Chimney Rock, Nebraska
Photo by: Gregory Runyan (Stock Exchange)

Good morning, campers!

AllCampgrounds is taking it to the next level today, looking at some of the best and brightest in national parks, monuments, trails, and rivers throughout Nebraska.

Being right at the heart of the journey for tens of thousands of pioneers and homesteaders in America’s wild frontier history, Nebraska is filled with historic trails and other signs of those thrilling, but dangerous adventures.

Not all campsites are convenient to these landmarks, and not all of them offer overnight options – so we’ve decided to delve a little deeper and give you as many different sites to check out as we can. As we know, there are always camp grounds somewhere, and finding ‘em is worth it!

Agate Fossil Beds: Though there are no overnight facilities in this exceedingly remote monument, it deserves to be mentioned as one of the most unique and interesting of Nebraska’s attractions. A cherished native site since time immemorial, the Agate Fossil Beds are home to some of the most complete ancient mammal remains in the world, now preserved in the form of a world-class museum. Around the grounds, there are also hiking trails to enjoy that bring you into the Niobrara River Valley. Speaking of which …

Niobrara National Scenic River: If you want to go tent camping around the Agate Fossil Beds, then you need to know about Niobrara National Scenic River. This is, without exaggeration, one of the richest, most diverse, and most breathtaking rivers anywhere in the U.S., known for a stunning diversity of local wildlife. Tubing, canoeing, and kayaking are not to be missed, but be aware that the shore is checkered with privately owned land; be careful to use public facilities and areas whenever possible. Though most of the cabin and camping facilities around here are private, you can find 23 camp grounds at Smith Falls State Park; all campsites at Smith Falls are primitive tent camping sites.

Homestead National Monument of America: This monument commemorates the legendary transit of thousands of ambitious frontier families touched off by the Homestead Act of 1862, a federal proclamation that offered free land to whoever had the gumption to go forth and settle it. There are so many things to do around the Monument that its caretakers have broken things down in a page titled “How Much Time Do You Have?” The monument is found west of the town of Beatrice, which itself is some 40 miles south of Lincoln and 180 miles from Omaha. Chataugua Park Campground and Oak Aven Acres are some of the nearby camping options.

Scotts Bluff National Monument: With more than 3,000 acres of amazing rock formations and outcropping rising dramatically from an otherwise flat prairie, Scotts Bluff has been a trail marker for hundreds of years. Terrific hiking opportunities abound here, and you can drive to the summit for a view you’ll remember for a lifetime. There’s also a convenient Summit Shuttle, powered by biodiesel – and once you get there, the Overlook Trail and South Overlook Trail provide picturesque views of the badlands. The Oregon Trail Museum and Visitor Center is also found on-site. Not surprisingly, you’ll probably want to camp out! Check Visit Scotts Bluff for information. RV camping can be found at Robidoux RV Park in Gering, only a block or so from the Monument border. Robidoux is run by the local government and gives very favorable daily and weekly rates.

Thunderstorm in the Nebraska sand hills
Photo by: Elke Edwards (Stock Exchange)

Today’s AllCampgrounds continues our rambling journey around Nebraska, building momentum on our quest to check out just about all campsites worth visiting.

Today we take to the trails with our friends in the RV lifestyle, looking at some of the top RV parks and campgrounds throughout the state.

There are quite a few, as you’d expect from a place where steppes and plains are still treasured and there to be enjoyed for all campers!

Holiday RV Park: Calling itself the “finest camping facility in Nebraska”, Holiday is serious about providing a warm and welcoming atmosphere. With 100 full-sized, grassy pull-through sites, you’ll be “made in the shade” at most (though not all) campsites here. There’s also clean restrooms and laundry facilities to use. A beautiful pool provides recreational opportunities, and you can enjoy free Wi-Fi on its decks or anywhere else around the camp grounds. A nice, straightforward place to be with some very affordable rates, located convenient to great fairs and attractions.

Chimney Rock Pioneer Crossing: A little slice of Nebraska’s wild pioneer history is here for your enjoyment, right on the way to the famous Chimney Rock, which marked the way west for adventurous travelers on the historic Oregon Trail. Just south of Bayard, this place offers plenty of full hookup, pull-through RV sites serviced by a fishing pond and “trading post” full of souvenirs the whole family will love. For a unique rustic experience, check out the tipi rentals! Tent camping is also welcome here.

Eagle Canyon Hideaway: Found on the shores of inviting Lake Conaughy, Eagle Canyon is a wonderland for fishing enthusiasts and hunters alike. The wildlife inhabiting this pristine lakefront and its nature trails reads like a laundry list of the most impressive game in the region: the lake itself is home to bass, trout, catfish, and many more, while the trails are known for a variety of fowl as well as the local deer. There’s a whole slew of interesting features and amenities here, so take a look – it’s not every day you see an RV park that’s also famous for its New York-style pizza and smothered burritos!

Fort McPherson Campground: Hidden just out of reach of I-80 near Maxwell, Nebraska, you’ll never know you’re so close to home at this quaint, yet full-service camp. Offering a playground, lodge, and cabins, McPherson is known to be friendly to your equine companions. Naturally, you’ll also find the ol’ standby features of most modern camp grounds, including wireless internet, coin-operated laundry, and a quality bathhouse with plenty of hot water to serve as your “camping bathroom.” True to life, the Fort McPherson Campground stands right on the historic site of its namesake fort.

Sunset Over Lake Marantha
Photo by: Dave Shields (Stock Exchange)

Welcome back, one and all, to the AllCampgrounds blog!

Continuing our journey across the United States, we reach the central plains, heading to the heart of cattle country, to visit Nebraska.

Just shy of the geographical center of the U.S., it’s a land dotted with small towns, often with no more than 1,000 residents.

The famous city of Omaha is the largest, but with a lot of wide open spaces come a lot of great tent camping opportunities, plus RV camping both near and far away from urban centers.

Now, let’s mosey through the area once called “Where the West Begins” and find a place to set up camp!

Buckley Park: Found near Stromsburg, Buckley Park is a preferred destination for those traveling across the scenic Highway 81 in Nebraska. A paradise for all kinds of camping, it features both a large ground for primitive tenting and a total of 34 RV electrical hookups. Buckley Park operates on a donation basis, with two-day stays provided free of charge – unfortunately, longer stays must be approved by the City Office. That said, though, the park is chock full of great, well-maintained features including a heated pool, covered dining pavilions, horseshoe complex, and more.

Broken Arrow Wilderness: Just north of Fullerton, Broken Arrow is set among beautiful oaks, framing the camp grounds and the historic “Lover’s Leap.” With plenty of wilderness trails crisscrossing the area around the Cedar River, you can enjoy a range of activities on land or in the current. Popular water sports include canoeing, kayaking, tubing, and tanking. Sportsmen (and women, of course!) can find thriving whitetail deer, turkey, and pheasant. If this is more your style, Broken Arrow has your back, with full hunting packages including your own guide, lodgings, and prepared meals.

Eugene T. Mahoney State Park: And where would we be if we didn’t mention some top state parks? Eugene T. Mahoney is open year ‘round (though some facilities are seasonal) and is one of the most modern parks in the entire state. There are a range of camp grounds to choose from, including Lakeside, which has free internet access. One of the most beloved features in the park is the esteemed Peter Kiewit Lodge, which can accommodate visitors in 40 lavish rooms, most with decks overlooking the Platte River. Families are encouraged to visit and enjoy the Aquatic Center, complete with water slides and wading pool. There’s even a small theater on the camp premises.

Fort Robinson State Park: Fort Robinson is probably the most famous of the state parks in Nebraska. The historic fort, standing since the pioneer days, has seen everything from the death of legendary warrior-chief Crazy Horse to World War II. In the present, it serves as the centerpiece of a popular public park that attracts visitors from far and wide to enjoy 22,000 acres of prime Pine Ridge wilderness. As is the custom in Nebraska’s historic parks, there’s a wide range of overnight options, including the facilities used by enlisted men in 1909! Fort Robinson is one of the most welcoming places around for horse riding, and there’s also a range of guided tours to choose from.