Oliver Reservoir State Recreation Area sits at 5,300 feet elevation, just across the Nebraska border from Pine Bluffs. The area experiences strong winds year-round and significant temperature variations between seasons, with summer highs often exceeding 90°F and winter lows frequently dropping below freezing. Dispersed camping opportunities around Pine Bluffs provide campers with greater isolation from other sites, though often with fewer amenities than established campgrounds.
What to do
Wildlife viewing opportunities: The Pawnee Buttes area offers excellent wildlife viewing with pronghorns and various prairie species visible throughout the day. One visitor noted, "We had a great swim, dinner and s'mores, and great sleep. The trains were frequent and kept some awake," at Oliver Reservoir State Recreation Area.
Hiking trails: Scotts Bluff National Monument provides accessible hiking trails with views of surrounding grasslands. A camper at Pawnee Buttes Dispersed Camping shared, "A few little pull offs with fire rings - very pretty scenery and nice sunsets / stargazing. No trees obviously because of the grassland, so no shade or wind protection."
Stargazing: The open prairie landscape creates ideal conditions for night sky observation with minimal light pollution. "Really beautiful but verrrry windy. My van rocked me to sleep every night. Overall peaceful and pretty," reported a visitor to Pawnee Buttes.
What campers like
Open spaces: The region's campsites typically provide substantial distance between sites, allowing for privacy. A reviewer at Pawnee Butte View commented, "The campsite features fire rings, though you will need to bring your own wood. The surroundings are characterized by lush grasslands, and the camping spots situated atop hills provide stunning views."
Affordable options: Several locations offer free or low-cost camping with basic amenities. One camper at Last Chance Camp shared, "This place was an unexpected treasure. There is open parking at the picnic tables so you can face any direction you want. Extremely private and spacious."
Animal encounters: Several area campgrounds feature wildlife viewing opportunities or ranch animals. "The entrance to the campground was a little tight for 35' fifth wheel. If you come in from the West prepare for wide turn," noted a visitor to AB Camping & RV Park.
What you should know
Weather conditions: Strong winds affect the entire region consistently throughout the year, making tent camping challenging. A camper at Pawnee Buttes Dispersed Camping advised, "It was very windy, especially at night (the wind rocked the car most of the night). It wasn't an issue for us sleeping in the car, but I wouldn't tent camp."
Train noise: Railroad tracks run through much of the area with regular freight traffic. At Pine Bluffs RV Resort, a visitor reported, "Small little place. Plenty of room between sites. Our site had a nice little grass area for our dog to play in. Laundry room was nice. Bathrooms were nice. Beware of sand spurs in the roadway. And the TRAINS…. All day and night. Kept waking us up at least 3 times every night."
Water access limitations: Most dispersed camping sites lack potable water access, requiring advance preparation. "This area includes a few trails for leisurely walks. This place serves as an excellent overnight stop for road-trippers, especially considering that it's free of charge," mentioned a reviewer at Pawnee Butte View.
Tips for camping with families
Dog-friendly campgrounds near Pine Bluffs: Most campgrounds welcome pets but have specific containment requirements. "Owners have a friendly dog which came by to visit and gave my dog some company," shared a camper at Last Chance Camp about this pet-friendly camping location near Pine Bluffs.
Insect considerations: Seasonal variations affect bug populations significantly. At Terry Bison Ranch, visitors can experience unique wildlife interactions as one camper noted, "Took the feed the bison train ride. Which was totally fun. Getting ready to go have a buffet at the ranch."
Activity planning: The region offers limited shade protection during summer months. "There is a playground attached to the property that has updated equipment that our sons enjoyed," mentioned a family staying at Robidoux RV Park.
Tips from RVers
Site leveling requirements: Many sites require minimal leveling assistance due to relatively flat terrain. A reviewer at WYO Campground reported, "Great host, Mike, and level sites. We stopped in about 3:30pm. The sign on the window said no vacancy. Mike, the host, came by as we were about to turn around and leave. He said someone had left early so we could have the site."
Road conditions: Access roads to dispersed camping locations may require higher clearance vehicles. "You have to drive for several miles on some bumpy roads, but my Ford transit handled it fine," shared a visitor to Pawnee Buttes Dispersed Camping.
Cell service reliability: Most areas maintain functional cellular connections for major carriers. "Consistent 3 bars 5G (AT&T). 200 Mbps down / 16 Mbps up," noted a camper detailing the connectivity at Pawnee Buttes Dispersed Camping, important information for those needing to stay connected while enjoying pet-friendly camping near Pine Bluffs.
