Red Cloud Campground
4.1219 reviews125 N Main St Chadron, NE 69337
Red Cloud Campground
$5.00 - $10.00 / night
Campsite Fees
Standard Site Fee$10.00
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
The fee is $10 per night for one vehicle, with an additional $5 per night per additional vehicle. Discounts are available for Interagency Senior/Access Recreation Pass holders, reducing the fee to $5 per night. Payments can be made via cash, check, or the Recreation.gov app.
About this campground
Nestled in the enchanting Pine Ridge region near Chadron, Nebraska, Red Cloud Campground offers an authentic back-to-nature experience for those seeking simplicity and serenity. This intimate campground features 13 thoughtfully spaced sites, each equipped with essential amenities including picnic tables, fire rings, and grills. While its convenient location along Highway 385 ensures easy access for travelers, the gentle hum of passing traffic serves as a reminder of civilization's proximity. Modern conveniences are kept minimal with vault toilets, allowing visitors to truly disconnect and immerse themselves in the natural surroundings.
The campground accommodates a mix of tent and RV camping, although the small gravel pads are more suited for tents and smaller RVs. The sites are first-come, first-served, and there are no reservations.
Historical SignificanceRed Cloud Campground serves as your gateway to a region steeped in ancient history and geological wonder. The surrounding Pine Ridge area tells stories millions of years in the making through its remarkable rock formations. Just a short drive away, the Hudson-Meng Bison Bonebed offers a fascinating glimpse into prehistoric life, while the pristine Soldier Creek Wilderness beckons those seeking to walk paths less traveled. This landscape has witnessed the passage of countless generations, from ancient megafauna to Native American tribes to early pioneers.
Weather and SeasonsThe campground experiences Nebraska's dramatic seasonal transitions in full splendor. Winter transforms the landscape into a pristine wonderland, with frequent snowfall creating a peaceful, albeit chilly, retreat for the most adventurous souls. As summer arrives, the climate shifts to warm, dry days perfect for outdoor adventures and starlit evenings around the campfire. Throughout the year, the area's signature high winds add character to the experience, rustling through the pines and carrying the scents of the prairie.
ElevationPerched at 3,800 feet above sea level, Red Cloud Campground offers a refreshing escape from the heat of lower elevations. This mountain-like altitude brings cooler temperatures and crisp, clean air that invigorates the senses. RV campers should come prepared for the adventure of finding that perfect level spot on the gravel parking pads – consider it part of the authentic camping experience that adds character to your stay in this elevated pine forest retreat.
Natural Features and SceneryTowering Ponderosa pines create a natural cathedral around Red Cloud Campground, their thick canopy providing dappled shade and a sense of seclusion between sites. The carefully maintained grassy areas blend seamlessly with the wild vegetation, creating an inviting atmosphere that feels both welcoming and wonderfully remote. Beyond the campground, the Pine Ridge region unfolds in a tapestry of diverse landscapes – from rolling grasslands that stretch to the horizon to dramatic canyons carved by ancient waters, intimate creek bottoms teeming with wildlife, and majestic buttes that stand as sentinels over this remarkable terrain.
Geological RegionRed Cloud Campground sits at the heart of the spectacular Pine Ridge region, where the Great Plains meet the Rocky Mountain foothills in a dramatic geological embrace. This unique convergence creates an extraordinary landscape mosaic featuring expansive grasslands, aromatic Ponderosa Pine forests, hidden creek bottoms that harbor diverse ecosystems, and rugged canyons that reveal millions of years of Earth's history. The nearby buttes rise like ancient monuments, offering panoramic vistas across the Nebraska National Forests and Grasslands – a protected landscape that preserves this remarkable meeting place of ecosystems for generations to come.
Campsite details
AccessibilityThe vault toilet is not wheelchair-friendly, and there are no mentions of other accessibility features.
Sites SizeThe sites are small, with gravel parking pads. Several users mentioned that 'no long RVs are going to fit.'
Sites PrivacyThe campground has 'dense vegetation' providing 'fair to good privacy.'
Total Campsites13 campsites
Recommended CampsitesSites closer to the north end offer better privacy due to dense hardwood vegetation. Sites at the south end are surrounded by Ponderosa pines.
Reserving a campsite
Check-in
Not explicitly stated.
Check-out
Not explicitly stated.
Stay Limit
Stay limit of 14 consecutive days.
Guests Allowed Per Site
One vehicle per site, additional vehicles allowed for an extra fee.
Tents
Tents are allowed
RV vehicles
RV vehicles are not allowed
Primitive
Primitive are allowed
Reservable
Reservations are not allowed
Site layoutThe campground is a single spur ending in a loop along Highway 385. Sites are separated by vegetation, offering fair privacy.
Open and Closed SeasonOpen year-round for camping.
Reservation PlatformsNot applicable; reservations are not accepted.
Walk-in AvailabilityAll 13 sites are available on a first-come, first-served basis. They tend to be quiet and often have vacancies, even during peak times. Some user reviews mention having the campground to themselves during holiday weekends.
Cancellation PolicyReservations cannot be made in advance. All sites are first-come, first-served.
Amenities available
Fire rings
Picnic tables
Vault toilets
Activities you can enjoy
The activities at Red Cloud Campground focus primarily on hiking and wildlife viewing in the nearby Pine Ridge area. There are no water-based recreational opportunities. Fishing is available at Chadron Reservoir, located three miles south.
Hiking
Hiking is a primary activity, with the Pine Ridge Trail system accessible via the nearby Outrider and Strong Canyon trailheads. The trails pass through diverse landscapes including grasslands, Ponderosa Pine Forests, creek bottoms, and canyons.Fishing
Fishing is available at Chadron Reservoir, three miles south of the campground. Specific details about fish species or other fishing opportunities are not provided.Wildlife viewing
Wildlife viewing opportunities include early morning sightings of turkeys and other local wildlife, as noted by user reviews.Winter Activities
Snow and freezing weather may make hiking and other activities difficult during winter.Water Sports
Not available.Campground rules
- Pets are not allowed
- Fire rings are available at all campsites. Standard fire safety rules apply.
- Quiet hours are Not explicitly stated.
Hazards
General hazardsRoad noise from Highway 385 is a recurring issue. Wildlife encounters are possible, and steep ridges may pose risks for climbing.
Weather forecast
59
°F
Aug 26
Tuesday
Overcast
Precipitation: 0%
Very strong wind, outdoor activities may be affected
Humidity: 92%
High humidity, may feel muggy
Wind: 14.1 mph
Very strong wind, outdoor activities may be affected
Overcast
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
Nearest emergency services are located in Chadron, including medical facilities, police stations, and the Pine Ridge Ranger District Office.
Good to know
Peak season datesNot explicitly stated, but camping season aligns with warmer months.
Trash and recyclingTrash cans are provided for camper use, but no recycling facilities are mentioned.
Proximity to water featuresNo water features on-site. Chadron Reservoir, located 3 miles south, offers fishing opportunities.
Common complaintsRoad noise from Highway 385, particularly from semi-trucks using Jake brakes. Lack of potable water and electricity, and proximity to barking dogs across the highway.
HostNo on-site host was mentioned.
Campground Map
125 N Main St Chadron, NE 69337
Driving directionsFrom Chadron, NE at the intersection of US Routes 20 and 385, take Route 385 south for 9.3 miles to the campground on the right.
The campground is easily accessible via a direct paved road from Highway 385. The road conditions are suitable year-round, but noise from passing traffic is a common issue due to the proximity of the highway.Nearby places
Chadron - 9 miles, approximately 15 minutes driving.
Nearby supplies
Closest supplies are available in Chadron, approximately 9 miles north of the campground. Chadron State Park, located 1 mile north, offers an RV waste station with potable water for a fee.
Camper Reviews
4.1
19 reviews
Red Cloud Campground is satisfactory, placing it in the bottom 60% of campgrounds based on reviews
Red Cloud Campground has mixed reviews. While users appreciate its cleanliness, affordability, and proximity to natural attractions, road noise from the adjacent Highway 385 is a significant downside.
Review Summaries
Based on 19 reviews
What Campers Love
Clean and well-maintained sites, affordable rates ($5-$10 per night), scenic surroundings, and abundant wildlife.
Based on 19 reviewsCommon Concerns
Loud road noise from Highway 385, lack of potable water, and limited shade at some sites.
Based on 19 reviewsPro Tips & Recommendations
Bring your own water, ear protection if sensitive to noise, and consider visiting Chadron Reservoir for fishing.
Based on 19 reviewsSeasonal Insights
Summer reviews highlight the green surroundings and mowed grass, while winter reviews note the lack of water and hot showers.
Based on 19 reviewsCamper Quotes
- 'The pit toilet is one of the nicest I've ever seen!' - 'For $5, we had the place nearly to ourselves.' - 'Clean campsites, fresh pine air, and cheap rates.' - 'Jake braking trucks are brutal.' -...
Based on 19 reviewsShow more
Site-Specific Reviews
No specific site numbers were identified, but larger RVs are cautioned against attempting to park in the campground.
Based on 19 reviewsAccessibility Features
Accessibility is limited, with no wheelchair-friendly vault toilets.
Based on 19 reviewsPet-Friendly Features
No specific feedback about pets or pet policies was included.
Based on 19 reviewsLast updated August 10, 2025