Bloomfield Campground - Lewis and Clark SRA

🏞️ Introduction / Overview: Discovering Bloomfield Campground at Lewis and Clark SRA

For Nebraskans who love the water, the Lewis and Clark State Recreation Area (SRA) on the northern edge of the state is a legendary destination. While the main campgrounds like Weigand and Burbach draw the largest crowds, the Bloomfield Campground offers a more tranquil, yet equally scenic, experience. Situated within the larger Lewis and Clark SRA network near Crofton, this smaller camping area provides a peaceful alternative for those who prefer fewer neighbors and a more direct connection to nature.

Bloomfield is particularly cherished by tent campers and those with smaller RVs seeking a break from the major resort-style camping areas. It is widely praised for its incredible views of Lewis and Clark Lake, with some highly sought-after spots offering a vantage point overlooking the water and docks. This campground perfectly captures the feeling of a secluded hideaway while still providing essential modern facilities. As one satisfied visitor noted, the site was “the perfect spot” for those who prefer smaller options over huge, crowded grounds.

The key distinction of Bloomfield is its operation style: it is a first-come, first-served (FCFS) campground, offering 8 basic tent-only sites and 12 RV sites with electrical hookups. This means planning ahead is crucial, but the reward is a beautiful, intimate lake camping experience. Visitors should be prepared to bring most of their supplies, as the remoteness that creates its peaceful ambiance also means a trip for essentials can take an hour or two. However, the feeling of "camping right next to the water" makes the journey worthwhile.

🗺️ Location and Accessibility

Bloomfield Campground is a unit of the Lewis and Clark State Recreation Area, known for its extensive shoreline along the vast Lewis and Clark Lake, the second-largest reservoir in Nebraska. Its location provides exceptional access to the lake while keeping a distinct, quieter atmosphere separate from the main SRA complex.

• Physical Location: The campground is part of the Bloomfield Recreation Area near Crofton, NE 68730. It's located along the Nebraska shore of Lewis and Clark Lake (formed by the Gavins Point Dam on the Missouri River).
• Driving Access: Access is typically easy via well-maintained roads leading into the Lewis and Clark SRA region. The remoteness is a feature, so campers should be mindful of the drive to and from the nearest towns for major resupply runs.
• Water Access: Crucially, the Bloomfield area includes a public boat ramp, making it an excellent base camp for anglers and water sports enthusiasts looking to launch kayaks, canoes, or small boats directly onto the lake.
• State Park Entry: As a Nebraska State Recreation Area unit, a valid Nebraska Park Entry Permit (daily or annual) is required for vehicle access.

⚙️ Services Offered

Bloomfield Campground provides core services that ensure a comfortable stay, balancing basic camping amenities with essential conveniences, which is what gives it a high rating for cleanliness and functionality.

Campsite and Facility Amenities:

• Campsite Types and Capacity:
  • 8 Basic Tent-Only Sites: Ideal for traditional campers who seek a primitive experience but with nearby access to water and restrooms.
  • 12 RV Sites with Electric Hookups: Suitable for RVs up to a maximum length of approximately 40 feet, featuring both 30-Amp and 50-Amp electrical service.
• Site Features: Every campsite, regardless of type, includes a picnic table and a fire ring for cooking and campfires.
• Restroom Facilities: The campground offers clean toilets with running water and flushing capability, a feature highly appreciated by visitors. The restrooms are regularly stocked with toilet paper and hand soap/sanitizer.
• Utility Station: An RV dump station is available within the campground area for convenient waste disposal.
• Water Supply: Drinking water spigots are available nearby for all campers.
• Reservation Status: Bloomfield Campground operates strictly on a first-come, first-served (FCFS) basis, meaning no advance reservations are accepted. Campers must arrive early to secure a spot, particularly during the peak summer season.

🌟 Features / Highlights

The true allure of the Bloomfield Campground is its unique combination of location-based activities and its smaller, more intimate setting along the expansive Lewis and Clark Lake.

Unique Recreational Highlights:

• Stunning Waterfront Sites: Many sites are positioned on a hill or right along the shore, offering beautiful, panoramic views of the lake and the picturesque bluffs on the South Dakota side of the river. These waterfront vistas are consistently praised by visitors.
• Direct Water Access: The presence of a boat ramp and fishing dock within the Bloomfield area makes it a top choice for water recreation, including kayaking, boating, and enjoying the excellent fishing for walleye, sauger, and northern pike.
• Ideal for Tent Campers: Unlike the massive RV parks, Bloomfield offers dedicated basic sites perfect for traditional tent camping, giving a less congested and more rustic feel while maintaining access to clean, modern restrooms.
• Family-Friendly Amenities: The inclusion of a playground makes the campground a great choice for families traveling with young children.
• Safety and Maintenance: Customers have noted that the site is well-monitored, with checks occurring both morning and evening, contributing to a secure and well-maintained environment. The consistently clean facilities reflect high maintenance standards.
• Firewood Opportunity: While not guaranteed, the surrounding area may offer opportunities for collecting downed wood for campfires, though experienced campers advise bringing your own or purchasing local wood for reliability.

📞 Contact Information

For the most accurate and up-to-date information on fees, policies, and conditions at the Bloomfield Campground, contact the Lewis and Clark State Recreation Area office directly.

Contact Details:

• Address (Main SRA Office / Location): Bloomfield Recreation Area, Crofton, NE 68730, USA
• Primary Phone: (402) 388-4169
• Nebraska Game and Parks Commission: As part of the Lewis and Clark SRA, the campground is managed under the NE Game and Parks Commission.
• Note on Fees: Current FCFS rates are generally $30 for electric sites and $15 for basic (tent-only) sites, plus the required Nebraska State Park Entry Permit.

💎 What is Worth Choosing: The Quiet Waterfront Retreat

For Nebraska residents and visitors who appreciate a quieter, more focused camping experience over a large, bustling resort, the Bloomfield Campground is an exceptional choice. What makes it truly worth choosing is its status as a first-come, first-served gem that provides direct, stunning access to Lewis and Clark Lake.

It strikes a perfect balance: you get the rustic appeal of a smaller campground—ideal for tent camping or a smaller RV—with the modern convenience of electric hookups and, most importantly, immaculately clean restrooms with running water. This is a significant upgrade from true primitive camping, ensuring comfort without sacrificing the natural environment.

The customer reviews highlight the sense of safety and the stunning views that make even a rainy weekend enjoyable. If your priority is easy kayak or boat launching, excellent fishing, and a peaceful spot overlooking the water where you can disconnect and truly relax, Bloomfield Campground is the Nebraska SRA location you should set your sights on. Just remember to bring your supplies and arrive early to snag one of those coveted FCFS spots!