Mill Race Park & Campground

**🏞️ Introduction / Overview: Your Cozy Retreat on the Elkhorn River**

For Nebraskans traveling through the northern part of the state, or those seeking a quiet, amenity-rich escape, **Mill Race Park & Campground** in Atkinson is a true local treasure. Managed by the City of Atkinson, this 50-acre scenic retreat offers a "cosy vibe" and the perfect blend of natural beauty and essential comfort. The park is nestled along the **Elkhorn River** and features a picturesque dam and a 14-acre fishing lake, creating a tranquil environment that feels far more secluded than its convenient location suggests.

Mill Race Park is a versatile destination, catering equally to RV enthusiasts and tent campers. It provides electrical hookups for vehicles and ample grassy areas for pitching tents, all at an exceptionally fair price point. Visitors consistently praise the **cleanliness of the facilities**, highlighting the new showers and restrooms—a critical comfort for any camper. Furthermore, the commitment to guest safety is clear, with dedicated **storm and tornado shelters** available within the park, providing great peace of mind. Whether you are stopping over on a long journey, like the cyclist passing through on the way to Seattle, or looking for a weekend getaway focused on fishing and walking, Mill Race Park & Campground promises a safe, clean, and welcoming environment.

**🗺️ Location and Accessibility: Scenic and Convenient in Holt County**

Mill Race Park & Campground is situated approximately **one mile west of downtown Atkinson, Nebraska (68713)**, in Holt County. The park's address places it slightly off the main thoroughfare, adding to its peaceful, retreat-like atmosphere, yet it remains easily accessible from the city center where travelers can find groceries, gas, and local shopping.

Address: 47450 877th Rd, Atkinson, NE 68713, USA

The park's location is a strategic advantage for various types of recreation. It is directly adjacent to the **Atkinson-Stuart Country Club**, allowing golfers to easily walk to the 9-hole course. Perhaps most importantly for regional adventurers, the park is located only about 0.3 miles from the famous **Cowboy Trail**, the nation's longest rails-to-trails path, making it an ideal rest stop for cyclists, runners, and walkers exploring Northern Nebraska. The clear signage and well-maintained park roads ensure that despite its secluded feel, the campground is an easy destination to find and navigate once you arrive in Atkinson.

**⚙️ Services Offered: Thoughtful Amenities at an Affordable Price**

Mill Race Park is a municipal campground focused on providing clean, essential services without excessive frills, keeping the experience affordable and authentic.

• **RV Sites:** Offers **16 dedicated electrical hook-ups** for RVs, trailers, and campers. Power service details typically include 30 amp service, though specific information on 50 amp service should be verified upon arrival.
• **Water Access:** **Potable water hydrants** are located conveniently near the electrical RV sites for easy filling.
• **Tenting:** Features **ample tent camping spaces** throughout the park, with designated areas where campfires are permitted.
• **Hygiene Facilities:** Provides **newly renovated bathhouse facilities** with **clean restrooms and nice shower stalls**, a major highlight frequently mentioned in guest reviews.
• **Pricing:** The rates are highly affordable, with **RV Sites priced around $20.00/night** and **Tent Sites around $10.00/night** (fees are subject to change, but reflect great value).
• **Dump Station:** A **dumping station** is available for RVers' convenience near the City Park (not Mill Race) off Highway 20.
• **Reservation Policy:** The campground operates on a **first-come, first-served** basis, as reservations are typically not taken, making it an easy option for spontaneous travel.
• **Safety:** Notably includes **storm and tornado shelters** within the park for maximum guest security—an important feature in the Midwest.

**🌟 Features / Highlights: Nature, Trails, and Quiet Recreation**

The true allure of Mill Race Park lies in its beautifully maintained grounds and the array of recreational features centered on its water elements and trails.

• **Mill Race Lake and Water Features:** The park features a **14-acre fishing lake** and the scenic point where the dam peacefully flows into a small creek bed. Fishing is a popular activity, particularly for Bluegill, Channel Catfish, and Largemouth Bass. Non-motorized boats (and those with trolling motors) are permitted on the lake.
• **Walking and Hiking Trails:** The park boasts a **nice walking trail** and the notable **Bluebird Trail**, a 1/2-mile path with strategically placed bluebird houses and benches, providing a great opportunity for bird watching and tranquil strolls.
• **Disc Golf Course:** A 9-hole **disc golf course** is available, adding a fun, free recreational activity for campers and day visitors.
• **Adjacent Golfing:** Campers are just a short walk from the **Atkinson-Stuart Country Club**, offering a convenient 9-hole golf experience.
• **Playground:** The park includes a **newly developed playground area** with updated equipment, ensuring families with children have engaging activities.
• **Picnic Areas:** **Picnic tables and grills** are scattered throughout the park, and two **open-air picnic shelters** are available for day use or gatherings.
• **Proximity to Cowboy Trail:** Direct access to one of Nebraska's premier multi-use trails is an outstanding feature for cyclists and long-distance hikers.

**✅ What is Worth Choosing: Cleanliness, Safety, and Tranquility**

For Nebraska residents, Mill Race Park & Campground is the ideal choice when prioritizing **safety, cleanliness, and peaceful, affordable recreation**. The city's commitment to maintaining **new, clean shower and restroom facilities** elevates the camping experience, ensuring a comfortable stay that often surpasses what is found at other small municipal or backup campgrounds.

The inclusion of **storm and tornado shelters** is a practical and highly valuable feature that sets this campground apart, offering essential security during unpredictable Great Plains weather. Beyond the practicalities, the scenic location on the Elkhorn River with the fishing lake, dam, and well-kept trails provides a perfect backdrop for genuine relaxation. It’s an honest, well-managed, and welcoming spot—whether you’re coming through on a cross-state bicycle trip or simply need a safe, affordable, and beautiful place to camp for a few nights while enjoying the local attractions of Atkinson.