Rock Creek Station Shp
00 review57426 710th Rd, Fairbury, Nebraska, 68352-5550, United States
Rock Creek Station Shp
$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
Nebraska State Park Permit is required: $30 for annual permit for Nebraska vehicles, $60 for non-Nebraska vehicles. Daily permits are $6 for Nebraska vehicles and $12 for non-Nebraska vehicles.
About this campground
Nestled within 40 acres of rolling prairie, Rock Creek Station State Historical Park invites modern adventurers to camp where pioneers once rested on their westward journey. Deep wagon ruts carved by thousands of Oregon Trail travelers still scar the landscape, while the echoes of Pony Express riders thunder through time at this remarkable crossroads of American history.
Rock Creek Station SHP supports a mix of camping types, including modern electric sites, primitive sites, and designated horse camping areas.
Historical SignificanceWalk in the footsteps of legends at Rock Creek Station, where the infamous Wild Bill Hickok began his gunfighting career and Pony Express riders changed horses in their race against time. The park's compelling exhibits bring to life the stories of brave pioneers who followed the Oregon Trail's promise of new beginnings, leaving behind the permanent testimony of wagon ruts that have endured for over 150 years.
Weather and SeasonsSummer brings warm, dry days perfect for exploring the historic trails, though winter transforms the prairie into a crystalline wonderland with freezing temperatures that demand preparation. Spring and fall offer the sweet spot for camping, with mild temperatures and gentle breezes, though Mother Nature occasionally reminds visitors of the challenges faced by early pioneers with sudden prairie storms and sweeping winds.
ElevationThe campground rests on the undulating prairie landscape, where gentle hilltops offer panoramic views across the grasslands and wooded ravines provide sheltered spots that once offered respite to weary travelers on the frontier.
Natural Features and SceneryThe timeless beauty of the Great Plains unfolds at Rock Creek Station, where native prairie grasses wave in the wind atop rolling hills, and timber-lined creek bottoms create ribbons of green through the golden landscape. Rugged ravines carved by centuries of wind and water frame the historic wagon ruts, creating a dramatic backdrop where nature and history intertwine in an unforgettable tableau.
Geological RegionSet in the heart of the prairie ecosystem, Rock Creek Station showcases the diverse beauty of the Great Plains with its characteristic hilltops, wooded creek bottoms, and deeply carved ravines. This geological tapestry served as both challenge and guide for Oregon Trail pioneers, whose wagon wheels wore permanent grooves into the very bedrock of American history.
Campsite details
AccessibilityThe campground offers handicap-accessible facilities. Specific features include marked trails for horseback riding and modern comfort stations.
Sites SizeThe maximum RV length varies by site, ranging from 42 to 58 feet.
Sites PrivacyThe campsites are described as spacious with flat grassy areas and a big pavilion in the middle, providing a comfortable setup for group trips.
Total Campsites30 campsites
Recommended CampsitesNull
Best CampsitesSpecific site recommendations not explicitly identified, though spacious and shaded sites were generally preferred.
Reserving a campsite
Check-in
Check-in and check-out times not explicitly stated.
Check-out
Check-in and check-out times not explicitly stated.
Stay Limit
- Maximum 180 days in advance
- reservations must be made 3 days ahead.
Guests Allowed Per Site
8guests per site maximum.
Groups
There is no mention of designated group camping sites.
Tents
Tents are allowed
RV vehicles
RV vehicles are allowed
Primitive
Primitive are allowed
Reservable
Reservations are allowed
Site layoutCampground appears organized with spacious, flatter sites. Sites accommodate up to 8 people and feature electric hookups.
Open and Closed SeasonOpen year-round, though office hours and operations vary seasonally.
Reservation PlatformsReservations can be made through OutdoorNebraska.org.
Walk-in AvailabilityWalk-up sites are available, and some guests reported success staying without prior reservation.
Cancellation PolicyUnused portion of payment forfeited if checking out early.
Amenities available
Showers
Potable water
Fire rings
Picnic tables
Dump station
Flush toilets
Electricity hookups
Activities you can enjoy
Rock Creek Station SHP offers diverse recreational activities, including hiking, horse trails, and educational programs. Visitors can experience history through the Pony Express and Oregon Trail Wagon Ruts and explore historically reconstructed features like cabins and wagons.
Hiking
The park offers approximately four miles of marked multi-use trails. Chrystal Sauls noted, "You can hike all the trails in half a day." The trails lead to historical sites, including the Oregon Trail ruts and Pony Express Station.Biking
Biking is allowed on the trails, as noted by Jean Pressler, who shared, "We walked and biked the trails."Wildlife viewing
The park's 350-acre landscape of prairie hilltops and timbered creek bottoms provides opportunities for wildlife viewing. No specific species are mentioned.Cultural and Educational Programs
Educational programs focus on the Pony Express, Oregon Trail, and Wild Bill Hickok, as showcased at the Visitor Center. Historical artifacts and reconstructed sites enhance the learning experience.Winter Activities
No specific winter activities are mentioned, but the campground is "very quiet" in March, according to Chad Chapman.Water Sports
No mention of water sports is provided.Campground rules
- Pets are allowed
- Not explicitly stated, though fire pits are available for use.
- Quiet hours are Not explicitly mentioned.
Hazards
General hazardsPotential electrical hazards reported by visitors, such as poorly grounded power pedestals. Visitors also noted sulfur-smelling water in showers.
Weather forecast
65
°F
Aug 26
Tuesday
Clear sky
Precipitation: 0%
Moderate wind, may affect light items
Humidity: 62%
Moderately humid conditions
Wind: 4.3 mph
Moderate wind, may affect light items
Clear sky
7-Day Forecast
Access to 7-day forecasts tailored to each campground—covering temperature, precipitation, wind, and sky conditions.
Daily & Hourly Insights
View hourly forecasts with expected weather patterns throughout the day.
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
Assess conditions with visuals for easier decision-making on when and where to camp.
Weather data powered by Open-Meteo
Emergency Services
Emergency services, including hospitals, are over 10 miles away.
Good to know
Peak season datesApril 24 - September 22 (Daily operations).
Trash and recyclingNo specific information is available about trash and recycling facilities.
Proximity to water featuresNo specific mention of lakes, rivers, or other water features on-site.
Common complaintsComplaints include sulfur-smelling water in showers, quarter-pay showers not being clearly advertised, and poorly marked trails.
HostHosts reported as friendly and helpful in multiple reviews.
Campground Map
57426 710th Rd, Fairbury, Nebraska, 68352-5550, United States
Driving directionsFrom Fairbury take the PWF Rd east 4 1/2 miles to 573 Ave., 1 mile south on 573 Ave., then 1 1/4 miles east on 710 Rd. From Beatrice take Hwy 136 west to Jansen, go south on 573 Ave. 4 1/2 miles, then 1 1/4 east on 710 Rd.
Accessible via paved roads; no seasonal closures mentioned. Directions include clear landmarks and distances for navigation.Nearby places
Fairbury (5.75 miles, ~10 minutes), Jansen (approx. 6 miles, ~10 minutes), Beatrice (approx. 30 miles, ~35 minutes).
Nearby supplies
Groceries, camping supplies, and fuel are over 10 miles away. Concessions are seasonal and limited, available within 10 miles.
Camper Reviews
0.0
0 reviews
Rock Creek Station Shp has limited reviews, placing it in the bottom % of campgrounds based on reviews
Rock Creek Station SHP is highly praised for its cleanliness, historical significance, and peaceful atmosphere. The campground is described as "a hidden gem" by multiple reviewers.
Review Summaries
What Campers Love
Clean facilities, spacious campsites, historical attractions, and friendly staff are consistently praised. Emily Shockley noted, "We had the BEST time camping here. It's quiet, clean, and beautiful,"...
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Common Concerns
Some users expressed dissatisfaction with the quarter-pay showers and specific maintenance issues, such as "bad ground" warnings on power pedestals.
Pro Tips & Recommendations
Bring quarters for showers and a portable water container since central hydrants serve the water supply. Be sure to explore the historical sites and trails.
Seasonal Insights
The campground is described as very quiet during the off-season (e.g., March) but busier during peak months. Visitors recommend spring and fall for ideal temperatures and scenery.
Camper Quotes
"The bathrooms are top notch and the showers were very nice." - Emily Shockley. "The campground is really nice with spacious sites and a big pavilion in the middle." - Chrystal Sauls. "We really love...
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Site-Specific Reviews
Site 001 accommodates up to 8 people and 56-foot RVs. All electric sites feature 30 amps, but no water or sewer hookups.
Accessibility Features
Facilities include handicap-accessible comfort stations. No specific user reviews address broader accessibility.
Pet-Friendly Features
Pets are allowed across all sites, and no specific restrictions were highlighted in reviews.
Last updated August 10, 2025