Fort Kearny Sra
00 review1020 V Road, Kearney, Nebraska, 68847-8043, United States
Fort Kearny Sra
$7.00 - $39.00 / 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 $39 per night for electric sites (for non-residents) and $7 per day for a Nebraska Licensed Vehicle Park Entry Permit. Non-Nebraska Licensed Vehicle Park Entry Permit is $14 per day. Additional fees may apply for reservations booked online.
About this campground
Nestled across 186 pristine acres along Nebraska's historic Platte River valley, Fort Kearny State Recreation Area offers a perfect blend of modern comfort and natural beauty. Century-old cottonwood giants provide cool, dappled shade over well-appointed campsites, while sparkling sandpit lakes create a serene backdrop for your outdoor adventure. Whether you prefer the convenience of electrical hookups or the simplicity of primitive camping, you'll find spacious camp pads, hot showers, modern restrooms, and full RV amenities waiting to welcome you home after a day of exploration.
Fort Kearny SRA provides options for both modern and primitive camping.
Historical SignificanceCamp where history comes alive at Fort Kearny State Recreation Area, your gateway to one of the most important landmarks of America's westward expansion. Just moments away, Fort Kearny State Historical Park preserves the legacy of this crucial military outpost that once protected pioneers traveling the Oregon, California, and Mormon Trails. Here, the echoes of wagon wheels and frontier dreams still whisper through the cottonwood leaves.
Weather and SeasonsExperience the full tapestry of Nebraska's seasons at Fort Kearny, where each time of year paints the landscape in new colors. Winter brings a peaceful hush with light dustings of snow and crisp, starlit nights perfect for campfire gatherings. Spring awakens the valley with gentle rains and warming temperatures, transforming the area into a vibrant wildlife theater. Summer invites long, sun-drenched days ideal for water activities, punctuated by refreshing afternoon showers. As autumn arrives, the ancient cottonwoods burst into golden glory while cool, comfortable temperatures create perfect camping conditions.
ElevationSet in the heart of Nebraska's gently rolling prairie landscape, Fort Kearny offers the peaceful, accessible terrain that makes it perfect for campers of all ages and abilities.
Natural Features and SceneryDiscover an oasis where majestic cottonwood cathedrals tower overhead, their ancient branches creating natural pavilions of shade and tranquility. The shimmering sandpit lakes reflect endless prairie skies and serve as magnets for incredible wildlife spectacles. Each spring, these waters become a staging ground for one of nature's most breathtaking performances as thousands of sandhill cranes and waterfowl transform the landscape into a living, calling wilderness symphony.
Geological RegionFort Kearny State Recreation Area sits in the heart of the central Platte River valley, a geological wonderland where ancient river channels have created a unique ecosystem of sandpit lakes and wetlands. This remarkable region hosts the world's largest concentration of sandhill cranes during spring migration, when over 600,000 of these magnificent birds converge on the valley. The area's rich alluvial soils and abundant water have shaped both the landscape and the incredible diversity of wildlife that calls this prairie paradise home.
Campsite details
AccessibilityFacilities include a wheelchair-accessible fishing pier.
Sites SizeThe campground features both small and large campsites, with most sites having shade provided by cottonwood trees.
Sites Privacynull
Total Campsites0 campsites
Recommended CampsitesCampers should consider spots by the ponds for scenic views.
Best CampsitesSpots by the ponds have been described as very nice.
Reserving a campsite
Stay Limit
Amaximum of 180 days in advance for reservations is allowed.
Guests Allowed Per Site
>
Groups
Null
Tents
Tents are allowed
RV vehicles
RV vehicles are allowed
Primitive
Primitive are allowed
Reservable
Reservations are allowed
Site layoutNot explicitly mentioned.
Open and Closed SeasonOpen year-round.
Reservation PlatformsOnline booking available at OutdoorNebraska.org.
Cancellation PolicyIf you check out early, the unused portion of your payment will be forfeited.
Amenities available
Showers
Potable water
Fire rings
Picnic tables
Dump station
Flush toilets
Electricity hookups
Activities you can enjoy
Fort Kearny SRA offers a variety of activities, including kayaking, fishing in the eight sandpit lakes, swimming at the beach, and biking on a paved trail that crosses the Platte River and connects to the Archway and Kearney. Wildlife viewing, including deer and turkey, is highlighted. Other recreational options include hiking, canoeing, and birdwatching. The bike trail is described as 'awesome' and 'fun scenic,' and dogs are allowed to play in the river.
Hiking
Hiking trails are available, including nature trails and the hike-bike trail that crosses the Platte River.Fishing
Fishing is available in eight sandpit lakes.Swimming
There is a designated swimming beach.Biking
A paved bike trail connects to the Archway and Kearney, described as scenic and flat.Boating
Canoeing and non-power boating are permitted.Wildlife viewing
Wildlife such as deer and turkey can be observed. Birdwatching is also popular.Water Sports
nullCampground rules
- Pets are allowed
- Not explicitly detailed.
- Quiet hours are Not explicitly mentioned.
Hazards
General hazardsSeasonal hazards such as freezing weather and snow in winter; minimal water pressure in showers reported by users in spring 2024.
Active alertsNone currently reported.
Weather forecast
72
°F
Aug 25
Monday
Clear sky
Precipitation: 0%
Gentle breeze, perfect for outdoor activities
Humidity: 63%
Moderately humid conditions
Wind: 2.7 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
Within 10 miles, emergency services such as hospitals, medical clinics, and ranger stations are available in Kearney.
Good to know
Trash and recyclingnull
Proximity to water featuresMultiple sandpit lakes and proximity to the Platte River.
Common complaints"Terrible showers with minimal water pressure" (Spring 2024), "no full hookups" (user review).
HostCampground host available.
Campground Map
1020 V Road, Kearney, Nebraska, 68847-8043, United States
Driving directionsTo get to Fort Kearny State Recreation Area, you would take I-80 to the Minden exit,279 south on Hwy 10 for 3 miles. Next, turn west onto Hwy 50A for 3 miles. Or from the Kearney exit, 272 south on Hwy 44 for 2 miles. Then east on Hwy 50A for 4 miles. Fort Kearny State Recreation Area, is 1 mile east and 1 mile north of the Historical Park.
The campground is accessible from major highways via paved roads, ensuring year-round usability. Seasonal closures or navigation challenges are not mentioned.Nearby places
Minden (approximately 6 miles), Kearney (approximately 10 miles)
Nearby supplies
Grocery stores, camping supplies, fuel, and other essentials are approximately 10 miles away in Kearney.
Camper Reviews
0.0
0 reviews
Fort Kearny Sra has limited reviews, placing it in the bottom % of campgrounds based on reviews
Overall, users appreciate the shaded campsites, variety of activities, and the natural setting of Fort Kearny SRA. However, there are consistent complaints about the poor water pressure in the showers.
Review Summaries
What Campers Love
The campground is praised for its large cottonwood trees providing shade, a variety of recreational activities such as biking, fishing, and kayaking, and the peaceful natural setting.
Common Concerns
The most common complaint revolves around the showers, described as having 'minimal water pressure' and being 'terrible even if they were free.'
Pro Tips & Recommendations
Campers recommend trying the bike trail to the Archway for a scenic experience and taking advantage of the shaded campsites.
Seasonal Insights
In the spring, the area is known for hosting the world’s largest concentration of sandhill cranes and waterfowl. Summer reviews note the enjoyable recreational activities like kayaking and biking.
Camper Quotes
1. 'We love Fort Kearney for camping. Lots to do, we kayak, fish, they have a swim beach.' 2. 'The bike trail is awesome. It is paved and you can ride all the way to the arch and further.' 3....
Show more
Site-Specific Reviews
Site-specific reviews highlight spots by the ponds as being very nice. Most sites have shade.
Accessibility Features
Facilities include a wheelchair-accessible fishing pier.
Pet-Friendly Features
Pets are allowed, and dogs can play in the river.
Last updated August 10, 2025