Nebraska Tailwaters Campground Introduce
For Nebraskans seeking an authentic outdoor experience, Nebraska Tailwaters Campground in Crofton offers a compelling blend of natural beauty, recreational opportunities, and convenient amenities. Situated along the scenic Missouri River, just below the impressive Gavins Point Dam and near the expansive Lewis & Clark Lake, this campground is a true gem for locals looking to escape the daily grind and immerse themselves in the heart of the Cornhusker State's natural wonders.
Camping in Nebraska means embracing wide-open spaces, stunning river vistas, and a chance to reconnect with nature. Nebraska Tailwaters Campground provides this and more, serving as an ideal basecamp for fishing enthusiasts, boating adventurers, and those simply desiring a peaceful retreat. While every campground has its unique atmosphere, the undeniable draw of this location lies in its direct access to the Missouri River and the surrounding recreational areas. This article will guide you through what makes Nebraska Tailwaters Campground a noteworthy destination for local outdoor enthusiasts, offering a factual overview of its offerings and why it continues to attract campers to its riverside charm.
Nebraska Tailwaters Campground is conveniently located at 898 Road, Crofton, NE 68730, USA. Its prime position on the Nebraska bank of the Missouri River, just downstream of Gavins Point Dam and Lewis & Clark Lake, is a significant advantage for campers. This location offers exceptional access to the Missouri River's "tailwaters," an area renowned for its excellent fishing opportunities. For Nebraskans, reaching the campground is straightforward, with well-maintained roads leading directly to the site.
The strategic placement of Nebraska Tailwaters Campground provides easy access to a wealth of nearby attractions. The Lewis and Clark Visitor Center, offering exhibits on Missouri River history and stunning views of the lake, is just a short distance away. The Gavins Point National Fish Hatchery and Aquarium are also close by, providing educational and engaging experiences for all ages. Furthermore, the charming city of Yankton, South Dakota, the historic capital of Dakota Territory, is easily accessible, offering additional dining, shopping, and historical sites. This accessibility, combined with the feeling of being truly immersed in nature, makes Nebraska Tailwaters Campground a highly desirable destination for locals seeking both adventure and convenience.
Campsites with Electric Hookups: The campground offers 31 sites equipped with electric hookups, suitable for RVs and trailers, providing essential power for a comfortable stay.
Non-Electric/Tent Sites: For those who prefer a more traditional camping experience, 11 non-electric sites are available, ideal for tent camping.
Modern Shower Facilities: Campers have access to clean and well-maintained modern shower facilities with flush toilets, a highly appreciated amenity for refreshing after a day of outdoor activities.
Boat Ramp: A large, two-lane boat ramp is available at the entrance to the campground, offering excellent access to the Missouri River for boating and water sports.
Accessible Fishing Pier: The campground features a handicap-accessible fishing pier, ensuring that individuals with disabilities can enjoy fishing.
Shore Fishing Access: Numerous spots along the riverbank are available for shore fishing, providing ample opportunities to cast a line directly from the campground area.
Fish Cleaning Station: A dedicated fish cleaning station is on-site, offering convenience for anglers preparing their catch.
RV Dump Station: An RV dump station is available for proper waste disposal, with some reviews indicating it's easily accessible on the main road leading to the campground.
Fire Rings/Fire Pits: Each campsite is equipped with a fire ring or fire pit, perfect for campfires, cooking, and enjoying evenings under the stars.
Picnic Tables: Sites include picnic tables, providing a dedicated space for outdoor dining and social gatherings.
Group Camping Area: A designated group camping area with electric hookups, a picnic shelter, fire pit, grill, and vault toilet is available for larger gatherings.
Drinking Water: Access to drinking water is provided at various points throughout the campground.
Cell Service: Based on reviews, cell service is generally available, allowing campers to stay connected if needed.
Stunning River Views: All sites at Nebraska Tailwaters Campground face towards the Missouri River, offering breathtaking views of the water and surrounding valley, particularly beautiful at sunrise and sunset.
Excellent Fishing Opportunities: Being in the "tailwaters" of Gavins Point Dam, the campground is renowned for exceptional fishing, with many good fishing spots readily accessible from the shore and accessible dock.
Abundant Wildlife and Nature: The area is rich in natural beauty and wildlife. It's especially known for year-round Bald Eagle viewing, along with other birds of prey, and opportunities to observe various other local fauna.
Clean Facilities: Customer reviews frequently highlight the cleanliness of the bathrooms and shower facilities, a significant advantage for campers seeking comfort and hygiene.
Paved Sites and Roads: Many sites feature asphalt or paved pads, providing a level and stable surface for RVs, and the roads leading to and within the campground are also paved for easy access.
Shade Trees: While some areas are open, many campsites offer trees for shade, providing a welcome respite during warmer days.
Proximity to Lewis & Clark Lake: Just upstream, the vast Lewis & Clark Lake offers additional recreational opportunities including swimming beaches, more fishing, hiking, and various water sports.
Hiking and Biking Trails: Nearby trails, including a paved trail from Yankton to the Gavins Point area and multi-use trails, cater to hiking and biking enthusiasts.
Easy Access to Local Attractions: Beyond the natural beauty, the campground's proximity to the Lewis and Clark Visitor Center and Gavins Point National Fish Hatchery and Aquarium adds educational and interpretive value to a stay.
Managed by US Army Corps of Engineers: This ensures a level of upkeep and management that typically translates to well-maintained facilities and a structured environment.
To inquire about reservations or for more information regarding Nebraska Tailwaters Campground, please use the following contact details:
Address: 898 Road, Crofton, NE 68730, USA
Phone: (877) 444-6777
Mobile Phone: +1 877-444-6777
Given that reservations are often handled through a central system like Recreation.gov or a state park reservation system, it's advisable to check online platforms or call the provided number for the most accurate and up-to-date reservation availability, fees, and specific campsite details.
For Nebraskans, Nebraska Tailwaters Campground offers an incredibly suitable and accessible outdoor escape, perfectly encapsulating the spirit of adventure and relaxation found within the state. Its prime location on the Missouri River, just below Gavins Point Dam, means that local residents don't have to travel far to find themselves in a genuinely scenic and activity-rich environment. This convenience translates to more time enjoying nature and less time on the road, making it an ideal choice for weekend getaways or longer family vacations.
The campground caters to a variety of local outdoor interests. For avid anglers, the renowned fishing in the tailwaters of the dam is a major draw, offering a chance to reel in a great catch close to home. Boating enthusiasts will appreciate the easy-access boat ramp to the Missouri River, allowing for seamless launching of watercraft. Even for those simply seeking tranquility, the beautiful river views and opportunities for bird watching, especially the year-round Bald Eagles, provide a serene backdrop for relaxation.
While some reviews mention crowded spaces or occasional noise, these are often characteristic of popular, high-demand campgrounds. The consistent praise for clean bathrooms, electric hookups, and well-maintained sites underscores the commitment to providing a comfortable experience. These amenities are crucial for Nebraskans, whether they prefer rustic tent camping or require full RV facilities. The proximity to Lewis & Clark Lake further broadens the recreational horizons, ensuring there's always something new to explore.
In essence, Nebraska Tailwaters Campground is more than just a place to stay; it's a valuable local resource that provides Nebraskans with an affordable and enriching way to connect with their state's natural beauty and recreational opportunities. It fosters community, offers a break from the everyday, and solidifies its place as a favored destination for those who cherish the great outdoors right here in the heart of Nebraska.
Nebraska Tailwaters Campground Photos










Nebraska Tailwaters Campground Location
Nebraska Tailwaters Campground Reviews
I love this area but not this camp ground. It does have its advantages don't get me wrong- nice bathroom, handicapped dock for the disabled, some decent fishing spots when the fishing is good, and a beautiful view. There is a lot of nature to enjoy here. And we had minimal bugs last weekend of May. The camp site itself was clean, trees for shade, decent fire pit, and electric hookups. But if staying near Gavins point dam I would recommend further up on the Nebraska side by Lewis & Clark lake or on the South Dakota side. Most people were respectful, but the ones who were not ruined it for the rest of us. Dogs barking continuously for hours. Kids screaming until well after midnight. Loud drunks. Trash all over in the shore line/fishing spots- really is it that hard to pick up your trash when you leave? Crowded space. Maybe you'll have better luck when you stay here, again its a beautiful area. But I personally will not be reserving with this campground again.
Jun 01, 2025 · Katie BaxaWas passing through and stopped here for a night. Not a bad place for a campground being right on the Missouri river. Sites are pretty close together, which was my down. Boat ramp located as you come in to the campground, as well as a small bathroom. All sites face towards the river and it was very buggy there. Evening and mornings. The black flies were everywhere in the morning, so bring bug repellant. Overall decent campground and would recommend staying here.
Jun 23, 2024 · James BlinderPark and restrooms were very clean, but quiet hours was not enforced which created a horrible experience. No one can sleep with barking dogs and screaming kids
Jun 02, 2025 · Mr B.The guy that runs this place is awesome! I camped for 2 nights in one of the tent spots and it was lovely. I’m from Colorado and used to mountain camping, so the river sunsets and fireflies were a beautiful surprise.VERY CLEAN and friendly campers and staff, even with COVID I felt really safe and welcomed. Thanks!!
Jul 24, 2020 · Kristin BrownThis campground is on the Missouri River below the Gavin Point Dam and Lewis & Clark lake. Really lovely area. It’s a small campground backed up against a wooded bluff. Most sites are very very shaded. Sites are asphalt, many slope down a LOT, but are pretty level otherwise. We had no issues getting our rig level front to back but it did take effort. Sites are generally spaced close, but not “parking lot” close. Grass between sites. Park maintained really well with friendly hosts. Shower house is the nicest, cleanest COE shower house we’ve used. Electric only sites (50 amp option). Verizon signal pretty poor. 1 MBPS using hotspot. Dump station is outside of park on the side of a very busy highway which isn’t real convenient. Especially if there’s a line waiting to fill their potable water tanks. And there are not nearly enough water spigots inside park for refills, etc. So if you’re planning to stay more than a few nights, be aware of this issue. Across the river is Lewis & Clark State Park (South Dakota). We drove through the entire park (400+ sites), and it is really lovely. But again, just electric and we saw zero water spigots in the entire park while driving through. The dump station there is much better, though. (And the price to stay is quite high with out of state extra charge) Back to Tailwaters…we truly enjoyed our stay here and would return again. Yankton SD is 5 miles away and has everything you need.
May 29, 2023 · Benita
More Camping Near Me

Unnamed Road, Crofton, NE 68730, USA

Crofton, NE 68730, USA

VG78+5C, Yankton, SD 57078, USA

313 S Deer Blvd Suite A, Yankton, SD 57078, USA

705 S Timberland Dr, Yankton, SD 57078, USA

125 Kniest Ave, Yankton, SD 57078, USA

119 Cedar Lane, Yankton, SD 57078, USA

Yankton, SD 57078, USA

Crofton, NE 68730, USA

Crofton, NE 68730, USA

807 Bill Baggs Rd, Yankton, SD 57078, USA

Tabor, SD 57063, USA
Categories
Top Visited Sites






Top Searches
Trending The Campfire Posts





