The best camping near Agate Fossil Beds National Monument

Discover the most magical spots to pitch your tent or park your rig on your next Agate Fossil Beds National Monument adventure.

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Top-rated campgrounds near Agate Fossil Beds National Monument

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Peaceful Prairie Campsites

20 sites · RVs, Tents200 acres · NE

Visit us and discover why Hipcamp named this property the best Hipcamp to visit in Nebraska for the past three years. Located within 2 miles from Hwy 71, we're easy to find, easy to love, and easy to leave, according to hundreds of guests who have left positive recommendations... Peaceful Prairie Campsites consists of 200+ acres of prairie pasture bordering the south side of Scotts Bluff National Monument. Under the care of third generation steward, Lisa Betz-Marquez, the beautiful bluffs feature a stunning backdrop to a those seeking a private and peaceful experience, birding, wildlife-spotting, or an adventure-seeking hike. Rustic Tent sites (allowing cars, vans, rooftop tents, truck campers, and motorcycles, but not RVs or pull-behind trailers) are located directly on the prairie. The prairie is a fragile environment. To preserve its beauty and health, please ensure that if you are in a pull-behind trailer or an RV, you book an RV site. We appreciate your cooperation. RV sites (all offering 50 amp electricity) in a rustic designated area on crushed concrete near our corral, are literally within steps of the prairie. Delicious underground water and a repurposed water tank converted to a funky outdoor camp shower is conveniently on site for all campers. All sites offer immediate foot access to hiking at various levels of challenge, including the south side of our nation's Scotts Bluff National Monument. Our 34-year-old sweetheart horse Tigger, and her donkey pal Martha, are free ranging the area. Both enjoy meeting campers, however, they can be placed in another area if you would rather they didn't wander by for conversation. A small group of yearling cattle are also at home on the prairie in summer months. Prairie guests have relished the feeling of having the place to themselves to enjoy the majesty of the landscape, the magic of our starry night skies and the soulful communion with the land. Lisa is the fourth generation of her family to live on Valley View Farm, located directly south of the prairie. Her family has been steward of these lands since 1925. Lisa is a member of a pioneer family. Ancestor, Martin Gering, came to the valley in 1887. As an early investor in the fledgling town, the town of Gering was named for him. If you're a history buff, ask Lisa to tell you more...

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Ryan R.’s Land

22 sites · RVs, Tents40 acres · Alliance, NE

This property has been in the family for 50 years. Raised 3 successful children and love to travel and talk to strangers coming through our area. You will get a quiet stay, place for pets to run, and more stars than you can count.

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Guided Rock Farms

1 site · RV, Tent350 acres · Crawford, NE

Up to 500 acres to wander on the Pine Ridge. Beautiful buttes, canyons, pines, and overlooks river valley. Hike up to the top of the hills for a beautiful spot to camp to watch sunrise or sunset. Various wells on property to fill up water. In the summer months you may camp alongside Highland cattle, horses, or sheep!

The best camping near Agate Fossil Beds National Monument guide

Overview

About

Get up close and personal with 20-million-year-old fossils at Agate Fossil Beds. This high-plains monument has 4 miles of trails and a huge collection of artifacts.

Hit the trails to see where ancient creatures once roamed the plains. Hop on the Daemonlix trail for a walk to strange twisted formations rising from the earth. Though their name—Devil's Corkscrew—is alarming, these swirls are harmless. They were once burrows for little creatures called paleocastors, the ancestor of the beaver. On the Fossil Hills Trail, check out 1900s-era excavation sites. Here, you can see where bone-hunters found massive "Miocene monsters". The craziest? The Daphoenodon, which was part bear, part dog. Or maybe that would be the terrifying Dinohyus, better known as the hell pig.

After your hike, head to the monument's museum. It has more than 500 Plains Indians artifacts collected by rancher James Cook. Among them are gifts from legendary Lakota Chief, Red Cloud. Buckskin suits and painted hides are among the treasures.

There are plenty of camping areas within 10 miles of the fossil beds. The Nebraska high plains offer everything from primitive spots to luxurious RV amenities. This is ranch country, so be on the lookout for cowboys and cattle.