Victoria Springs Sra
00 reviewHC 69, Box 117, Anselmo, Nebraska, 68813-9541, United States
Victoria Springs Sra
$6.00 - $60.00 / night
Campsite Fees
Standard Site Fee$0.00
Hookup Site Fee$0.00
Premium Site Fee$0.00
Hike and Bike Site Fee$0.00
Group Site Fee$0.00
Food Storage Locker Fee$0.00
Fees include Nebraska State Park Permit: $30 for an annual permit for Nebraska licensed vehicles or $60 for non-Nebraska licensed vehicles. Daily permits are $6 for Nebraska vehicles and $12 for non-Nebraska vehicles.
About this campground
Nestled within 60 acres of Nebraska's rolling Sand Hills, Victoria Springs State Recreation Area beckons as a tranquil oasis where history and nature intertwine. This cherished retreat invites visitors to stay in cozy housekeeping cabins or settle into non-pad campsites equipped with electric hookups. Modern amenities including a convenient dump station, refreshing showers, and clean restrooms ensure comfort during your stay. As you explore, you'll discover the weathered log cabins built by Judge Matthews, stand where the area's first post office once served frontier families, and peek inside an authentic 1876 schoolhouse that whispers tales of prairie education.
Victoria Springs SRA offers both tent and RV camping alongside cabin accommodations. Sites include 21 electrical hookups and spacious non-pad campsites. The campground also features a group picnic shelter.
Historical SignificanceSince 1925, Victoria Springs has stood as Nebraska's third oldest state recreation area, a testament to the enduring appeal of this special place. The weathered logs of Judge Matthews' historic cabins tell stories of frontier justice and community building, while the site of the area's first post office marks where settlers once gathered to connect with the wider world. These carefully preserved landmarks offer visitors a tangible link to the pioneers who first recognized the magic of this verdant spring-fed sanctuary.
Weather and SeasonsEach season paints Victoria Springs with its own distinctive palette. Winter transforms the landscape into a crystalline wonderland, with temperatures that demand warm layers and hot cocoa by the fire. Summer arrives with balmy days perfect for outdoor adventures, though the humid air reminds you you're in the heartland. Spring and fall offer the sweet spot for camping enthusiasts, with comfortable temperatures punctuated by the occasional refreshing rain shower or, in early spring, a surprise dusting of snow that melts by noon.
ElevationThe gentle contours of the Sand Hills create subtle changes in elevation throughout the park, offering varied perspectives of this unique landscape.
Natural Features and SceneryLike an emerald jewel set in golden sand, Victoria Springs surprises visitors with its lush woodlands rising from the surrounding prairie sea. Towering trees provide welcome shade over grassy meadows where families spread picnic blankets, while a serene pond mirrors the endless Nebraska sky. This unexpected woodland sanctuary attracts a symphony of birdlife – watch for the distinctive red flash of woodpeckers hammering ancient oaks, the patient stance of herons fishing the shallows, and the brilliant blue of jays darting between branches.
Geological RegionVictoria Springs rests in the heart of Nebraska's legendary Sand Hills, a 20,000-square-mile sea of grass-stabilized dunes that ripple across the horizon like frozen waves. This remarkable geological wonderland, formed by ancient winds and held in place by deep-rooted prairie grasses, creates a rare ecosystem where shallow lakes and wetlands nestle between sandy swells. The unique hydrology of the region feeds the springs that give this recreation area its name and sustains the unexpected forest that flourishes here.
Campsite details
AccessibilityCabins are noted to be more wheelchair-friendly after recent updates; however, the park's gravel paths and uneven terrain may pose challenges for wheelchair users.
Sites SizeThe campsites are described as very spacious and well cared for.
Sites PrivacyCampsites offer a quiet setting, but the privacy level is not explicitly mentioned in the sources.
Total Campsites81 campsites
Recommended CampsitesElectric sites are described as spacious and well-maintained. Cabins provide scenic views but may not meet cleanliness and comfort expectations.
Best CampsitesCabins overlooking the pond are noted for their scenery and privacy, but reviews indicate mixed satisfaction due to cleanliness and upkeep.
Reserving a campsite
Check-in
4:00 PM
Check-out
2:00 PM
Stay Limit
Maximum stay is 14 days.
Guests Allowed Per Site
Details on the number of guests per site are not explicitly mentioned.
Tents
Tents are allowed
RV vehicles
RV vehicles are allowed
Primitive
Primitive are not allowed
Reservable
Reservations are allowed
Site layoutThe campground features 60 non-pad campsites and 21 electric hookup sites, with cabins located near the 5-acre pond.
Open and Closed SeasonCabins are available Memorial Weekend through mid-November.
Reservation PlatformsReservations can be made online at OutdoorNebraska.org or by contacting the park office.
Walk-in AvailabilityCamping reservations must be made at least three days in advance. Walk-up availability is not explicitly confirmed.
Cancellation PolicyNo cancellation of the arrival date is allowed when a reservation is made one year in advance. For other reservations, canceling early forfeits payment.
Accomodation available
Cabin lodgingCabin lodging is available for campers seeking a more sheltered and comfortable experience. These enclosed accommodations offer protection from the elements and are ideal for those who prefer not to camp in tents.
Amenities available
Showers
Potable water
Fire rings
Picnic tables
Dump station
Lodging and accommodations
Flush toilets
Electricity hookups
Activities you can enjoy
The recreation options at Victoria Springs SRA include fishing, paddleboats, bird watching, playground activities, photography, and stargazing. The small lake and wooded area allow for limited hiking and exploring, but the pond's heavy algae growth limits swimming and boating activities. Historical sites such as Judge Matthews' log cabins and the old schoolhouse add an educational aspect to the camp experience.
Hiking
Some short trails are available for hiking, but users have noted that the options are limited: "The only thing to do there was hike on some very short trails."Fishing
Fishing is permitted in the small lake, which has species such as bullhead, bass, bluegill, and catfish. However, algae issues and irrigation runoff reduce the experience. One user noted, "We did not see any fish because of the amount of algae," and another mentioned that eating fish from the pond is not recommended.Boating
Non-powered boating is allowed. Paddleboats are available for rent, but usability is limited by algae-covered water: "The algae was so thick you could barely even move through it."Wildlife viewing
Bird watching is highly recommended, with sightings of species such as woodpeckers, blue herons, and cardinals. "Off my cabin deck, I watched two species of woodpeckers, a blue heron, a blue jay, cardinals, and many other birds."Water Sports
Kayaking and paddle boating are available, but heavily restricted due to algae growth in the pond.Campground rules
- Pets are allowed
- Fireplaces and grills are available for use in picnic areas.
- Quiet hours are 10:00 PM to 6:00 AM
Hazards
General hazardsThe pond experiences algae and duckweed infestations, which can make water activities challenging. Lack of cell service and outdated infrastructure in cabins are other concerns.
Active alertsDuckweed infestation in the pond is mentioned in several user reviews.
Weather forecast
71
°F
Aug 25
Monday
Clear sky
Precipitation: 0%
Moderate wind, may affect light items
Humidity: 59%
Moderately humid conditions
Wind: 7.5 mph
Moderate wind, may affect light items
Clear sky
7-Day Forecast
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Daily & Hourly Insights
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Temperature Trends
Visualize how temperatures shift over the month to help pick the most comfortable days for your trip.
Precipitation Trends
Plan around rain or snow with monthly visualizations of expected precipitation patterns.
Weather Summaries
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Weather data powered by Open-Meteo
Emergency Services
Nearest emergency services include hospitals and police stations in Anselmo, approximately 6 miles away.
Good to know
Trash and recyclingTrash facilities are present, but recycling options are not mentioned.
Proximity to water featuresLocated adjacent to a small pond, fishing and paddle boating are permitted, though water quality may vary.
Common complaintsPond conditions (algae, dead fish), outdated cabins, cold showers, and lack of cellphone reception are frequent complaints.
HostPark hosts are often mentioned as friendly and accommodating in user reviews.
Campground Map
HC 69, Box 117, Anselmo, Nebraska, 68813-9541, United States
Driving directionsFrom Highway 2 and 21 A Junction at Anselmo Ne, travel six miles east of Anselmo on Highway 21 A.
The roads leading to the campground are paved and accessible from Highway 21 A. Access is generally reliable year-round.Nearby places
Anselmo (6 miles/approx. 10 minutes), Merna (7 miles/approx. 12 minutes)
Nearby supplies
Fuel and camping supplies are available within 10 miles of the campground.
Camper Reviews
0.0
0 reviews
Victoria Springs Sra has limited reviews, placing it in the bottom % of campgrounds based on reviews
User reviews for Victoria Springs SRA are mixed. Positive aspects include the park's quiet and scenic atmosphere, spacious campsites, and friendly hosts. Common complaints center on the lack of cell service, poor pond conditions due to algae, and issues with cabin cleanliness and maintenance.
Review Summaries
What Campers Love
Highlights include spacious and well-maintained campsites, friendly camp hosts, clean bathrooms, and opportunities for bird watching. One user noted, "We fell in love with the whole park and its...
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Common Concerns
Frequent complaints include algae-covered water in the pond, which users described as "totally covered in green scum" and "more like a swamp." Cabin issues such as outdated furnishings and...
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Pro Tips & Recommendations
Users suggest exploring the historic log cabins and schoolhouse, although the latter can only be viewed from the outside. Bird watching from the cabin deck is recommended. For campers, renting...
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Seasonal Insights
Winter and off-season visits are quieter and scenic but may lack full facilities. Summer reviews frequently mention high algae growth in the pond, which affects activities such as fishing and paddle...
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Camper Quotes
"What a relaxing, beautiful, and peaceful retreat." "The staff was fighting a duckweed infestation in their pond." "Cabins updated a couple of years ago and very wheelchair-friendly." "The algae...
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Site-Specific Reviews
Specific campsites are not numbered or detailed in reviews, but users consistently praise the spacious and well-maintained RV sites.
Accessibility Features
Accessibility for wheelchair users is mixed. The cabins have been updated to be more wheelchair-friendly, but gravel paths and uneven terrain may pose challenges.
Pet-Friendly Features
Pets are allowed on leashes, but no specific experiences relating to pets were highlighted in the reviews.
Last updated August 10, 2025