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Park Lodging, Camping & Activity Pricing

Park Permits

2024 pricing

Nebraska Licensed Vehicle

Nebraska licensed vehicle park permits for 2024 are $35 for an annual permit. Duplicate annual permits are available for $17.50 and daily permits for $7.

Non-Nebraska Licensed Vehicle

For vehicles not registered and licensed in Nebraska, 2024 park permits are $70 for an annual permit. Duplicate annual permits are available for $35 and daily permits for $14.

Camping fee structure

Camping is available year-round in Nebraska. Nebraska’s state parks, state historical parks and state recreation areas offer five levels of camping outlined below. These rates are consistent across all parks throughout the state, with the exception of Lake McConaughy State Recreation Area.

Most modern facilities such as full-hookup service, showers, modern restrooms, dump and fill stations will be closed from mid-October through April depending on weather.

Consult the park location directly for information regarding off-season services. Camping during the off-season rates are $5 less per night for all site types, except primitive rates that remain $10/night year around.

$35/night. Sites with 20/30/50 amp connections, water and sewer hook-ups, picnic tables, fire rings or grills, close to hydrants and modern restrooms.

$30/night. Sites with either a 20/30 amp connection with dedicated water hook-up or a 50 amp connection, picnic tables, fire rings or grills, primitive or modern restrooms.

$25/night. Sites with 20/30 amp connections, picnic tables, fire rings or grills, possible access to hydrants and primitive or modern restrooms.

$15/night. Sites without electrical hook-up, but with picnic tables, fire rings or grills, possible access to hydrants and primitive or modern restrooms.

$10/night. Sites without electrical hook-up, picnic tables, fire rings or grills; may not have access to restroom facilities or trash receptacles.

Camping rates at Lake McConaughy State Recreation Area and Smith Falls State Park differ from the rest of the state. They are:

Lake McConaughy SRA
May 21-Sept. 12

Thursdays to Saturdays

  • Basic: $20
  • Beach primitive: $25
  • Electric plus: $35
  • Full hook-up: $40

Sunday-Wednesday

  • Basic: $15
  • Beach primitive: $20
  • Electric plus: $30
  • Full hook-up: $35

Sept. 13-May 20

Any day

  • Basic: $10
  • Beach primitive: $15
  • Electric plus: $25
  • Full hook-up: $30

This rate structure includes holiday blackout dates of Sunday during Memorial and Labor Day weekends. Rates will be applied to July 4, depending on the calendar.

Reservation fee and taxes are not included in the rates listed above.

Smith Falls State Park
  • Basic: $15 per night
  • Hike-in: $15 per night

Lodging Fees

Lodging Season: Year-round

Modern Rustic Style Cabins

  • Small 2-bedroom, Sleeps 4, $90
  • Large 2-bedroom, Sleeps 4, $100

Duplex Units

  • Sleeps 4, $130

Lodging Season: Year-round

Modern Cabins

  • Standard (2STD), 2-bedroom, Sleeps 4, $170
  • Standard (2SGL), 2-bedroom, Sleeps 6, $190
  • Treetop, 2-bedroom, Sleeps 6-8, $190
  • Deluxe 2-bedroom, Sleeps 4-6, $190
  • Deluxe 4-bedroom, Sleeps 8-10, $310
  • Governor’s Row 4-bedroom, Sleeps 6-8, $345
  • Governor’s Row 6-bedroom, Sleeps 12, $375
  • Deluxe 6-bedroom, Sleeps 16-20, $455

Lodge Rooms

  • Standard rooms, park view, $90; river view, $95
  • Loft Rooms, Sleeps 6, park view, $100; river view, $105

Lodging Season: April through November

Modern Cabins, Adobes, Bricks, Bandmaster and Nurses Quarters are historic restored buildings converted to lodging for guests at the park. They offer all the amenities that modern cabins offer.

Modern Cabins

  • Sleeps 6, $170-$180
  • Sleeps 8, $180 Adobes:
  • Sleeps 10, $200
  • Sleeps 12, $210

Lodge Rooms

  • Queen bed, $65; 2 twin beds, $70

Bricks

  • Sleeps 14, $250
  • Sleeps 18, $270
  • Sleeps 20, $290

Officer Quarters Duplex

  • Sleeps 16 on each side, $475/unit

Bandmaster

  • Sleeps 6, $180 Nurses Quarters: Sleeps 6, $180

Lodging Season: Year-round

Modern Cabins

  • 2-bedroom, Sleeps 7, $160

Lodging season: April – December

Modern cabins

  • 2-bedroom, Sleeps 6, $130

Lodging season: Year round

Modern cabins

  • 2-bedroom, Sleeps 6, $150
  • 3-bedroom, Sleeps 8, $160

Ranch House

  • 3-bedroom, Sleeps 8, $160

Lodging Season: Year-round

Camper Cabins

  • Whitetail: One open room, Sleeps 4, $45;
  • Goldenrod, Strawberry and Red Cedar: 2-bedroom, Sleeps 6, $70
  • Wild Turkey: 3-bedroom, Sleeps 6, $80

Camper cabins include table and chairs, refrigerator, bedding, towels and all have air conditioning, except the Whitetail cabins. To enjoy your camper cabin to the fullest, please plan ahead to bring the following items: Eating utensils, charcoal and lighter fluid for cooking, cooking utensils, and pillows. Camper cabins share a central shower and bathroom facility.

Glamping Cabins

  • Sleeps 2, $185

Pawnee Tipi Village

  • Tipi, Sleeps 8, $20

Modern Cabins

  • Meadowlark: 1-bedroom, Sleeps 2, $105
  • Owen Standard Cabins: 2-bedroom, Sleeps 6; $130
  • Owen Deluxe Cabins: 2-bedroom, Sleeps 6; $140
  • Blue Heron: 2-bedroom, Sleeps 4, $130
  • Chokecherry Duplex: 2-bedroom, Sleeps 6 on each side, $130/unit
  • Golden Eagle: 3-bedroom, Sleeps 8, $135
  • Cottonwood and Evergreen: 3- & 4-bedroom, Sleeps 8, $140
  • Bobwhite: 3-bedroom, Sleeps 8, $150

Mini-lodge Cabins (Opening in 2024)

  • Bluebird and Cardinal: 4-bedroom, Sleeps 8, $310

Lodging Season: Year-round

Modern Rustic Style Cabins

  • 2-bedroom, Sleeps 4, $100

Mini-lodge Cabins

  • 4-bedroom, Sleeps 8, $310

Modern Cottages

  • 2-bedroom, Sleeps 4, $170
  • 2-bedroom, Sleeps 4, $160

Green Cabins

  • 2-bedroom, Sleeps 4, $160

Lodging Season: May – September

Union Pacific Cabooses

  • Sleeps 6, $75;

To enjoy your caboose to the fullest, please plan ahead to bring the following items: Bedding or sleeping bags (mattresses provided), towels and soap, eating utensils, charcoal and lighter fluid for grill cooking, cooking utensils, pillows. No pets allowed in the cabooses.

Lodging Season: May through Mid-November

Modern Cabins

  • 2-bedroom, Sleeps 4, $130

Facility rentals

Eugene T. Mahoney State Park
  • Activity Center birthday party package: $85

Platte River State Park
  • Splash Park birthday party shelter: $85/2 hours

Chadron State Park
  • Central building with kitchen, $225

Eugene T. Mahoney State Park

Peter Kiewit Lodge

Upper level

  • Abel/Nebraska Room, $175
  • Red Oak & Cedar Rooms, $100
  • Sandstedt-Platte Room, $75

Lower level

  • $60 each

Crete Carrier Riverview Lodge

  • Price varies $800-$3,000. Call park for availability and pricing.

Activity Center when not open to the public

  • $250/2 hours

Pavilion

  • 1-250 people – $750
  • 251-600 people – $1,000
  • 601-1000 people – $1,500
  • 1001+ people – $2,500

Fort Robinson State Park
  • Comanche Hall, full facility with kitchen (sleeps 60), $1,000
  • Buffalo Soldier Meeting Room, $200
  • Squad Room, $150/day

Fremont Lakes State Recreation Area
  • Group Facility: Monday-Thursday, $175; Friday-Sunday, $300

Kearney Outdoor Education Complex
  • Education center, with classroom and full kitchen: $300/day
Lake McConaughy State Recreation Area

Visitor Center meeting room and theater:

  • Monday-Thursday: $75, 1/2 day; $150 full day
  • Friday-Sunday: $100 – 1/2 day; $200 full day

Platte River State Park
  • Mallet Lodge, with kitchen: $300/day
  • Scott Lodge, no kitchen: $300/day
  • Decker Creek Lodge, including Bison Hollow: $150/day
  • Outdoor Amphitheater: $100/day
  • Red Barn, open room that Sleeps 20 with kitchen: $150/day

Niobrara State Park
  • Eagle View Group Lodge: $210/day, includes kitchen
  • Buffalo Cookout Pavilion, with day-use kitchen and covered picnic shelter: $210/day

Ponca State Park

Missouri National Recreational River Resource and Education Center offers:

  • Willow Room: $80 weekdays, $100 weekends
  • Sandbar: $125, weekdays, $155 weekends
  • River Bluff: $225 weekdays, $275 weekends
  • Oxbow: $100 weekdays, $135 weekends
  • Kitchen: $100 weekdays, $150 weekends
  • Classrooms: $35

Smith Falls State Park

  • Group shelter with kitchen: $45
  • Scout Shelter: $30

Wildcat Hills Nature Center
  • Ponderosa Room: $100 (4 hour rental); $200 (full day rental)

Buffalo Bill Ranch State Historical Park
  • Historical Barn Rental: $500/day

Reservations require a $8.50 reservation fee in addition to the regular shelter fee.

Branched Oak State Recreation Area
  • $50 per day, no electric; $70 with electric

Chadron State Park
  • $50 per day, no electric; $70 with electric

Calamus State Recreation Area
  • $50 per day, no electric

Eugene T. Mahoney State Park
  • $50 per day, no electric; $70 with electric hookup.

Fort Kearny State Recreation Area and State Historical Park
  • $50 per day, no electric; $70 with electric

Fort Robinson State Park
  • $70/day with electric

Indian Cave State Park
  • $50 per day, no electric

Lake Minatare State Recreation Area
  • $60 per day, no electric

Lewis and Clark State Recreation Area
  • $50 per day, no electric; $70 with electric

Platte River State Park
  • $50 per day, no electric; $70 with electric

Niobrara
  • $50 per day, no electric; $70 with electric

Rock Creek Station State Historical Park
  • $70/day with electric

Victoria Springs State Recreation Area
  • $70/day with electric

Ash Hollow State Historical Park
  • Theater Rental Fee: $60

Fort Atkinson State Historical Park
  • Theater Rental Fee: $60

Fort Kearny State Historical Park
  • Theater Rental Fee: $60

Arbor Lodge State Historical Park
  • Varies, please call for pricing: 402-873-8797
Ash Hollow State Historical Park
  • Wedding Fee: $300
Buffalo Bill Ranch State Historical Park
  • Wedding Fee: $300
Eugene T. Mahoney State Park
  • Crete Carrier Riverview Lodge: Price varies $800-$3,000. Call park for availability and pricing.
  • Pavillion: $750 – $2,500 depending on number of people.
Fremont Lakes State Recreation Area
  • Group Facility: $175 – $300/Day
Fort Robinson State Park
  • Buffalo Squad Room: $150/Day
  • Buffalo Soldier Meeting Room: $200/Day
Niobrara State Park
  • Eagle View Group Lodge (includes kitchen): $210/Day
Platte River State Park
  • Mallet Lodge: $300/Day
  • Decker Creek Lodge: $150/Day
  • Amphitheater: $100/Day
Ponca State Park
  • Willow Room: $80 – $100/Day
  • Sandbar: $125 – $155/Day
  • River Bluff: $225 – $275/Day
  • Oxbow: $100-$135/Day
  • Kitchen: $100 – $150/Day
Rock Creek Station State Historical Park
  • Wedding Fee: $300

Attraction fees

Nebraska State Parks offer a variety of free activities, and others that require a fee. See the list below for fee-based activities. For activity rates, adults are 13 and over and children are 12 and under unless otherwise noted.

Shooting Sports Complex

Archery

  • $3 per person for 20 minutes with own equipment
  • $5 per person for 20 minutes with equipment rental

Pellet Gun

  • $5 per person for 4 rounds (48)

Tomahawks (10 years and under must be with an adult)

  • $3 per person for $15 minutes

Swimming Pool

  • Adult: $4
  • Children: $3

Activity Center/Ice Rink

Admission

  • Adult: $2
  • Children: $3
  • Skate Rental: $3

Venture Climb

  • Adult: $11
  • Children: $10

Combo Venture Climb & Activity Center Admission

  • $12

Driving Range

  • Balls, per bucket: $5
  • Golf club rental: Free with ID*

Pony Rides

  • $8

Guided horseback riding

  • $25

Note: Horse trail rides run from May to Labor Day. Starting in mid-August, hours are more limited. Tickets are only available in person at the administration office starting at 8 a.m. Call ahead of time to see if there are spots left, (402) 944-2523.

Miniature Golf

  • $5 per person

Kountze Theater

Summer Season

  • Adult: $9
  • Children: $7

Winter Season

  • Adult: $10
  • Children: $8

Go Ape Ropes Course

  • Variety of courses for all ages: $34.95 – $59.95; visit GoApe.com for reservations and pricing

Sledding hill, softball diamond, tennis courts

  • Free*

*A valid park entry permit is required for all vehicles entering a state park area.

Swimming Pool

  • Adult: $10
  • Children: $8
  • Family punch pass: $320

Jeep Rides

  • Adults: $15
  • Children: $12

Horse Stall Rental

  • $15 per day

Chuckwagon Cookout

  • Adult: $15
  • Children: $12

Steak Cookout

  • Adult: $30
  • Children: $15

Breakfast Cookout

  • Adult: $17
  • Children: $13

Stagecoach Rides

  • Adult: $5
  • Children: $4

Horse-drawn Tour

  • Adult: $10
  • Children: $7

Pony Ride

  • Children 5 and under: $5

Mountain Bike Rental

  • Per hour: $8
  • Per day: $25

Post Playhouse

Swimming Pool

  • Adult: $6
  • Children: $5

Floating Playground

  • Adult: $18 for a 90-minute session
  • Children: $13 for a 90-minute session
  • Admission includes rental of required life jacket.

River access for canoes, kayaks and airboats to the Platte River

  • Free*

*A valid park entry permit is required for all vehicles entering a state park area.

Swimming Pool

  • Daily
    • Adults: $4
    • Children: $3
  • Season Pass
    • Adults: $65
    • Children: $45
    • Family: $120

Roger G. Sykes Outdoor Heritage Education Complex
Archery

  • $5 with own equipment per half hour per person
  • $8 with equipment rental per half hour per person

Pellet Gun

  • $5 per person for 4 rounds (48)
  • $5 per half hour with own equipment

Slingshot

  • $5 per basket of ammo
  • $5 per half hour with own equipment

.22 Rimfire Rifle

  • $5 per half hour per person with own equipment
  • $8 per half hour per person for 2 rounds (20) with equipment rental

Hatchet Throwing

  • $5 per half hour per person with own equipment
  • $5 for 20 throws with provided equipment

Shotgun Range

  • $8 per person for 1 round of 25 shots with own equipment
  • $15 per person for 1 round of 25 shots with equipment rental
  • Additional $5 for 5 stand sporting clays

Spray Park

  • $3 per person 3 & older

Guided horseback riding

  • $25

Crawdad Creek Interactive ponds, river access and mountain biking

  • Free*

*A valid park entry permit is required for all vehicles entering a state park area.

Fish Fry

  • Adult: $12
  • Children: $8

Breakfast cookout

  • $6-$12

Lunch and Dinner Cookout

  • $6-$15

Hallowfest Hayrack Ride

  • Adult: $9
  • Chilldren $7

Hayrack Ride

  • Adult: $5
  • Children: $3

Guided horseback riding

  • $25

Note: Register to ride the day before you’re hoping to ride. Go to the Education Center to book a time. 

Kayak rental

  • $20

Naturalist Programs

  • $1-$10

Eric Wiebe Memorial Shooting Complex

  • Basic skills sessions. A small fee is associated. The archery range is available at no cost for those using own equipment.

Swimming Pool

  • Adult: $7
  • Children: $5

Schramm Education Center

  • Adult: $10
  • Children: $7

Mountain Biking Trails and River Access

  • Free*

*A valid park entry permit is required for all vehicles entering a state park area.

Trout Lake No. 5

  • $6 per trout tag and Nebraska fishing license. Opens to pay fishing on the second Saturday of March (weather permitting) and remains open until July 1.

Shooting Sports Complex

Equipment rental is available

  • Small Bore Range: $5 per half hour, per lane; $8 per half hour, per lane with gun rental
  • Pellet Range: $5 per person for 4 rounds (48)
  • Rifle Range: $5 per person, per half hour
  • Shotgun Range
    • $8 per person for 1 round of 25 shots with own equipment
    • $15 per person for 1 round of 25 shots with equipment rental
  • Archery Range: $5 per half hour, per lane
  • Tomahawk throwing: $3 per person, per 15 minutes

Nebraska Game and Parks offers historical museums at several parks across the state. Visit our Historical Parks pages to learn more about museum hours and pricing.

Reservations

Learn everything you need to know about booking an overnight stay at a Nebraska state park, including our reservation and cancellation policy.

Camping policy

In order to help make your stay and that of others campers as enjoyable as possible, please observe the campground rules and regulations in place.

Park FAQs

Find answers to the most frequently asked questions about visiting a state park, state recreation area or state historical park.