Buckley Creek Recreation Area

For Nebraskans seeking a distinctive outdoor experience that blends tranquil camping with a touch of recreational fun, Buckley Creek Recreation Area in Gladstone, NE, stands out as a true local gem. This destination offers a rare combination of a serene campground and a charming sand greens golf course, providing a unique escape for individuals, couples, and families alike. This article aims to provide a comprehensive guide for local users, highlighting why Buckley Creek is an ideal spot for your next Nebraska adventure.

Nestled in the heart of rural Nebraska, Buckley Creek Recreation Area is more than just a place to pitch a tent or park an RV; it’s a tranquil retreat where the beauty of the prairie meets recreational opportunities. Imagine unwinding under the vast Nebraska sky, with the option to enjoy a round of golf just steps from your campsite. This unique combination caters to a diverse range of outdoor enthusiasts, from avid golfers looking for a casual game to campers seeking peace and quiet amidst nature. It's a place where you can create lasting memories, whether it's through a challenging putt on the sand greens, a quiet evening by the campfire, or simply enjoying the stunning Nebraska sunsets over the reservoir. The clean, well-maintained facilities and the overall peaceful atmosphere make Buckley Creek Recreation Area a compelling choice for anyone looking to experience the best of Nebraska's outdoors without sacrificing comfort. Its commitment to providing a clean and inviting environment, as noted by past visitors, ensures a pleasant stay for all.

Buckley Creek Recreation Area is located at Buckley Creek Reservoir 3-F, Gladstone, NE 68352, USA. This address places it conveniently in the southeastern part of Nebraska, making it an accessible destination for many residents across the state. While it offers a sense of peaceful seclusion, it is not overly remote, allowing for relatively straightforward travel.

The area is managed by the Little Blue Natural Resources District, ensuring that the facilities are maintained for public enjoyment. Access to the recreation area generally involves driving on well-maintained roads leading to the reservoir and campground. Its location provides ample opportunities for exploring the surrounding natural landscape. The ease of access, combined with its tranquil setting, makes it an excellent choice for a weekend getaway or a longer vacation without the extensive travel often associated with more distant natural attractions. The proximity to Gladstone also means that essential supplies or services are not too far away, offering a good balance between wilderness immersion and convenience.

Buckley Creek Recreation Area is well-equipped with a variety of services designed to enhance your camping experience, whether you prefer modern conveniences or a more primitive approach.

• Power and Water Hookups: The campground offers plenty of sites with both power and water hookups, catering to travel trailers and even tents for those who prefer powered sites. This is a significant convenience, allowing campers to run appliances, charge devices, and have easy access to water. The cost for these sites is a very reasonable $15 per night.

• Primitive Camping Area: For those who prefer a more rustic experience, there is also a designated primitive camping area. This allows tent campers or those with self-contained RVs to enjoy a simpler, more immersed experience in nature.

• Shelter Areas with Grills: The recreation area features a couple of large shelter areas, perfect for group gatherings, family picnics, or simply escaping the sun or light rain. These shelters are equipped with large, built-in charcoal grills that are highly praised by visitors for their quality and ease of use, including awesome lids and ash clean-out features.

• Picnic Tables: Throughout the campground and recreation area, you will find plenty of picnic tables, providing designated spots for outdoor meals, games, or simply relaxing.

• Vault Toilets: Clean and well-maintained vault toilets are available, offering essential sanitation facilities for all campers. These facilities are noted to be nicely maintained and looked recently repainted, ensuring a pleasant experience.

• Drinking Water: While specific hookups are mentioned, general public information for Buckley Creek indicates the availability of drinking water, likely at central spigots or via the site-specific water hookups.

Buckley Creek Recreation Area boasts several features and highlights that make it a standout destination for Nebraska locals.

• Unique Golf Course and Campground Combo: This is arguably the most distinctive feature. It's rare to find a campground directly adjacent to a golf course, offering campers the unique convenience of enjoying a round of golf just steps from their campsite. This combination provides a versatile recreational opportunity that appeals to a wide range of visitors.

• Public 9-Hole Golf Course with Sand Greens: The property features a public 9-hole golf course with traditional sand greens. This offers a charming, old-school golfing experience. Crucially, all greens are equipped with the necessary tools for smoothing putting lanes and resetting the sand, ensuring a playable and enjoyable round. The green fee is exceptionally affordable at only $2, making it an accessible activity for everyone. Reviewers note good yardage on the fairways and even a water hazard, adding to the challenge.

• Quiet and Peaceful Atmosphere: Visitors consistently praise the campground for its quiet ambiance. It’s an ideal spot to truly relax and disconnect from the hustle and bustle of everyday life, perfect for enjoying the serenity of rural Nebraska.

• Beautiful Sunsets Over the Lake: The reservoir provides a stunning backdrop, especially during sunset. The combination of the setting sun over the lake and the sand golf course creates a picturesque scene, perfect for photography and quiet contemplation, offering a truly memorable experience.

• Well-Maintained and Clean Facilities: The campground is noted for its overall cleanliness. Bathroom facilities and shelters are well-maintained, and appear to have been recently repainted, reflecting a commitment to visitor comfort and satisfaction.

• Excellent Charcoal Grills: For those who love to cook outdoors, the large built-in charcoal grills at the shelters are a highlight. They come with convenient lids and ash clean-out features, making outdoor cooking super easy and enjoyable.

• Proximity to Rose Creek WMA: Visitors are encouraged to explore the nearby Rose Creek Wildlife Management Area (WMA), which offers additional opportunities for outdoor activities, including hiking to a mausoleum. This adds another layer of exploration and adventure to your visit.

Buckley Creek Recreation Area
Buckley Creek Reservoir 3-F, Gladstone, NE 68352, USA
Phone: (402) 364-2145 (Little Blue NRD, managing agency)

For Nebraskans, Buckley Creek Recreation Area offers an exceptional and unique blend of outdoor activities that caters to a wide range of interests. Its accessible location in southeastern Nebraska makes it a convenient escape from various parts of the state, ideal for a spontaneous weekend trip or a planned longer vacation.

This campground is particularly suitable for locals who appreciate a quiet, clean, and well-maintained camping environment, coupled with the distinctive opportunity to enjoy a round of golf without ever leaving the property. It’s perfect for families looking for an affordable and engaging getaway, for couples seeking a peaceful retreat, or for solo adventurers wanting to connect with nature. The combination of power and water hookups, primitive camping options, and excellent communal facilities like shelters and grills ensures a comfortable stay for all preferences. The friendly, laid-back atmosphere, combined with the stunning natural beauty and unique recreational offerings, makes Buckley Creek Recreation Area a true Nebraska treasure, providing an experience that’s both relaxing and uniquely engaging right in your home state.

Buckley Creek Recreation Area

Buckley Creek Reservoir 3-F, Gladstone, NE 68352, USA