4.61471 reviewsSelect a month, then check for open campsites
Price
$15/night
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Sites
12 campsites
Season
Year-round
Cell
Unknown
Pets
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Select a month, then check for open campsites
Price
$15/night
Booking
Check Site
Sites
12 campsites
Season
Year-round
Cell
Unknown
Pets
Check Policy
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Learn more about alerts →Toadstool (Ne) Nebraska Nf
42.8581, -103.5839
Geology nerds, photographers, and families with kids who can handle easy trails will get the most out of this place. The one-mile interpretive loop works for ages 6 and up, the shade covers on six of the twelve sites help in heat, and the uncrowded quiet is real.
Any rain in the forecast should make you reconsider entirely, reviewers describe the dirt road and trails turning dangerously slippery when wet. No water on site means hauling everything in, and there's no camp store for 15 miles of gravel in either direction.
Reference information about Toadstool (Ne) Nebraska Nf sourced from official USFS records and forestcamping.com. View official recreation.gov page →
<p>Toadstool Geologic Park is noted for its unusual geological formations, some in the shape of toadstools, and scientifically valuable fossil deposits. Our interpretive kiosk explains and illustrates the local geology and provides information and history about the local grasslands. During your hike look for signs of fossils that give scientists insight into the behavior of animals as they passed through this area as far back as 30 million years ago. In order for others to enjoy viewing these fossil resources collection is prohibited.</p><p>The trailhead at the campground provides access to three hiking trails to choose from with varying degrees of difficulty. A one mile loop highlights many examples of eroded clay/sandstone formations. While on the trail, follow our <a href="http://www.fs.usda.gov/Internet/FSE_DOCUMENTS/fseprd1084809.pdf">interpretive brochure</a> to learn the fascinating geology of the area.</p><p>The Bison Trail leaves the interpretive loop at the half way point and continues up the canyon to <a href="https://www.fs.usda.gov/recarea/nebraska/recarea/?recid=10621">Hudson-Meng Education and Research Center</a>. Toadstool Campground to Hudson Meng is 3 miles one way.</p><p> A five mile loop begins at the campground and proceeds on the graveled section of the interpretive trail for a short distance before heading north through the badlands and grasslands on the Great Plains Trail. After 1.5 miles the Great Plains Trail intersects with the 918 Road. Follow the signs to return to the Bison Trail and Toadstool Campground. The loop can be done in reverse going the other direction on the interpretive trail as you leave the campground.</p><p>The Great Plains Trail developed by the Great Plains Trail Alliance is a cross country network of public land trails and roads beginning in Guadalupe National Park and ending at the Canadian Border. The Bison Trail, 918 Road and part of the 5 mile loop are part of this network. Great Plains Trail information can be found at <a href="http://www.greatplainstrail.org/">www.greatplainstrail.org</a> </p><p>The campground consists of six sites with picnic tables and fire rings and upright grills and two accessible vault toilets. <strong>There is no water. </strong></p><p><strong>Special features</strong>: In 1984 the Forest Service constructed a sod house near the site of a sod house built in 1929. The new "soddie" provides a look into the past when the homesteaders on the grasslands used the only abundant material available. The original sod house was lived in briefly before being abandoned and signs of the original structure no longer exist.</p><p>Fossils and artifacts are protected under federal laws.</p>
The elevation is 3,800 feet. The campground is a single loop next to the geologically interesting Toadstool Park. Each site has excellent views of the Toadstool formations and surrounding grasslands. The understory is grass that is kept mowed giving the campground a manicured appearance. The mowed grass gives two benefits. First, it reduces the risk of an accidental wildfire and, more importantly, offers some protection from the Prairie rattlesnake. Although there is no middlestory, privacy is excellent due to the space between campsites. A ramada (sun shade) over the picnic table and pedestal grill is located at each campsite. The campground is excellent for a 360 degree view of the night sky and is centrally located for day trips to Hudson-Meng Bison Bonebed, High Plains Homestead, Warbonnet Monument, and Montrose Church. Of course, the Toadstool Geologic Park trail is a must while at this campground - amazing. Oglala National Grassland 265
Services provided May 15 through November 15
The parking aprons are gravel.
In Crawford, NE, at the intersection of State Routes 2/71 and US Route 20, take Routes 2/71 north 16.6 miles to second Toadstool sign. Turn left after sign onto Sugarloaf Rd. (gravel, single-lane with few turnouts) and go 6.5 miles to another Toadstool sign. Turn left at sign onto Toadstool Rd (gravel and dirt) and go 2 miles to campground sign. Turn right after the sign onto gravel road, crossing railroad tracks, and go 1.3 miles into campground. NOTE: Toadstool Rd. can be very rough, with serious washboarding and potholes, south of the campground. Alternative (shorter but not recommended for recreational vehicles): In Crawford, NE, at the intersection of State Routes 2/71 and US Route 20, take Routes 2/71 north 4.6 miles to Toadstool sign. Turn left after sign onto Toadstool Rd. (gravel and dirt) and go 12 miles to campground sign. Turn left after the sign onto gravel road, crossing railroad tracks, and go 1.3 miles into campground.
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Best season: fall. Fall offers the best combination of comfortable weather and dramatic light for photographing the badlands—daytime highs are often in the 50s–70s°F with crisp nights in the 30s–40s°F. Trails are dustier and easier to hike than spring mud or summer heat, and visitor numbers are usually lower than peak summer, so you’ll have more solitude for exploring hoodoos and fossil beds. This season is ideal for hiking, photography, and cooler overnight camping—just watch for hunting seasons and wear bright ( Peak months: September, October, May, June Avoid: January, February
Fall offers best light for photos and comfortable temps; reviewers highlight October visits.
Twelve campsites equipped with picnic tables, fire rings, and upright grills. Two accessible vault toilets are provided; there is no water on site. A reconstructed sod house is located in the campground as a historical feature.
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