Although Nebraska is often categorized as a drive-through or fly-over state, it offers a substantial number of natural and historical landmarks that warrant a proper visit. Fans of both anthropology and paleontology will be pleased, with many Native American and fossil sites to visit, learn about, and explore.

Renting an RV in Nebraska is an easy and incredibly comfortable way to explore ‘The Cornhusker State’. Look into renting an RV today to camp and travel Nebraska on your terms.

Enjoy comfortable furniture and plenty of space for everyone to stretch out as well as the many amenities of home that are missing in the usual car (e.g. microwave, restroom, tv, tables, etc.). Even better, you can camp in some of the most picturesque places in the world with no need to worry about water getting into the tent or hot and sleepless summer nights.

Today’s RVs have incredible technology and are amazingly easy to drive and operate. With all of these benefits to add to your camping experience, you’ll probably wonder why you didn’t look into RV travel sooner.

10 Great Places to See in Nebraska in Your Rental RV

Nebraska is perhaps the most prime example of Great Plains prairie land. In the east, you’ll find much of the state’s population concentrated in towns near the Missouri and Platte Rivers, including the two largest cities of Omaha and Lincoln.

As you move west, you’ll encounter more prairie and agricultural land until you reach the best camping in the state’s western region and panhandle, where you will find rolling hills, sand dunes, and impressive rock formations. To make planning your trip a whole lot easier, we’ve put together a list of the 10 best destinations for your RV adventure to Nebraska.

Massacre Canyon Historical Monument

The name of the Massacre Canyon Historical Monument is certainly striking, and you may be wondering if this is a good place to visit. The historical significance of the monument is that the final battle between Native American tribes took place here in 1873, thus ending the era of intertribal warfare. Pore over the information at the visitor center to learn more about the historical significance of this great battle. There are also several hiking trails around the monument and just one mile to the southwest, you can also visit the site where the Stegomastadon was found.

You are not allowed to camp on monument grounds, but there are a couple of campgrounds on nearby Swanson Reservoir. Spring Canyon Campground is an older site, but campers report that it is clean and quiet. Direct access to the lake is also fun for fishing and kayaking. A dump and 30-amp electrical service are available as well as potable water stations near handicap sites.

RVs near Massacre Canyon Historical Monument

Heartland of America Park and Fountain

Located in downtown Omaha, Heartland of America Park pays homage to westward homesteaders and explorers such as Lewis and Clark. The park includes an impressive fountain with 320-foot water jets, numerous walking paths with scenic views of the river and city skyline as well as Lewis and Clark interpretive historical exhibits and several war monuments. Gondola rides throughout the park’s waterways are also available and a wonderful way to watch the sunset.

Just like any major city, Omaha has plenty to entertain travelers with great restaurants, live music venues, and the world-renowned Henry Doorly Zoo and aquarium. There isn’t anywhere for you to set up camp for the night though, so you’ll need to head to the outskirts of town to find a campsite. The Glenn Cunningham Lake Campground, just 19 minutes northwest of the park, offers travelers 20-30-amp electrical service, partial hookup access, fishing, bike rental, a dump station, and a shower facility.

RVs near Heartland of America Park

Scotts Bluff National Monument

Along the Platte River that stretches across the state, Scotts Bluff National Monument offers travelers incredible views of rock formations in the western panhandle. Native Americans and settlers alike considered the bluff a major landmark for travel orientation. The area also served as a prominent thoroughfare for messaging via the historic Pony Express. The visitor center is available for those who would like to learn more about the geological and cultural history of the bluff. Outdoor activities include access to a small portion of the famed Oregon Trail, as well as a variety of other scenic trails that provide views of beautiful Mitchell Pass or reach the summit of the 800-foot bluff.

You can’t camp directly at the monument, but there are tons of options within a 5-10-mile radius. The Robidoux RV Park in nearby Gering is highly rated by travelers. Find a site for your RV at one of 42 concrete slabs that offer full hookup access and free Wi-Fi.

RVs near Scotts Bluff Monument

Ashfall Fossil Beds State Historical Park

Even if you are not a self-proclaimed ‘dinosaur nerd’, you will be fascinated by all there is to see and do at the Ashfall Fossil Beds State Historical Park. About 12 million years ago, a massive volcanic eruption entombed and fossilized the many animals that were visiting a large watering hole. Visit the interpretive displays and look through the windows of the fossil preparation laboratory in the visitor center to learn all about the animals that once roamed this land. Step outside to view an active fossil extraction zone at the Hubbard Rhino barn and walk nature and geology trails to explore the site.

There are several RV parks within 15 miles, but the Bruce Park Campground is a cozy and quaint option for your stay. For just $15/night, you can park your RV at one of their four full hookup sites or three water and electricity sites. It is a small place, so call ahead for availability, but travelers rave about the pool and playground access as well as the general tranquility of the site.

RVs near Ashfall Fossil Beds Park

Strategic Air Command and Aerospace Museum

Visit the Strategic Air Command and Aerospace Museum to learn all about our country’s history of flight and see some of the most amazing historic aircraft up close. Take a guided tour to get all the info on the dozens of planes and jets housed in the museum and peruse the historical exhibits to learn about the brave men and women that pioneered our impressive aerospace programs. A visit to their flight simulators is also a ‘must’! Choose from 27 different scenarios, from a relaxing glide through space in a shuttle, to heart-pounding airstrike combat missions.

The museum is smack dab in the middle of Lincoln and Omaha off of I-80 (30 minutes to either city). If you’d like to camp near one of these large cities to enjoy their modern amenities, you’ll have plenty of options to do so. If you prefer to be closer to the museum, the Lakeside and Little Creek Campgrounds within adjacent Eugene T. Mahoney State Park are perfect options with full hookup access and nearly 150 sites between the two.

RVs near the Strategic Air Command and Aerospace Museum

Chimney Rock National Historic Site

Just 30 minutes to the southeast of Scotts Bluff National Monument, you’ll find the iconic Chimney Rock National Historic Site. The geologic feature is renowned for its slender 325-foot spire that resembles a chimney. Chimney Rock is mentioned in the accounts of many western settlers and explorers and was notorious for the optical illusion created; no matter how long one traveled towards the rock, it never seemed to get any closer (perhaps because it is visible from over 30 miles away). Learn about the natural history of the site at the visitor center and walk along the overland trails offers informational placards about the lives of settlers seeking new beginnings in the west. A visit to this historic site is more of a day trip. Chimney Rock isn’t far from Scotts Bluff, so keeping your site at the Robidoux RV Park mentioned above is a great idea.

RVs near Chimney Rock Historic Site

Indian Cave State Park

Step back in time during your visit to Indian Cave State Park in the southeastern town of Shubert. View ancient petroglyphs marked along the walls of the large sandstone cave that is the park’s crown jewel. Beyond the cave, 3,052 acres offer 22 miles of great hiking trails, a restored schoolhouse from settlers’ times, and access to the Missouri River.

Over 100 campsites are available between the Ash Grove and Hackberry Hollow campgrounds onsite at the park. Choose from 20-50-amp electrical hookups which will range in price from $25-30/night. You will also have access to showers, a laundry facility, a dump station, and picnic tables and grills at each campsite.

RVs near Indian Cave State Park

Carhenge

You might have guessed what Carhenge is from looking at the name. Built to resemble the iconic Stonehenge monument in the U.K., Carhenge was not built by the Druids, but rather as a tribute to Jim Reinders’ father in 1987. The sculpture includes 39 cars and is quite large at 96 feet in diameter. Visitors can also enjoy other car sculptures and the gift shop on site. Carhenge is a quick visit (~1 hour) and is on the way to both Chimney Rock and Scotts Bluff. If you’d like to visit Carhenge, stop on your way to your campsite at Scotts Bluff.

RVs near Carhenge

Courthouse and Jail Rocks

Very close (20 miles) and similar to Chimney Rock, the Courthouse and Jail Rocks are impressive rock formations that tower over 240 feet above the creek below. These impressive geologic features also served as important navigational markers for travelers. They received their names due to their visual likeness to stately and menacing buildings such as courthouses and jails. These rock formations are also a quick visit which is probably best accompanied by a trip to nearby Chimney Rock. Wherever you choose to stay at Scotts Bluff would be a great home base.

RVs near Courthouse and Jail Rocks

Learn more about Courthouse and Jail Rocks.

Chadron State Park

Nearly 1,000 acres in Nebraska’s western panhandle make up Chadron State Park. Chadron was the first state park in Nebraska and offers visitors some of the most interesting topography in the state. Rolling hills, buttes, and canyons make for excellent hiking, mountain biking, and horseback riding. Excellent trout fishing can also be had at Chadron Creek (don’t forget to buy a license).

RV campsites are available on a first-come, first-served basis. Be aware that only 20/30-amp electric hookup service is available. The campground does, however, provide access to a shower facility, a laundry facility, a dump station, grills, and a playground. Learn more about Chadron State Park.

RVs near Chadron State Park

Things to Know About Renting an RV in Nebraska

Things to Note About Camping in Nebraska

Nebraska winters can be quite snowy and windy. Since most of the attractions are out in rural areas, it can be tough to enjoy winter evenings. At each stop, it will be unlikely that a major town is nearby for entertainment and it will be too cold to enjoy the outdoors. Visiting Nebraska between April-October will be most comfortable for everyone. Good Sam has compiled a list of campgrounds in Nebraska you can check out here.

If you do choose to camp in the summer months, it’s always a good idea to check the weather report. Nebraska is in the heart of ‘tornado alley’ and sees its fair share of these destructive storms each summer. When you check into your campground, ask about their severe weather protocols and whether there is a proper storm shelter on-site. Preparedness is critical for peace of mind and the safety of the travel group.

Dry Camping or Boondocking in Nebraska

If you are looking to get away from it all, dry camping or boondocking is your best RV option to isolate yourself. Boondocking means that there are no hookups available (e.g. sewer, electrical, water), and your RV unit is operating independently. Typically, this is not recommended for novice RVers, so we encourage you to do more research if you are interested in giving dry camping a try.

A great place to do this is on public land identified by the Bureau of Land Management (BLM). Unfortunately, Nebraska does not currently have any BLM sites suitable for dry camping in your RV. Although, many campgrounds (of which there are plenty throughout the state) will often let you dry camp if all of their hookup spots are taken and they have additional space.

Renting an RV in Nebraska

Why Renting an RV in Nebraska Is the Way to Go