![]() ![]() During winter storms, I-80 may close to traffic near the western border with Wyoming. Tornadoes are a possibility in spring and early summer in the winter, you should be prepared for cold winds and snow. Occasionally, the weather in Nebraska can be a factor in your camping trip. It’s always a good idea to fill your gas tank and stock up on supplies before you drive into the wilderness. Roads through the national forests and grasslands can be bumpy, turning a 15-mile drive into an hour-long journey. When preparing for your boondocking trip in Nebraska, it’s helpful to note the distance from your campsite to the nearest town. Most free campsites are located away from I-80. National grasslands are another lovely option. They’re scattered around the northern part of the state, offering easy access to the remote, lightly populated wilderness areas. When you’re planning where to boondock in Nebraska, start with the national and state forests. The town of Kimball is located about nine miles east. This is a convenient option if you’re traveling across the state on I-80, which is a short distance south. At the reservoir, you’ll find a playground, trails for hiking and biking, and a large reservoir that’s open for fishing and boating. Each one is flat and grassy with plenty of shade trees, and many sites sit directly on the water. Oliver Reservoir Recreation Area offers some of the most developed free campsites in Nebraska. ![]() A fee is charged for any night after the first two you can pay at the city office. The park has three RV sites, each available on a first-come, first-served basis. If you happen to be passing through the town of Bayard, you can camp for free for two nights at Bayard City Park. The nearest communities are Halsey and Thedford. Keep in mind that this is a popular deer-hunting area during rifle season. Check the Motor Vehicle Use Map to find local roads. In this area, you can set up camp anywhere outside of a designated campground as long as you’re within 300 feet of a road. The Nebraska National Forest at Halsey is another spot with an array of free camping options. Fill up your tank and your cupboards in the town of Valentine, which sits about 37 miles to the northeast. Make sure to contact the Forest Supervisor’s Office in Chadron to ask about any current fire restrictions as they can affect where you’re allowed to camp. You can camp anywhere as long as you’re at least 100 feet from a water source. This remote landscape is a great spot for free camping in Nebraska. Looking to go off the grid? Head straight to the Samuel R. The entire grassland is open for dispersed camping call the ranger’s office for recommendations. Nearby, you can hike through the bizarre formations at the Toadstool Geologic Park or discover the fascinating history of the Paleo-Indian bison bone bed at the Hudson-Meng Education and Research Center. Pull your RV into a quiet campsite and enjoy the peaceful views across miles of open grasslands. ![]() ![]() Oglala National Grasslands is situated in the northwestern corner of Nebraska, about 23 miles from the town of Crawford. This is a quieter alternative to the Cliffs Trailhead camping area. From here, it’s a seven-mile drive to Chadron. From here, you can access the Pine Ridge Trail or the Spotted Tail Loop Trail, which are both open to hikers and non-motorized vehicles. If you’re interested in hiking or mountain biking, pull your RV into one of the free campsites at the Spotted Tail Trailhead. The small community of Chadron is also about 12 miles north. The Forest Service offers a vault toilet on-site for convenience. There’s a large trail network nearby, so you may hear noise from ATVs on weekends. A small collection of dispersed campsites overlooks a lovely rock cliff and a tree-covered bluff. The Cliffs Trailhead is one of the most picturesque spots for boondocking in Nebraska. Boondocking Sites in Nebraska Cliffs Trailhead As other adventurers head north to South Dakota or west to Wyoming, you’ll have the state’s untouched wilderness all to yourself. Boondocking in Nebraska takes you to campsites tucked into the rolling hills or set on the banks of beautiful rivers and reservoirs. Pull your RV off the road in one of the national grasslands, or sleep next to stunning rock formations. However, when you venture beyond the interstate, you’ll find a wealth of stunning outdoor landscapes. Many travelers simply speed through on I-80. When it comes to camping and outdoor adventure, Nebraska is one of the most underrated spots in the United States. ![]()
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