The best camping near Agate Fossil Beds National Monument

Discover the most magical spots to pitch your tent or park your rig on your next Agate Fossil Beds National Monument adventure.

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Peaceful Prairie Campsites

20 sites · RVs, Tents200 acres · NE
Visit us and discover why Hipcamp named this property the best Hipcamp to visit in Nebraska for the past three years. 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 third generation steward, Lisa Betz-Marquez, the beautiful bluffs feature a stunning backdrop to a those seeking a private and peaceful experience, birding, wildlife-spotting, or an adventure-seeking hike. Rustic Tent sites (allowing cars, vans, rooftop tents, truck campers, and motorcycles, but not RVs or pull-behind trailers) are located directly on the prairie. The prairie is a fragile environment. To preserve its beauty and health, trailers and RVs must book the RV sites. We appreciate your cooperation. RV sites 50 amp electricity and a rustic experience on crushed concrete near our corral. You'll have foot access just steps from the prairie. All sites share access to delicious potable water, a clean porta potty, and a funky outdoor camp shower, as well as private foot access to hiking at various levels of challenge to the south side of our nation's Scotts Bluff National Monument. A small group of yearling cattle are at home on the prairie in summer months, and may share you the prairie tent area with campers in the months of May and June. 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 soulful communion with the land. 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...
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$40.50
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The best camping near Agate Fossil Beds National Monument guide

Overview

About

Get up close and personal with 20-million-year-old fossils at Agate Fossil Beds. This high-plains monument has 4 miles of trails and a huge collection of artifacts.

Hit the trails to see where ancient creatures once roamed the plains. Hop on the Daemonlix trail for a walk to strange twisted formations rising from the earth. Though their name—Devil's Corkscrew—is alarming, these swirls are harmless. They were once burrows for little creatures called paleocastors, the ancestor of the beaver. On the Fossil Hills Trail, check out 1900s-era excavation sites. Here, you can see where bone-hunters found massive "Miocene monsters". The craziest? The Daphoenodon, which was part bear, part dog. Or maybe that would be the terrifying Dinohyus, better known as the hell pig.

After your hike, head to the monument's museum. It has more than 500 Plains Indians artifacts collected by rancher James Cook. Among them are gifts from legendary Lakota Chief, Red Cloud. Buckskin suits and painted hides are among the treasures.

There are plenty of camping areas within 10 miles of the fossil beds. The Nebraska high plains offer everything from primitive spots to luxurious RV amenities. This is ranch country, so be on the lookout for cowboys and cattle.

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