How much does camping cost at Red Cloud Campground?

Camping fees at Red Cloud Campground range from $5-$10/night. Prices may vary by site type (standard, hookup, premium) and season. Fees are typically paid at the campground entrance.

Can I see photos of campsites at Red Cloud Campground before I book?

Yes! Red Cloud Campground has 9 campsite photos on Outdoorithm, contributed by campers who've stayed there. Browse real photos of individual sites to see what to expect before you reserve. You can also add your own photos after your trip to help the next family plan theirs.

What is the best time to visit Red Cloud Campground?

Red Cloud Campground is open Not explicitly stated, but camping season aligns with warmer months.. 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 Red Cloud Campground?

Red Cloud Campground does not have shower facilities. Plan accordingly—nearby alternatives may include day-use areas or towns.

Can I have a campfire at Red Cloud Campground?

Fire policies at Red Cloud Campground: Fire rings are available at all campsites. Standard fire safety rules apply.. Always check current fire restrictions before your trip, as conditions change seasonally.

How many campsites does Red Cloud Campground have?

Red Cloud Campground has 13 campsites. Sites vary in size, privacy, and amenities. Arrive early for the best site selection.

Are dogs allowed at Red Cloud Campground?

Pets are not allowed at Red Cloud Campground. This policy helps protect local wildlife and other campers. Consider nearby pet-friendly campgrounds if traveling with animals.

What amenities are available at Red Cloud Campground?

Red Cloud Campground offers: Restrooms. See our detailed campground page for the full list of facilities and features.

What activities can I do at Red Cloud Campground?

Popular activities at Red Cloud Campground include Hiking, Fishing, Wildlife Viewing. The surrounding area offers plenty of outdoor recreation opportunities for all skill levels.

Red Cloud Campground

Q: Is Red Cloud Campground first-come first-served or reservation?

Red Cloud Campground operates on a first-come, first-served basis. All 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.

3.90

40 reviews

125 N Main St Chadron, NE 69337

Backcountry Feel

Featured in:Forest Camping Nebraska

Quick Facts

3,800 ft

Price

$5 - $10/night

Booking

First-Come

Sites

13 campsites

Season

Year-round

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Check Policy

Check Availability Official Website

Get Directions

Quick Facts

3,800 ft

Price

$5 - $10/night

Booking

First-Come

Sites

13 campsites

Season

Year-round

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Check Policy

Check Availability Official Website

Get Directions

Red Cloud Campground

$5.00 - $10.00 / night

Campsite Fees

Single Site: $10 per night (1 vehicle included per site) Additional Vehicle Fee: $5 per night $10/vehicle/night. Please pay onsite.

Standard Site Fee$10.00

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USFS

Provider

308-432-0300

I manage this campground

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Campground Map

125 N Main St Chadron, NE 69337

Red Cloud Campground

125 N Main St Chadron, NE 69337

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.

Weather at Red Cloud Campground

Best Time to Camp at Red Cloud Campground

Summer brings warm, dry days in the 75-85°F range with cool nights dropping to the mid-40s to mid-50s. The Ponderosa canopy keeps campsites comfortable during afternoon heat. Trails and creeks stay accessible, fishing is reliable, and wildlife activity peaks at dawn and dusk. Holiday weekends see the most visitors, but crowds remain moderate otherwise. Winter brings frequent snow and strong winds that rip through the pines. Spring and fall can be unpredictable.

Best

Summer(Jun-Aug)

4.0 / 5

Summer temps 75–85°F with cool nights; Ponderosa canopy keeps sites comfortable and summer reviews are positive.

Planning Tips

Peak Season: Not explicitly stated, but camping season aligns with warmer months.. Book 2-3 months ahead.
Operating Season: Open year-round for camping.

About Red Cloud Campground

Red Cloud Campground sits along Highway 385 in Nebraska's Pine Ridge region, offering 13 small tent and primitive sites at $5-10 per night. The Ponderosa pines provide decent shade and fair to good privacy between sites, but road noise from semi-trucks using Jake brakes is a constant presence. Clean, affordable, and close to hiking and fishing, this is a straightforward base camp with vault toilets and no water.

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 Significance

The Hudson-Meng Bison Bonebed, a short drive from the campground, preserves evidence of prehistoric life in the Pine Ridge. The site reveals layers of ancient history locked in the region's rock formations.

Weather and SeasonsSummer brings warm, dry days in the 75-85°F range with cool nights dropping to the mid-40s to mid-50s. The Ponderosa canopy keeps campsites comfortable during afternoon heat. Trails and creeks stay accessible, fishing is reliable, and wildlife activity peaks at dawn and dusk. Holiday weekends see the most visitors, but crowds remain moderate otherwise. Winter brings frequent snow and strong winds that rip through the pines. Spring and fall can be unpredictable.

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 SceneryPonderosa pines tower over the campground, their dense canopy creating shade and visual separation between the small gravel sites. Beyond the immediate camping area, the Pine Ridge landscape unfolds in layers: rolling grasslands meet rugged canyons, creek bottoms run through draws, and buttes rise above the forest at 3,800 feet elevation. Wildlife appears regularly in mornings and evenings. The nearby Chadron Reservoir offers fishing access, and the Soldier Creek Wilderness sits within easy driving distance.

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.

Scenic ViewsThe campground itself does not offer significant views due to dense vegetation and proximity to the highway. However, the surrounding Pine Ridge area offers scenic vistas of grasslands, forests, and ridges.

Lodging & AccommodationsNo hotel-style lodges or other accommodations are available within the campground.

Programs & ActivitiesThere is no mention of cultural or educational programs.

Best Campsites

Curated by campers, for campers

Reveal picks

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 camping is allowed

Reservable

Reservations are not allowed

Site layoutThe campground runs as a single spur ending in a loop along Highway 385. Dense vegetation separates the 13 sites, providing fair to good privacy despite the small footprint. Gravel parking pads won't accommodate long RVs.

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.

AccessibilityThe vault toilet is not wheelchair-friendly, and there are no mentions of other accessibility features.

Site SizeThe sites are small, with gravel parking pads. Several users mentioned that 'no long RVs are going to fit.

PrivacyThe campground has 'dense vegetation' providing 'fair to good privacy.

Total Campsites13 campsites

Recommended SitesSites closer to the north end offer better privacy due to dense hardwood vegetation. Sites at the south end are surrounded by Ponderosa pines.

Amenities available

Potable water is not available at this site.

Fire rings

Picnic tables

Vault toilets

I manage this campground

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

Fishing

Wildlife viewing

Winter Activities

Water Sports

Planning your trip?Check out our camping packing checklist

Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsRoad noise from Highway 385 is a recurring issue. Wildlife encounters are possible, and steep ridges may pose risks for climbing.

No Potable WaterThis campground does not have potable water on-site. Bring all the water you need for drinking, cooking, and cleaning.

No Flush ToiletsThe campground does not provide flush toilets.

No Electric HookupsElectric hookups are not available at this campground. RV campers should arrive with a full battery and plan for off-grid power (generator hours/quiet rules permitting).

No Water HookupsSite-level water hookups are not available. RV campers should fill freshwater tanks before arrival; check the No Potable Water note above if applicable for drinking water.

No Dump StationThere is no dump station at this campground. Plan to use a dump station along your route or at a nearby facility before or after your stay.

Fire PolicyFire rings are available at all campsites. Standard fire safety rules apply.

Quiet HoursQuiet hours are Not explicitly stated.

Emergency ServicesNearest emergency services are located in Chadron, including medical facilities, police stations, and the Pine Ridge Ranger District Office.

Trash & RecyclingTrash cans are provided for camper use, but no recycling facilities are mentioned.

Water FeaturesNo water features on-site. Chadron Reservoir, located 3 miles south, offers fishing opportunities.

Camp HostNo on-site host was mentioned.

Cell CoverageOne user noted that 'AT&T cell coverage is excellent.'

Trip Planning Tools

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

Questions & answers

Researching this campground? Ask anything — other campers and our team will weigh in. No visit required.

Tips from campers

Short heads-ups about the road in, gear quirks, timing, and more. You don't have to have been here to share what you know.

Reviews

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From Booking Sources

3.9

40 reviews

Mixed Reviews

Red Cloud Campground has mixed reviews, placing it in the bottom 85% 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 40 reviews

What Campers Love

Clean and well-maintained sites, affordable rates ($5-$10 per night), scenic surroundings, and abundant wildlife.

Based on 40 reviews

Common Concerns

Loud road noise from Highway 385, lack of potable water, and limited shade at some sites.

Based on 40 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

No specific site numbers were identified, but larger RVs are cautioned against attempting to park in the campground.

Based on 40 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Bring your own water, ear protection if sensitive to noise, and consider visiting Chadron Reservoir for fishing.

Based on 40 reviews

Seasonal Insights

Summer reviews highlight the green surroundings and mowed grass, while winter reviews note the lack of water and hot showers.

Based on 40 reviews

Camper 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 40 reviews

Accessibility Features

Accessibility is limited, with no wheelchair-friendly vault toilets.

Based on 40 reviews

Pet-Friendly Features

No specific feedback about pets or pet policies was included.

Based on 40 reviews

Outdoorithm Community

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Go if

Tent campers and hikers working the Pine Ridge Trail system will find this a solid, cheap base. Chadron Reservoir is three miles south for fishing, supplies are 9 miles in Chadron, and AT&T signal holds well for a backcountry-adjacent spot.

Skip if

Semi-trucks on Highway 385 use Jake brakes through the night and reviewers flag it consistently as the campground's defining flaw. No potable water on-site either, so bring all you need.

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Red Cloud Campground sits in the Pine Ridge area at 3,917 feet, a mile south of Chadron State Park and eight miles from the town of Chadron. The 13-site campground offers both vault and flush toilets, picnic tables, and fire rings. It's a quiet base for hiking the Pine Ridge Trail system.

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15951 Hwy 385, Chadron, Nebraska, 69337-7353, United States

Chadron State Park sits in Nebraska's Pine Ridge region, where forested buttes rise from the plains. The park has sites for tents, RVs, and primitive camping, plus cabin lodging. Sites run $30-$54.50 per night. Amenities include showers, electric hookups, a dump station, and a camp store open Memorial Day through Labor Day.

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Roberts Tract is a three-site equestrian campground at 3,953 feet elevation in the Pine Ridge National Recreation Area. The Roberts Loop Trail starts directly from camp, and the facilities include an eight-paddock corral system, rider ramp, and stock water. One parking-area site accommodates horse trailers and campers.

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Box Butte Reservoir State Recreation Area sits on the western edge of Nebraska's Sandhills, where a 1,600-acre lake meets ancient grass-covered dunes. The campground offers 56 sites. Both Electric Plus and Basic options. With nightly fees ranging from $35 to $50. Sites accommodate equipment up to 60 feet.

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Soldier Creek Campground

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Soldier Creek Campground sits at 4,100 feet in the Nebraska National Forests, bordering the Soldier Creek Wilderness near Crawford. The campground has 10 sites (tent and RV-friendly) at $15/night with a semi-dispersed feel. Each site includes a picnic table and fire ring, and the campground provides vault toilets and hand-pump drinking water. Equestrian visitors will find 15 paddocks and corrals, though reviewers note you'll need certified weed-free hay for stock animals.

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Campgrounds

Nebraska National Forests and Grasslands

Red Cloud Campground

From the U.S. Forest Service

Reference information about Red Cloud Campground sourced from official USFS records and forestcamping.com. View official recreation.gov page →

Overview

<p>The Red Cloud Campground is located one mile south of Chadron State Park on the west side of Highway 385, uniquely situated near the beautiful Pine Ridge area. The campground has 13 sites with picnic tables, parking pads, pedestal grills, fire rings, and a vault toilet.</p><p>Access the nearby <a href="http://www.fs.usda.gov/recarea/nebraska/recreation/recarea/?recid=82882">Pine Ridge Trail</a> system via <a href="http://www.fs.usda.gov/recarea/nebraska/recreation/recarea/?recid=10620">Outrider </a>and <a href="http://www.fs.usda.gov/recarea/nebraska/recreation/recarea/?recid=10624">Strong Canyon</a> trailheads. Pine Ridge trail passes through a wide variety of landscapes ranging from grassland, Ponderosa Pine Forest, creek bottoms, canyons and open ridges with views of the nearby buttes. </p>

Activities

Picnic tables, parking pads, fire rings and vault toilet.

About the campground

The elevation is 3,800 ft. The campground is a single spur ending in a loop stretching along US Rt. 385. The dense vegetation, Ponderosa pines at the south end of the campground and a thick stand of various hardwoods on the north end, between the highway and campsites, blocks any views of the passing traffic but not the noise. The dense vegetation as well as separation between sites provides fair to good privacy. The groomed grass understory gives the campground a manicured appearance. Several campsites have pedestal grilles. This campground is the only one in the Nebraska National Forest with a playground. Possible day trips are Oglala National Grassland, Toadstool Geologic Park in Oglala National Grassland, Hudson-Meng Bison Bonebed, Chadron State Park, Soldier Creek Wilderness, and the various attractions around Chadron, NE.

Seasons & access

The parking aprons are gravel. An RV waste station, with potable water, is available for a fee at Chadron State Park, 1 mile north of campground on US Rt. 385. Leveling an RV on some parking aprons might be a challenge. Facilities Flush Toilets: No Hot Showers: No Vaults: Yes Wheelchair Friendly Toilets: No Public Phone: No Playground: Yes No. Water Spigots (non-site): 0 Water Sports None Hiking: No Fishing: The Chadron Reservoir is located 3 miles south of campground on US Rt. 385 where fishing is available.

RV information

Directions

In Chadron, NE, at the intersection of US Rts. 20 and 385, take Rt. 385 south for 9.3 miles to campground on right.

National Forest: Nebraska National Forest
Ranger District: Pine Ridge
Elevation: 3800
Rate: $5 per day
Maximum Stay: 14