Established Camping
Windmill State Recreation Area Campground
Warning 1 Alert is In Effect
There is 1 alert for this campground. Camp safely!
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.
Windmill State Rec Area, near Gibbon, Nebraska, is a solid choice for those looking for a convenient stop while traveling. This campground offers spacious sites with electric hookups, making it a comfortable spot for RVs and tents alike.
Visitors appreciate the clean facilities, including restrooms and showers, which are a welcome relief after a long day on the road. The area features a small pond and a lake for swimming, along with trails perfect for dog walking, as one camper noted, “Nice trail around the outside that wove in and out of the trees for dog walking.”
If you're into fishing, there are several ponds nearby that can keep you entertained. The campground is also pet-friendly, so you can bring your furry friends along for the adventure. Just keep in mind that the sounds of the nearby highway can be noticeable, especially at night, but many find it manageable.
With easy access off I-80, Windmill State Rec Area is a practical option for a quick overnight stay or a weekend getaway. Whether you're just passing through or planning to stick around, this campground has the essentials to make your stay comfortable.
Description
State Park
Windmill State Rec Area
Windmill State Recreation Area is one of two highly developed areas operated by the Nebraska Game and Parks Commission in the state's unique "chain of lakes" along Interstate 80.
Situated at the Gibbon Interchange, between Kearney and Grand Island, It was once a stopping spot for early-day travelers. It still serves travelers today with modern camping facilities, several man-made lakes, and a fascinating assortment of antique windmills.
It draws its name from the locale, Windmill Crossing, where the Pawnee Indians forded the Platte River during their annual buffalo hunts. The old-time windmills that add so much to the character of the area were acquired in the early 1970's. They have all been restored to working order.
Attractions
Windmill is a 154 acre area with 14 acres in 6 ponds. Located conveniently off of I-80 at the Gibbon Interchange, Exit 285. It has an improved campground with electrical hook-ups and a modern shower/latrine building with laundry facilities available. Primitive tent camping, swimming beach, picnicking is also available.
Camping reservations may be made a minimum of three days in advance of arrival and a maximum of 180 days in advance of arrival.
CHECK IN AND OUT SCHEDULE- If you check out early, the unused portion of your payment will be forfeited.
Modern camping facilities are open (depending on weather conditions) beginning in May and normally through mid October. Camping is available year-round, including campsites with electricity. When modern facilities are closed, a winter rate camping fee is charged. There are picnic facilities, shelter houses and restrooms. Swimming is allowed only at the marked swimming beach. Change houses are provided.
Non Licensed motorized vehicles are not allowed in the areas.
Only one camping unit is allowed per campsite. An extra tent may be used for dependant children only. Quiet hours are from 10 p.m. to 6 a.m. Generators may not be operated during these hours. Pets are allowed, but they must be kept on a leash that is no longer than 6 feet. Campers staying over must re-register by 2 p.m. Check in time is 4 p.m. and check out time is 2 p.m. Campers must vacate their campsite no later than 2:00 p.m. on the date the camping reservation or registration expires. All persons entering the campground must be registered. Upon arrival, campers MUST have their camping equipment and be prepared to set up.
When a reservation is made one year to the date in advance, the arrival date must remain the same within that reservation. No cancellation of that arrival date is allowed.
A Nebraska State Park Permit is required to enter this park area. A Nebraska Licensed Vehicle Park Entry Permit is $30 for an Annual Permit, $15 for a Duplicate Annual Permit (used for that second vehicle in your family) or a Daily Permit which is $6 per day you are staying. A Non-Nebraska Licensed Vehicle Park Entry Permit is $60, $30 for a Duplicate Annual Permit or a Daily Permit which is $12 per day. You may purchase your Park Permit prior to your stay by shopping online at OutdoorNebraska.org. All vehicles entering a Nebraska Park Area are required to have a valid park entry permit.
Location
Windmill State Recreation Area Campground is located in Nebraska
Directions
From Gibbon, NE: 3 miles south, or Windmill SRA is located at the Gibbon I-80 Interchange #285.
Address
PO Box 427
Gibbon, NE 68840-0427
Coordinates
40.70700053 N
98.846 W
Access
- Drive-InPark next to your site
Stay Connected
- WiFiUnknown
- VerizonAvailable
- AT&TUnknown
- T-MobileUnknown
Site Types
- Tent Sites
- RV Sites
- Standard (Tent/RV)
Features
For Campers
- Picnic Table
- Reservable
- Showers
- Drinking Water
- Electric Hookups
- Toilets
- Alcohol
- Pets
- Fires
For Vehicles
- Sanitary Dump
- Sewer Hookups
- Water Hookups
- Pull-Through Sites
- 30 Amp Hookups
- 50 Amp Hookups
- Big Rig Friendly
Drive Time
- 30 min from Grand Island
- 1 hr 34 min from Lincoln
- 2 hrs 11 min from Omaha
- 3 hrs 24 min from Manhattan
