George H Clayton Campground

George H. Clayton Campground: A Grand Island Gem for Nebraska Travelers

For travelers traversing the Platte River Valley or locals seeking a superior staycation, finding a campsite that balances convenience, cleanliness, and quality amenities is often the key to a perfect outdoor experience. George H. Clayton Campground, tucked within the scenic Hall County Park in Grand Island, Nebraska, is consistently praised by campers as a true regional standout. This facility has earned a reputation that precedes it, often being described with enthusiastic exclamations like, “Wow! Best Park Ever!” and a resounding "Top Notch all the way around."

This campground is not just a place to park your RV or pitch a tent; it’s a beautifully maintained municipal park that focuses on providing an exceptional outdoor environment for all ages. It successfully blends the tranquility of nature with easy access to city amenities, making it ideal for a quick overnight stop while heading North or South on Highway 281, or for a longer stay of up to seven nights to explore everything Central Nebraska has to offer. The dedication to maintenance and the thoughtful inclusion of recreational features, from extensive walking trails to a unique outdoor exercise station, make it a destination worth planning a trip around.

The positive atmosphere and high standards of cleanliness are central to the park's appeal, ensuring a peaceful and highly enjoyable stay for both local Nebraska families and cross-country travelers alike.

Location and Accessibility

George H. Clayton Campground is located in the heart of Nebraska, situated in Grand Island, a hub city known for its role in agriculture and commerce, as well as its proximity to I-80. The park's address places it on the western side of the city, offering a sense of quiet seclusion while still being highly accessible.

Access is noted to be easy and direct off of major routes, specifically Highway 34/281. This is a significant advantage for RV owners, especially those with larger rigs, who appreciate simple navigation off the main thoroughfare. However, guests should be aware that the actual campground area is "tucked way back into a corner of the park." Campers are advised to follow the one-way, narrow paved road and the directional signs deep into Hall County Park to find the designated camping loops.

The park operates seasonally, typically from April through October, and maintains strict gate times, usually closing and locking the main gates promptly at 8:30 PM nightly, with re-opening at 7:30 AM. This policy contributes to the park's noted quiet and secure atmosphere, though late arrivals must plan accordingly.

For navigation:

Address: 3138 W Schimmer Dr, Grand Island, NE 68801, USA

Services Offered

The George H. Clayton Campground focuses on essential, high-quality services for a comfortable stay, operating primarily as an electric-only facility with centralized water and waste management.

• RV Electric Service: Approximately 19-20 concrete pads are available, offering 30 and 50 amp electric hookups at each site. The pads are described as level, spacious, and well-maintained, accommodating big RVs easily.
• Water and Sanitation: Sites do not include individual water or sewer connections. However, a dedicated water filling station is available, typically located near the entrance to the RV section, allowing guests to fill their potable water tanks. A convenient septic dump station is also located at the exit of the campground for waste disposal.
• Restrooms and Showers: The park provides modern bathhouses with toilets and showers. Note that the showers are coin-operated (requiring quarters), but are consistently praised for being clean, having good pressure, and offering hot water.
• Camp Hosts: The presence of an on-site, friendly, and attentive Campground Host (often mentioned by name, such as "Wayne") is a core service, ensuring rules are followed, questions are answered, and the park remains well-managed.
• Registration: The sites are operated on a first-come, first-served basis, with payment processed through a pay station. Campers are advised to arrive early, especially on weekends, as reservations are not accepted.

Features and Highlights

What truly elevates the George H. Clayton Campground experience is the quality of the park and its recreational offerings, making it feel less like a temporary stop and more like a retreat.

• Exceptional Maintenance: The cleanliness is the park's undisputed top highlight, with reviewers consistently giving it a "Top Notch" rating. The plush, green grass and well-kept landscaping contribute to a beautiful, inviting atmosphere.
• Spacious Sites: Unlike many crowded campgrounds, sites here are described as wide-spaced with "plenty of space" between neighbors, providing a feeling of privacy and tranquility. Each site includes a picnic table and a metal fire ring with a grill/BBQ stand.
• Recreation and Fitness: The park features an extensive network of well-maintained walking and biking trails, ideal for a morning stroll or an evening run. A major highlight is the presence of a perfectly set-up outdoor exercise station along the trails, offering a unique opportunity for campers to get a full workout session in the fresh Nebraska air.
• Family and Pet Friendly: The campground is highly child friendly, featuring lots of playground space/items scattered throughout the wider Hall County Park. It is also noted as being very pet friendly, with ample room for walking dogs (on leash).
• Tent Camping: Beyond the RV sites, there is a separate tent camping area with soft grass and shade (for a lower fee), although tent use in the RV area is restricted, emphasizing organization and specialized comfort for all campers.

Contact Information

For general inquiries, operating season updates, or to speak with the park attendants, you can use the following information. Remember, as a first-come, first-served site, the phone is best used for informational purposes rather than reservations.

Address: 3138 W Schimmer Dr, Grand Island, NE 68801, USA

Phone: (308) 385-5087

Mobile Phone: +1 308-385-5087

What is Worth Choosing George H. Clayton Campground

For Nebraska residents and travelers, George H. Clayton Campground is worth choosing because it delivers an exceptional quality of experience often found at higher-priced private resorts, yet maintains a budget-friendly county park feel.

The number one reason to choose this park is its unwavering commitment to cleanliness and maintenance. The park consistently receives five-star ratings specifically for being "the cleanest, coolest campground ever!!!" This attention to detail—from the concrete pads to the plush grass and the spotless restrooms—makes a tangible difference in the quality of your stay, ensuring a relaxing and hygienic environment. The review that stated, "I give them a 100% Top Notch all the way around," speaks volumes.

Secondly, the comprehensive recreational value sets it apart. The combination of easy access off major highways for quick stops, the peaceful setting, and the extensive on-site amenities like the outdoor exercise station and multiple playgrounds means it serves both the traveler needing rest and the family looking for activities. While the $30 electric-only fee is comparable to state parks, the included features and the superb maintenance make it feel like a superior value. Its simple, first-come, first-served policy also appeals to spontaneous travelers, removing the stress of advance booking, provided they can arrive before the sites fill up. For a beautiful, clean, and highly functional stop in Central Nebraska, George H. Clayton Campground is unmatched.