Willow Creek Sra
00 review54876 - 852 Rd., Pierce, Nebraska, 68767, United States
Willow Creek Sra
$23.00 - $38.00 / night
Campsite Fees
Standard Site Fee$25.00
Hookup Site Fee$30.00
Premium Site Fee$0.00
Hike and Bike Site Fee$0.00
Group Site Fee$0.00
Food Storage Locker Fee$0.00
Camping costs range from $23 for basic sites to $38 for sites with 30 or 50 amp hookups. Additional fees include a Nebraska State Park Permit ($30 annual or $6 daily for Nebraska residents; $60 annual or $12 daily for non-residents).
About this campground
Nestled alongside a sparkling 700-acre lake, Willow Creek State Recreation Area beckons outdoor enthusiasts with its perfect blend of natural beauty and modern amenities. This scenic haven features 100 thoughtfully designed camping pads, including 84 sites equipped with electrical hookups for those who prefer a touch of comfort in the wilderness. Whether you're casting a line into the pristine waters, launching your boat for a day of exploration, or hiking the distinctive limestone trails that wind through the property, every moment here connects you with nature. Families gather at the rock jetties to swim and picnic, while the surrounding woodlands offer peaceful retreats for those seeking solitude and reflection.
Willow Creek SRA accommodates a mix of camping styles, including RV camping, primitive camping, and equestrian camping. The campground comprises 100 pads, some of which have electrical hookups, and a group camping site is also available.
Historical SignificanceHistory runs deep in this corner of Nebraska, where modern recreation meets ancient wonders. Just a short drive away lies the remarkable Ashfall Fossil Beds State Historical Park, where visitors can witness paleontologists actively uncovering the secrets of prehistoric life. This proximity to one of North America's most significant fossil sites adds an educational dimension to your camping adventure, offering families the rare opportunity to step back millions of years while enjoying present-day outdoor pursuits.
Weather and SeasonsWillow Creek transforms with the seasons, offering unique experiences throughout the year. Winter blankets the landscape in snow, creating a serene wonderland for the hardy souls who brave the freezing temperatures. As spring arrives, the area awakens with new life, leading into glorious summer months when the campground truly comes alive. Warm days invite swimmers to the lake and hikers to the trails, though visitors should note that seasonal toxic algae blooms occasionally affect water activities - a natural phenomenon that park staff carefully monitors to ensure visitor safety.
ElevationThe gentle rolling terrain of Willow Creek provides comfortable camping conditions, with the landscape's natural contours creating intimate camping spots and scenic vistas throughout the recreation area.
Natural Features and SceneryA tapestry of natural wonders unfolds across Willow Creek's landscape. Ancient limestone formations create distinctive trails that meander through mature woodlands, where dappled sunlight filters through the canopy above. The centerpiece 700-acre lake reflects the changing skies, its shores accented by carefully placed rock jetties that serve as both scenic viewpoints and popular fishing spots. This peaceful wooded sanctuary offers a remarkable escape, where the gentle rustling of leaves and the lapping of water against the shore create nature's own symphony.
Geological RegionSprawling across 933 acres of diverse Nebraska landscape, Willow Creek State Recreation Area showcases the region's geological diversity. The property's limestone foundations tell stories of ancient seas, now transformed into scenic trails that wind through thriving woodlands and wetland areas. The impressive 700-acre lake, embraced by rolling hills and rocky outcroppings, creates a stunning centerpiece for this geological tapestry. These varied ecosystems - from wetlands teeming with wildlife to forests rich with native species - demonstrate the incredible natural heritage of this Nebraska treasure.
Campsite details
AccessibilityThe campground includes a handicap-accessible camp pad and fishing pier.
Sites SizeSites are described as spacious, with a mix of paved and primitive sites. There are 100 camping pads, 84 of which have electrical hookups.
Sites PrivacyThe campground offers shade and space between campsites, but some reviewers expressed dissatisfaction with the proximity of tent sites to RV sites. For instance, one user stated, 'Not sure who the genius was that decided to put the only 3 tent camping spaces directly next to the largest RV parking places in the park.'
Total Campsites100 campsites
Recommended CampsitesAvoid sites near RV pads if seeking a quieter experience. Multiple reviews criticized the proximity of tent sites to RV sites.
Best CampsitesSpecific campsite numbers or areas are not detailed in the reviews or authoritative sources.
Reserving a campsite
Check-in
4:00 PM
Check-out
2:00 PM
Stay Limit
Reservations can be made for a maximum of 180 days in advance.
Guests Allowed Per Site
Only one camping unit per site is permitted, with additional tents allowed for dependent children only.
Groups
Specific details about group site capacities are not provided.
Tents
Tents are allowed
RV vehicles
RV vehicles are allowed
Primitive
Primitive are allowed
Reservable
Reservations are allowed
Site layoutThe campground includes 100 sites, some with electrical hookups, and areas for tent camping.
Open and Closed SeasonCamping reservations can be made year-round with a minimum of three days' advance notice.
Reservation PlatformsReservations can be made online at OutdoorNebraska.org.
Walk-in AvailabilityFirst-come, first-serve sites are available, and campers are asked to self-register and deposit the appropriate fee in a drop box.
Cancellation PolicyReservations made one year in advance must maintain the original arrival date and cannot be canceled. Early check-out results in forfeiture of remaining payment.
Accomodation available
GroupGroup campsites are offered for larger parties such as families, schools, or organizations. These sites provide space and facilities to accommodate multiple people camping together.
Amenities available
Showers
Potable water
Fire rings
Picnic tables
Dump station
Flush toilets
Vault toilets
Electricity hookups
Laundry Facilities
Activities you can enjoy
Willow Creek SRA offers a variety of recreational activities suitable for families and outdoor enthusiasts. Highlights include hiking, horseback riding, fishing, boating, and swimming. The area is also well-suited for bird watching, stargazing, and winter activities such as snowmobiling.
Hiking
The campground features an 8-mile hiking and horseback trail that circles the lake. Described as easy and scenic, the trail is popular for both walking and cycling.Fishing
Fishing is one of the primary activities here, with seven rock jetties providing excellent access. Fish species include catfish and others. Some anglers remarked positively about the fishing spots.Swimming
Swimming is available at an unsupervised beach area. However, several reviews noted that the swimming area is frequently closed due to high levels of toxic blue-green algae.Biking
Cycling is a popular activity, especially along the trail that loops around the lake. One reviewer remarked, 'We rode bikes around the lake on the trail. Very pretty ride.'Boating
Boating activities include kayaking, canoeing, and power boating. Facilities such as a boat launch and dock are provided.Wildlife viewing
Wildlife viewing opportunities are abundant, with bird watching being specifically highlighted. The wooded area surrounding the lake attracts various species.Beach activities
Beach-related activities include sunbathing and swimming, but reviewers have expressed concerns about water quality due to algae.Winter Activities
The park supports winter recreation, including snowmobiling on roads and the lake surface, conditions permitting.Water Sports
Non-motorized water sports like kayaking and canoeing are popular at the lake.Campground rules
- Pets are allowed
- Campfires are permitted in designated fire grates. Specific restrictions are not detailed.
- Quiet hours are from 10 PM to 6 AM.
Hazards
General hazardsUser reviews mention toxic algae in the lake as a recurrent issue during summer. Bugs and poor restroom conditions are common complaints.
Active alertsToxic algae levels in the lake have led to swimming area closures. This issue is noted but not consistently updated on the official website.
Weather forecast
70
°F
Aug 25
Monday
Clear sky
Precipitation: 0%
Gentle breeze, perfect for outdoor activities
Humidity: 42%
Comfortable humidity levels
Wind: 3.2 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
Ranger Station on-site; closest hospital or police station not specified.
Good to know
Trash and recyclingSpecific trash and recycling facilities are not detailed, but general waste management is supported through self-registration and site maintenance.
Proximity to water featuresThe campground is adjacent to a 700-acre lake offering fishing and water activities.
Common complaintsComplaints often include dirty restrooms, lack of soap, fees for showers, poor upkeep, and swimming closures due to toxic algae. Some users also reported feeling profiled by hosts.
HostMixed reviews about campground hosts, with some reports of profiling and others noting helpfulness.
Campground Map
54876 - 852 Rd., Pierce, Nebraska, 68767, United States
Driving directionsNW of Norfolk : From Hwy 13 turn west (on gravel) 852 Rd. 2 miles, turn South (left) on 549 Avenue to 851 Rd. 1 mile west (right) then north (right) 1/2 mile to enter park or go through Pierce (for paved roads) to west Willow Street and follow park signs.
Access includes both gravel and paved roads. Gravel roads are mentioned in the directions, and users are offered the option to go through Pierce for paved roads. No seasonal closures or difficult terrain challenges are explicitly mentioned.Nearby places
Pierce is 1.5 miles away
Norfolk is north-west of the campground.
Nearby supplies
Grocery store, fuel stations, and other essentials are available within one mile or slightly beyond. Specific locations and distances are not provided.
Camper Reviews
0.0
0 reviews
Willow Creek Sra has limited reviews, placing it in the bottom % of campgrounds based on reviews
User reviews for Willow Creek SRA are highly mixed, with some campers praising the scenic beauty, fishing opportunities, and family-friendly atmosphere while others criticize the maintenance of facilities and the algae issue in the lake.
Review Summaries
What Campers Love
Visitors frequently praise the park's natural beauty, spacious campsites, and family-friendly amenities. One review noted, 'It’s a very scenic little wooded area nestled in a residential area.'
Common Concerns
Common complaints include the cost of showers, the condition of restrooms, and the frequent closure of the swimming area due to algae. One frustrated user commented, 'Don’t waste your time driving...
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Pro Tips & Recommendations
Some users recommend bringing your own firewood as it is not available for purchase on-site. Others suggest confirming water hookups if needed, as one guest noted, 'My husband specifically asked if...
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Seasonal Insights
Reviews indicate that the park is particularly busy around holiday weekends like the Fourth of July. Seasonal closures of the swimming area due to high algae levels are also a recurring issue during...
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Camper Quotes
1. 'Honestly surprised me! In a good way. The state has put some money into the campsites, trails, horseback riding, and lake.' - Aaron Geary
2. 'The trees are beautiful around the park, and it’s a...
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Site-Specific Reviews
Multiple reviews criticized the placement of tent camping sites near RV areas. One user stated, 'The only 3 tent camping spaces are directly next to the largest RV parking places in the park.'
Accessibility Features
Accessibility options such as a handicap-accessible camp pad and fishing pier are appreciated, but no specific user reviews address these features.
Pet-Friendly Features
Pets are allowed, and there is a leash requirement. No specific feedback from pet owners is available.
Last updated August 10, 2025