Buckley Park Campground

Introduction / Overview

For Nebraskans and travelers seeking an exceptional blend of affordability, convenience, and small-town charm, Buckley Park Campground in Stromsburg stands out as a true community gem. Located in the heart of the "Swede Capital of Nebraska," this city-owned park offers what is arguably one of the best camping values in the entire state: free camping with essential RV hookups, operating entirely on donations. This generosity from the Village of Stromsburg makes it a beloved and highly recommended stop for locals and those passing through Central Nebraska.

Buckley Park is a large, well-maintained recreational complex nestled along the scenic confluence of the Big Blue River and Prairie Creek. The camping area is divided into two distinct sections, catering to different preferences. The older section, situated among tall shade trees, offers a cozy, rustic feel, while a newer section, sometimes referred to as the Lucy Holm Campground, is more open, modern, and located near the swimming pool and ball fields.

This campground is designed to be a temporary base for exploring the area, enforcing a maximum stay of four days to ensure the sites remain accessible to the steady stream of travelers. Visitors consistently praise the level spots, clean facilities, and the convenient location near downtown Stromsburg, noting the palpable effort the city puts into maintaining the park's beautiful grounds. While the campground is free, a donation is highly appreciated to help the village maintain this outstanding resource, and many satisfied campers recommend leaving a contribution to support this unique amenity.

Location and Accessibility

Buckley Park Campground is ideally located in the small, charming town of Stromsburg, NE 68666, easily accessible just off Highway 81. The main address is listed as 10 Main St, Stromsburg, NE 68666, USA, which puts it at the entrance of the larger city park complex.

• The campground’s central location in Nebraska is a convenient hour-long drive from both Lincoln and Omaha, making it an easy weekend getaway for many Nebraskans.
• It is situated adjacent to Prairie Creek and the Big Blue River, offering a scenic, natural environment perfect for walks, fishing, and nature viewing.
• The park is located near the town’s baseball fields and the public swimming pool, making local amenities highly accessible.
• Accessibility is simple, though travelers should note the existence of two separate entrances for the old and new camping sections. The new section is generally accessed via County Road 125, south of the main park area.
• Campers should be aware that due to its location, there can be some road noise from nearby highways and occasional train noise, a common characteristic of small-town Nebraska campgrounds.

Services Offered

Despite being donation-based, Buckley Park Campground offers a generous array of services that rival many paid RV parks, ensuring a comfortable and well-equipped stay:

• Free Electric Hookups: The campground offers numerous sites (around 12 in the old section, up to 30 sites in total across both sections) with electric pedestals providing 50 Amp, 30 Amp, and 20 Amp (110V) service.
• Water Access: City water hydrants are conveniently located throughout the campground for potable water access, though typically not as individual site hookups.
• Sanitary Dump Station: A public dump station is available on the grounds (often near the entrance/exit of the old park section) for convenient waste disposal.
• Restrooms and Showers: Clean restrooms are available. Showers are provided for campers’ use at the adjacent heated municipal swimming pool (seasonal operation, but showers are accessible).
• Waste Collection: Trash disposal bins are available, though guests may need to walk a short distance, depending on their site location.
• Tent and RV Capacity: The park caters to both tent campers (especially in the shaded older section) and large RVs, with some sites offering spacious pull-through options.
• Donation-Based Stay: Camping is free, but visitors are strongly encouraged to leave a donation to support the park's upkeep, typically suggested in the $$10-$$20 range for an RV site.

Features / Highlights

The abundance of recreational facilities within Buckley Park transforms a simple overnight stay into a full-fledged family experience:

• Extensive Park Amenities: The campground is integrated into the larger park, providing immediate access to a heated swimming pool (seasonal), multiple baseball fields, tennis, basketball, and sand volleyball courts.
• Disc Golf Course: A full 18-hole disc golf course (often referred to as 'Frisbee golf') is available on the park grounds for hours of outdoor fun.
• Playground Areas: Multiple, modern playground areas are situated throughout the park, making it extremely family-friendly.
• Two Camping Sections: Campers can choose between the shaded, older section nestled among tall trees or the newer, more open section (Lucy Holm Campground) with level pads, often offering different levels of peace and quiet.
• Natural Beauty: The park is located near the confluence of Prairie Creek and the Big Blue River, providing a gorgeous natural setting for relaxing walks, nature viewing, and fishing.
• Local Charm: The small town of Stromsburg, known for its Swedish heritage, is within easy walking distance, allowing campers to patronize local businesses and enjoy seasonal events like the annual Swedish Festival or First Friday celebrations.
• Dog Run: The newer campground section includes a dedicated dog run, a major benefit for Nebraskan travelers with pets.

Contact Information

For inquiries about the campground, current pool hours, or donation methods, please use the following contact details for the City of Stromsburg:

Address: 10 Main St, Stromsburg, NE 68666, USA

Phone: (402) 764-8228

Email: cityofstromsburg@windstream.net

What is Worth Choosing

Buckley Park Campground is a non-negotiable choice for Nebraska residents who prioritize value, essential amenities, and family recreation in a small-town setting. The undeniable reason to choose Buckley Park is the free (donation-based) camping with electric hookups, water access, and a dump station. This generosity ensures that a quick stop or a short family vacation remains affordable.

Beyond the cost, the integrated nature of the campground within the larger city park offers unparalleled access to recreational features: you are literally steps away from a swimming pool, multiple sports courts, and a disc golf course. This makes it an ideal spot for active families.

Campers must remember the four-day maximum stay limit and should be prepared for potential road and train noise, especially in the older, shadier section. However, the availability of both rustic, shaded sites and newer, level sites (with the option of being farther from the road) means travelers can often choose the spot that best suits their needs. By patronizing local businesses and leaving a donation, Nebraskans can help sustain this beautiful and generous asset, confirming Buckley Park as a truly awesome, free gem along the Big Blue River.