How to Find the Top State Park Campgrounds in Nebraska

Break out of the day-to-day rut and experience some adventure. The Nebraska Game and Parks Commission manages 87 areas across the state and many have campgrounds available. Nebraska's history is deeply rooted in the settling of the American West. The landscape of Nebraska still bears the marks of the Pony Express and the Oregon-California Trail. Journey to Nebraska and you are bound to feel the strength and character of the pioneers, explorers and cowboys. Read on to learn how to find the top state park campgrounds in Nebraska.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Sunscreen
• Camera
• Insect Repellent
• Water
• Wilderness Survival Guide
• Reservation
• Maps
• Medical Kit

1. Enjoy the scenery of the natural landscape, while taking in some of the incredible historic areas. From the stage coach stops and fossil beds of the east, continue west as the pioneers did over a century ago. In the center of the state you will find the beautiful Sand Hills area with hundreds of campsites available and the Niobrara National Scenic River. Journey to the west and you will discover the ranch of Buffalo Bill Cody.

2. Follow along the a trail blazed by cowboys and later by the Iron Horse as the railroad pushed through the state. Nebraska is undertaking the largest rail to trail project in America. The 321-mile long Cowboy Trail follows the old tracks of the Chicago and North Western Railway. Every seven to 12 miles the railroad built a town, and you can enjoy a leisurely stroll, take a few miles on horseback or bike along the trail. Nature is just an arms reach away.

3. Relax and witness the sunset through the grassy prairie, or enjoy hunting, fishing and boating across the Nebraska state parks system. There are several working ranches where you can stop off for a taste of the Old West. Or, for something a little off the wall, you may want to visit Alliance, Nebraska, and see Carhenge--a replica of Stonehenge built out of cars. You can visit an Atlas Missile Complex in Kimbell.

4. Reserve your Nebraska state park campsite either online (see below) or by calling [phone]. You can also get a campsite on a first-come, first-served basis. Campsite reservations are offered at 23 state parks. You can reserve a Nebraska state park campsite a full year in advance. The reservation fee is $4 for online and $5 for telephone reservations.

5. Print out your campsite information. You may also want to visit the Nebraska Tourism website and gather some ideas on how to turn your camping trip into a camping adventure.