Carney Park Campground

For travelers exploring the scenic expanse of Northeast Nebraska, particularly those traversing near the Cowboy Trail or seeking a restful stop near the Elkhorn River, the Carney Park Campground in O'Neill, NE, provides an ideal base. This municipal campground offers a refreshing blend of essential utility services, affordability, and convenient access to local amenities, all set within a welcoming city park environment.

Carney Park is a testament to the friendly hospitality of O'Neill, providing a straightforward, self-service camping experience that consistently earns praise from guests. Reviews highlight its exceptional value—with water and electric hookups available for a low nightly fee—and the convenience of its amenities, including clean bathrooms and showers. It's the perfect spot for both the road-weary RVer needing an overnight recharge and the local resident looking for a simple, accessible staycation.

### Overview: Value and Simplicity in Holt County

The Carney Park Campground is managed by the City of O'Neill and is nestled within the larger Carney City Park, a significant 96-acre recreation area. The campground is designed primarily for RVs and trailers, featuring approximately 18 dedicated camping spaces, each equipped with necessary utilities.

The campground operates on a first-come, first-served basis, utilizing a convenient self-registration/self-serve envelope system for payment. This method allows travelers to arrive at their leisure and settle in. The nightly fee is highly competitive, generally set at $20.00 per day** for an RV site with hookups. For those planning a longer visit to explore the area, the city offers a generous extended stay policy: camping is often available on a donation basis for the first three days, but stays longer than seven days require pre-registration at the City Office.

While the sites are arranged in pairs—meaning your closest neighbor might be steps away—the overall atmosphere of the park, particularly during the week, is reported to be quiet and peaceful, making it an excellent stop for a restful night.

### Location and Accessibility

Carney Park Campground is situated on the south side of O'Neill, Nebraska, positioned conveniently east of U.S. Highway 281 and close to the Elkhorn River. Its location strikes an excellent balance, offering a quiet, park setting while remaining within easy walking distance of the main town of O'Neill.

The location address is:

O'Neill, NE 68763, USA (Physical location is within Carney Park)

Accessibility is excellent for RVs. The sites are graveled and many include cement pads, contributing to a level setup, which is highly valued by campers. The proximity to the town means that visitors have an "easy walk into town from this Campground," providing quick access to local dining, services, and shops. Furthermore, the campground's setting on the edge of the city grants good cellular service, with reviewers noting solid performance (e.g., Verizon 5G, 2 bars), which is crucial for modern travelers.

### Services Offered

For a municipal park rate of $20.00 per night, Carney Park Campground offers a robust set of services that make it feel like a much more expensive destination.

• Electric Hookups: All 18 RV sites are equipped with electric and water hookups. Electrical service typically includes 20-amp and 30-amp, with some sites offering 50-amp connections (at least two 50-amp spots are generally available).
• Water Hookups: Potable water is provided at each site or easily accessible via nearby spigots.
• Sanitary Dump Station: A convenient trailer dump site is located on the premises, typically at the far end of the park, ensuring easy disposal before departure.
• Restrooms and Showers: Clean restrooms and showers with hot and cold water are available, located close to the camping pads, though availability may be seasonal (i.e., closed during the late fall/winter).
• Picnic Amenities: Each RV site includes a picnic table and often a grill or fire ring for outdoor cooking.
• Tent Camping: Separate rates are available for tent camping on or off the RV pads, accommodating multiple styles of camping.

### Features / Highlights

Carney Park’s integration with the City Park offers many recreational features that extend the value of your stay far beyond a simple overnight stop.

• City Park Amenities: Campers have access to the larger park facilities, including softball fields, rodeo grounds, and nearby horseshoe pits.
• Swimming Pool Access: The O'Neill Swimming Pool, which includes a zero-depth entrance and a wading pool with a mushroom feature for toddlers, is located within the park, providing a fantastic recreational option during the summer months (admission fees apply).
• Pond Fishing: A three-acre fishing pond is located within the park grounds, offering easy and accessible angling opportunities for campers.
• Proximity to Cowboy Trail: The campground is located near the Cowboy Rail Trail, a renowned recreational trail perfect for walking, jogging, or biking (though the surface is crushed limestone).
• Affordable Extended Stays: The policy of allowing extended stays (up to three days on donation, longer stays at a low $10/night fee with city office pre-registration) makes it an excellent choice for those needing a more permanent, short-term base.
• Cleanliness and Security: The facility is highly rated for being "very clean," and the presence of police patrols contributes to a feeling of safety and security.

### Contact Information

While the campground uses a self-serve system, it is advisable to contact the City of O'Neill for information regarding current fees, seasonal facility closures (like restrooms/showers), and pre-registration for stays over seven days.

Address (General Location):

Carney Park Campground, O'Neill, NE 68763, USA

City Office Phone (Information and Registration):

(402) 336-3640**

Mobile Phone (City Office):

+1 402-336-3640

Nightly Fee:

**$20.00/DAY** for RV with Water & Electric Hookups (Donation for first 3 days, $10/night fee for stays over 3 days, and pre-registration required for stays over 7 days—confirm rates at the drop box).

### What is Worth Choosing Carney Park Campground?

For Nebraska locals and travelers to the region, choosing the Carney Park Campground is a decision to prioritize exceptional value, critical utilities, and comprehensive recreation in a small-town setting. This campground is unequivocally a great choice for several key reasons.

The primary advantage is the unbeatable price-to-amenity ratio. For just $20 a night, you receive water, electric (up to 50 amp), a dump station, and access to clean showers and restrooms—a rare find at such a low cost. This affordability makes it an outstanding economic choice for travelers passing through the area.

Secondly, the integration with the large City Park dramatically enhances the stay. You're not just at a parking pad; you have direct access to a swimming pool, fishing pond, playground, and various sports courts. This range of activities is perfect for families and provides excellent ways to relax and exercise after a long day of driving.

Finally, the convenience of the location—a short walk to downtown O'Neill and easy access to major roads—coupled with the straightforward self-registration system ensures a stress-free experience. Carney Park Campground is a friendly, clean, and practical stop that truly embodies the generous spirit of Northeast Nebraska.