Wanting to vacation in western Nebraska. (Lincoln, Scottsbluff: camping, live in, cabins)

[MoNative34]

Hi. I've been thinking about spending 3 or 4 days out in central and western NE for camping, day hikes and taking photos along the way. I've only been to SE NE to Lincoln and I enjoyed the friendliness and cleanliness of the state. The areas I've been considering are the Sandhills, Loupe and Dismal rivers, Nebraska NF and the Pine Ridge area. Are there plenty of areas to camp out? I've had a hard time finding good information on the area so I thought I'd throw it here to the locals. Any and all tibits would be greatly appreciated.

I live in NW Missouri about an hour south of Nebraska City, so I'm thinking maybe a days drive??

Thanks!

MN34

[tpabes]

This link can give you a good list of campgrounds in the areas you are looking. I really don't camp, so hopefully someone can come along with which ones are the best.
Visit Nebraska - Travel & Tourism Homepage

It really is a great part of the state. You make look into tubing or canoeing the Dismal if that is something your interested in. Also check out Carhenge in Alliance, it is a sight to see. If you have time, you may considered swinging south in the Panhandle to Scottsbluff and seeing Chimney Rock and the Scottsbluff National monument. Also futher south in Sidney you can visit Cabela's. Glad you like our state and are considering a vacation here. Any more ?'s throw them out here.

[ehenningsen]

Western Nebraska is very underrated, there is so much to do if your an outdoorsy type. Many varieties and landscapes and I believe there are 2 world-class golf resort towns and etc..

You cannot go wrong if you look a little...

[Dave1215]

Its a great place if you've never experienced it.

[Off Pavement]

Here is our RV camping travelog of the Nebraska panhandle from 2007... RV Camping Travelog - Nebraska Panhandle

There are a lot of camping/hiking opportunities in Nebraska, and some interesting history to go with it. Don't forget about Nebraska Wildlife Management Areas as most provide some of the best primitive camping available in the state, it's free, and going for hikes though these areas offers some outstanding opportunities for wildlife viewing.

The Nebraska website with more information about WMA's is Nebraska Game and Parks Commission - Wildlife Management Areas

[MoNative34]

Thank you all for the weblinks and the info. The state parks look awesome, especially Caldron and Fort Robinson. The rivers look very clean also. Much thanks!

[Sandhills Guru]

Saw your post on the forum. Not sure how you are wanting to do your drive. My recomendation would be something along this line. Head out via highway 20 through northern Nebraska. Make your first night stay's at Smith Falls State Park. (Tent camping only here unless you have an RV, no cabins in park) I can give you some back road driving directions to the park so you can view the chutte on the Niobrara River and a couple other nice spots. If you would have two days to spend here alone and could make the canoe trip down the Niabrara river in this area it would be a very good photo op.

If your interested in more info drop me a pm. I oould recommend quite a few stops for a round trip through the areas you have mentioned.