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98% (79) • 59 campsites
Top-rated campgrounds near Thedford
Seven Pines Ranch River Retreat
1. Seven Pines Ranch River Retreat
95%
(88)
14mi from Thedford · 1 site · Tent, RV
At the heart of the largest intact prairie grassland on the planet in the Nebraska Sandhills, Seven Pines Ranch hosts self-contained RV and tent camping along the Middle Loup River near Seneca. Great for kayaking (Two-Hour Kayak Adventures available), tubing, summer wading, fishing and abundant wildlife, the night skies are phenomenal. The area is designated as an international dark sky reserve. The camp amenities include water, firewood and an authentic outhouse on site. There’s plenty of open space for your pets to run. We only book one at a time, so you have the whole campsite to yourself. We now offer locally raised ground beef and eggs available under "Extras".
Pets
Toilets
Water hookup
Sandhill River Trips Camping
2. Sandhill River Trips Camping
100%
(3)
0.5mi from Thedford · 4 sites · Tents, RVs
Sandhill River Trips Camping is located south of Thedford, Nebraska, in the scenic Sandhills and borders the spring-fed Middle Loup River.
SRT Camping sits just 0.5 miles south of Ewoldt’s Grocery and the Sandhill River Trips pickup location; 15 miles west of the Nebraska National Forest in Halsey; 15 miles east of Stable Productions Exotic Animal Ranch; and 30 miles south of the Valentine National Wildlife Refuge.
The campground offers 4 large pull-through RV/camper sites with water and electric hookups, along with 3 tent or small camper sites without hookups. A shower house is also available on-site.
For a cozier stay, SRT Camping features a fully furnished Amish-built cabin that sleeps up to 4 guests and overlooks the river with stunning sunrise and sunset views. The cabin includes water, electricity, a washer/dryer, and a kitchenette (no stove).
Pets
Electrical hookup
Toilets
Plum Creek Canyon Ranch
3. Plum Creek Canyon Ranch
49mi from Thedford · 2 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging
Pack your hiking shoes and plan an adventure. You'll find 500 acres of exquisite, wooded canyons. The lush mix of oak, pine, and cedar on steep terrain is spectacular!
One of the most pristine, spring-fed streams in the world—Plum Creek—runs the length of the ranch. Small springs feed into the creek as it ripples through white, sandy banks. Expect to see wildlife: deer, turkey (Merriam’s and Rio Grande), sharp-tailed grouse, bald eagles, blue herons, prairie chickens, and a host of waterfowl, songbirds, and small animals call this home.
Sleep well—the night air is rich with pine and cedar. Wild turkeys roost in the trees. Overhead, the Milky Way is a spectacular canopy. The Sandhills is one of the few areas east of the Rocky Mountains free of city lights.
Try your hand at fly fishing, hunt for fossils, and listen to the murmur of pine trees that greeted the first pioneers. Pick a site for a family photo; we'll help you arrange a local photographer.
Above the canyon, the ranch includes nearly 1,000 acres of native grassland with species unique to the Nebraska Sandhills. The world-renowned Sandhills are the largest sand dune formation in the Western Hemisphere. The area was formed during the Pleistocene Epoch through a rare but perfect combination of water, wind, and sediment. Retreating waters deposited fine quartz sand, and the wind sculpted it into magnificent dunes. The fragile soil is now held in place by vegetation distinctive to the Sandhills.
Secluded RV, tent, and cabin sites are located near the canyon edge; all have creek access, beautiful views, native grass, and ample parking. Entry is accessible for larger RVs—the ranch is less than one mile off U.S. Highway 20.
Due to the 2025 Plum Creek Fire, we are not currently accepting reservations.
Pets
Toilets
Showers
Nebraska National Forests and Grasslands
4. Nebraska National Forests and Grasslands
92%
(6)
National forest 131mi from Thedford · 72 sites
Ahhh, the heartland. Wide open spaces of undeveloped land in which to spread your wings and find some breathing room. Nebraska National Forests and Grasslands is one of these places, comprised of two forests of ponderosa pine and three grassland areas. Come here to set up your temporary little house on the prairie and be a pioneer camper for a while! Wandering and exploring is unrestricted for non-motorized travel here, meaning freedom is yours for the taking! If you don’t want to just head into the abyss, try visiting the nation's oldest federal tree nursery (awww, baby trees!), or the largest extinct bison boneland in the world at the Hudson-Meng Bison Research Center. Or, head to Soldier Creek Wilderness Area for a little rewilding and backcountry exploration. Keep your eyes peeled for prairie dogs and wildflowers popping their cute little heads up, rock formations dotting the landscape, and magic around every turn. There’s a lot going on in that grass!
Electrical hookup
Toilets
Campfires
Arnold Recreation Area
5. Arnold Recreation Area
43mi from Thedford
Nestled just south of Arnold, Nebraska, Arnold Lake/Campground and Recreation Area stands out as a serene retreat for nature enthusiasts seeking tranquility and outdoor adventure. This unique park spans 10 acres and features a picturesque 22-acre lake, making it an ideal destination for those looking to immerse themselves in Nebraska's natural beauty.
The campground is shaded by mature trees, providing a cool respite for summer campers. With 29 campsites available, visitors can enjoy primitive camping while surrounded by the sights and sounds of nature. The area is perfect for a variety of outdoor activities, including fishing, hiking, and picnicking. The lake is regularly stocked with fresh fish by the Nebraska Game & Parks, ensuring that anglers have plenty of opportunities to reel in a big catch and share stories of their fishing adventures.
Whether you're planning a weekend getaway or a longer stay, Arnold Lake/Campground and Recreation Area offers a peaceful escape where you can connect with nature and create lasting memories.
Hidden Valley Campground![Hidden Valley Campground]()
6. Hidden Valley Campground
47mi from Thedford
Nestled just a few miles from Arnold, this campground stands out for its blend of primitive and modern camping experiences, catering to a variety of outdoor enthusiasts. Whether you prefer a rustic escape or the comforts of modern amenities, this site has something for everyone.
The campground features both electricity and water, along with sewer connections, ensuring a convenient stay. Guests can enjoy clean and modern bathroom facilities, complete with showers, making it easy to refresh after a day of adventure.
For those looking to gather and socialize, the pavilion is a fantastic highlight. Equipped with a gas grill, refrigerator, sink, and ample banquet tables and chairs, it’s the perfect spot for family meals or group gatherings.
With its proximity to natural attractions, swimming holes, and a range of outdoor activities, this campground is an ideal base for exploring the beauty of the surrounding area. Nearby restaurants and shops add to the convenience, making it a well-rounded destination for your next camping trip.
Archway RV Park
7. Archway RV Park
663mi from Thedford
At Archway RV Park, we pride ourselves on creating a unique family-oriented atmosphere where every guest is treated like one of our own. From the moment you step onto our grounds, you’ll be welcomed by our friendly staff, dedicated to ensuring your stay is as enjoyable and comfortable as possible after a long journey.
Our park is conveniently open year-round and easily accessible from the Interstate, making it a perfect stop for travelers. We offer spacious, level, full-hookup pull-through sites that are designed to accommodate big rigs. Pet lovers will appreciate our pet-friendly policy, and for your convenience, we also provide propane for sale on-site.
In addition to RV sites, we feature cozy cabins, exciting glamper pods, and rental campers, catering to a variety of camping preferences. Whether you're looking for a peaceful retreat or an adventure-filled getaway, Archway RV Park is the ideal destination. Come visit us and discover why you’ll love your stay!
Recent reviews from the Hipcamp community
S
Sharmin
1 week ago
60 ft travel trailer
Nice, quiet and relaxing place! Would recommend and will be staying there again!
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K
Kimberly
1 week ago
30 ft fifth wheel
Very clean and mowed up nicely close to river if you wanted to get in and cool off for a bit.
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S
Susan
3 weeks ago
Tent
Very pretty location along the river. Bob was welcoming and helpful.
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Jad
June 2026
28 ft travel trailer
With kids
Bob is a great host we had a great stay. Highly recommend.
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N
Noah
May 2026
Tent
With pets
Hospitality, beautiful views, and good amenities and activities to do
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Tiffany
March 2026
11 ft rooftop tent
Bob was great and easy to communicate with. The camp site was welcoming and well maintained
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L
Liseli
November 2025
Tent
With pets
Nebraska kept a piece of my heart after my visit. We stopped at the overlook about 20 miles west of here and I fell in love with the land! Stunning hilly grasslands. This spot is nestled in some beautiful landscape, the river is positively mesmerizing , the land was just clean/ pristine. Bob was welcoming and came out right away to make sure I knew where things were. We were pleasantly surprised by the train activity, it adds another layer of character to this spot. It was chilly as we stayed in mid November, I’d definitely like to plan a longer trip back there to spend some time kayaking the river.
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Theresa
September 2025
15 ft travel trailer
With pets
Beautiful remote and peaceful location. Bob made everything very clear about what to expect. The stargazing was stunning.
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Jack
September 2025
14 ft travel trailer
Outstanding experience in a beautiful spot along a river. Very interesting area with a wide variety of wildlife and pretty walks. Bob was very nice and accommodating. I’ll be back again.
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B
Ben
September 2025
16 ft car
Spot A is nearest to the river and a great place to spend a night. Electric, water, and a flush toilet. The owners put a lot of effort and money into making these great Hipcamp sites. The only negative is the loud nearby trains. But they have no control over that. And a pair of earplugs took care of the noise. I got a great night’s sleep! Thanks!
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Randy
September 2025
18 ft travel trailer
With pets
Fantastic spot on the Middle Loup River! Bob is a wonderful host. Loved our first two days so much we added a third. Swam in the river, rode bikes to the prairie, and enjoyed warmth and a thunder storm. The Sandhills are peaceful and must be experienced! Outhouse is acceptable and clean. Bob supplied firewood and told stories about the prairie. We’ll be back!
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E
Emily
August 2025
Tent
Heavenly view!!!
Best kayak adventure!!
Friendly train noises!!
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Michael
August 2025
Tent
The host was probably the best I've seen. The trip went a little awry so we pulled in late and Bob was very accommodating, he even helped us get to Mullen in the morning. so we could end our trip early.
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Jerry
August 2025
23 ft travel trailer
With kids
Great place to experiance the Nebraska Sand Hills. Bob is awesome very helpful and accommodating. My Grandsons had a great time fishing and swimming in the river this was exactly the memories I wanted them to have. We will be going back again.
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Lizzie
July 2025
18 ft travel trailer
With pets
Great overnight stop at this campsite! Bob was very communicative and accommodating. The site itself was nice and spacious. There was an outhouse though we didn’t use it and bins for garbage. The river was beautiful and the road was pleasant to walk down with our dog in the morning. Would definitely stay here again!
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Jacob
July 2025
Tent
Bob is a very inviting person and highly recommend to do the kayak adventure! We had so much fun and seen a really good amount of wildlife in the area! We definitely will try to come back soon!
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Ashley
July 2025
Tent
Group trip
Bob was very kind when we called him late trying to find the spot to camp. The spot was very nice, peaceful, and we loved the river. I highly recommend for a nice, peaceful experience.
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Joshua
June 2025
Tent
With kids
Camp was great. Bob was great. Absolutely beautiful view and location in the Sandhills!
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J
Jeff
June 2025
32 ft Class C
With pets
The site was a large level pull through lot with beautiful scenery and a 20 amp hookup. Bob was very cordial and helpful. The site is off the beaten path but you will enjoy it.
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Mery
May 2025
16 ft campervan
This is a beautiful location right on the river, well-maintained and peaceful! The host came over after I had settled in to ask if I needed anything. I spent one night here on my way from Colorado to Minnesota, and would definitely recommend this place!
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