Campgrounds and RV parks near O'Neill, NE

Water is the main draw. Niobrara State Park sits near where the Niobrara meets the Missouri, with access nearby to both rivers at Verdel Landing and Niobrara Landing, though the popular tubing and paddling stretch of the Niobrara National Scenic River lies about 130 miles west near Valentine. Calamus Reservoir State Recreation Area and Wildlife Management Area is centered on the expansive reservoir, with fishing, boating, wildlife viewing, and swimming at sandy beaches. On the Missouri River, North Point Recreation Area provides boat ramps, the Fort Randall Marina, and a trapshooting and rifle range. Land-based activities include horseback riding trails, hiking, fishing and wildlife watching at Niobrara State Park, plus self-guided tours at the Calamus Fish Hatchery below the dam. Families traveling with kids will find playgrounds, swimming beaches, and short trails at most of the state parks in the region.

Peak camping season runs from Memorial Day through Labor Day, when weather is warm, water levels are highest, and marinas and shower houses are fully open. Summer daytime highs commonly reach the upper 80s Fahrenheit, with warm nights and afternoon thunderstorm risk. This is also when Niobrara State Park hosts its famous buffalo cookouts during the summer months, and when Nebraska state park campgrounds fill fastest on weekends. Spring brings variable weather: cool nights, migrating birds, and the wettest stretch of the year from late spring into early summer. Fall is often the most comfortable window for RV travel, with cool nights, lighter crowds, and good fishing on the reservoirs. Hunting seasons open in the fall, so check adjacent wildlife management areas before hiking off-trail. Winter is cold and windy. Camping is open year round at Niobrara State Park, and North Point is also open year-round, though between October 1 and April 30 showers, flush toilets and other water systems may be closed. Drought or fire bans may apply at any time.

The modern campgrounds at Calamus have 122 pads with 30/50 amp electrical hookups, plus 55 non-pad sites, modern restrooms, showers, dump station and water. Shower houses are available at Homestead Knolls, Nunda Shoal and Valley View Flat campgrounds, and all three areas offer mature shade trees, water and modern restrooms, each within walking distance of the lake. A dump and fill station is available at Little York Point, and Niobrara State Park also has a dump and fill station at its main campground. Niobrara State Park sites are tucked into the woods off a three-mile, one-way road that lines the campgrounds, hidden in small clearings among the elm and ash trees, which limits access for very large rigs. Cell coverage is spotty away from town. Come prepared for wind, sudden thunderstorms, and mosquitoes near the rivers. Ticks are common in tall grass through spring and summer.