Spacious, level camping well-suited for travel trailers over 40 ft long.
Best in Nebraska: Finalist
Named one of the best Hipcamps to visit in 2024.
Francis is a Star Host
Star Hosts are highly rated, responsive, and committed to providing incredible experiences.
Off-leash friendly
Pets can be off-leash at this Hipcamp.
A working family ranch, running 300+ mother
cows, background over 400 head of calves on about 4000 acres.
We use center pivot irrigation with 7 pivots, to grow feed.
Note: location is SE of Eli Nebraska and about 8 miles off of HW20.
It is approximately 1 hour west of Valentine Nebraska
No electricity at the fire pot / picnic table.
There is a 120 volt outlet on the east side of the grain bin. You can park. Beside the grain bin if you want.
Activities
Biking
Hiking
Wind sports
Off-roading (OHV)
Natural features
River, stream, or creek
Field
Farm
Ranch
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North camp
98% (56)
RV/tent site · Sleeps 24 · Vehicles under 80 ft
42°52'28.497" N, 101°24'52.846" W location is south east of Eli Nebraska
If you are booking within hours of arriving or I have not responded to a message from you, try calling on phone, before you arrive. Had a problem that wouldn't have been a problem, had I realized I had a booking. Do not worry about the time, just call. I can't always be available, but keep trying. If you book and have no problems, come in and set up even you don't make contact with me. Occasionally, if I have cattle in the area, it is possible that I have an electric fence to keep cattle out of the camp site area. if so, grab the black handle and open it so you can drive in. Or set up outside of the area by the fire pit / picnic table. Note: it is not often this fence is up. If it is up, the area is still open for use.
Cell phones do work at the camp site.: US Cellular , Viearo, and Verizon. Many other company's phones roam off of these towers.
It is perfectly acceptable to arrive late at night. If so, would be good to let us know and if there is another group there, we may ask you to set up a little distance away.
pit toilet, work in progress, but usable, presently mostly needs a new door. Suggested site is along south side our ranch road and on the west side of a Grain Bin. A center pivot Irrigation system is on the north side of the road. to the south is the top of the canyons looking over the Niobrara River valley. Remember it is dispersed site, so you don't have to camp exactly that spot. Both white tail and Mule Deer are common in the area as well as Turkey and a few grouse. There is a potable water hydrant nearby. Look for it by the electrical transformers which are along the road. In winter months, water may not be available at that hydrant. during summer months, there is normally a hose at the campsite that I run a sprinkler with. It has a Y valve on it, that you can get water from.
Only have one fire pit, so if two groups are there, will need to share it. (note, I have never actually had two groups on site at the same time)
This is a working cattle Ranch, with center pivot irrigation for feed. Only ranch traffic on the road, no thru traffic.
You are allowed to walk the canyons on our property, except when hunters are present which could be between Sept 1 and Feb 1. Ask if you are camping during those times. possible routes to the river is go west about 300 yards and walk down the ridge. Or go down the drive way towards our house. at the bottom of the hill, our house will be to your left. stay slightly to the right and go through a hay yard , then west and south to the river. you will be going between 2 small center pivot irrigation systems.
Very little light pollution, so location would be excellent for Star Gazing.
a few geocache sites are within a few miles.
This site has no wind protection, so tent campers, depending on weather forecast, may want to set up beside & camp; downwind of the grain bin.
Could do a short, about 2 mile, Kayak, tube, or canoe trip on The Niobrara river, getting in at the Garner Bridge and getting out on our property, below the campsite.
Area attractions:
Lacreek National Wildlife Refuge 18 miles North, in SD.
Bowring Ranch State Historical Park, north of Merriman Ne 22 miles
Many of our campers tour the Badlands national park 2 hrs,
Circle C market, Cody Ne, a student run grocery store, housed in a straw bale structure. 24 miles
The Cowboy Recreation and Nature Trail passes through spectacular Nebraska scenery as it travels 195 miles from Valentine east to Norfolk. This trail is great for biking, hiking and horseback riding. One of the most spectacular parts of the trail is the old train trestle that crosses the Niobrara River just outside of Valentine. although not maintained 'this trail also goes from Gordon to Valentine.
Fort Niobrara National Wildlife Refuge
Farming in the Local area includes Corn, hay and Seed Potatoes.
If coming from the north, your GPS may send you down a county road, that is rock / dirt from SD hwy 18 to the state line. If there would be a recent rain event, you might not want on that road. Would be good if you would inform me as to the direction of your arrival, for this type of situations. If arriving on this road, might want to contact me to see If I have any idea of the condition of this road. You can reroute to Martin SD and Merriman Ne, which adds a few miles. Site location is mostly directly south of Kadoka Sd about 1.5 hours.
Campfires allowed
Toilet
Potable water
Pets allowed
Electrical hookup
Water hookup
from
$28
/ night
for NaN guests
1 dispersed site
Instant book
Pine Tree Canyon
100% (2)
RV/tent site · Sleeps 24 · Vehicles under 50 ft
42.85709N -101.41345w
Area is at the top of a canyon with pine trees. camp next to the pines or down in the top of the canyon, which provides a good wind break from northerly winds.
Because of fire danger, no campfires allowed and no smoking out side of vehicles.
you will have privacy at this location. NO noisy annoying neighbor campers to bother you and likewise you do not worry about annoying any neighbors.
1/2 mile from a county road, but minimal traffic at night.
we usually do check in with you at least once.
Clothing is optional at this site.
Low light pollution, so star gazing would be good.
Presently there are no facilities at this site, just a open area, next to or in the trees. Grass may not be mowed, but usually there are areas where the grass is not tall.
you will be out in a pasture, so room is not limited.
Ask for directions to available water hydrants. one is about 1/2 mile sse, on the south side of the county road & on the corner of a new tree grove.
cellular phone towers in the area: Viero, Us Cellular, and Verizon. several other companies roam off of these towers.
If you are booking within hours of arriving and I have not responded to a message from you, try calling on phone, before you arrive. Had a problem that wouldn't have been a problem, had I realized I had a booking. Do not worry about the time, just call. I can't always be available, but keep trying. It is ok, however, to set up without making contact with us, if you have no problems finding the site. Presently do not have signs for directions.
Be aware that the last half mile of access to this site is a two track trail. Fairly hard ground so trailers and Rv,s would be ok, but realize you will not be on a paved road and the very last part is just open pasture.
There are cow paths going to the river, but not really a hiking trail. You are welcome to hike, but realize you will not find a groomed trail.
This area will generally be paused in the fall, depending on fire danger, through first part of January. If you are really interested in camping this area during these times, message me and depending on conditions at that time, I may open it up.
Overall it was an okay experience. Not too much to do but I can blame that on the weather. Didnt really have any places to hike and you were in the middle of nowhere. So if you want seclusion this is the place
Peaceful, secluded spot looking out over a valley. Francis was helpful and friendly. We were passing through on a road trip and had a nice night here. Stars were amazing!
My family thoroughly enjoyed our time at North Camp. We would come back in a heartbeat! Absolutely everything was exactly as described. Francis came out to greet us, and offered to let us use his extension cords so we could daisy chain a few together. This allowed us to park our camper in a way that optimized the views in all directions. We were blessed with mild temperatures (no AC needed) and clear skies (optimal view of the night sky). Woke up to heavy fog, and horses in the distance - beautiful!
This site is wonderful, and as described. It's a cattle ranch and the cattle became our companions. Perched on the edge of a draw overlooking the sand hills and the Niobrara valley, it features 360 degree skywatching. Gorgeous. Francis and his wife are generous hosts and we enjoyed chatting w them. The pit toilet is top notch, with a lovely view!
The directions were perfectly laid out which makes everything more enjoyable. There were beautiful hills and valleys that we hiked for a while. Francis was there to explain the layout which was helpful as well. Having any amount of hose water available is always a plus too.
We were very happy to have stayed at North Camp. It was our first experience with Hipcamp. It was a bit hard to find and the outhouse was bad shape, otherwise we’re glad to have stayed. Had a chance to visit with Francis - a good chat
My husband and I stopped for the night on our way back home and loved it! The views were incredible, the sunset magnificent, and the stars took your breath away. We have a 20 ft travel trailer and the roads going in and the site were extremely easy to use. The site is flat and easy in and out. Thanks for allowing us the peaceful remote spot to stay! We will be back!
Excellent, private site. Francis is a wonderful host and friendly gentleman to chat with. A bit off the beaten path but that’s the point. Highly recommend.
We brought our 30ft travel trailer, dog and toddler to Francis's property and we had an amazing time! The scenery was unbelievable and the site was very secluded from anyone else. Francis made himself available as we needed, but we had plenty of privacy. Water hookup worked great. Cant wait to come back!
The land was absolutely stunning. This was my first ever solo trip out west and there couldn’t have been a better space. Great accommodations and location as well as great hiking spots. Overall amazing experience!
Although it’s only around 7-8 miles from Hwy 20, it feels much more remote.
Quiet, except for the birds, coyotes and occasional moo from the herd. And the sky is breathtaking in every direction.
No “amenities” to speak of, except for that fabulous Sand Hills landscape you’ll have all to yourself.
My girlfriend and I came here to camp out in a tent for a night and it was so nice! The land was well kept and a very secluded place. Francis came out to greet us and he was nice and friendly then we had a campfire when it got dark. We woke up to a couple of his horses hanging out by our tent which was fun and exciting. His land is very scenic and we had a great time. His directions to find the spot were pretty good as well. I definitely recommend staying on one of his campsites! I would go back.
This was a great site with flat terrain and plenty of room to choose where to park the trailer. Francis' farm location provided a great camping experience away from the barking dogs and generators that established campgrounds have. We enjoyed being able to see the stars at night, and our stay was very relaxing. Francis was a great host, coming on site to greet us, and then checking in later to make sure we had everything needed for our stay.
Great spot overlooking the Niobrara River valley. Definitely off the beaten track, but well worth it for the open sky, remoteness and the quiet. Because of thunderstorms, we had to pack up in the middle of the night. Before then, we had a good hike around property, saw deer and vultures roosting. Francis was accommodating and nice to chat with. Only drawback was the weather, but nobody can control that.
Beautiful ranch and views from the campsite. Cows greeted us on our way in. Francis came by to welcome us and answered all our questions about the ranch, the terrain, and the wildlife. We saw turkeys and mule deer. Water was available. The outhouse is still under construction but did the job. Stargazing was excellent! Would camp here again!
Quiet. Off the beaten path. 100x better than a campground. Met the owner, it was her birthday, very accommodating and respectful. Would love to come back and stay here right in the middle of the prairie. You can take a swim nearby at the bridge.
Large spot that fit Francis’ description. Super basic, but quiet surroundings except for the animals which we loved hearing! The cows welcomed us in the driveway!
We had to move off the road for fire trucks to come by and we got stuck. I texted Francis and he came and pulled us out right away! Incredible guy, fun to talk to, really made a great memory out of a stressful situation!!
Francis was super friendly and helpful. We wanted a particular setting and had some particular activities in mind, and Francis helped us make it happen.
Francis Heath's land is in the Nebraska Sandhills, a place we have always wanted to go to, and they are indeed sandhills, with lots of plants growing on them. The camp is right on top at the edge of a canyon, with the Niobrara river in the canyon below. We were able to take a walk down the canyon when we arrived, with deer everywhere. Francis provides a very nice camp, with water, a fire pit and stack of wood, an outhouse(such an essential amenity at the Hipcamps), and a night sky that was extraordinary. Francis' directions were very easy to follow and he is a great host - he aims to please his guests. This is a big working farm/ranch, and he was harvesting corn into the night, trucking it over to the granary(that the camp is next to), and funneling it in at the top, making the most wonderful sound. We enjoyed the energy of the harvest and appreciate the farmers who grow food for us. Thank you Francis for a wonderful evening on our travels!
the Site was private and Picturesque with beautiful views of the canyons and valleys. Our host Francis greeted us upon arrival and was very welcoming. The bathroom was clean and well-stocked.it was very windy during our stay and I would make sure your tent stakes are secure.
C
Chad D.
6 reviews
Location
Cody, Cherry, Nebraska, United StatesTo respect the Host's privacy, the precise address of this land will be provided after booking