How much does camping cost at Fort Kearny Sra?

Camping fees at Fort Kearny Sra range from $7-$39/night. Prices may vary by site type (standard, hookup, premium) and season. Book online to see exact pricing for your dates.

Is Fort Kearny Sra first-come first-served or reservation?

Fort Kearny Sra accepts online reservations. We recommend booking in advance, especially during peak season (typically summer weekends). Use campsite alerts to get notified when spots become available.

What is the best time to visit Fort Kearny Sra?

Fort Kearny Sra is open Open year-round.. The best time to visit depends on your preferences—summer offers the warmest weather and most activities, while spring and fall provide fewer crowds and milder temperatures. Check current conditions before your trip.

Are there showers at Fort Kearny Sra?

Yes, Fort Kearny Sra has shower facilities available for campers. Check the amenities section for details on hours and any fees.

Can I have a campfire at Fort Kearny Sra?

Fire policies at Fort Kearny Sra: Not explicitly detailed.. Always check current fire restrictions before your trip, as conditions change seasonally.

Are dogs allowed at Fort Kearny Sra?

Yes, pets are allowed at Fort Kearny Sra. Dogs must typically be kept on a leash (usually 6 feet or shorter) and under control at all times. Be sure to clean up after your pet and check for any breed or size restrictions.

What amenities are available at Fort Kearny Sra?

Fort Kearny Sra offers: Restrooms, Showers, Potable Water, Dump Station, Electrical Hookups, Pets Allowed. See our detailed campground page for the full list of facilities and features.

What activities can I do at Fort Kearny Sra?

Popular activities at Fort Kearny Sra include Hiking, Fishing, Swimming, Biking, Boating, Wildlife Viewing. The surrounding area offers plenty of outdoor recreation opportunities for all skill levels.

Fort Kearny Sra

3.60

31 reviews

1020 V Road, Kearney, Nebraska, 68847-8043, United States

Summer Destination

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

Quick Facts

2,119 ft

Price

$7 - $39/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

Varies

Season

Year-round

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

ElectricShowers

Book on Direct Line Set up a cancellation alert Official Website

Get Directions

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

Quick Facts

2,119 ft

Price

$7 - $39/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

Varies

Season

Year-round

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

ElectricShowers

Book on Direct Line Set up a cancellation alert Official Website

Get Directions

Fort Kearny Sra

$7.00 - $39.00 / night

Campsite Fees

Fees include $39 per night for electric sites (for non-residents) and $7 per day for a Nebraska Licensed Vehicle Park Entry Permit. Non-Nebraska...

Standard Site Fee$0.00

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

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What Campers Say

3.60

Mixed Reviews

Based on 31 reviews

8 Google reviews

Most mentioned

viewsshadelocation

"Overall, users appreciate the shaded campsites, variety of activities, and the natural setting of Fort Kearny SRA. However, there are consistent complaints about the poor water pressure in the showers."

Read all reviews

Campground Map

1020 V Road, Kearney, Nebraska, 68847-8043, United States

Fort Kearny Sra

1020 V Road, Kearney, Nebraska, 68847-8043, United States

Nearby places

Minden (approximately 6 miles), Kearney (approximately 10 miles)

Nearby supplies

Grocery stores, camping supplies, fuel, and other essentials are approximately 10 miles away in Kearney.

Driving directionsTo get to Fort Kearny State Recreation Area, you would take I-80 to the Minden exit,279 south on Hwy 10 for 3 miles. Next, turn west onto Hwy 50A for 3 miles. Or from the Kearney exit, 272 south on Hwy 44 for 2 miles. Then east on Hwy 50A for 4 miles. Fort Kearny State Recreation Area, is 1 mile east and 1 mile north of the Historical Park.

The campground is accessible from major highways via paved roads, ensuring year-round usability. Seasonal closures or navigation challenges are not mentioned.

Best Time to Camp at Fort Kearny Sra

Spring is the standout season. Daytime highs run 50–70°F from March through May, with nights in the 30–50°F range. This lines up perfectly with the sandhill crane migration in late March and April, when wildlife viewing and birding peak. Early wildflowers and greening prairie make hiking and biking especially rewarding. Expect higher visitation during migration weekends, so book early. Summer brings long, sunny days good for swimming and water sports, though afternoons can be hot. Autumn cools things down, and the cottonwoods turn golden. Winter is quiet, with light snow and crisp nights.

Best

Spring(Mar-May)

5.0 / 5

Top 1% in NE

Spring is standout season for the peak sandhill crane migration and ideal spring temps.

Planning Tips

Operating Season: Open year-round.
Current Alerts: None currently reported.

About Fort Kearny Sra

Fort Kearny State Recreation Area sits along the central Platte River valley in south-central Nebraska, about 186 acres of cottonwood-shaded campsites and sandpit lakes. The campground offers both primitive sites and spots with electrical hookups, with fees ranging from $7 to $39 per night. It's best known for its proximity to one of the world's largest sandhill crane migrations each spring, when over 600,000 birds funnel through the valley.

Fort Kearny SRA provides options for both modern and primitive camping.

Historical Significance

Fort Kearny State Historical Park sits nearby, preserving a key military outpost from the mid-1800s that protected pioneers on the Oregon, California, and Mormon Trails. The fort served as a crucial supply and communication hub during westward expansion.

Weather and SeasonsSpring is the standout season. Daytime highs run 50–70°F from March through May, with nights in the 30–50°F range. This lines up perfectly with the sandhill crane migration in late March and April, when wildlife viewing and birding peak. Early wildflowers and greening prairie make hiking and biking especially rewarding. Expect higher visitation during migration weekends, so book early. Summer brings long, sunny days good for swimming and water sports, though afternoons can be hot. Autumn cools things down, and the cottonwoods turn golden. Winter is quiet, with light snow and crisp nights.

ElevationSet in the heart of Nebraska's gently rolling prairie landscape, Fort Kearny offers the peaceful, accessible terrain that makes it perfect for campers of all ages and abilities.

Natural Features and Scenery186 acres dotted with sandpit lakes and stately cottonwood trees, some over 100 years old, providing generous shade throughout much of the camping area.[1][2][3]

Geological RegionFort Kearny State Recreation Area sits in the heart of the central Platte River valley, a geological wonderland where ancient river channels have created a unique ecosystem of sandpit lakes and wetlands. This remarkable region hosts the world's largest concentration of sandhill cranes during spring migration, when over 600,000 of these magnificent birds converge on the valley. The area's rich alluvial soils and abundant water have shaped both the landscape and the incredible diversity of wildlife that calls this prairie paradise home.

Best Campsites

Curated by campers, for campers

Reveal picks

Reserving a campsite

Stay Limit

Amaximum of 180 days in advance for reservations is allowed.

Guests Allowed Per Site

Groups

Null

Tents

Tents are allowed

RV vehicles

RV vehicles are allowed

Primitive

Primitive camping is allowed

Reservable

Reservations are allowed

Site layoutThe campground mixes site sizes, with most shaded by cottonwood trees. No full hookups are available, just electrical at some sites, which frustrates a few RVers.

Reservation PlatformsOnline booking available at OutdoorNebraska.org.

Cancellation PolicyIf you check out early, the unused portion of your payment will be forfeited.

AccessibilityFacilities include a wheelchair-accessible fishing pier.

Site SizeThe campground features both small and large campsites, with most sites having shade provided by cottonwood trees.

Privacynull

Recommended SitesCampers should consider spots by the ponds for scenic views.

Need help booking Fort Kearny Sra?

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Booking tips & windows

When to Book

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Cancellation Alerts

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Amenities available

Showers

Potable water

Electricity hookups

Flush toilets

Dump station

Fire rings

RV details

Activities you can enjoy

Fort Kearny SRA offers a variety of activities, including kayaking, fishing in the eight sandpit lakes, swimming at the beach, and biking on a paved trail that crosses the Platte River and connects to the Archway and Kearney. Wildlife viewing, including deer and turkey, is highlighted. Other recreational options include hiking, canoeing, and birdwatching. The bike trail is described as 'awesome' and 'fun scenic,' and dogs are allowed to play in the river.

Hiking

Fishing

Swimming

Biking

Boating

Wildlife viewing

Planning your trip?Check out our camping packing checklist

Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsSeasonal hazards such as freezing weather and snow in winter; minimal water pressure in showers reported by users in spring 2024.

Active AlertsNone currently reported.

Weather at Fort Kearny Sra

Trip Planning Tools

Set an AlertGet notified when sites open up Check WeatherHistorical weather data Gear for This TripMatched gear recommendations Packing ListCustomizable checklist

Reviews

From Booking Sources

3.6

31 reviews

Mixed Reviews

Fort Kearny Sra has mixed reviews, placing it in the bottom 85% of campgrounds based on reviews

Overall, users appreciate the shaded campsites, variety of activities, and the natural setting of Fort Kearny SRA. However, there are consistent complaints about the poor water pressure in the showers.

Review Summaries

Based on 31 reviews

What Campers Love

Shaded by 100-year-old cottonwoods, excellent facilities, convenient location off I-80, prime for crane viewing, reasonable fees (per reviews).[1][2][9]

Based on 31 reviews

Common Concerns

The most common complaint revolves around the showers, described as having 'minimal water pressure' and being 'terrible even if they were free.'

Based on 31 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

From March 1 through April 11, water-dependent amenities like dump stations, water hookups, and modern restrooms may not be available due to freeze risk; sites remain open for crane viewing....

Based on 31 reviews

Seasonal Insights

In the spring, the area is known for hosting the world’s largest concentration of sandhill cranes and waterfowl. Summer reviews note the enjoyable recreational activities like kayaking and biking.

Based on 31 reviews

Camper Quotes

1. 'We love Fort Kearney for camping. Lots to do, we kayak, fish, they have a swim beach.' 2. 'The bike trail is awesome. It is paved and you can ride all the way to the arch and further.' 3....

Based on 31 reviews