Willow Way Campground

For Nebraskans seeking a diverse and engaging outdoor experience, Willow Way Campground, nestled within the expansive Willow Creek State Recreation Area near Pierce, offers an ideal destination. This popular campground provides a comprehensive range of amenities and activities, making it perfect for families, RV enthusiasts, tent campers, and even those who love to explore on horseback. It's a place where the beauty of northeast Nebraska's landscape meets well-maintained facilities and abundant recreational opportunities.

Willow Way Campground is a key component of Willow Creek State Recreation Area, an expansive 1,633-acre area centered around a 700-acre flood control reservoir. This integration means campers have immediate access to a vast natural playground. Whether your passion is fishing, boating, hiking, or simply unwinding by a campfire, Willow Way Campground serves as an excellent base. The dedication to providing a comfortable and enjoyable stay for all visitors, from basic tent sites to full-service RV pads, truly sets it apart as a premier choice for local Nebraskans looking to connect with nature.

Willow Way Campground is conveniently located about 1 ½ miles southwest of Pierce, NE, at 5CFJ+MQ, Pierce, NE 68767, USA. As a central feature of the Willow Creek State Recreation Area, it’s easily accessible from the town of Pierce and surrounding areas in northeast Nebraska. This accessibility makes it a practical choice for residents across the state looking for a relatively short drive to a comprehensive outdoor destination.

The location offers the best of both worlds: the tranquility of a large recreation area and the convenience of being close to the town of Pierce. While at the campground, you'll feel immersed in nature, surrounded by the scenic landscapes that define Willow Creek. Yet, a short drive will take you to Pierce, where you can find local services, shops, and potentially dining options to resupply or enjoy a meal out. Furthermore, the area is well-connected by an 8-mile limestone hike/bike trail, with a 2-mile connector trail leading directly to Pierce, offering an easy way to explore the town without needing to drive. This blend of natural immersion and local access makes Willow Way Campground an exceptionally convenient and appealing choice for your next Nebraska adventure.

Services Offered:

• Extensive Campsites: Willow Way Campground includes 165 campsites with electricity (20, 30, and 50 amp hookups) and numerous Basic (non-electric) campsites.
• Equestrian Camping: Features 10 Electric Plus campsites (100-feet long with 50-amp hookup and a 50-foot pen) and Basic Equestrian sites with two barbless pens.
• Picnic Tables and Fire Rings: Each campsite is equipped with a picnic table and a steel fire ring/grill for outdoor cooking and relaxation.
• Modern Restrooms and Showers: Clean, modern restrooms and shower facilities are available, often praised by visitors for their cleanliness.
• Drinking Water: Potable water hydrants are conveniently located throughout the campground.
• Dump and Fill Station: A dump and fill station for RVs is available, located in the town of Pierce near the Pierce County Courthouse (approximately 5 miles from the lake).
• Laundry Facilities: On-site laundry facilities are provided for camper convenience.
• Reservations and First-Come, First-Served: Half of the campsites can be reserved, while the remainder are available on a first-come, first-served basis. Self-service envelopes are provided for registration at iron ranger stations.
• Accessible Campsite: At least one handicap accessible camp pad is available.
• Pets Allowed: Pets are welcome, provided they are kept on a leash no longer than 6 feet.
• Seasonal Availability: Modern facilities operate seasonally, typically from spring through fall, though electric camping may be available year-round.

Features / Highlights:

• 700-Acre Willow Creek Lake: The centerpiece of the recreation area, offering excellent fishing for various species including crappie, bluegill, bass, catfish, walleye, northern pike, and wipers.
• Boating Opportunities: The main body of the lake is open to all boating, including water skiing, while the wooded west end is restricted to no-wake, ideal for kayakers and canoers.
• Swimming Beach: A designated swimming beach is located on the south central side of the lake (unsupervised).
• Extensive Trail System: Enjoy an 8-mile limestone hike/bike trail around the lake, with a 2-mile connector trail to Pierce. A separate 10-mile mowed horse trail is also available.
• Disc Golf Course: A challenging disc golf course for outdoor enthusiasts.
• Playgrounds: Two playgrounds are available within the recreation area, providing entertainment for children.
• Fishing Piers: Seven rock jetties provide improved angler access to the lake.
• Archery Range: An archery range is available for practice.
• Wildlife Viewing and Birding: The diverse habitats attract a variety of wildlife and bird species, making it great for nature observation.
• Winter Activities: During winter months, when ice conditions permit, the lake surface and roads are open to ice fishing, skating, and snowmobiling.
• Proximity to Ashfall Fossil Beds: A fascinating Ashfall Fossil Beds State Historical Park is a 30-minute drive away, offering a unique educational excursion.
• Well-Wooded Sites: Many campsites are nestled among trees, offering natural shade and a more secluded feel.
• Family-Friendly Environment: The wide array of activities and amenities makes it an excellent choice for families with children.

Contact Information:

Address: 5CFJ+MQ, Pierce, NE 68767, USA (Within Willow Creek State Recreation Area)

Phone: (402) 329-4053

Mobile Phone: +1 402-329-4053

For Nebraskans, Willow Way Campground at Willow Creek State Recreation Area is an outstanding choice for a diverse and fulfilling outdoor escape. Its comprehensive offerings cater to virtually every type of camper, from those seeking the full comforts of an RV with electric hookups to tent campers desiring a more traditional experience, and even equestrians with dedicated facilities. The convenient location near Pierce means you can easily access supplies and local charm while still being immersed in the natural beauty of the 700-acre lake and its surrounding trails.

What truly makes Willow Way suitable for locals is the sheer breadth of activities available right at your fingertips. Whether your passion lies in fishing for walleye, exploring the lake by kayak, biking or hiking the extensive trails, or letting the kids enjoy the playgrounds and swimming beach, there’s always something to do. The clean and well-maintained facilities, including modern restrooms and laundry, further enhance the comfort of your stay. Willow Way Campground provides Nebraskans with an accessible, high-quality destination to create lasting memories, embrace outdoor adventure, and appreciate the natural splendor that defines our state.

Willow Way Campground

5CFJ+MQ, Pierce, NE 68767, USA