The best camping in Niobrara National Scenic River, NE

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The best camping near Niobrara National Scenic River, NE

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Plum Creek Canyon Ranch

3. Plum Creek Canyon Ranch

16mi from Niobrara National Scenic River · 2 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging · Johnstown, NE
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.
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The best camping in Niobrara National Scenic River, NE guide

Overview

About

Get wet and wild at this awesome park. This mostly shallow, Great Plains river easily earns its National Wild & Scenic Rivers System stamp of approval. It boasts features like amazing rock formations, lots of different plants and animals. Of course, the tubing, canoeing, and kayaking are divine.

This 76-mile river has enough room for everyone to enjoy. There are lots of calm water areas in the summer to lazily float. It gets more active in the fall and spring for some great kayaking and canoeing. Be especially careful in colder weather; there are surge flows here that create waves over three feet high.

Land-related activities are available here too. Hike, bike, or ride horses down the Cowboy Trail or take a guided tour. You can also hunt and fish in approved areas with a permit.

Kids can join the hands-on Junior Ranger program in the summer, and there are fun activities every Saturday.

The Visitor Center closes at 4:30 p.m., but the river is open all season. Waters can ice over in the winter, and it's deeper and choppier in the spring— plus migrating birds are a bit pushy then. Most people go around May through October for easy, breezy, floating and paddling fun.

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