7 Awesome Spots for Free Camping in Nebraska

A Van Camper’s Guide to the Ultimate Free Camping Spots in Nebraska

We all know that camping is amazing. Some of us are also aware that Nebraska is a surprisingly awesome state that 100% deserves to be explored. But did you know that there are places where you can enjoy free camping in Nebraska? No, we’re not talking about off-grid, wilderness camping spots. We’re talking full-fledged campgrounds, some with concrete pads and hookups!

In our opinion, these free campgrounds make both van camping and the state of Nebraska even better, and they should be added to every vanlifer’s bucket list.

Of course, you have to find the free camping in Nebraska first. Read on to learn where you can park your van and enjoy a few nights of amenities free of charge while in Nebraska. 

Osmond City Park

Osmond, Nebraska

The town of Osmond may be small, but it is one of the most welcoming around. Osmond City Park boasts three beautiful campsites with concrete pads, picnic tables, water spigots, and 50- and 30-amp electric hookups. There is also a dump station on-site, and the campsites are set near the city pool, making it easy to cool off. 

This park does have a donation box and a suggested donation of $10 per night. Donations are 100% optional, but we highly recommend leaving something in an effort to keep this park up and running.

Things To See and Do Nearby

• Elkhorn Valley Museum
• Aquaventure Water Park

Chilvers Park

Plainview, Nebraska

Located not far from Osmond, Plainview is another amazing little town that is happy to have visitors. This town features Chilvers Park, a small but lovely city park with four campsites. Each site features a level concrete pad, a water hookup, and 20/30/50-amp power. There is an awesome playground on-site, and the pool, tennis court, and basketball court will keep everyone entertained. 

As far as we can tell, there is no donation box at this campground.

Things To See and Do Nearby

• Known Doll Museum
• Neigh Mill State Historic Site
• Antelope County Museum
• Pierson Wildlife Museum Learning Center

Loup Power Campground and Park

Columbus, Nebraska

Located in the wonderful town of Columbus, Loup Power Campground and Park is actually run by the local electric company. The park’s campsites are open during the summer months and feature totally free electric hookups. Restrooms and potable water are also available during the warm season, and a playground and hiking trails ensure everyone has an awesome time.

While there is no suggested donation to stay at this park, there is a stay limit of 7 days per month in all parks run by Loup Power. 

Things To See and Do Nearby

• Pawnee Plunge Water Park
• Andrew Jackson Higgins National Memorial
• Columbus Area Children’s Museum
• Platte County Historical Society

Streeter Park Campground

Aurora, Nebraska

One of our favorite spots for free camping in Nebraska, Streeter Park Campground, is tucked away in the adorable town of Aurora. It features a lovely green area behind several shaded campsites, as well as a playground and an awesome public pool nearby with slides and cheap showers for campers. Each of the campsites has electric and water hookups, and there is a dump station in the park as well. 

The park does have a donation box, and donations are encouraged. Please give back whatever you are able.

Things To See and Do Nearby

• Edgerton Explorit Museum
• Plainsman Museum
• Stuhr Museum
• Fred’s Flying Circus

Buckley Park Campground

Stromsburg, Nebraska

Head over to Stromsburg for even more free camping in Nebraska. This time, the campsites are located in Buckley Park, a beautifully green city park with a playground and a pool with water slides. Potable water is available onsite, and each of the gravel sites has an electric hookup. There is also a dump station near the exit. 

Note that this park does welcome campers year-round but shuts the water off during the winter. Donations are appreciated!

Things To See Nearby

• York Area Children’s Museum
• Clayton Museum of Ancient History
• Wessels Living History Farm
• Lee’s Legendary Marbles and Collectibles

Lincoln Park Campground

Superior, Nebraska

Another beautifully green space, Lincoln Park Campground in Superior, boasts a playground, a dog park, and plenty of space to take a stroll. There are a surpassing number of sites available here, so there is almost always space available. Each site has a level concrete pad and 30-amp power. Potable water and a dump station are available down the road. 

While this campground is free, they do ask that you register when you arrive. Donations are suggested, and an “iron ranger” is available to take them. 

Things To See and Do Nearby

• Superior Estates Winery
• Nickolls County Museum
• Pawnee Indian Museum State Historic Site
• Lovewell State Park

Cambridge City RV Park

Cambridge, Nebraska

The town of Cambridge may not look like much, but it is chock-full of welcoming people—so welcoming, in fact, that they built Cambridge City RV Park and offered it to travelers free of charge!

The sites here are super easy to get into, and each one has its own electric pedestal. Communal picnic tables and trash cans are available, and potable water and a dump station are onsite. There are also public restrooms available at the nearby McKinley Park. 

This is another campground that is technically free but does ask for a donation if possible. 

Things To See and Do Nearby

• Senator George Norris State Historic Site
• Museum of the High Plains Historical Society
• Red Willow State Recreation Area
• Medicine Creek State Recreation Area

Free camping in Nebraska is a pretty sweet deal, and believe it or not, Nebraska isn’t the only state that offers these free campgrounds. Try out the campgrounds listed above for sure, but then see what other gems you can find as you explore this amazing country that we call home!