Windmill Sra

4.21

56 reviews

PO Box 427, Gibbon, Nebraska, 68840-0427, United States

Summer Destination

Featured in:Swimming Camping Nebraska Boating Camping Nebraska

Quick Facts

2,057 ft

Price

$27 - $42/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

Varies

Season

Year-round

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

RV FriendlyElectricShowers

Opens Nebraska Game and Parks Commission site

Official Website

Get Directions

Quick Facts

2,057 ft

Price

$27 - $42/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

Varies

Season

Year-round

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

RV FriendlyElectricShowers

Opens Nebraska Game and Parks Commission site

Official Website

Get Directions

Windmill Sra

$27.00 - $42.00 / night

Campsite Fees

Overnight camping fees range from $27 for a dry campsite with a picnic table to $42 for an electric hookup site at 30 amps. Additional park entry...

Standard Site Fee$0.00

Hookup Site Fee$42.00

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

4.21

Satisfactory

Based on 56 reviews

276 Google reviews

Most mentioned

cleanspaciousstafffriendly

Some mention

noise

"Reviews are generally positive, highlighting the campground's cleanliness, family-friendly amenities, and well-maintained facilities. However, noise from the nearby I-80 and the cost of some services are recurring complaints."

Read all reviews

Campground Map

PO Box 427, Gibbon, Nebraska, 68840-0427, United States

Windmill Sra

PO Box 427, Gibbon, Nebraska, 68840-0427, United States

Driving directionsFrom Gibbon, NE: 3 miles south, or Windmill SRA is located at the Gibbon I-80 Interchange #285.

Roads in the campground are all paved, including paved driveways for each site. Access to the park from I-80 east was reported closed at one point, requiring a detour on a washboard gravel road.

Nearby places

Kearney: approximately 20 miles (about 25 minutes by car), Grand Island: approximately 35 miles (about 40 minutes by car), Gibbon: approximately 3 miles (about 5 minutes by car)

Nearby supplies

Essential supplies such as gas, snacks, and ice can be obtained in Gibbon, approximately 3 miles away.

Best Time to Camp at Windmill Sra

Nebraska's dynamic seasons paint this recreation area in ever-changing colors throughout the year. Winter brings a crystalline landscape with freezing temperatures that transform the ponds into serene frozen vistas. Spring awakens the prairie with moderate temperatures and occasional refreshing rains that green the landscape. Summer peaks with pleasantly warm days averaging 86°F in July, ideal for swimming and outdoor adventures. Fall arrives with comfortable temperatures and the golden hues of changing leaves. While heavy rains or strong prairie winds may occasionally challenge tent campers, these weather patterns are part of the authentic Great Plains experience.

Summer(Jun-Aug)

4.0 / 5

Peak season (May–mid‑Oct): busy, with swimming, fishing and full amenities.

Best

Fall(Sep-Nov)

4.0 / 5

Fall praised for peacefulness and Sandhill crane migration viewing opportunities.

Spring(Mar-May)

3.5 / 5

Opens in May; spring offers pleasant hiking and wildlife but full services start later.

Winter(Dec-Feb)

2.0 / 5

Park generally closes mid‑Oct; ponds freeze and winter camping/activities limited.

Planning Tips

Peak Season: May through mid-October.. Book 2-3 months ahead.
Operating Season: Modern camping facilities are open starting in May and typically close by mid-October, depending on weather conditions. Camping (including electric sites) is available year-round, but winter rates apply when modern facilities are closed.

About Windmill Sra

Step back in time at Windmill State Recreation Area, where meticulously restored antique windmills turn gracefully against Nebraska skies, their wooden blades catching prairie breezes just as they did for early pioneers. Six tranquil man-made ponds beckon anglers and swimmers alike, while a dedicated sandy beach offers refreshing relief on warm summer days. Modern travelers will appreciate the thoughtful blend of history and comfort, with electrical hookups at campsites, hot showers after a day of exploration, well-maintained comfort stations, shaded picnic shelters perfect for family gatherings, and convenient laundry facilities that make extended stays a breeze.

Windmill SRA offers a mix of camping options, including primitive tent camping, improved sites with electrical hookups, and accommodations for RVs. Group camping is not highlighted, and luxury camping options such as cabins or glamping are unavailable.

Historical Significance

Indigenous Heritage

This storied ground takes its name from the historic Windmill Crossing, where generations of Pawnee Indians once forded the mighty Platte River during their seasonal buffalo hunts across the vast prairies. The carefully preserved windmills standing sentinel throughout the park serve as tangible links to Nebraska's pioneering past, when these ingenious machines harnessed prairie winds to draw life-giving water from deep aquifers, enabling settlers to transform grasslands into thriving homesteads. Each restored windmill tells a story of innovation, perseverance, and the enduring relationship between people and the prairie landscape.

Weather and SeasonsNebraska's dynamic seasons paint this recreation area in ever-changing colors throughout the year. Winter brings a crystalline landscape with freezing temperatures that transform the ponds into serene frozen vistas. Spring awakens the prairie with moderate temperatures and occasional refreshing rains that green the landscape. Summer peaks with pleasantly warm days averaging 86°F in July, ideal for swimming and outdoor adventures. Fall arrives with comfortable temperatures and the golden hues of changing leaves. While heavy rains or strong prairie winds may occasionally challenge tent campers, these weather patterns are part of the authentic Great Plains experience.

ElevationThe recreation area rests on Nebraska's characteristic rolling plains, offering gentle terrain that's accessible to visitors of all abilities while providing subtle vantage points for enjoying prairie vistas.

Natural Features and SceneryA captivating blend of human heritage and natural beauty defines this unique recreation area. The iconic antique windmills rise like sentinels across verdant lawns, their spinning blades creating a mesmerizing dance against expansive Nebraska skies. Six carefully crafted ponds mirror clouds by day and stars by night, their waters teeming with fish and ringed by native vegetation that attracts diverse wildlife. Early morning visitors often spot deer grazing near the water's edge, while bird enthusiasts delight in the variety of species that call this oasis home. As darkness falls, the absence of urban light pollution reveals a breathtaking celestial display, making this an exceptional destination for stargazers seeking to connect with the cosmos.

Geological RegionNestled within Nebraska's remarkable 'chain of lakes' corridor along Interstate 80, Windmill State Recreation Area showcases the ingenuity of both nature and human engineering. While the surrounding landscape tells the ancient story of prairie formation through millennia of wind and water, the man-made lakes represent a more recent chapter in Nebraska's relationship with water resources. This unique combination of constructed aquatic features and preserved windmill technology creates a landscape that bridges geological time with human history, offering visitors a chance to experience how successive generations have adapted to and shaped the Great Plains environment.

Best Campsites

Curated by campers, for campers

Reveal picks

Reserving a campsite

Check-in

4p.m.

Check-out

2p.m.

Stay Limit

Campers staying over must re-register by 2 p.m.

Guests Allowed Per Site

Only one camping unit is allowed per campsite. An extra tent may be used for dependent children only.

Groups

Group camping facilities are not mentioned in the available information.

Tents

Tents are allowed

RV vehicles

RV vehicles are allowed

Primitive

Primitive camping is allowed

Reservable

Reservations are allowed

Site layoutSpacious campsites with good privacy due to the spread-out layout. Some pull-through sites available.

Reservation PlatformsReservations can be made online at OutdoorNebraska.org.

Walk-in AvailabilityA good number of first-come, first-serve campsites are available for tents, even during the summer high season, particularly if your equipment is small.

Cancellation PolicyCamping reservations must be made at least three days in advance and up to 180 days in advance. If you cancel a reservation made one year in advance, you cannot cancel the arrival date.

AccessibilityThe campground has accessibility features such as handicap-accessible facilities and paved roads. One user remarked on the 'well-maintained facilities,' which supports its accessibility for visitors with mobility challenges.

Site SizeCampers frequently highlight the spaciousness of the sites. A reviewer stated: 'The spaces are well spread out and even if it was full you wouldn't feel like you are right next to someone else.

PrivacyThe campground offers a reasonable level of privacy due to the spacing of sites. 'The campsites were not too close so there is good privacy compared to private campgrounds,' noted a reviewer.

Recommended SitesFirst-come-first-serve tent sites are more likely to be available during the summer high season if your camping equipment is small.

Amenities available

Showers

Potable water

Electricity hookups

Flush toilets

Dump station

Fire rings

Activities you can enjoy

Windmill SRA provides a variety of recreational activities, including fishing, swimming, hiking, and wildlife viewing. The park's six ponds support fishing, and there is a designated swimming beach for water-based activities. Walking trails are available for casual hikes, and the area's well-maintained grounds make it suitable for stargazing and other leisure activities.

HikingThe park features walking and hiking trails, which are described as well-maintained. User feedback highlights a nature trail as a popular option for visitors.

FishingFishing is a highly popular activity, supported by the park's six ponds. Multiple reviews mention 'great fishing' opportunities, though one reviewer noted that 'fishing is okay, mostly small stuff.'

SwimmingA designated swimming beach is available, but its cleanliness and condition appear to vary. One user highlighted, 'The swimming area was very clean,' while another stated, 'The swimming beach is muddy and smelled bad.'

BikingBiking opportunities are available, with one user stating, 'The bike/walking trail is mostly grass but lots of fun to rip around on a bicycle.'

BoatingCanoeing and kayaking are supported on the park's ponds, as noted in the authoritative content.

Wildlife viewingWildlife viewing is another highlight, with specific mentions of Sandhill cranes visiting the campground during the migration season.

Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsSome highway noise due to proximity to I-80. Occasional issues with tent site leveling and water access. Wildlife, including cranes and other birds, is common.

Fire PolicyCampfires are permitted in designated fire rings.

Quiet HoursQuiet hours are 10 p.m. to 6 a.m.

Emergency ServicesA ranger station is available within the campground, and the closest hospital and emergency services are likely in Kearney, approximately 20 miles away.

Trash & RecyclingTrash and recycling facilities are not specifically detailed, though the park's general cleanliness is frequently praised by users.

Water FeaturesSix man-made lakes within the campground area.

Camp HostCampground hosts are reported as friendly and helpful. One host, Helen, was specifically praised for her hospitality.

Weather at Windmill Sra

Reviews

4.2

56 reviews

Satisfactory

Windmill Sra is satisfactory, placing it in the bottom 60% of campgrounds based on reviews

Reviews are generally positive, highlighting the campground's cleanliness, family-friendly amenities, and well-maintained facilities. However, noise from the nearby I-80 and the cost of some services are recurring complaints.

Review Summaries

Based on 56 reviews

What Campers Love

Positive aspects include the spacious and private campsites, clean facilities, pet-friendly environment, ample recreational opportunities like fishing and swimming, and the helpfulness of staff. One...

Based on 56 reviews

Common Concerns

Common complaints include noise from the nearby interstate, limited water hookups at individual sites, and the cost of coin-operated showers. One user stated, 'The only con was there is some highway...

Based on 56 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

User tips include bringing quarters for the showers, reserving sites in advance during busy seasons, and opting for sites further from the interstate to minimize noise. One reviewer suggested, 'A...

Based on 56 reviews

Seasonal Insights

During the summer, the campground is busy but offers ample recreational opportunities. Reviews from fall highlight the area's peacefulness and the chance to observe the Sandhill crane migration....

Based on 56 reviews

Camper Quotes

1. 'The spaces are well spread out, and even if it was full you wouldn’t feel like you are right next to someone else.' 2. 'Grant is amazing! He’s the park ranger here.' 3. 'This was our first time...

Based on 56 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

Specific site numbers are not mentioned, but users recommend opting for spots away from the interstate for a quieter experience.

Based on 56 reviews

Accessibility Features

Accessibility features like paved sites and handicap facilities are appreciated. A user noted, 'The campground was well-run and kept, with handicap access.'

Based on 56 reviews

Pet-Friendly Features

Pets are allowed, and many users positively mentioned the pet-friendly environment. One user stated, 'Even my dog loves it!' Another user highlighted, 'Visited here with my dogs on a cross-country...

Based on 56 reviews

0 review

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Last updated February 17, 2026

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