There’s something to be said for modern RV parks and campgrounds where you can stay in your own space and watch your favorite DVDs after the sun goes down. But for the real nature-loving camper, there’s nothing like a tent, a campfire, the outdoors, and basically nothing else. These campgrounds offer some of the best primitive camping sites in the state.
- Victoria Springs State Recreation Area, near Anselmo, Custer County
flickr/John Lillis As the third-oldest location in the state park system, Victoria Springs has been providing a place for fun and recreation since 1925. Although the area is no longer known for its therapeutic mineral springs, the 60-acre spot is known for its abundant natural beauty.Victoria Springs offers 60 non-pad camping sites without electricity. Get more information here.
- Lake McConaughy, Keith County
flickr/Vicki Watkins There are actually several campgrounds around Lake McConaughy, but we think there’s nothing quite like camping right on the beach. Can you imagine how relaxing it would be to fall asleep to the sound of the gently lapping water?For a list of primitive campsites and a park map, click here.
- Sherman Reservoir State Recreation Area, Near Loup City, Sherman County
flickr/J. Stephen Conn Sherman Reservoir is beloved for its ample fishing opportunities, and what better way to make a fishing trip truly great than to camp on site? There are 360 non-pad camping sites here with no electricity, so you can pretty much choose the spot that suits you and plant your stakes. Get more information about Sherman Reservoir here.
- Indian Cave State Park, near Brownville, Nemaha County
flickr/Dick Clark This is one of the most pristine wilderness areas in eastern Nebraska, and it’s truly a sight to behold. These primitive camping sites really are primitive - you may even forget how close you are to civilization. There are many primitive camping spots here, and even if you forget your tent you can spend a night in one of the bare-bones Adirondack shelters. Get more info here.
- Chimney Rock Pioneer Crossing, Bayard, Morrill County
Chimney Rock Pioneer Crossing This privately-owned campground offers spectacular views of Chimney Rock and access to the rustic Settlers Trading Post. You can pretend you’re a pioneer for a weekend while you get away from modern life.The site offers tent camping, or you can stay in one of the teepees, designed and painted by the owners, for a truly unique experience. Find out more here.
- Ponca State Park, near Ponca, Dixon County
TripAdvisor/DizneeGurl Located in one of the most breathtakingly beautiful places in eastern Nebraska, Ponca attracts a whole lot of campers. That doesn’t mean that you can’t have a relaxing weekend away, though. Traffic thins out this time of year and you’ll find more space to spread out. The park has 75 primitive sites; for a campground map and more information click here.
- Red Willow Reservoir State Recreation Area, near McCook, Red Willow County
TripAdvisor/Walking_next_time Red Willow doesn’t get as much attention as some of the other parks and recreation areas in Nebraska, but it’s a truly lovely spot. It’s treasured by hunters and anglers as well as people who just enjoy the great outdoors.Red Willow has 100 non-pad camping sites throughout; get more information here.
- Nebraska National Forest, Bessey Recreation Complex, Halsey; Blaine and Thomas Counties
TripAdvisor/Jim B. Is there anything more rustic and relaxing than camping out in a forest? Tent camping in the Nebraska National Forest is an experience you’ll never forget. Fishing and wildlife watching are plentiful, so you’ll never be bored.There are several tent-only campsites here to please the dedicated rustic camper. Find out more about the facilities here.
- Lake Minatare State Recreation Area, Minatare, Scotts Bluff County
Journey to Western Nebraska Camp right on the beach at this beautiful park. Sure, it’s a pretty built up place so you won’t feel like you’re in the middle of nowhere. But when it’s just you, the tent, and the huge night sky, nothing else will matter.There are more than 150 undesignated primitive camping sites spread throughout the recreation area, so take your pick. Get more info here.
- Merritt Reservoir State Recreation Area, near Valentine, Cherry County
Visit Nebraska Another heavy hitter when it comes to outdoor recreation, Merritt Reservoir is perfect for someone who wants to spend an entire weekend getting back to nature. Primitive camping sites are scattered throughout the park. For more information and downloadable campsite maps, go here.
Are you a primitive camper or do you prefer to have all of the modern conveniences when you go camping? If you don’t see your favorite campground on this list, check out our previous list of 15 excellent campgrounds.
flickr/John Lillis
As the third-oldest location in the state park system, Victoria Springs has been providing a place for fun and recreation since 1925. Although the area is no longer known for its therapeutic mineral springs, the 60-acre spot is known for its abundant natural beauty.Victoria Springs offers 60 non-pad camping sites without electricity. Get more information here.
flickr/Vicki Watkins
There are actually several campgrounds around Lake McConaughy, but we think there’s nothing quite like camping right on the beach. Can you imagine how relaxing it would be to fall asleep to the sound of the gently lapping water?For a list of primitive campsites and a park map, click here.
flickr/J. Stephen Conn
Sherman Reservoir is beloved for its ample fishing opportunities, and what better way to make a fishing trip truly great than to camp on site? There are 360 non-pad camping sites here with no electricity, so you can pretty much choose the spot that suits you and plant your stakes. Get more information about Sherman Reservoir here.
flickr/Dick Clark
This is one of the most pristine wilderness areas in eastern Nebraska, and it’s truly a sight to behold. These primitive camping sites really are primitive - you may even forget how close you are to civilization. There are many primitive camping spots here, and even if you forget your tent you can spend a night in one of the bare-bones Adirondack shelters. Get more info here.
Chimney Rock Pioneer Crossing
This privately-owned campground offers spectacular views of Chimney Rock and access to the rustic Settlers Trading Post. You can pretend you’re a pioneer for a weekend while you get away from modern life.The site offers tent camping, or you can stay in one of the teepees, designed and painted by the owners, for a truly unique experience. Find out more here.
TripAdvisor/DizneeGurl
Located in one of the most breathtakingly beautiful places in eastern Nebraska, Ponca attracts a whole lot of campers. That doesn’t mean that you can’t have a relaxing weekend away, though. Traffic thins out this time of year and you’ll find more space to spread out. The park has 75 primitive sites; for a campground map and more information click here.
TripAdvisor/Walking_next_time
Red Willow doesn’t get as much attention as some of the other parks and recreation areas in Nebraska, but it’s a truly lovely spot. It’s treasured by hunters and anglers as well as people who just enjoy the great outdoors.Red Willow has 100 non-pad camping sites throughout; get more information here.
TripAdvisor/Jim B.
Is there anything more rustic and relaxing than camping out in a forest? Tent camping in the Nebraska National Forest is an experience you’ll never forget. Fishing and wildlife watching are plentiful, so you’ll never be bored.There are several tent-only campsites here to please the dedicated rustic camper. Find out more about the facilities here.
Journey to Western Nebraska
Camp right on the beach at this beautiful park. Sure, it’s a pretty built up place so you won’t feel like you’re in the middle of nowhere. But when it’s just you, the tent, and the huge night sky, nothing else will matter.There are more than 150 undesignated primitive camping sites spread throughout the recreation area, so take your pick. Get more info here.
Visit Nebraska
Another heavy hitter when it comes to outdoor recreation, Merritt Reservoir is perfect for someone who wants to spend an entire weekend getting back to nature. Primitive camping sites are scattered throughout the park. For more information and downloadable campsite maps, go here.
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