Camping in Nebraska: Best Nebraska Campgrounds 2024

United States
—
Nebraska

96% (960 reviews)

Popular camping styles for Nebraska

Dog-friendly getaways

Top camping destinations

E.T. Mahoney State Park

124 campgrounds

Nebraska National Forests and Grasslands

Platte River State Park

128 campgrounds

Indian Cave State Park

172 campgrounds

Under $50

100%

(27)

Cottonwood Creek Camp

2 sites · RVs, Tents5 acres · Lincoln, NE

We have a 5 acre paradise that is quiet, yet close to amenities. Located in south Lincoln near shopping, restaurants, and breweries. Our property has a small creek with walking path through meadows and forested area and here we operate Farmstead Flowers our small farming business. Cottonwood Creek Camp has Shady RV site or tent site. A peaceful place to stay during Husker game-day weekends. 6 minutes from Southpoint mall with shuttle to Memorial Stadium. Super Target and many other stores 5 minutes away. Disc golf and mini golf courses 2 miles away. Access to Bike trails via residential streets. Laundry for extra fee. Easy access off Highway 2 at the 68th/70th Street Exit.

Peaceful Prairie Campsites

23 sites · RVs, Tents200 acres · NE

Visit us and discover why Hipcamp named our property the best Hipcamp to Visit in Nebraska in 2024, and the two years before that. Located within 2 miles from Hwy 71, we're easy to find, easy to love, and easy to leave, according to hundreds of guests who have left positive recommendations... Peaceful Prairie Campsites consists of 200+ acres of prairie pasture bordering the south side of Scotts Bluff National Monument. Under the care of husband and wife team Frank Marquez and Lisa Betz-Marquez, the beautiful bluffs feature a rosy hue that glows on the hills at dawn and dusk. Tent sites (including pop up campers, car and camper vans but not RVs or pull-behind trailers) are located directly on the prairie. RV sites (all offering 50 amp electricity) are in a designated area on crushed concrete near our corral. All sites offer immediate foot access to hiking at various levels of challenge, including the south side of our nation's Scotts Bluff National Monument. Our 33-year-old sweetheart horse Tigger, is free roaming the area, and enjoys meeting campers. Tigger can be placed in another area if you would rather she didn't wander by for conversation. Prairie guests have relished the feeling of having the place to themselves to enjoy the majesty of the landscape, the magic of our starry night skies, and the delicious drinking water that comes from an aquifer deep underground. Lisa is the fourth generation of her family to live on Valley View Farm, located directly south of the prairie. Her family has been steward of these lands since 1925. Lisa is a member of a pioneer family. Ancestor, Martin Gering, came to the valley in 1887. As an early investor in the fledgling town, the town of Gering was named for him. If you're a history buff, ask Lisa to tell you more...

Little Rivers Edge RV Park and Camp

21 sites · RVs, Tents7 acres · Syracuse, NE

****We now have 50/30/20 amp hookups at each RV Site. *** City life from Lincoln and Omaha can feel a little tight sometimes. Little Rivers Edge is a wonderful spacious campground for the perfect weekend getaway being only 30 minutes down the road. Just a mile outside of Syracuse gives you all the convenience of the town without any of the crowded feeling. So...light a fire and play in the river! We hope you enjoy our little piece of heaven and meet some friends along the way.

Greenwood Acres

8 sites · RVs, Tents7 acres · Greenwood, NE

We purchased our acreage a few years ago and it was very neglected, inside the house and even outside. We are proud of all the work and progress we’ve made. While we still have some improvements to make on our house, the outside is quickly becoming our very own paradise. We have a garden, fruit trees, berry bushes and chickens. With advance notice I'm happy to give a tour of the property. If you prefer to tour on your own please do! On the back of our property we have a swimming pond with lots of little fish and frogs and other water creatures, all safe to swim with. During the warm months help yourself to the fun beach toys, paddle board and paddle boat. We simply ask you care for them like you would your own. There is also a large playground area in the trees, close to our house. Please don't hesitate to check it out and let your kiddos play on it! The garden area is on the south part of our property. You can help yourself to a few garden goods. There you'll also find a sand pit with tonka trucks for your kiddos to also enjoy. Hammocks can be found throughout the property in the shaded wooded area as well as picnic tables.

Seven Pines Ranch River Retreat

2 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents1270 acres · Seneca, NE

At the heart of the largest intact prairie grassland on the planet in the Nebraska Sandhills, Seven Pines Ranch hosts self-contained RV and tent camping along the Middle Loup River near Seneca. Great for kayaking (Two-Hour Kayak Adventures available), tubing, summer wading, fishing and abundant wildlife, the night skies are phenomenal. The area is designated as an international dark sky reserve. The camp amenities include water, firewood and an authentic outhouse on site. There’s plenty of open space for your pets to run. We only book one at a time, so you have the whole campsite to yourself.

12 top campgrounds in Nebraska

93%

(23)

Little Rivers Edge RV Park and Camp

21 sites · RVs, Tents7 acres · Syracuse, NE

****We now have 50/30/20 amp hookups at each RV Site. *** City life from Lincoln and Omaha can feel a little tight sometimes. Little Rivers Edge is a wonderful spacious campground for the perfect weekend getaway being only 30 minutes down the road. Just a mile outside of Syracuse gives you all the convenience of the town without any of the crowded feeling. So...light a fire and play in the river! We hope you enjoy our little piece of heaven and meet some friends along the way.

Arrowtree Campgrounds

5 sites · Lodging, Tents300 acres · Homer, NE

Nature at its finest! Come enjoy Homer's Arrowtree tents and cabins, just a short 20-minute drive south from Sioux City! Whether you want to rent them all or just one, we have Hickory, Hawthorne, and Hackberry tents available. If you desire more amenities than what a tent can offer, we also have two cabins: Cottonwood Cabin, a one-bedroom that sleeps 2, and Hillside Hideaway, which has two rooms and sleeps six. Our tents come equipped with propane heaters, outdoor shower bags, water coolers, firewood, bedding, and picnic tables for your convenience.

Greenwood Acres

8 sites · RVs, Tents7 acres · Greenwood, NE

We purchased our acreage a few years ago and it was very neglected, inside the house and even outside. We are proud of all the work and progress we’ve made. While we still have some improvements to make on our house, the outside is quickly becoming our very own paradise. We have a garden, fruit trees, berry bushes and chickens. With advance notice I'm happy to give a tour of the property. If you prefer to tour on your own please do! On the back of our property we have a swimming pond with lots of little fish and frogs and other water creatures, all safe to swim with. During the warm months help yourself to the fun beach toys, paddle board and paddle boat. We simply ask you care for them like you would your own. There is also a large playground area in the trees, close to our house. Please don't hesitate to check it out and let your kiddos play on it! The garden area is on the south part of our property. You can help yourself to a few garden goods. There you'll also find a sand pit with tonka trucks for your kiddos to also enjoy. Hammocks can be found throughout the property in the shaded wooded area as well as picnic tables.

Seven Pines Ranch River Retreat

2 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents1270 acres · Seneca, NE

At the heart of the largest intact prairie grassland on the planet in the Nebraska Sandhills, Seven Pines Ranch hosts self-contained RV and tent camping along the Middle Loup River near Seneca. Great for kayaking (Two-Hour Kayak Adventures available), tubing, summer wading, fishing and abundant wildlife, the night skies are phenomenal. The area is designated as an international dark sky reserve. The camp amenities include water, firewood and an authentic outhouse on site. There’s plenty of open space for your pets to run. We only book one at a time, so you have the whole campsite to yourself.

Peaceful Prairie Campsites

23 sites · RVs, Tents200 acres · NE

Visit us and discover why Hipcamp named our property the best Hipcamp to Visit in Nebraska in 2024, and the two years before that. Located within 2 miles from Hwy 71, we're easy to find, easy to love, and easy to leave, according to hundreds of guests who have left positive recommendations... Peaceful Prairie Campsites consists of 200+ acres of prairie pasture bordering the south side of Scotts Bluff National Monument. Under the care of husband and wife team Frank Marquez and Lisa Betz-Marquez, the beautiful bluffs feature a rosy hue that glows on the hills at dawn and dusk. Tent sites (including pop up campers, car and camper vans but not RVs or pull-behind trailers) are located directly on the prairie. RV sites (all offering 50 amp electricity) are in a designated area on crushed concrete near our corral. All sites offer immediate foot access to hiking at various levels of challenge, including the south side of our nation's Scotts Bluff National Monument. Our 33-year-old sweetheart horse Tigger, is free roaming the area, and enjoys meeting campers. Tigger can be placed in another area if you would rather she didn't wander by for conversation. Prairie guests have relished the feeling of having the place to themselves to enjoy the majesty of the landscape, the magic of our starry night skies, and the delicious drinking water that comes from an aquifer deep underground. Lisa is the fourth generation of her family to live on Valley View Farm, located directly south of the prairie. Her family has been steward of these lands since 1925. Lisa is a member of a pioneer family. Ancestor, Martin Gering, came to the valley in 1887. As an early investor in the fledgling town, the town of Gering was named for him. If you're a history buff, ask Lisa to tell you more...

Cottonwood Creek Camp

2 sites · RVs, Tents5 acres · Lincoln, NE

We have a 5 acre paradise that is quiet, yet close to amenities. Located in south Lincoln near shopping, restaurants, and breweries. Our property has a small creek with walking path through meadows and forested area and here we operate Farmstead Flowers our small farming business. Cottonwood Creek Camp has Shady RV site or tent site. A peaceful place to stay during Husker game-day weekends. 6 minutes from Southpoint mall with shuttle to Memorial Stadium. Super Target and many other stores 5 minutes away. Disc golf and mini golf courses 2 miles away. Access to Bike trails via residential streets. Laundry for extra fee. Easy access off Highway 2 at the 68th/70th Street Exit.

95%

(19)

Papa Moon Vineyards Winery Cidery

1 site · RV300 acres · Scottsbluff, NE

Learn more about this land:Enjoy the winery and cider house with locally made foods and craft beverages. Walking paths and patios to view the Nebraska countryside. Kid friendly swing sets and yard games. Watch the wonderful Nebraska wild life and the beautiful sunsets the Nebraska prairie provides. Wonderful views of the city without all the noise.

95%

(22)

Omaha Campsite

2 sites · RVs, Tents3 acres · Ashland, NE

Small family campground (35 feet or less in length) near Omaha Nebraska with interstate access (I-80, Exit 426) offering extended stay site availability. Rural setting offers peace and quiet at the end of the day and a campground tailoring to the traveling professional. NO concrete all rural and natural with limestone roads. 50/30/20Amp service and water at all sites with weekly tank dumps if needed.

100%

(5)

Crazy Rayz

40 sites · RVs, Tents36 acres · Ericson, NE

Located along the beautiful Cedar River with easy access right off hwy 281, we offer primitive camping as well enough space for hiking, fishing, bird watching, and plenty of other activities along with tanking, tubing, kayaking, and canoeing. Whether it be enjoying our abundance of wildlife that also appreciates the diversity of the property, cooling off in the swimming hole, or casting a line, we have plenty to offer here at Crazy Rayz.

100%

(4)

DOUBLE NICKEL CAMPGROUND

35 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents18 acres · Waco, NE

WELCOME TO THE DOUBLE NICKEL CAMPGROUNDWe're So glad you found us!About Our CampgroundWe Are Open Seasonally From April 15 to Oct. 18.We are a family owned and -operated campground in Waco, Nebraska. We take pride in our campground, and it shows. Whether you're looking for a restful night after a long travel day or a relaxing weekend with the family, we've got you covered!Most of our campground is pull-thru, so there is no need to worry about backing up. Got a big rig? No problem! We've got plenty of spacious sites to accommodate you, many over 100 ft. long! We offer all full-hookup (50/30/20) RV sites and grassy tent sites. AMENITIESWhat do we have to offer to our guests? Lots!-CLEAN restrooms, showers, and laundry. Friendly staff ready to assist. -Playground, basketball court, mini-golf course, pool, arcade, horseshoes, gaga ball, and volleyball! -Two off-leash dog parks-Fast WiFi is available throughout the park. -Trash pickup at your site. -Firewood delivered to your site $6 bundle and Ice, for $3 per 8lb bag. -Free coffee during office hours. -Themed weekends! -FREE crafts for the kids on most Summer Saturday afternoons and outdoor movies on Saturday nights. -A climate controlled recreation room available to rent for groups. -A large, underground storm shelter. -The latest in surveillance technology and license plate reader to actively manage and monitor our public spaces.-Gated entrances to ensure your safety.ATTRACTIONS NEAR THE DOUBLE NICKEL CAMPGROUND:Sandy Meadows Golf Course - Located right next door! Come camp and walk to the Waco Nebraska golf course!Smith Creek Recreation Area and Recharge Lake - Fishing only a few miles away.Lee's Legendary Marble Museum - Come find your marbles in York! Houses one of the largest marble collections in the world!Wessels Living History Farm - A wonderful living history and learning farm for all ages!York Convention CenterA LITTLE FARTHER AWAY BUT WORTH THE DRIVE!Henderson Mennonite Heritage ParkIndian Cave State ParkHenry Doorly Zoo in Omaha - One of the best zoos in the world!Arbor Day Farm in Nebraska CityBirthplace of Koolaid in HastingsHomestead National Monument of AmericaADDITIONAL THINGS TO DO NEAR DOUBLE NICKEL CAMPGROUND INCLUDE:York Area Children's Museum - a fun children's museum located in York, NEPioneers Park Nature Center - a nature preserve and wildlife refugeNebraska History Museum - a history museum full of cultural artifactsClayton Museum of Ancient History - a history museum on the York College campusThe University of Nebraska State Museum - a natural history museumInternational Quilt Study Center & Museum - modern museum with a numerous amount of quiltsLincoln Children's Zoo - Lincoln park zoo is fun for the whole family.LOCAL RESTAURANTSDon't feel like cooking? Many food choices within a fifteen-minute drive!•In Waco (Exit 360)•Hunters Bar and Lounge •One exit away in York (Exit 353)•Chances "R"•China Buffet•Golden Gate Express•La Cocina Mexican Restaurant•The Kitchen•The Iron Skillet•Applebees•Huddle House•Runza•Valentinos•Pizza Hut•Dairy Queen•McDonalds•Arby's•Wendy's•Taco Johns•Burger King

99%

(51)

Lake Mac Camping

7 sites · RVs, Tents146 acres · Keystone, NE

Secluded river front camping 6 miles from Lake Mac. On the banks of the North Platte River enjoy private campsites away from the crowds and busy campgrounds. The river allows for various recreational activities. Bring your kayak, canoe or fishing gear. Enjoy starry nights under a clear sky and abundant wildlife viewing opportunities. You pick your view, we can offer riverside or pasture locations. Whether you like to be right off the main gravel road, or down the path less taken, we've got an option for you.

88%

(4)

Cuzn Eddyz Campground

37 sites · RVs, Tents10 acres · Merna, NE

WELCOME TO MERNA NEBRASKA At Cuzn Eddyz we want to offer a place for you and your family to stop and have a relaxing vacation away from the hustle and bustle of daily life. Enjoy the picturesque windmill display and the baseball field where you can play under the lights. We hope that you will enjoy your stay and want to return to our campground in the future. Cuzn Eddyz is located just off the junction of Highway 2 and 92 at Merna, Nebraska in the heart of the sandhills. It is a quick 10 mile drive to Broken Bow that has several eating and bar establishments. It is also close to Anselmo, Arnold, Callaway and Sargent Nebraska. We have 17 full hookup sites at our campground. Of these, 8 will be pull through and 9 will be back in. There will be unlimited places for primitive tent camping. If no tent sites show just call us directly and we will get you a tent spot.

Star Hosts in Nebraska

95%

(19)

Papa Moon Vineyards Winery Cidery

1 site · RV300 acres · Scottsbluff, NE

Learn more about this land:Enjoy the winery and cider house with locally made foods and craft beverages. Walking paths and patios to view the Nebraska countryside. Kid friendly swing sets and yard games. Watch the wonderful Nebraska wild life and the beautiful sunsets the Nebraska prairie provides. Wonderful views of the city without all the noise.

Cottonwood Creek Camp

2 sites · RVs, Tents5 acres · Lincoln, NE

We have a 5 acre paradise that is quiet, yet close to amenities. Located in south Lincoln near shopping, restaurants, and breweries. Our property has a small creek with walking path through meadows and forested area and here we operate Farmstead Flowers our small farming business. Cottonwood Creek Camp has Shady RV site or tent site. A peaceful place to stay during Husker game-day weekends. 6 minutes from Southpoint mall with shuttle to Memorial Stadium. Super Target and many other stores 5 minutes away. Disc golf and mini golf courses 2 miles away. Access to Bike trails via residential streets. Laundry for extra fee. Easy access off Highway 2 at the 68th/70th Street Exit.

Seven Pines Ranch River Retreat

2 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents1270 acres · Seneca, NE

At the heart of the largest intact prairie grassland on the planet in the Nebraska Sandhills, Seven Pines Ranch hosts self-contained RV and tent camping along the Middle Loup River near Seneca. Great for kayaking (Two-Hour Kayak Adventures available), tubing, summer wading, fishing and abundant wildlife, the night skies are phenomenal. The area is designated as an international dark sky reserve. The camp amenities include water, firewood and an authentic outhouse on site. There’s plenty of open space for your pets to run. We only book one at a time, so you have the whole campsite to yourself.

Peaceful Prairie Campsites

23 sites · RVs, Tents200 acres · NE

Visit us and discover why Hipcamp named our property the best Hipcamp to Visit in Nebraska in 2024, and the two years before that. Located within 2 miles from Hwy 71, we're easy to find, easy to love, and easy to leave, according to hundreds of guests who have left positive recommendations... Peaceful Prairie Campsites consists of 200+ acres of prairie pasture bordering the south side of Scotts Bluff National Monument. Under the care of husband and wife team Frank Marquez and Lisa Betz-Marquez, the beautiful bluffs feature a rosy hue that glows on the hills at dawn and dusk. Tent sites (including pop up campers, car and camper vans but not RVs or pull-behind trailers) are located directly on the prairie. RV sites (all offering 50 amp electricity) are in a designated area on crushed concrete near our corral. All sites offer immediate foot access to hiking at various levels of challenge, including the south side of our nation's Scotts Bluff National Monument. Our 33-year-old sweetheart horse Tigger, is free roaming the area, and enjoys meeting campers. Tigger can be placed in another area if you would rather she didn't wander by for conversation. Prairie guests have relished the feeling of having the place to themselves to enjoy the majesty of the landscape, the magic of our starry night skies, and the delicious drinking water that comes from an aquifer deep underground. Lisa is the fourth generation of her family to live on Valley View Farm, located directly south of the prairie. Her family has been steward of these lands since 1925. Lisa is a member of a pioneer family. Ancestor, Martin Gering, came to the valley in 1887. As an early investor in the fledgling town, the town of Gering was named for him. If you're a history buff, ask Lisa to tell you more...

Greenwood Acres

8 sites · RVs, Tents7 acres · Greenwood, NE

We purchased our acreage a few years ago and it was very neglected, inside the house and even outside. We are proud of all the work and progress we’ve made. While we still have some improvements to make on our house, the outside is quickly becoming our very own paradise. We have a garden, fruit trees, berry bushes and chickens. With advance notice I'm happy to give a tour of the property. If you prefer to tour on your own please do! On the back of our property we have a swimming pond with lots of little fish and frogs and other water creatures, all safe to swim with. During the warm months help yourself to the fun beach toys, paddle board and paddle boat. We simply ask you care for them like you would your own. There is also a large playground area in the trees, close to our house. Please don't hesitate to check it out and let your kiddos play on it! The garden area is on the south part of our property. You can help yourself to a few garden goods. There you'll also find a sand pit with tonka trucks for your kiddos to also enjoy. Hammocks can be found throughout the property in the shaded wooded area as well as picnic tables.

Available this weekend

98%

(340)

Peaceful Prairie Campsites

23 sites · RVs, Tents200 acres · NE

Visit us and discover why Hipcamp named our property the best Hipcamp to Visit in Nebraska in 2024, and the two years before that. Located within 2 miles from Hwy 71, we're easy to find, easy to love, and easy to leave, according to hundreds of guests who have left positive recommendations... Peaceful Prairie Campsites consists of 200+ acres of prairie pasture bordering the south side of Scotts Bluff National Monument. Under the care of husband and wife team Frank Marquez and Lisa Betz-Marquez, the beautiful bluffs feature a rosy hue that glows on the hills at dawn and dusk. Tent sites (including pop up campers, car and camper vans but not RVs or pull-behind trailers) are located directly on the prairie. RV sites (all offering 50 amp electricity) are in a designated area on crushed concrete near our corral. All sites offer immediate foot access to hiking at various levels of challenge, including the south side of our nation's Scotts Bluff National Monument. Our 33-year-old sweetheart horse Tigger, is free roaming the area, and enjoys meeting campers. Tigger can be placed in another area if you would rather she didn't wander by for conversation. Prairie guests have relished the feeling of having the place to themselves to enjoy the majesty of the landscape, the magic of our starry night skies, and the delicious drinking water that comes from an aquifer deep underground. Lisa is the fourth generation of her family to live on Valley View Farm, located directly south of the prairie. Her family has been steward of these lands since 1925. Lisa is a member of a pioneer family. Ancestor, Martin Gering, came to the valley in 1887. As an early investor in the fledgling town, the town of Gering was named for him. If you're a history buff, ask Lisa to tell you more...

Arrowtree Campgrounds

5 sites · Lodging, Tents300 acres · Homer, NE

Nature at its finest! Come enjoy Homer's Arrowtree tents and cabins, just a short 20-minute drive south from Sioux City! Whether you want to rent them all or just one, we have Hickory, Hawthorne, and Hackberry tents available. If you desire more amenities than what a tent can offer, we also have two cabins: Cottonwood Cabin, a one-bedroom that sleeps 2, and Hillside Hideaway, which has two rooms and sleeps six. Our tents come equipped with propane heaters, outdoor shower bags, water coolers, firewood, bedding, and picnic tables for your convenience.

Cottonwood Creek Camp

2 sites · RVs, Tents5 acres · Lincoln, NE

We have a 5 acre paradise that is quiet, yet close to amenities. Located in south Lincoln near shopping, restaurants, and breweries. Our property has a small creek with walking path through meadows and forested area and here we operate Farmstead Flowers our small farming business. Cottonwood Creek Camp has Shady RV site or tent site. A peaceful place to stay during Husker game-day weekends. 6 minutes from Southpoint mall with shuttle to Memorial Stadium. Super Target and many other stores 5 minutes away. Disc golf and mini golf courses 2 miles away. Access to Bike trails via residential streets. Laundry for extra fee. Easy access off Highway 2 at the 68th/70th Street Exit.

Little Rivers Edge RV Park and Camp

21 sites · RVs, Tents7 acres · Syracuse, NE

****We now have 50/30/20 amp hookups at each RV Site. *** City life from Lincoln and Omaha can feel a little tight sometimes. Little Rivers Edge is a wonderful spacious campground for the perfect weekend getaway being only 30 minutes down the road. Just a mile outside of Syracuse gives you all the convenience of the town without any of the crowded feeling. So...light a fire and play in the river! We hope you enjoy our little piece of heaven and meet some friends along the way.

Seven Pines Ranch River Retreat

2 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents1270 acres · Seneca, NE

At the heart of the largest intact prairie grassland on the planet in the Nebraska Sandhills, Seven Pines Ranch hosts self-contained RV and tent camping along the Middle Loup River near Seneca. Great for kayaking (Two-Hour Kayak Adventures available), tubing, summer wading, fishing and abundant wildlife, the night skies are phenomenal. The area is designated as an international dark sky reserve. The camp amenities include water, firewood and an authentic outhouse on site. There’s plenty of open space for your pets to run. We only book one at a time, so you have the whole campsite to yourself.

Nearby parks

Explore the area’s public lands.

100%

(3)

Platte River State Park

South Bend, Nebraska

90%

(5)

E.T. Mahoney State Park

Ashland, Nebraska

90%

(5)

Nebraska National Forests and Grasslands

Indian Cave State Park

Barada, Nebraska

Chadron State Park

Chadron, Nebraska

Fort Robinson State Park

Crawford, Nebraska

Wilson Island State Recreation Area

Iowa

Chief White Crane Recreation Area

South Dakota

Ponca State Park

Ponca, Nebraska

Camping in Nebraska guide

Overview

Smack in the heart of the Midwest, Nebraska is characterized by large expanses of prairie, massive lakes and reservoirs, and more than its fair share of unusual rock formations. It’s a great place to head if you want to feel like nobody else is around you, as most of the Nebraska population is concentrated in cities such as Omaha and Lincoln. While the many state parks and recreational areas certainly draw crowds on summer weekends, Nebraska has a certain stillness about it that attracts those seeking a quiet camping experience.

Where to go

The Nebraska Panhandle

Northwestern Nebraska's sparsely populated panhandle is home to a mix of wide-open expanses of grasslands and unusual geologic features, a couple of which—namely Scotts Bluff and Agate Fossil Beds—have been preserved as national monuments by the National Park Service. Popular camping areas include Chadron State Park and Toadstool Geologic Park, which gets its name for its mushroom-shaped rock formations.

Central Nebraska

Central Nebraska is characterized by a mix of expansive grasslands and pioneer-era sites, with plenty of ways to experience the great outdoors. The Sandhills area is home to the Niobara National Scenic River, a popular spot to kayak and innertube in the hot summer months. Other highlights include the Massacre Canyon Monument, which marks the site of a battle between the Sioux and Pawnee people. Many of the region’s lakes and reservoirs also have campgrounds, including the adjacent Lake McConaughy and Lake Ogallala State Recreation Areas, as well as the Victoria Springs State Recreation Area and Medicine Creek State Recreation Area.

Eastern Nebraska

Much of Nebraska's best camping is in the northeastern corner of the state, owing largely to its proximity to the Missouri River—Indian Cave State Park is a particularly fun spot to explore. Birders should check out DeSoto National Wildlife Refuge, which provides a rest area for ducks and geese during their fall migration. Eastern Nebraska is also a great place to learn about the Indigenous people of the region, particularly in Niobrara, home to the Ponca Tribal Museum and the Ponca Educational Trail and Earthlodge. Ponca State Park’s developed and primitive camping make for great boating, swimming, and wildlife spotting.

Omaha Surrounds

Nebraska's closest thing to a big city, Omaha offers a mix of indoor and outdoor attractions, from the botanical displays and natural areas at the Lauritzen Gardens to the Joslyn Art Museum, which features works from the likes of Titian and Renoir. Omaha is also a good base for getting to state parks along the Platte River, including Mahoney State Park and Platte River State Park.