Red Cloud Campground

Star4.11
40 reviews
125 N Main St Chadron, NE 69337

Quick Facts

3,800 ft

Price

$5 - $10/night

Booking

First-Come

Sites

13 campsites

Season

Year-round

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Check Policy

Opens Pine Ridge Ranger District site

Official Website
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Red Cloud Campground
$5.00 - $10.00 / night
Campsite Fees
The fee is $10 per night for one vehicle, with an additional $5 per night per additional vehicle. Discounts are available for Interagency...
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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

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Provider
308-432-0300
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What Campers Say

4.11

Satisfactory

Based on 40 reviews

38 Google reviews

Most mentioned

cleanwell-maintainedsites

Some mention

noiseroad noise

"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."

Read all reviews

Campground Map

125 N Main St Chadron, NE 69337

Red Cloud Campground

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.

Best Time to Camp at Red Cloud Campground

The 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.

Best
Summer(Jun-Aug)
4.0 / 5

Summer reviews praise green surroundings and mowed grass; pleasant hiking and shade from pines.

Fall(Sep-Nov)
3.5 / 5

Pine Ridge scenery and mild fall weather likely attractive; no explicit fall detail but seasonal change noted.

Spring(Mar-May)
3.5 / 5

Spring offers trails and returning greenery; general seasonal transitions highlighted in overview.

Winter(Dec-Feb)
2.5 / 5

Open year-round with frequent snowfall; reviews note lack of water/hot showers makes winter camping austere.

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

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.
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Reserving a campsite

Check-in
Not explicitly stated.
Check-out
Not explicitly stated.
Stay Limit
Stay limit of 14 consecutive days.

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.
HikingHiking 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.
FishingFishing is available at Chadron Reservoir, three miles south of the campground. Specific details about fish species or other fishing opportunities are not provided.
Wildlife viewingWildlife viewing opportunities include early morning sightings of turkeys and other local wildlife, as noted by user reviews.
Winter Activities
Water Sports
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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.

Weather at Red Cloud Campground

Reviews

4.1
40 reviews
Satisfactory
Satisfactory
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 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

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.' -...
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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

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

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Last updated January 13, 2026
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