Windmill Sra
00 reviewPO Box 427, Gibbon, Nebraska, 68840-0427, United States
Windmill Sra
$27.00 - $42.00 / night
Campsite Fees
Standard Site Fee$0.00
Hookup Site Fee$42.00
Premium Site Fee$0.00
Hike and Bike Site Fee$0.00
Group Site Fee$0.00
Food Storage Locker Fee$0.00
Overnight camping fees range from $27 for a dry campsite with a picnic table to $42 for an electric hookup site at 30 amps. Additional park entry fees apply: $12 per day for non-Nebraska licensed vehicles, or $6 per day for Nebraska licensed vehicles.
About this campground
Step back in time at Windmill State Recreation Area, where meticulously restored antique windmills turn gracefully against Nebraska skies, their wooden blades catching prairie breezes just as they did for early pioneers. Six tranquil man-made ponds beckon anglers and swimmers alike, while a dedicated sandy beach offers refreshing relief on warm summer days. Modern travelers will appreciate the thoughtful blend of history and comfort, with electrical hookups at campsites, hot showers after a day of exploration, well-maintained comfort stations, shaded picnic shelters perfect for family gatherings, and convenient laundry facilities that make extended stays a breeze.
Windmill SRA offers a mix of camping options, including primitive tent camping, improved sites with electrical hookups, and accommodations for RVs. Group camping is not highlighted, and luxury camping options such as cabins or glamping are unavailable.
Historical SignificanceThis storied ground takes its name from the historic Windmill Crossing, where generations of Pawnee Indians once forded the mighty Platte River during their seasonal buffalo hunts across the vast prairies. The carefully preserved windmills standing sentinel throughout the park serve as tangible links to Nebraska's pioneering past, when these ingenious machines harnessed prairie winds to draw life-giving water from deep aquifers, enabling settlers to transform grasslands into thriving homesteads. Each restored windmill tells a story of innovation, perseverance, and the enduring relationship between people and the prairie landscape.
Weather and SeasonsNebraska's dynamic seasons paint this recreation area in ever-changing colors throughout the year. Winter brings a crystalline landscape with freezing temperatures that transform the ponds into serene frozen vistas. Spring awakens the prairie with moderate temperatures and occasional refreshing rains that green the landscape. Summer peaks with pleasantly warm days averaging 86°F in July, ideal for swimming and outdoor adventures. Fall arrives with comfortable temperatures and the golden hues of changing leaves. While heavy rains or strong prairie winds may occasionally challenge tent campers, these weather patterns are part of the authentic Great Plains experience.
ElevationThe recreation area rests on Nebraska's characteristic rolling plains, offering gentle terrain that's accessible to visitors of all abilities while providing subtle vantage points for enjoying prairie vistas.
Natural Features and SceneryA captivating blend of human heritage and natural beauty defines this unique recreation area. The iconic antique windmills rise like sentinels across verdant lawns, their spinning blades creating a mesmerizing dance against expansive Nebraska skies. Six carefully crafted ponds mirror clouds by day and stars by night, their waters teeming with fish and ringed by native vegetation that attracts diverse wildlife. Early morning visitors often spot deer grazing near the water's edge, while bird enthusiasts delight in the variety of species that call this oasis home. As darkness falls, the absence of urban light pollution reveals a breathtaking celestial display, making this an exceptional destination for stargazers seeking to connect with the cosmos.
Geological RegionNestled within Nebraska's remarkable 'chain of lakes' corridor along Interstate 80, Windmill State Recreation Area showcases the ingenuity of both nature and human engineering. While the surrounding landscape tells the ancient story of prairie formation through millennia of wind and water, the man-made lakes represent a more recent chapter in Nebraska's relationship with water resources. This unique combination of constructed aquatic features and preserved windmill technology creates a landscape that bridges geological time with human history, offering visitors a chance to experience how successive generations have adapted to and shaped the Great Plains environment.
Campsite details
AccessibilityThe campground has accessibility features such as handicap-accessible facilities and paved roads. One user remarked on the 'well-maintained facilities,' which supports its accessibility for visitors with mobility challenges.
Sites SizeCampers frequently highlight the spaciousness of the sites. A reviewer stated: 'The spaces are well spread out and even if it was full you wouldn't feel like you are right next to someone else.'
Sites PrivacyThe campground offers a reasonable level of privacy due to the spacing of sites. 'The campsites were not too close so there is good privacy compared to private campgrounds,' noted a reviewer.
Total Campsites0 campsites
Recommended CampsitesFirst-come-first-serve tent sites are more likely to be available during the summer high season if your camping equipment is small.
Best CampsitesNo specific 'best campsite' recommendations were noted.
Reserving a campsite
Check-in
4p.m.
Check-out
2p.m.
Stay Limit
Campers staying over must re-register by 2 p.m.
Guests Allowed Per Site
Only one camping unit is allowed per campsite. An extra tent may be used for dependent children only.
Groups
Group camping facilities are not mentioned in the available information.
Tents
Tents are allowed
RV vehicles
RV vehicles are allowed
Primitive
Primitive are allowed
Reservable
Reservations are allowed
Site layoutSpacious campsites with good privacy due to the spread-out layout. Some pull-through sites available.
Open and Closed SeasonModern camping facilities are open starting in May and typically close by mid-October, depending on weather conditions. Camping (including electric sites) is available year-round, but winter rates apply when modern facilities are closed.
Reservation PlatformsReservations can be made online at OutdoorNebraska.org.
Walk-in AvailabilityA good number of first-come, first-serve campsites are available for tents, even during the summer high season, particularly if your equipment is small.
Cancellation PolicyCamping reservations must be made at least three days in advance and up to 180 days in advance. If you cancel a reservation made one year in advance, you cannot cancel the arrival date.
Amenities available
Showers
Potable water
Fire rings
Picnic tables
Dump station
Flush toilets
Electricity hookups
Laundry Facilities
Activities you can enjoy
Windmill SRA provides a variety of recreational activities, including fishing, swimming, hiking, and wildlife viewing. The park's six ponds support fishing, and there is a designated swimming beach for water-based activities. Walking trails are available for casual hikes, and the area's well-maintained grounds make it suitable for stargazing and other leisure activities.
Hiking
The park features walking and hiking trails, which are described as well-maintained. User feedback highlights a nature trail as a popular option for visitors.Fishing
Fishing is a highly popular activity, supported by the park's six ponds. Multiple reviews mention 'great fishing' opportunities, though one reviewer noted that 'fishing is okay, mostly small stuff.'Swimming
A designated swimming beach is available, but its cleanliness and condition appear to vary. One user highlighted, 'The swimming area was very clean,' while another stated, 'The swimming beach is muddy and smelled bad.'Biking
Biking opportunities are available, with one user stating, 'The bike/walking trail is mostly grass but lots of fun to rip around on a bicycle.'Boating
Canoeing and kayaking are supported on the park's ponds, as noted in the authoritative content.Wildlife viewing
Wildlife viewing is another highlight, with specific mentions of Sandhill cranes visiting the campground during the migration season.Beach activities
Beach activities are centered around the swimming lake, where visitors can sunbathe and enjoy a leisurely day. However, inflatable items are not permitted in the swimming lake.Winter Activities
The park does not feature specific winter recreational activities.Water Sports
Non-motorized water sports, including kayaking and canoeing, are available in the park's ponds.Campground rules
- Pets are allowed
- Campfires are permitted in designated fire rings.
- Quiet hours are 10 p.m. to 6 a.m.
Hazards
General hazardsSome highway noise due to proximity to I-80. Occasional issues with tent site leveling and water access. Wildlife, including cranes and other birds, is common.
Weather forecast
72
°F
Aug 25
Monday
Clear sky
Precipitation: 0%
Gentle breeze, perfect for outdoor activities
Humidity: 58%
Moderately humid conditions
Wind: 2.2 mph
Gentle breeze, perfect for outdoor activities
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
A ranger station is available within the campground, and the closest hospital and emergency services are likely in Kearney, approximately 20 miles away.
Good to know
Peak season datesMay through mid-October.
Trash and recyclingTrash and recycling facilities are not specifically detailed, though the park's general cleanliness is frequently praised by users.
Proximity to water featuresSix man-made lakes within the campground area.
Common complaintsHigh fees for campers who are not Nebraska residents. Noise from the highway and nearby fishing activities. Coin-operated showers and occasional water cutoffs for wells.
HostCampground hosts are reported as friendly and helpful. One host, Helen, was specifically praised for her hospitality.
Campground Map
PO Box 427, Gibbon, Nebraska, 68840-0427, United States
Driving directionsFrom Gibbon, NE: 3 miles south, or Windmill SRA is located at the Gibbon I-80 Interchange #285.
Roads in the campground are all paved, including paved driveways for each site. Access to the park from I-80 east was reported closed at one point, requiring a detour on a washboard gravel road.Nearby places
Kearney: approximately 20 miles (about 25 minutes by car), Grand Island: approximately 35 miles (about 40 minutes by car), Gibbon: approximately 3 miles (about 5 minutes by car)
Nearby supplies
Essential supplies such as gas, snacks, and ice can be obtained in Gibbon, approximately 3 miles away.
Camper Reviews
0.0
0 reviews
Windmill Sra has limited reviews, placing it in the bottom % of campgrounds based on reviews
Reviews are generally positive, highlighting the campground's cleanliness, family-friendly amenities, and well-maintained facilities. However, noise from the nearby I-80 and the cost of some services are recurring complaints.
Review Summaries
What Campers Love
Positive aspects include the spacious and private campsites, clean facilities, pet-friendly environment, ample recreational opportunities like fishing and swimming, and the helpfulness of staff. One...
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Common Concerns
Common complaints include noise from the nearby interstate, limited water hookups at individual sites, and the cost of coin-operated showers. One user stated, 'The only con was there is some highway...
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Pro Tips & Recommendations
User tips include bringing quarters for the showers, reserving sites in advance during busy seasons, and opting for sites further from the interstate to minimize noise. One reviewer suggested, 'A...
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Seasonal Insights
During the summer, the campground is busy but offers ample recreational opportunities. Reviews from fall highlight the area's peacefulness and the chance to observe the Sandhill crane migration....
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Camper Quotes
1. 'The spaces are well spread out, and even if it was full you wouldn’t feel like you are right next to someone else.' 2. 'Grant is amazing! He’s the park ranger here.' 3. 'This was our first time...
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Site-Specific Reviews
Specific site numbers are not mentioned, but users recommend opting for spots away from the interstate for a quieter experience.
Accessibility Features
Accessibility features like paved sites and handicap facilities are appreciated. A user noted, 'The campground was well-run and kept, with handicap access.'
Pet-Friendly Features
Pets are allowed, and many users positively mentioned the pet-friendly environment. One user stated, 'Even my dog loves it!' Another user highlighted, 'Visited here with my dogs on a cross-country...
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Last updated August 10, 2025