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Hours

Monday, 11:00 AM - 8:00 PM
Tuesday, 11:00 AM - 8:00 PM
Wednesday, 11:00 AM - 8:00 PM
Thursday, 11:00 AM - 8:00 PM
Friday, 11:00 AM - 8:00 PM
Saturday, 11:00 AM - 8:00 PM
Sunday, 11:00 AM - 8:00 PM

Captain Critters Country Campground Introduce

For those of us living in Nebraska, especially in the western part of the state, we know the true value of a strategic and accommodating home base when exploring our incredible Panhandle. Captain Critters Country Campground, located at 180454 Highway 26 Frontage Road, Scottsbluff, NE 69361, is exactly that. While it might not boast all the resort-style amenities of larger parks, it offers a crucial advantage: an unparalleled location for accessing some of Nebraska's most iconic historical landmarks and natural wonders. It’s a pragmatic choice for full-time RVers, families, and solo adventurers who prioritize exploring the surrounding area over on-site frills.

Captain Critters Country Campground positions itself as Scottsbluff's only year-round RV park, emphasizing spacious sites, full hookups, and a commitment to being a convenient launchpad for regional exploration. While some travelers might focus on the immediate campground environment, many experienced campers understand that the true value lies in the accessibility to surrounding attractions. As one local full-time RVer highlighted, this park's strength is its proximity to places like Scotts Bluff National Monument, Chimney Rock, Toadstool Geologic Park, Fort Robinson State Park, and even the quirky Carhenge, all within a reasonable drive.

The campground acknowledges its unique setting, particularly its proximity to a train line. However, for many, the trade-off for an affordable stay in such a geographically rich area is well worth it. It’s about embracing the character of Western Nebraska – the expansive skies, the rich history of the Oregon Trail, and the surprising natural beauty of the bluffs and Sandhills. Captain Critters Country Campground serves as a practical, friendly, and well-located option for those looking to truly experience the best of what our state's Panhandle has to offer.

Location and Accessibility

Captain Critters Country Campground is conveniently situated at 180454 Highway 26 Frontage Road, Scottsbluff, NE 69361, USA. This location places it perfectly for exploring the Western Nebraska Panhandle, a region steeped in Oregon Trail history and dramatic geological formations. The campground is directly off U.S. Highway 26, a main thoroughfare, providing excellent accessibility for all types of vehicles, including larger RVs and fifth wheels.

The campground is positioned between Mitchell and Scottsbluff, approximately 3.1 miles west of the Scottsbluff Walmart and about 4.5 miles east of Mitchell. Its location on a frontage road minimizes direct highway noise, offering a slightly more peaceful environment than if it were directly on the main highway. One local review highlighted that while it is next to a busy road, the frontage road itself has very little traffic, making it walkable for a few miles.

A significant aspect of its location is its unparalleled proximity to major attractions. It's just minutes from Scotts Bluff National Monument, a crucial landmark on the Oregon Trail. Chimney Rock National Historic Site is a mere 30-minute drive away, offering another iconic piece of pioneer history. Further afield, but still within easy day-trip distance (around 1.5 hours through the scenic Sandhills), are Toadstool Geologic Park and Fort Robinson State Park. Even Carhenge, a unique artistic installation in Alliance, is about an hour's drive, making Captain Critters an ideal hub for exploring the entire region. While a train track runs adjacent to the park, and train noise is a factor, the benefit of its central location for regional exploration often outweighs this for many travelers.

Services Offered
  • Full Hookup RV Sites: Captain Critters offers 36 full hookup RV sites, providing 20, 30, and 50 amp electricity, fresh potable water (from an on-site underground well), and sewer connections. This is a crucial amenity for RV travelers, ensuring a comfortable stay.

  • Pull-Through and Wide Sites: All RV sites are pull-throughs, and most are described as extra wide (40-45 feet), accommodating larger rigs up to 80-95 feet in length, making it accessible for big RVs.

  • Free Wi-Fi: Free and fast Wi-Fi is available at all campsites, allowing guests to stay connected, plan their travels, or stream entertainment.

  • Mature Shade Trees: Many sites are shaded by mature trees, providing relief from the summer sun and a more pleasant camping environment.

  • Pet-Friendly with Dog Park: The campground is pet-friendly and features a grassy dog park, allowing furry companions to exercise and enjoy the outdoors. Pet enclosures (maximum 15ft x 30ft) are welcome.

  • On-Site Management: Friendly management and staff are on-site to assist guests and ensure a pleasant experience.

  • Online Reservation System: Guests can easily reserve a site online through their website.

  • Laundry Facilities (Coming Soon/Limited): While some reviews indicate a lack of bathhouse/laundry, their website states laundry facilities are "COMING SOON," suggesting improvements are underway. It's best to confirm current availability.

  • Green Space: There is green space available for outdoor games like football or frisbee.

  • Payment Options: Visa, Mastercard, American Express, Discover, check, or cash are accepted for payment.

  • Year-Round Operation: Captain Critters Country Campground is open year-round, offering flexibility for travel plans in any season.

Features / Highlights
  • Exceptional Location for Regional Exploration: The standout feature is its strategic location, providing quick and easy access to Scotts Bluff National Monument, Chimney Rock, Wildcat Hills State Recreation Area, and other significant Oregon Trail landmarks. This is a key benefit for visitors focused on sightseeing and history.

  • High Water Pressure: One reviewer specifically highlighted "hands down the best water pressure of any park we have ever stayed at," which is a significant practical advantage for RVers.

  • Friendly and Accommodating Owner/Staff: Recurring positive feedback praises the owner and staff for being very friendly, helpful, and accommodating, contributing to a welcoming atmosphere.

  • Wildlife Viewing: The local environment offers opportunities for wildlife spotting, including wild turkeys and a pair of nesting Osprey directly across the street, adding a unique natural element to the stay.

  • Budget-Friendly Option: Compared to some larger resort-style parks, Captain Critters is often considered a more affordable option, providing good value for travelers prioritizing location and essential hookups.

  • Walkable Area: Despite being near a busy road, the frontage road itself has minimal traffic, offering miles of walkable space for exercise and enjoying the surrounding area.

  • Close to Local Amenities: The campground is just minutes from city shopping, groceries (including a Super Walmart), and Regional West Medical Center in Scottsbluff, providing urban conveniences when needed.

  • Excellent Fishing Opportunities: The nearby North Platte River and Lake Minatare offer excellent fishing for various species.

Contact Information

To inquire about availability, make reservations, or learn more about Captain Critters Country Campground, you can use the following contact details:

Address: 180454 Highway 26 Frontage Road, Scottsbluff, NE 69361, USA

Phone: (308) 765-4260

Mobile Phone: +1 308-765-4260

Email: camp@captaincritters.com (as found on some booking platforms)

It is always recommended to visit their official website or call directly for the most current information regarding rates, availability, and any specific policies or ongoing improvements.

Conclusion: Why this place is suitable for locals

For those of us who call Nebraska home, Captain Critters Country Campground in Scottsbluff offers a compelling option for exploring our own backyard, particularly the historic and scenic Panhandle region. We understand that camping isn't always about lavish amenities; often, it's about the adventure and the exploration that the location enables. This campground excels in that regard, serving as an incredibly convenient and value-driven base camp for unlocking the treasures of Western Nebraska.

Locals will particularly appreciate its strategic position. Being just minutes away from iconic landmarks like Scotts Bluff National Monument and Chimney Rock means less time driving and more time immersing ourselves in the rich history of the Oregon Trail. These are places we learned about in school, and having such easy access to them for a weekend trip or a longer family vacation is invaluable. The ability to visit these sites, along with unique attractions like Carhenge or the natural beauty of Wildcat Hills, from a central and comfortable spot, truly maximizes our local exploration opportunities.

While some might be concerned about the nearby train noise, many seasoned Nebraska campers understand this is often a trade-off for prime locations. Investing in a white noise maker, as one local full-timer suggested, is a small adjustment for the vast benefits this location provides. The owner's friendliness, the consistent high water pressure (a genuine luxury for RVers!), and the availability of full hookups make for a practical and comfortable stay. For Montanans looking for an unpretentious, well-located, and budget-conscious campground that puts them directly in the heart of our state's historical and natural wonders, Captain Critters Country Campground is an excellent choice for creating lasting memories right here at home.

Location

NebraskaScotts Bluff CountyScottsbluff

Customer Reviews

4.0
104 reviews
K
Keith Neal
Jul 08, 2025

Needed a place to stop during our travels. Would never stop here again. Train is literally right next to park and blows the horns right next to park. Trains ran until almost midnight and again at like 4 in the morning. Ear plugs won’t help, absolutely horrible. Park seems very run down and even check in building. Many long term residents and some units run down. Worst place I think we’ve been to and we have camped at over 120 different parks. Also, not big rig friendly. Only a couple spots that would fit us (37ft 5th wheel).

S
Stephanie Franklin
Mar 25, 2022

We live full time in our 35 foot motorhome and have stayed in a lot of parks in 21 states. As a full timer I am looking for location and price more than anything. We love to hike and explore neat outdoor locations. This park is just minutes from Scottsbluff monument, a beautiful 1.5 hour through Sandhills from Toadstools and Fort Robinson, 30 minutes from Chimney Rock, an hour from Carhenge (a must!) and about ten minutes from Wildcat State park. Not to mention tons of museums and Oregon trail history to check out. They have full hookups (50 amp) with generous sites and hands down the best water pressure of any park we have ever stayed at. The owner is very friendly and accommodating, the dog park is grassy, and the area is walkable. There is a long road you can walk a few miles down. It is next to a busy road but the frontage road has very little traffic. We saw a wild turkey once and a pair of nesting Osprey every morning on our walk. The Osprey are across the street on top of a power pole. Pretty cool! Yes, there is a train and yes it is loud BUT are you booking your stay for the amenities at the park or the amenities in the surrounding area? There is no pool or bathhouse but again, the area is wonderful! Invest in a white noise maker to run while you sleep. We turn ours in every night and slept like babies. We stayed 2 and a half weeks and I would stay here again.

J
Jesse Gonzalez
Jun 01, 2025

I can’t thank Sue (owner) enough, I’m a nurse and I think she is truly an angel, as a first timer in RV living she helped us out so much getting settled in and actually saved me and my partner’s life, literally. I really enjoyed living here these past few months at her RV park!

J
Julee Hartley-Smith
May 13, 2025

Nice camp ground. Ran by a sweet lady. Only down side was the 100s of trains that go by all night long. Other then that we liked this place.

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Tammy Johansen
Sep 21, 2022

Sue is absolutely amazing! We stayed here for a month while transitioning to a house nearby. If you want accommodating and superior customer service at a no nonsense affordable park that is absolutely pet friendly, with amazing views of the monument-look no further!!!! Highly recommend!