Chadron State Park, Chadron, Neb- Dubbed Nebraska's first State Park, it was founded in 1921 in the canyons and buttes of Nebraska's Pine Ridge. This beautiful get-away destination has six miles of trail.
For any of those who enjoy going on a hike, and another 4 mile trail for those who prefer a peaceful bike ride. It also contains amenities such as an archery range, cabins for renting, camp grounds, and paddle boating. Interested in fishing? The Chadron creek runs through the grounds which contain trout for anglers to catch.
22 cabins, 70 camping pads with 30-amp electrical hookups, as well as 18 primitive sites are spread out and available for rental. Cabins are filled with bedding, towels, stoves, other . Reservations for cabins and half of the electrical campsites can be made up to one year in advance.
Though this location has a lot to offer, it does take away from the traditional form of camping due to the immense availability of the home-comfort items. It is also advised to reserve spots early because they fill up quickly. For those who enjoy a more modern style of camping this is definitely the spot for you!
A park entry permit is required and available for purchase at the park, or statewide Game and Parks offices in advance of your arrival.
Contact Information:
Address: Chadron State Park | 15951 Hwy 385 | Chadron, NE 69337-7353 (9 miles south of Chadron) Phone: (308) 432-6167
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Niobrara State Park, Niobrara, Neb- Situated at the intersection of the Niobrara and Missouri rivers which offers visitors a variety of outdoor experiences. This scenic park offers cabins, both primitive and RV camping, picnicking, swimming, boat ramps, horseback trails, 14 miles of hiking trail, and fishing and wildlife watching opportunities. White-tailed deer and wild turkeys roam the park, and beavers, muskrats and minks can be found near the river.
This location is unique because of the mosasaurus palentological find, the first complete fossil of its kind found in Nebraska.
This site offers 20 cabins, and 30 primitive campsites overlooking the Niobrara and Missouri Rivers with grills, fire rings, and picnic tables. Tent camping sites are first-come, first-serve. Reservations may also be booked up to a year in advance. For those with RV's, Niobrara offers a campground with 76 30- and 50-amp electrical hookups.
A park entry permit is required and available for purchase at the park, or statewide Game and Parks offices in advance of your arrival.
Contact Information:
Address: Niobrara State Park | 89261 522 Ave. | Niobrara, NE 68760-6087 Phone: (402) 857-3373
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Pawnee State Recreation Area- One of my favorite places to go camping this past summer was Pawnee Sate Recreational Area. Located on the outskirts of the small town Emerald, Neb, it is Only a 25 minute drive from Crete or a 20 minute commute from Lincoln.
This park features 2,544 acres of outdoors to explore, 740 of which is water. Recreation opportunities at this park include prime fishing spots for white bass, walleye, largemouth bass, bluegill and two kinds of catfish. With three ramps and two docks available to use, any types of boats are also welcome to dive on into the lake. There is also six miles of trail for those who would like to hike, bike, or even ride their horse.
The cabins here are also a pet-friendly, charging a one-time $15 fee.
The area has 68 camping pads with electrical hookups, as well as 34 camping pads without electricity and 97 non-pad sites without electricity.
For those who like to be near the water while they camp, this is the place for you! Their are campsites right next to the lake which are protected by a rock-wall barrier. There's not much that beats waking up to a sunrise on the water on a cool, crisp morning with nothing to do.
A park entry permit is required and available for purchase at the park, or statewide Game and Parks offices in advance of your arrival.
Contact Information
Address: Pawnee SRA | 3900 NW 105th | Lincoln, NE 68524 Phone: (402) 796-2362