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.

Mt. Rushmore
Photo by: Jaclyn Twidwell (Stock Exchange)

Thanks for dropping by AllCampgrounds! For years now, Mount Rushmore National Park has been the host of one of the greatest Fourth of July fireworks displays anywhere in the United States. And though that particular display is in doubt for 2010, there’s still no better place I can think of to spend the nation’s birthday than under the gaze of some of its most accomplished presidents, the man-made sculptural marvel that “put Rushmore on the map” and draws people to its amazing surroundings. Let’s talk Mount Rushmore!

A Little History

Just how did all those guys end up on top of that mountain? Getting Washington, Jefferson, Roosevelt and Lincoln to these famous South Dakota peaks, over 5,500 feet high, was no mean feat. The idea was first thought up by, not surprisingly, a historian: Doane Robinson, who, in 1923, came up with it as a plan to drive tourism in South Dakota. Noted sculptor Gutzon Borglum was brought in on the project and chose the location; and it was President Coolidge whose input shaped the figures to be depicted.

With a crew of over 400 workers, Borglum worked for 13 years to complete the monument, under the supervision of Congress. In 1933, the National Park Service moved in to protect the area, but it wasn’t until late October in 1941 that the work was finally completed. Despite the amazing scope, challenges, and complexity of the project, nobody died in the labor, and the final bill came in just under $1 million – though, adjusted to today’s terms, that’s still a pretty penny! Rushmore has enticed tourists ever since; good job, Doane and company!

Tent Camping and RV Camping Parks Near Rushmore

The thing to remember about Rushmore is that there are no camp grounds or overnight RV facilities in the vicinity of the “big show”, the Rushmore Memorial itself. Luckily, there are plenty of camping opportunities nearby! Any of the sites listing below offer ultra-convenient camping near Mt. Rushmore, and some even provide shuttle service or tours.

Palmer Gulch: The Lodge at Palmer Gulch is a Kampgrounds of America location, one of the most developed and popular in that great franchise. It has 500 total tent camping and RV sites, including 50-amp sites with full hookup. There are over 50 cabins, a variety of lodge rooms, and even six “executive lodges” serviced by three meeting rooms. As for the amenities, you can enjoy a restaurant, two sets of pools, a water slide, mini-golf, and of course, nightly shuttles to Mt. Rushmore itself.

Rush-No-More RV Park: Offering full hookups at 30 or 50 amps and luxury sites stocked with gas grill, patio, and even hot tubs, Rush-No-More is a top-rated vacation destination right on the edge of the local national forest. “Weekly steak night”, free wireless internet and even a guest computer you can use at your leisure round out the special features. If you don’t feel like bringing the ol’ RV, cabins range from spartan sleepers all the way up to luxury surroundings worthy of a honeymoon.

Fort Wellkit Family Campground: Black Hills RV has a great assortment of tent camping sites on a range of trails and forested areas. Your RV is welcome in “big rig” sites that are just as versatile, with 50 amp pull-through accommodations. Fort Wellkit is convenient to horse riding at Custer State Park or National Forest, and of course, within a short journey of Rushmore. The camp grounds are known for their proximity to roaming buffalo, a hallmark of the American west that was very nearly wiped out.

Heartland Campground: At the “heart” of some of the area’s greatest attractions, this park is the host of the annual Sturgis motorcycle rally, which will be celebrating its historic 70th run in mid-August. Its facilities include 140 RV sites providing 20, 30, and 50 amp service, 10 sites that are over 75 feet long, and 16 cabins. For tent campers, there are 50 individual sites Everyone can enjoy cable TV, Internet, hot tub, and free swimming pool.

View of the Smoky Mountains from Tennessee
Photo by: Rene Kelley (Stock Exchange)

Good day!

Today’s AllCampgrounds blog will introduce our new National Park Spotlight feature as we move into the Great Smoky Mountains.

Around here, we think it’s pretty great that some of the most majestic natural features in the U.S. are on protected land for everyone to enjoy, so we’d like to highlight some of the best national parks.

And where better to begin than the state we’ve been touring lately, Tennessee?

Naturally, Great Smoky Mountains National Park offers some of the best camping opportunities in the foothills of this picturesque range. Though it’s not the oldest national park around, its unique blend of an incredible array of animal life, breathtaking hiking opportunities, and welcoming mountain culture has come together to make it the most visited national park in the United States.

The inception of Smoky Mountains as a public park dates back to 1926. Though it was declared by Congress in that year, there was no federally owned land in the area that could serve as the “seed” of the park. The beauty of the Smoky Mountains summoned up a lot of financial support in a very short time, including a sizeable contribution by legendary industrialist John D. Rockefeller. In the 1930s, the land was developed by the Civilian Conservation Corps, and by the mid-1970s, the park was attracting international recognition. It was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1983.

All About Smoky Mountains Camp Grounds and Activities

With about 500 miles of trails appropriate for visitors from beginner to advanced, Great Smoky is a paradise for hikers, inviting you to experience closeness with the local wildlife on dozens of backcountry and developed trails. There are ten separate locations filled with developed camp grounds, all of which include restrooms: but sorry, RV fans, there are no electrical or water hookups to be found anywhere in the park. Frontcountry camp grounds can be reserved from May 15th to October 31st. See the Frontcountry Camping Fee Schedule and park maps for more information.

Many of the most challenging and rewarding trails in the park traverse the backcountry, and might require at least an overnight stay in “primitive” camp grounds and shelters. The Backcountry Camping Map comes in handy here, and also marks off the locations of all official trails. Backcountry permits are free, but some sites require advance reservation. Also be aware that, though you can have an amazing time in the backcountry, there are some specific restrictions: no tent camping, no pets, and fairly strict regulations on the amount of time you can spend at individual shelters or sites.

A Reminder to Be Bear-Aware

An earlier post discussed bear safety, but this is particularly important around the Smoky Mountains since its entire extent, pretty much, is black bear country. In short, it’s never appropriate to assume you’re completely “in the clear” with bears in this area. That means everyone needs to take precautions and know just what a bear is all about. Though they can’t see very well, the American Black Bear has some surprising talents: they can swim and climb trees, and even at a hefty 500 lbs, they run about 30 miles per hour at full tilt. Check out the previous post on bears, and consult with the local ranger station for the latest warnings before you venture out for the day.