Reviews
    Seward, NE

    "About 3 turns off the highway via dirt road. Very pretty, clean toilets, potable water, has picnic tables and grills. Definitely staying again on my way back east"

    "And the state is 14 days. No gray water dump site. Use Love's instead. The dirt road coming in is a bit slippery when wet. We slid all over the road, but there's no potholes."

    2. Bassway Strip State Wildlife Area

    9 Reviews
    Kearney, NE
    Website
    +1 (402) 471-0641

    "No facilities. Flat, established, wide dirt road. Multiple pull offs for camping, mostly flat. Cross a bridge to get there - dual axel limit 10 Tons. Trailer limit 23 Tons."

    "This is a general parking area for folks that want to fish, or use the beautiful, paved and lit hiking trail. However, it is close to I-80, so traffic noise is bad at night."

    3. Wood River West State Wildlife Management Area

    6 Reviews
    Alda, NE

    "It’s a gravel road right off I-80; farmland surrounded the camping spot and it was pretty private. No facilities so be prepared to pack out what you pack in."

    "Highway noise might be an issue, but the privacy, birdsong, and pond make up for it."

    4. Mulberry Bend Wildlife Management Area

    6 Reviews
    Vermillion, SD

    "I tow a 20ft trailer Next to Vermilliom river. 1 picnic table, pit toilet, boat ramp. Easy to get to. Well maintained gravel road. No potable water. Walmart is 5.3 miles away."

    "I almost skipped this spot because people were complaining about it being roped off or closed, or it didn't look safe or whatever, and it couldn't be farther from the truth."

    5. Westshore Camping Area

    4 Reviews
    North Platte, NE
    Website
    +1 (308) 535-8025

    $10 - $30 / night

    "10$ for dispersed campsite first come first serve and great being by lake be prepared to hear all sorts of animals."

    6. Blue Hole Wildlife Management Area

    5 Reviews
    Kearney, NE

    "Nice place spot for two weeks close to highway but overall not bad spot"

    7. Pine Ridge Dispersed Camping

    4 Reviews
    Chadron, NE
    Website
    +1 (308) 432-0300

    "You actually have to drive through the State Park to access FR-714-A, and the park does not lock their gate overnight so access remains unrestricted."

    "Once you cross the cattle grate then you’re on forest service land but some of the possible pull offs have a “no motor vehicles” sign."

    8. Yankee hill wildlife management area

    3 Reviews
    Denton, NE

    "Near Lincoln Nebraska, quiet area, reported good fishing. Big gravel parking lot, good for overnights, max 3 days, no fees. some local traffic on weekends. No open fires."

    9. Cottonwood/Steverson Wildlife Management Area

    1 Review
    Merriman, NE

    "Has a boat ramp for lake access . Quiet area . No cell service."

    10. Bordeaux Wildlife Management Area

    2 Reviews
    Chadron, NE

    "The day I pulled in was 79° but there was a winter weather alert for the next day. Perfect place to ride out a snow storm coming through."

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Dispersed Camping Reviews in Nebraska

43 Reviews of 20 Nebraska Campgrounds

  • Marc G.The Dyrt PRO User
    May. 19, 2020

    Pine Ridge Dispersed Camping

    Gorgeous northwest Nebraska boondocking with a view

    We're in the midst of a week in our 26' travel trailer along this beautiful 1.5 mile-long dirt Forest Service road 714-A, directly above Chadron State Park. We're guessing that most folks who stay in the State Park campground below are unaware that dispersed camping is indeed permitted within 300 feet of the center line of this road, for even though the popular State Park campground remains closed for another day due to a delayed COVID-19 opening, and is booked solid thereafter, there's absolutely no one else camping up here!

    You actually have to drive through the State Park to access FR-714-A, and the park does not lock their gate overnight so access remains unrestricted. The road is in excellent shape and negotiable by any trailer or motorhome, but is only a single lane wide. We're 700 feet of elevation above the plains below, with stunning views stretching off to the horizon. Much of this area has burned in the past, but the area where we're camping is lush and grassy with some stately pines around. This isn't the Nebraska that you know!

    Cell service on Verizon is a solid 3+ bars - 54ms ping, 13.6 Mbps down, 3.5 Mbps up. The Verizon tower is visible about 5 miles to the south of our campsite.

    There are numerous hiking trails that depart from either end of FR-714-A, including some in the State Park. Fresh water, an RV dump and a camp store are all located within the park, along with an archery range, sledding hill, fishing pond, playgrounds, picnic areas and more.

    One star is deducted only because:

    • There are only a couple of sites that would work with a vehicle, for there's a well-hidden drainage ditch dug on each side of the road; and
    • There's a bit of daytime traffic due to people accessing the hiking trailhead at the end of the road. Vehicles are forced to camp right along the road, as any side spurs visible on satellite imagery have been marked "No motor vehicles" by the Forest Service. For tent campers, though, it's a short walk right to the rim of Pine Ridge for even more spectacular views.

    The phone number provided is for the Nebraska National Forest Pine Hill Ranger District in Chadron, in whose jurisdiction this road resides.

  • Fred S.The Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 20, 2024

    Bessey Dispersed, FR203 Circle Rd

    Quiet Dispersed Site off of Forest Road 203

    Free dispersed site. Coordinates: 41.82207,-100.31366. Camped here on Sept 6, 2024. Along Forest Road 203, on a short little used unnamed track which dead ends at a barb wire fence and gate. Campervan fit okay with some leveling was needed. Sandy, grassy base. No cell service. The drive down on the unpaved east side of FR 203 Bessey Circle Rd was okay; narrow is places, but no obstacles. There is a path next to the site which goes nowhere, but okay for a stroll. FR203 had some traffic on it due to hunting season. This was the only dispersed site that I found directly off of the east leg of Circle Road, FR203.  There was nothing remarkable about this site; just okay for an overnight stay. There are other dispersed campsites along FR201 further south. This forest road is being reconstructed toward Whitetail Campground; high clearance 4x4 is recommended as one travels closer to this campground.

  • Frana B.
    May. 16, 2021

    Bassway Strip State Wildlife Area

    Great overnight spot!

    Free. No facilities. Flat, established, wide dirt road. Multiple pull offs for camping, mostly flat. Cross a bridge to get there - dual axel limit 10 Tons. Trailer limit 23 Tons. Next to I-80 so some highway drone. Max of 3 days in 6 day period.

    Great overnight spot! Such a nice surprise to come across this camping spot. Thank you!

    (Photo is our vehicle parked for the night)

  • Maya H.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jul. 8, 2024

    Smiths Creek Recreational Area

    Safe and perfect for travelers using 80

    About 3 turns off the highway via dirt road. Very pretty, clean toilets, potable water, has picnic tables and grills. Definitely staying again on my way back east

  • RThe Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 1, 2025

    Smiths Creek Recreational Area

    Potable water and trash cans at this free campground

    There are trash cans and a water spigot at this free campground. It's nice and large where you can park a 40-foot RV if you'd like, even longer. And the state is 14 days.

    No gray water dump site. Use Love's instead. The dirt road coming in is a bit slippery when wet. We slid all over the road, but there's no potholes.

  • Evan N.
    Nov. 7, 2025

    Pine Ridge Dispersed Camping

    Great Views but no Privacy

    State Park is open 24 hours so entering and leaving the park is no problem. Once you cross the cattle grate then you’re on forest service land but some of the possible pull offs have a “no motor vehicles” sign.

    This leaves you with one or two small pull offs right off the road which would work for a car or van, or to stay at the trailhead at the end of the road if those are taken or you have a bigger rig. Being connected to the state park and a popular overlook, I heard some cars go by at night and in the early morning but nothing too bad. Great cell service as well.

    Amazing views to wake up to but as I said little to no privacy. Good for a night but wouldn’t set up camp here.

    I have included a list of other roads within the Pine Ridge Ranger District you are allowed to dispersed camp off of.

  • wThe Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 25, 2025

    Smiths Creek Recreational Area

    Perfect

    It was not far off the highway but no road noise. Great place for a free overnight camp.

  • Scout G.
    Aug. 14, 2022

    Bassway Strip State Wildlife Area

    Convenient gravel lot off 80

    Good for pulling off into while on a road trip. There's a road sign that marks it (not in the exact spot shown on map here). No facilities but less than 10 miles from the next rest stop. No one here on a busy travel Saturday when the rest stops were busy.

  • alicianlv The Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 28, 2025

    Westshore Camping Area

    Westshore Camping Area,

    Arrived about 7p and plenty site choices. Dispersed sites are in back area of reservoir (down long packed dirt road around perimeter of reservoir) short distance away from sites is water and with narrow sand beach. Nice for those fishing although not sure if fishing is restricted to certain areas. Only saw a few other sites occupied. Saw two vault toilets although didn't use --we have our own toilet. Cost was $14 for out of state plates, plus $10 for primitive site. Only "negative" is mosquitoes hence 3 stars but what can one expect so close to water?

Guide to Nebraska

Nebraska offers a variety of dispersed camping options for those looking to enjoy the great outdoors without the constraints of traditional campgrounds. From scenic views to unique wildlife experiences, there’s something for everyone.

Top Activities While Free Camping in Nebraska

Tips for Free and Dispersed Camping in Nebraska

  • Be prepared for minimal amenities at the Pine Ridge Dispersed Camping, where you can enjoy breathtaking views but should plan to pack out what you pack in.
  • For a convenient stop with basic facilities, consider the Smiths Creek Recreational Area, which offers clean toilets and potable water, making it a great choice for travelers.
  • If you're looking for a quiet spot away from the hustle, the Coot Shallows WMA provides a peaceful environment with fishing opportunities, though it may not be ideal for tent camping.

Dispersed Campers Should Check Out Gifford Point WMA

  • The Gifford Point WMA is a free option, but be aware that it may be closed during hunting season, so check accessibility before heading out.
  • For those seeking a more secluded experience, Loch Linda Wildlife Management Area offers a small parking area primarily used by hunters, making it a less crowded choice.
  • If you're traveling along Nebraska 20, the Bordeaux Wildlife Management Area provides ample parking and is conveniently located near amenities in Chadron.

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