While driving along Interstate 80 through the entire state of Nebraska...it was towards the end of the day and I was looking for a place to camp for the evening. I used the app on my phone called Campendium and discovered this Lake Ogallala SRA State Park.
Although I wasn't able to book a campsite online, it did mention that half the sites were available on a first come, first served basis. So...when I visited here back over the summertime in August...I was just hoping that a spot would be available...especially since I arrived on the grounds late in the afternoon.
Upon driving up to the entrance...there was an instruction board with a sign stating how to find a campsite and pay for it. I did notice that for out-of-state- visitors it was an $8 admission fee...and then for this being in "peak season" it was $15 for a primitive campsite on top of the $8 for a total of $23.
I was more than okay with these prices as this location in Ogalalla, Nebraska was literally in the middle of nowhere...with nothing but rows and rows of cornfields around. To say I was held held hostage to this location would be an understatement, lol.
Regardless...$23 in total was a "drop in the bucket" for me...especially because this Lake Ogallala Campground appeared to be a very charming, cozy, quiet and quaint area...sort of ideal conditions for spending the evening outdoors.
Most importantly was finding an available campsite. If none were available...then I would have been out of luck and unable to stay here. And I could sense that a lot of spontaneous travelers were showing up at the last moment desperate for a place to camp out just like I was.
Driving throughout the grounds...yes there were a lot of campsites and RV/Trailer spots...but most of them were occupied. I started to get nervous and sort of panicked that I'd never locate an available spot...but at the last instance, yes, I found a campsite...woohoo! My evening was saved!
I backed my car right into the campsite...seriously, probably, the last one not yet taken. Then I walked over to the middle of the campgrounds section where there was an envelope to be filled out along with a drop box to place my out of state $8 fee + $15 for confirmation of my tent site. They did accept checks and obviously cash was an option though I didn't see if a choice for credit card payment was possible.
Then I was good to go! Some useful amenities about Lake Ogallala Park were that my campsite featured a barbecue pit for grilling, a picnic table along with working showers and restrooms available within the center of camp. I was happy about all of this.
I will mention...the showers took quarters to pay for. I believe each .25 cents was good for 2 minutes worth of hot running water. I probably used about $1.50 - $2 worth of quarters.
Also, just one drag about this place...the grounds were so big that I had to walk 5 minutes just to get to the restrooms/showers...the tiniest of inconveniences, lol.
But...I really appreciated the whole setting of Lake Ogallala and my campsite. It was not only situated within the woods and I truly felt like I was camping within the heart of nature, but the lake nearby was very picturesque. It made for a great sunset where I sat down by the banks of the waters and just soaked up the summer sun sky while it reflected off the lake.
Yes...the entire atmosphere was terrific...perfect for a random spot to sleep for the night in this remote farmland section of southwestern Nebraska.
I truly lucked out finding and grabbing a campsite here at Lake Ogallala State Park. I had a wonderful night's rest and for $23, it was priceless to be able to shower and clean up before continuing on my cross country journey.
If anyone happens to be randomly passing through Ogallala, Nebraska needing a place to camp for one night...I'd highly recommend this SRA Park. You can't ask for better conditions and accommodations from an RV/Trailer Park and Campground. read more