Goat Island Primitive Camping

Missouri National Recreational River

Escape to the untouched wilderness where primitive camping meets pure adventure. This free Leave No Trace camping area invites you to disconnect from the modern world and reconnect with nature. Each designated campsite, marked by distinctive brown signs and equipped with metal fire rings, offers a gateway to authentic outdoor experiences. For your safety and peace of mind, simply call 605-665-0209 to share your travel plans before embarking on your journey into this pristine landscape.

Missouri National Recreational River

Escape to Green Island Primitive Camping, where adventure begins the moment you push off from shore. This secluded riverside sanctuary features five carefully positioned tent sites that promise solitude and connection with nature. Choose between the two intimate eastern sites for ultimate privacy or the trio of western sites perfect for small groups seeking camaraderie under the stars. Each site comes equipped with its own fire ring, where evening conversations and marshmallow roasting create lasting memories. As a true primitive camping experience, you'll embrace the Leave No Trace ethos while navigating to this water-access-only destination—a journey that rewards paddlers and boaters with an untouched camping paradise far from the crowds.

U.S. ARMY CORPS OF ENGINEERS, COTTONWOOD CAMPGROUND, 198 TOE RD, YANKTON, SD, 57078

Discover your perfect basecamp at Cottonwood Recreation Area, where modern comfort meets outdoor adventure along the scenic Missouri River. This beloved destination welcomes families and outdoor enthusiasts with thoughtfully designed amenities including hot shower houses and convenient electric hookups. Beyond your campsite, adventure awaits with an 18-hole disc golf course winding through cottonwood groves, a cheerful playground where children's laughter fills the air, and a peaceful fishing dock extending into Lake Yankton's calm waters. While most visitors celebrate the campground's pristine cleanliness and well-maintained facilities, some have noted occasional maintenance needs on access roads and limited camp host availability during peak times.

U.S. ARMY CORPS OF ENGINEERS, NEBRASKA TAILWATERS RECREATION AREA, 55291 HWY 121, CROFTON, NE 68730

Where the mighty Missouri River flows beneath towering Gavins Point Dam, Nebraska Tailwaters Campground offers adventurers a front-row seat to one of America's great waterways. This riverside haven features 31 electric sites perfect for RVs and trailers, alongside 11 secluded non-electric tent sites for those seeking a more traditional camping experience. Modern comforts await with pristine flush toilets and rejuvenating hot showers, while a spacious group camping area with dedicated facilities makes this an ideal basecamp for family reunions and outdoor gatherings along the shores of Lewis & Clark Lake.

54731 897 Rd, Crofton, Nebraska, 68730-3290, United States

Discover a waterfront paradise at Lewis and Clark State Recreation Area, where Nebraska's second-largest lake creates an outdoor playground for adventurers of all kinds. Whether you're pulling up in an RV to enjoy modern electrical hookups or pitching your tent overlooking sparkling waters, this destination offers the perfect basecamp for your next adventure. After a day of exploration, refresh in hot showers, watch kids play on well-maintained playgrounds, gather under shaded picnic shelters, or dive into designated swimming beaches where crystal-clear waters beckon on warm summer days.

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

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.

Missouri National Recreational River

Missouri National Recreational River

U.S. ARMY CORPS OF ENGINEERS, NEBRASKA TAILWATERS RECREATION AREA, 55291 HWY 121, CROFTON, NE 68730

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

54731 897 Rd, Crofton, Nebraska, 68730-3290, United States

U.S. ARMY CORPS OF ENGINEERS, COTTONWOOD CAMPGROUND, 198 TOE RD, YANKTON, SD, 57078