Ponca Sp

Star4.44
102 reviews
88090 Spur 26 E, Ponca, Nebraska, 68770, United States
Scenic Views

Quick Facts

1,089 ft

Price

$6 - $400/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

Varies

Season

Year-round

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

RV FriendlyElectricShowers

Opens Ponca State Park site

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Ponca Sp
$6.00 - $400.00 / night
Campsite Fees
Fees include $6/day for Nebraska-licensed vehicles or $12/day for non-Nebraska-licensed vehicles. Annual permits are $30 for Nebraska vehicles and...
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Standard Site Fee$40.00
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

4.44

Recommended

Based on 102 reviews

1008 Google reviews

Most mentioned

scenerycleanhiking

"Reviews indicate a generally positive experience, with highlights on scenic beauty, diverse activities, and friendly staff. However, some maintenance and cleanliness issues have been raised, particularly with toilets and trash."

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Campground Map

88090 Spur 26 E, Ponca, Nebraska, 68770, United States

Ponca Sp

88090 Spur 26 E, Ponca, Nebraska, 68770, United States

Driving directionsFrom Ponca, NE: Drive 2 miles north on Spur 26E. From Sioux City, IA (25 miles away): Take Highway 20 West for about 14 miles, turn north (right) on Highway 12, then drive 9 miles to Ponca. Follow local signs into the park. From Omaha, NE (approximately 2 hours): Take I-29 north to just south of Sioux City, then follow Highway 20 West and Highway 12 as described above. From Lincoln, NE (approximately 3 hours): Take Highway 77 north to South Sioux City, then go west on Highway 20 and north on Highway 12.
Access roads are primarily paved highways leading to Ponca State Park. Seasonal closures do not appear to impact accessibility, but local navigation challenges may include winding roads and steep terrain. User reviews mention difficulties finding specific camping areas due to unclear signage and winding roads.
Nearby places
Ponca, NE (2 miles, 5 minutes), Sioux City, IA (25 miles, 30 minutes), Omaha, NE (approximately 120 miles, 2 hours), Lincoln, NE (approximately 180 miles, 3 hours).
Nearby supplies
The town of Ponca, NE, has a convenience store and Outlaw Pizza restaurant. Sioux City, IA, offers grocery stores, camping supplies, and fuel stations.

Best Time to Camp at Ponca Sp

Each season paints Ponca State Park in stunning new colors. Winter brings a crystalline quiet to the landscape, while summer warmth invites endless days of exploration. But it's autumn that truly steals the show – when the wooded bluffs burst into a spectacular canvas of golds, crimsons, and burnt oranges. The mild fall temperatures create perfect camping weather, drawing visitors who seek both comfortable days on the trail and crisp nights around the campfire.

Summer(Jun-Aug)
4.0 / 5

Pool, boating and full services in season; mosquito reports and higher visitor numbers noted.

Best
Fall(Sep-Nov)
5.0 / 5
Top 2% in NE

Autumn foliage and vistas called out as a standout season; popular for scenic visits.

Spring(Mar-May)
4.0 / 5

Park popular in spring with trail access and renewing scenery; many activities resume.

Winter(Dec-Feb)
3.0 / 5
Top 22% in NE

Quiet, primitive camping year‑round and sledding, but many facilities are limited or closed.

Planning Tips
  • Peak Season: Mid-April through mid-November for cabins. Pool open mid-June through mid-August.. Book 2-3 months ahead.
  • Operating Season: Camping is available year-round for primitive sites. Modern facilities operate from April to October, weather permitting.
  • Current Alerts: Seasonal closures for facilities like the pool. User reviews note maintenance issues with toilets and campsites.

About Ponca Sp

Perched high above the Missouri River, Ponca State Park beckons adventurers with a captivating blend of modern comforts and wilderness escape. Whether you prefer the convenience of full-service camping, the rustic charm of primitive sites, or the cozy comfort of park cabins, this northeastern Nebraska gem delivers unforgettable experiences. From sunrise hikes along dramatic bluffs to peaceful evenings by the campfire, Ponca transforms every visit into an outdoor adventure worth sharing.
Ponca State Park provides a variety of camping options, including primitive, RV, tent, and group camping. Cabin lodging is also available, with year-round access to certain cabins.
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Reserving a campsite

Check-in
4:00 PM
Check-out
11:00 AM
Stay Limit
180 days for reservations, early check-outs forfeit remaining payment.

Amenities available

Showers
Potable water
Electricity hookups
Flush toilets
Dump station
Fire rings

Activities you can enjoy

Ponca State Park stands out for its diverse range of recreational activities. Visitors can enjoy hiking, fishing, swimming, horseback riding, and kayaking. The park also offers unique seasonal events, including hayrack rides and an annual Halloween festival.
HikingThe park offers over 20 miles of trails, including the popular Overlook Trail and Back River Trail. Reviews highlight the diverse difficulty levels and scenic views. One camper shared, "Wonderful hiking trails at different ratings of difficulty."
FishingFishing opportunities include the Missouri River and a small fishing pond. "The fishing pond gets a little crowded as it's quite small, but the stocked rainbows were biting like crazy," noted one guest.
SwimmingSwimming is available at a seasonal pool, typically open from mid-June to mid-August. One reviewer warned that the pool "looks fun but is closed the first week of August already!"
BikingThe park features several biking trails noted for their challenging terrain. Mountain bike races are held annually.
BoatingBoating is supported by a boat ramp and a canoe/kayak launch six miles upriver. However, kayaking is reportedly available only on Wednesdays.
Wildlife viewingWildlife viewing is a highlight, with sightings of turkeys and bald eagles frequently mentioned by visitors.
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Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsPotential hazards include rattlesnakes near the river, as noted by user reviews. Steep terrain and standing water after rains are other concerns.
Active AlertsSeasonal closures for facilities like the pool. User reviews note maintenance issues with toilets and campsites.

Weather at Ponca Sp

Reviews

4.4
102 reviews
Recommended
Recommended
Ponca Sp is recommended, placing it in the top 40% of campgrounds based on reviews
Reviews indicate a generally positive experience, with highlights on scenic beauty, diverse activities, and friendly staff. However, some maintenance and cleanliness issues have been raised, particularly with toilets and trash.
Review Summaries
Based on 102 reviews

What Campers Love

Visitors rave about the park's scenery, variety of activities, and the quality of cabins. "The cabin was clean and cozy," one guest noted. Another said, "Wonderful hiking trails at different ratings...
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Based on 102 reviews

Common Concerns

Common complaints include poor maintenance of vault toilets, inconsistent cell phone service, and issues with trash management. One reviewer stated, "Primitive sites have the worst vault toilet of...
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Based on 102 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Bring mosquito spray for hikes and a surge protector for RV hookups. Reserve cabins early, as they are popular. Check activity schedules in advance to avoid disappointment.
Based on 102 reviews

Seasonal Insights

Spring through fall is popular for its range of activities, while winter offers a quieter experience with sledding opportunities. Some summer reviews noted high mosquito activity and seasonal...
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Based on 102 reviews

Camper Quotes

"This was the best camping experience I've had in forever," said one visitor. Another remarked, "The park is fantastic with amazing views over the Missouri River and landscape."
Based on 102 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

Certain sites like Oak Bluff #49 have been criticized for poor drainage and uncut grass. Primitive sites near the river are noted for their views but lack amenities.
Based on 102 reviews

Accessibility Features

Accessibility feedback is limited, but paved campsites and trails suggest some consideration for users with disabilities.
Based on 102 reviews

Pet-Friendly Features

Pets are welcome. Multiple reviewers praised the pet-friendly policies, with one noting, "Plenty of space for our dogs."
Based on 102 reviews

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Last updated January 5, 2026
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