Steer Creek Campground
Tucked in the shade of ponderosa pines planted in the early 1900's, this 23-unit campground is located in the southeast corner of the Samuel R. McKelvie National Forest. A hand water pump, picnic tables, fire rings, and modern vault toilets make this an attractive base from which to explore the Sandhills. The Blue Jay Trail, a one-mile nature loop, starts and ends at the campground. For horseback riders, a corral with 8 stalls is available, with a manure bunk nearby. We ask that horses not be in individual campsites unless being saddled.
More like this: first-come in Nebraska · tent only in Nebraska · accessible sites in Nebraska
Amenities & rules
| Equipment | Tents |
| Fees | It costs $15.00 per night to camp. Fee envelopes and a collection box are located near the entrance. Please pay your fees within 30 minutes of selecting your site. |
| Accessibility | All sites and the vault toilets are accessible |
Individual sites vary. Confirm on Recreation.gov or with the managing office.
Season & status
| Status | Open |
| Forest | Nebraska National Forests and Grasslands |
| Fees | It costs $15.00 per night to camp. Fee envelopes and a collection box are located near the entrance. Please pay your fees within 30 minutes of selecting your site. |
Weather by month
Getting there
| Coordinates | 42.6892° N, 101.1528° W · Directions ↗ |
Explore
Trails nearby
- 0.1 miBlue Jay1.2 mi trail · hiking, horse, bike
Trail and trailhead records are the Forest Service's. Distances are straight-line to the nearer trail end. Trail conditions are not tracked here.
Other campgrounds nearby
Guidebooks for Nebraska and camping across the country
We earn a small commission if you buy through these links. It does not change what we list.
Titles come from Open Library's catalog, matched by subject heading or by title.
Reference
Questions people ask
Do I need a reservation at Steer Creek Campground?
No. Steer Creek Campground is first-come, first-served. Sites are taken on arrival and paid at the fee station.
Source: Forest Service
How much does it cost to camp at Steer Creek Campground?
It costs $15.00 per night to camp. Fee envelopes and a collection box are located near the entrance. Please pay your fees within 30 minutes of selecting your site.
Source: Forest Service
Is Steer Creek Campground open right now?
Open as of Oct 26, 2026.
Source: Forest Service status
Can I bring an RV to Steer Creek Campground?
Steer Creek Campground is listed for tents only.
Source: Forest Service
Are there accessible sites at Steer Creek Campground?
All sites and the vault toilets are accessible.
Source: Forest Service
What if Steer Creek Campground is full?
The nearest public campgrounds are Natick Campground (67.4 mi, first-come), Bessey Recreation Complex (69.8 mi, partly first-come), and Whitetail Campground (76.6 mi, first-come).
Source: Campgrounds nearby