4.61471 reviewsPrice
$3 - $15/night
Booking
First-Come
Sites
6 campsites
Season
Year-round
Cell
Has Service
Pets
Very Pet Friendly
Price
$3 - $15/night
Booking
First-Come
Sites
6 campsites
Season
Year-round
Cell
Has Service
Pets
Very Pet Friendly
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Learn more about alerts →Toadstool Geological Park And Campground
Sugarloaf Rd & Toadstool Rd, Crawford, NE 69339
Geology nerds, astrophotographers, and anyone who wants a wide-open badlands camp with real privacy. The one-mile interpretive loop and five-mile Great Plains Trail connection start right from camp, and fall days in the 55-75°F range with dark, clear skies are the sweet spot.
Six sites and no reservations means showing up on a weekend and finding it full is a real possibility. Hauling all your own water, gravel roads that turn to mud after rain, train noise at night, and vault toilets with spotty cleanliness will wear on comfort campers fast.
Reference information about Toadstool Geological Park And Campground 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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Fall brings the most reliable conditions. Days typically run 55–75°F with crisp nights in the 30–45°F range, and the prairie turns warm gold under clear skies. Insects drop off, fire danger decreases, and the light is ideal for photography. Summer can be brutally hot with little shade. Winter transforms the formations with occasional snow but sees very few visitors. Clay roads turn to impassable mud after rain in any season, so check conditions before heading in.
Most reliable conditions: cool days, crisp nights, fewer insects and ideal hiking visibility.
Toadstool Geological Park and Campground offers 6 campsites equipped with picnic tables, fire pits, charcoal grills, and shelters over the tables. There are two accessible vault toilets and trash/recycling bins, but there is no potable water. Visitors must bring their own water. The campground is well-maintained, with mowed grass reducing fire risks and protecting against prairie rattlesnakes. While there is no electricity, each site provides a basic but functional setup for a primitive camping experience.
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