East Campground

🌄 Introduction / Overview

For Nebraska campers, both residents traveling the length of the state and locals looking for a convenient weekend getaway, the East Campground at Windmill State Recreation Area (SRA) near Gibbon offers a beloved and highly practical oasis. Situated perfectly between the major cities of Kearney and Grand Island, Windmill SRA is one of the key developed parks in Nebraska’s unique “chain of lakes” that line the Interstate 80 corridor. This park is specifically designed to provide comfortable, modern amenities alongside the natural, calming beauty of man-made ponds and grassy areas, making it an ideal destination for weary travelers and families alike.

The East Campground, along with its counterpart, the West Campground, is renowned for its ease of use and pleasant atmosphere. Customers consistently praise the area's peaceful setting—a welcome change from bustling city life or extended periods on the road—with one traveler noting they “Slept so good. Woke up to birds singing and the water ponds full of sparkling golden sunshine.” This campground is managed by the Nebraska Game and Parks Commission and upholds a high standard of maintenance, providing essential services that cater especially well to RV users but also welcoming tent campers.

The entire Windmill SRA draws its unique character, and its name, from a fascinating assortment of antique, restored windmills displayed throughout the park, creating a picturesque and educational backdrop to your camping trip. The focus here is on relaxation and accessibility, offering a friendly introduction to the Nebraskan outdoors for those who appreciate convenience and clean facilities. The park itself is a popular spot, not just for camping but for day-use activities like fishing and swimming, all centered around the beautiful sandpit lakes. Whether you need a simple overnight stop or a few days of restful recreation, the East Campground is a reliable choice on the Great Plains.

🗺️ Location and Accessibility

The East Campground is a section within the larger Windmill State Recreation Area, making its location one of its most valuable assets for local users in Nebraska. It is located directly at the Gibbon Interchange (Exit 285) of Interstate 80, providing virtually unparalleled convenience for travelers.

The general address for the park area is:

Gibbon, NE 68840, USA (Situated south of the I-80 Gibbon Interchange)

This prime location ensures that the park is extremely easy to find and access, even for large RVs and towing vehicles. Its position right off I-80 means minimal detours and maximum efficiency for those on a road trip. Despite the proximity to the interstate, the layout and the natural buffer provided by the ponds and surrounding greenery help to mitigate much of the highway noise, preserving the park's tranquil environment.

For local Nebraskans, the campground is only a short, scenic drive from nearby communities like Kearney (approximately 14 miles west) and Grand Island (approximately 40 miles east), making it a perfect spot for quick weekend visits. Accessibility within the campground is excellent, featuring paved or well-maintained gravel roads. However, a key piece of information for RV owners, highlighted in customer feedback, is the caution regarding potential low-hanging branches in certain areas. Taller RVs should pay attention to the overhead clearance to ensure a smooth entry and exit from their sites.

🛠️ Services Offered

The East Campground at Windmill SRA is well-equipped to meet the needs of modern campers, prioritizing utility services and clean, functional facilities managed by the Nebraska Game and Parks Commission.

• Electrical Hookups: The park offers numerous campsites with Electric and Electric Plus pads, providing essential 20-amp, 30-amp, and 50-amp electrical hookups for RVs and trailers.
• Basic/Primitive Camping: Non-pad, basic campsites are available for tent campers or those preferring a simple, non-electric setup.
• Drinking Water: Access to drinking water is available throughout the park area to fill potable water tanks, a vital service for RV and tent campers alike.
• Modern Restrooms and Showers: Clean, modern restroom facilities and shower houses are strategically placed throughout the camping areas, ensuring hot water and comfort for all guests. These are generally open from May through mid-October, though camping is available year-round at a winter rate with reduced services.
• Dump and Fill Station: A significant highlight noted by customers is the availability of a free dump and fill station for RVs, making waste disposal and water replenishment convenient and cost-effective upon arrival or departure.
• Laundry Facilities: On-site laundry services are available, a major convenience for long-term campers or those completing multi-day travel stretches.
• Reservations: A portion of the campsites can be reserved in advance via the Nebraska State Parks reservation system, while others are available first-come, first-served, offering flexibility in planning.

🌟 Features / Highlights

The East Campground’s appeal is enhanced by the recreational features and unique historical elements available throughout the Windmill State Recreation Area.

• Scenic Ponds and Lakes: The campground is set around several of the area’s man-made sandpit lakes, offering picturesque views and a tranquil environment. These ponds are excellent for non-powered boating (canoeing, kayaking) and fishing (species may include largemouth bass, bluegill, and catfish).
• Restored Antique Windmills: The park’s namesake, a collection of restored, antique windmills, is on display, providing a unique and fascinating historical feature and a great photo opportunity for visitors.
• Swimming Beach: A designated and marked swimming beach is available, providing a safe and refreshing spot for families to cool off during Nebraska’s warm summer months.
• Playground and Picnic Areas: Dedicated playground equipment for children and numerous picnic tables and shelter houses are spread throughout the SRA, perfect for family gatherings and outdoor meals.
• Wildlife Viewing and Birding: The ponds and surrounding vegetation attract a variety of local wildlife and migratory birds, offering opportunities for peaceful nature observation and bird-watching.
• Proximity to Sandhill Crane Viewing: During the spring migration (typically March-April), the Gibbon area is world-famous for the Sandhill Crane migration on the nearby Platte River, and the campground serves as an excellent, convenient base camp for this spectacular natural event.

📞 Contact Information

For questions regarding reservations, current site availability, or details about the Windmill State Recreation Area facilities and regulations, please use the primary contact information for the park office:

Park Office Phone: (308) 468-5700 (This is the number for Windmill SRA office)

General Park Address: 3100 Lowell Road, Gibbon, NE 68840 (Near the I-80 Gibbon Interchange)

For general Nebraska State Park reservation information, the dedicated phone line is 1-844-637-2757. Note that a Nebraska State Park Entry Permit is required for all vehicles entering the SRA.

👍 What is Worth Choosing

For Nebraska campers, the East Campground at Windmill SRA is an outstanding choice because it successfully balances ultimate convenience with peaceful, natural recreation. Its direct proximity to I-80 makes it the perfect stress-free stop for those traversing the state, while its setting among the sparkling ponds and green spaces ensures a restorative night’s sleep—a combination highly valued by travelers.

The value proposition is exceptionally strong here: you get a full suite of clean, modern amenities (showers, restrooms, laundry) combined with the practical benefit of a free RV dump and fill station, which is a significant cost and time saver. Families and sightseers will appreciate the unique historical element of the restored windmills and the easy access to activities like swimming, fishing, and picnicking. Furthermore, its location near the Platte River makes it an essential overnight destination during the world-renowned Sandhill Crane migration season. In short, East Campground is a reliable, amenity-rich, and strategically located Nebraska State Recreation Area that provides great value and a genuinely pleasant experience on the central plains.