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List your RVCampgrounds and RV parks near Cambridge, NE
0 campgrounds and RV Parks near Cambridge, NE. Compare campsite amenities, photos, and site types to find the perfect stop for your rig on your route.
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Best campgrounds near Cambridge, NE
Shady Bay - Medicine Creek State Recreation Area
Cambridge, NE (8 miles away)
$$$$$
(76 sites)
+4
Willow View - Red Willow Reservoir State Recreation Area
McCook, NE (26 miles away)
$$$$$
(48 sites)
+6
Gallagher Canyon State Recreation Area
Nebraska (33 miles away)
$$$$$
(24 sites)
Johnson Lake State Recreation Area
Elwood, NE (33 miles away)
$$$$$
(207 sites)
+3
Shady Rest - Prairie Dog State Park
Norton, KS (35 miles away)
$$$$$
(22 sites)
+2
Oberlin Inn and RV Park
Oberlin, KS (37 miles away)
$$$$$
(12 sites)
Blue Heron Campground
Gothenburg, NE (43 miles away)
$$$$$
(47 sites)
+7
Sandy Channel State Recreation Area
Elm Creek, NE (49 miles away)
$$$$$
(30 sites)
The 4 Seasons RV Park
Elm Creek, NE (50 miles away)
$$$$$
(43 sites)
+5
North Shore Marina Campground
Nebraska (52 miles away)
$$$$$
(75 sites)
+3
Atwood Lion's Park
Atwood, KS (56 miles away)
$$$$$
(10 sites)
+5
Cottonwood Inn RV Park
Phillipsburg, KS (58 miles away)
$$$$$
(8 sites)
Cambridge camping overview
Cambridge sits in southwest Nebraska's Republican River valley, within easy reach of a cluster of reservoir-based state recreation areas managed by the Nebraska Game and Parks Commission. The closest option is Shady Bay - Medicine Creek State Recreation Area, on the east side of Harry Strunk Lake, which offers the most developed RV facilities in the immediate area. Medicine Creek and its surrounding wildlife land encompass roughly 8,500 acres of public land and water in southeastern Frontier County, with 1,768 surface acres of water and 29 miles of shoreline.
Other nearby reservoirs expand the trip-planning options. Willow View - Red Willow Reservoir State Recreation Area sits northwest of Cambridge near McCook, along the Frenchman-Cambridge irrigation system. Johnson Lake State Recreation Area and Gallagher Canyon State Recreation Area sit farther north along the Tri-County Canal system, and Shady Rest - Prairie Dog State Park lies south across the Kansas line on Keith Sebelius Reservoir.
Together these parks give RV travelers a mix of electric reservation loops, first-come basic sites, and primitive shoreline camping within about an hour of Cambridge.
Things to do around Cambridge
Water recreation is the main draw. All types of boats are allowed on Medicine Creek, and the reservoir supports jet skiing, paddling, and swimming, with a designated swim beach at Shady Bay - Medicine Creek State Recreation Area. Johnson Lake State Recreation Area offers angling for walleye, white bass, and wipers, and Gallagher Canyon State Recreation Area is known for scenic canyon views and strong crappie, flathead, and channel catfish fishing.
On land, hunting and wildlife viewing are strong shoulder-season activities. Red Willow's tall native grasses and brushy canyons support good populations of pheasants along with whitetail and mule deer. Shady Rest - Prairie Dog State Park sits next to the 6,400-acre Norton Wildlife Area and preserves two 19th-century buildings, including a restored adobe house and the 1886 Hillmon Schoolhouse. Archery ranges at Medicine Creek and Johnson Lake add a family-friendly option between fishing trips.
Camping spots and RV parks near Cambridge, NE
When to visit Cambridge
- spring
March - May
63° / 36°F 60 mmWindy and wet, walleye bite picks up in shallows
- summer
June - August
88° / 61°F 80 mmHot, peak bookings, thunderstorms common
- fall
September - November
66° / 36°F 35 mmMild days, pheasant and deer seasons open
- winter
December - February
43° / 18°F 15 mmCold and dry, park water systems shut off
Peak camping season around Cambridge runs from Memorial Day through Labor Day, when reservoir levels, swim beaches, and shower houses are all in service. Summer weekends fill quickly at Shady Bay - Medicine Creek State Recreation Area and at Johnson Lake State Recreation Area, so booking early is essential for holiday travel. Half of the sites at Willow View - Red Willow Reservoir State Recreation Area are reservable during peak season, while the other half remain first-come, first-served.
Spring and fall are quieter and often more comfortable. Walleye start hitting in the shallows in early spring at Medicine Creek, with the main fishery picking up in June. Excellent hunting runs through the spring, fall, and winter months, and Medicine Creek is considered one of the finest public hunting areas in the state for pheasant and quail.
Winter camping is possible but bare-bones. At Shady Rest - Prairie Dog State Park, cabins and campsites remain available year-round with electricity, though water service is limited outside peak season and shower facilities close during the cold months.
How to book a site near Cambridge
Nebraska state park camping is booked through a single central system. Reservations for camping are accepted up to 180 days in advance of arrival, and campers can call the Reservation Call Center at 1-844-637-2757 or book online through the Nebraska Game and Parks reservation portal. A park entry permit is required for every vehicle and may be purchased at the park, at Game and Parks offices, or in advance online.
Not every site is reservable. Medicine Creek SRA offers 34 Basic campsites that are all first come, first served, with nightly fees paid at a locked Iron Ranger box. Willow View - Red Willow Reservoir State Recreation Area uses the same Iron Ranger system for its first-come sites, with self-service envelopes accepting cash or check only. Gallagher Canyon State Recreation Area is also first come, first served.
Shady Rest - Prairie Dog State Park is in Kansas and is booked separately through the Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks reservation system.
What to expect on-site near Cambridge
Hookups in the area are typically electric-only. Most sites at Shady Bay - Medicine Creek State Recreation Area offer electric hookups but no water or sewer at the pad; the campground provides two shower houses, restrooms, potable water hydrants, and a dump station near the entrance. Johnson Lake State Recreation Area provides 30- and 50-amp electric at RV sites but no water at individual pads, and Willow View - Red Willow Reservoir State Recreation Area has 48 pads with 30- and 50-amp electric plus access to showers and a dump and fill station.
Gallagher Canyon State Recreation Area is a more primitive experience, with wooded sites, no electricity, vault-style restrooms, and no showers, drinking water, or dump station. The access road includes a narrow dirt section, so big rigs are not recommended. Medicine Creek enforces a 40-foot maximum length camping unit, and pets must be leashed park-wide.
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Frequently asked questions about campgrounds near Cambridge, NE
How do I choose the right campsite for my RV?
Start with the practical stuff: site length, the hookups you need, and whether it's a back-in or pull-through. Camping conditions in the U.S. vary by region and elevation, so check the local season, road access, and reservation requirements before you book. Federal campgrounds use Recreation.gov and state parks each have their own systems. Learn more.
How much are RV campsites near Cambridge, NE?
Campsite prices near Cambridge, NE depend on the type of campground. State park sites typically run $20-$45 with hookups. Private RV parks in town often run $40-$100, with tourist-hub locations charging more. Nearby Forest Service or Bureau of Land Management sites are usually $10-$25, often without hookups.
Is there any free camping near Cambridge, NE?
Free camping near Cambridge, NE depends on what federal public land is in driving distance. Bureau of Land Management and Forest Service land usually allows up to 14 days of dispersed camping at one spot. Check fire restrictions before you head out. Learn more about free camping.
Can I book a campsite through RVezy?
Not directly. RVezy doesn't handle campsite reservations, but each campground listing links to the operator's website or booking page when one's available.
What's the best time to go camping near Cambridge, NE?
Camping near Cambridge, NE works best in the shoulder seasons, with spring and fall hitting the sweet spot in most of the country. Summer is peak in northern climates; winter is peak in the southern and desert states. Local weather and elevation drive the specifics.
How far are RV campgrounds from Cambridge, NE?
There are {campgroundCount()} RV campgrounds within {campgroundDistanceRadius()} of Cambridge, NE. The closest are: {closestCampgroundsWithDistance(3)}. Most U.S. cities have a state park or private RV park within an hour's drive.
Where are dump stations near Cambridge, NE?
Dump stations near Cambridge, NE are usually at private RV parks and state park campgrounds, sometimes for a fee if you're not staying overnight. RVDumpsites.net maps the nearest options.
What's the best time of year to rent a RV in Cambridge, NE?
Renting a RV in Cambridge, NE works best in the shoulder seasons (April-May and September-October) across most of the U.S. Peak rental demand runs June through August nationwide, while the snowbird stretch from December through March drives winter demand in the southern states and southwest deserts.
What's the best time of year to rent an RV in Cambridge, NE?
RV rentals in Cambridge, NE peak from June through August when school is out. Shoulder months (April, May, September, October) usually have better availability and lower rates. Winter is high season for snowbird destinations in Florida, Arizona, Texas, and southern California.
Can I have an RV delivered to my home or campground in Cambridge, NE?
Yes. Many RVezy hosts in the U.S. deliver and set up at your home, a campground, or a destination. It's especially useful for first-time renters and for trips into remote areas where backing in a big rig isn't fun.
Can the RV be delivered near Cambridge, NE?
In most cases, yes. A lot of U.S. hosts offer to drop off the RV near Cambridge, NE at your driveway, a campground, or wherever you're starting your trip. It saves you the drive and the setup.