🏞 **Introduction / Overview**
For Nebraskans and travelers seeking an exceptional outdoor experience along the state’s scenic border, **Nebraska Tailwaters Campground** presents a compelling option. Strategically situated on the Nebraska bank of the Missouri River, just below the Gavins Point Dam and the vast expanse of Lewis & Clark Lake, this campground is a favored destination, particularly among anglers and those who cherish river views. Managed by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE), the resort emphasizes access to water recreation and natural beauty, making it a key component of the Lewis and Clark Lake area’s extensive offerings.
The term "tailwaters" refers to the section of the river immediately downstream from the dam, a location renowned for its unique, cool water environment that supports excellent fishing and year-round wildlife viewing, including the majestic Bald Eagle. This area is a cornerstone of the **Missouri National Recreational River**, connecting campers directly to one of the Great Plains' most celebrated natural corridors. While the location provides stunning vistas and unparalleled river access, the popularity of the spot means sites can be closely situated, and visitors should be prepared for a busy, community-oriented camping atmosphere, especially during peak season. Overall, it serves as a functional, scenic, and well-equipped base camp for exploring the entire region.
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📍 **Location and Accessibility**
Nebraska Tailwaters Campground is located on the south bank of the Missouri River in Cedar County, Nebraska, just a short drive from the local community of Crofton. The physical address is **898 Road, Crofton, NE 68730, USA**. The campground's location is defined by its proximity to the **Gavins Point Dam** and Lewis & Clark Lake, making it incredibly accessible for various forms of recreation.
The site is conveniently reached by travelers from across Nebraska and the surrounding region. Access is typically managed via Nebraska Highway 121, providing a direct route to the riverfront area. This proximity to major routes ensures that Nebraskans from Omaha, Lincoln, or other parts of the state can easily arrive for a weekend getaway. Furthermore, the campground's strategic position below the dam's tailwaters provides immediate access to exceptional fishing spots and a **large, two-lane boat ramp** that simplifies getting watercraft onto the Missouri River. Visitors also benefit from being near the Lewis and Clark Visitor Center, which provides educational exhibits on the region’s history and ecology.
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🛃 **Services Offered**
As a U.S. Army Corps of Engineers-managed facility, Nebraska Tailwaters Campground provides a range of essential and modern services designed to support both RV and tent campers. The goal is to maximize the outdoor experience while ensuring comfort and convenience:
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🏆 **Features / Highlights**
The features of Nebraska Tailwaters Campground are specifically tailored to maximize the enjoyment of the surrounding natural environment, particularly the Missouri River:
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📩 **Contact Information**
For reservations, current information, and inquiries about Nebraska Tailwaters Campground, which is managed by the USACE, please use the following contact details. Reservations are often made through the national Recreation.gov system:
Address: **898 Road, Crofton, NE 68730, USA**
Reservation Phone (Toll-Free): **(877) 444-6777**
Mobile Phone (Reservation): **+1 877-444-6777**
It is highly recommended to call or check the official reservation system well in advance, especially for summer and weekend dates, as this is a popular location for Nebraska outdoor enthusiasts.
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🧾 **What is Worth Choosing**
For Nebraskan campers and outdoor lovers, Nebraska Tailwaters Campground is worth choosing primarily for its **unbeatable location directly on the Missouri River tailwaters**. It offers an experience that is truly unique to the state’s northeastern border. Unlike more secluded or primitive camping, this USACE-managed site provides the necessary **modern amenities**, like electric hookups and clean shower facilities, that make RV and family camping comfortable and convenient.
The **angler appeal** is another major draw; the campground is an epicenter for fishing, with its accessible fishing pier, large boat ramp, and proximity to cold, oxygen-rich waters below the dam. For the nature observer, the opportunity for **Bald Eagle viewing** is an incredible highlight. While public feedback sometimes points to sites being close together and the occasional noise or insect presence (common issues for popular river campgrounds), the core value proposition is clear: easy, full-service access to premier Missouri River recreation.
Choosing Nebraska Tailwaters means prioritizing **riverfront recreation and essential camping utility** over absolute seclusion. It’s an ideal spot for those looking to boat, fish, or explore the Lewis and Clark Lake area, including the nearby visitor center and hatchery. For Nebraska residents, it’s a readily accessible, government-managed site that offers a reliable and spectacular outdoor setting right in their own backyard.
Picnics
Wheelchair accessible entrance
Wheelchair accessible parking lot
Wheelchair accessible restroom
RV camping
RV electric hookup
RV water hookup
Hiking
Picnic tables
Public restroom
Public shower
Restroom
Running water
Tent sites
Camping fee
Good for kids
Kid-friendly hikes
Dogs allowed
Was passing through and stopped here for a night. Not a bad place for a campground being right on the Missouri river. Sites are pretty close together, which was my down. Boat ramp located as you come in to the campground, as well as a small bathroom. All sites face towards the river and it was very buggy there. Evening and mornings. The black flies were everywhere in the morning, so bring bug repellant. Overall decent campground and would recommend staying here.
I love this area but not this camp ground. It does have its advantages don't get me wrong- nice bathroom, handicapped dock for the disabled, some decent fishing spots when the fishing is good, and a beautiful view. There is a lot of nature to enjoy here. And we had minimal bugs last weekend of May. The camp site itself was clean, trees for shade, decent fire pit, and electric hookups. But if staying near Gavins point dam I would recommend further up on the Nebraska side by Lewis & Clark lake or on the South Dakota side. Most people were respectful, but the ones who were not ruined it for the rest of us. Dogs barking continuously for hours. Kids screaming until well after midnight. Loud drunks. Trash all over in the shore line/fishing spots- really is it that hard to pick up your trash when you leave? Crowded space. Maybe you'll have better luck when you stay here, again its a beautiful area. But I personally will not be reserving with this campground again.
The guy that runs this place is awesome! I camped for 2 nights in one of the tent spots and it was lovely. I’m from Colorado and used to mountain camping, so the river sunsets and fireflies were a beautiful surprise. VERY CLEAN and friendly campers and staff, even with COVID I felt really safe and welcomed. Thanks!!
Park and restrooms were very clean, but quiet hours was not enforced which created a horrible experience. No one can sleep with barking dogs and screaming kids
This campground is on the Missouri River below the Gavin Point Dam and Lewis & Clark lake. Really lovely area. It’s a small campground backed up against a wooded bluff. Most sites are very very shaded. Sites are asphalt, many slope down a LOT, but are pretty level otherwise. We had no issues getting our rig level front to back but it did take effort. Sites are generally spaced close, but not “parking lot” close. Grass between sites. Park maintained really well with friendly hosts. Shower house is the nicest, cleanest COE shower house we’ve used. Electric only sites (50 amp option). Verizon signal pretty poor. 1 MBPS using hotspot. Dump station is outside of park on the side of a very busy highway which isn’t real convenient. Especially if there’s a line waiting to fill their potable water tanks. And there are not nearly enough water spigots inside park for refills, etc. So if you’re planning to stay more than a few nights, be aware of this issue. Across the river is Lewis & Clark State Park (South Dakota). We drove through the entire park (400+ sites), and it is really lovely. But again, just electric and we saw zero water spigots in the entire park while driving through. The dump station there is much better, though. (And the price to stay is quite high with out of state extra charge) Back to Tailwaters…we truly enjoyed our stay here and would return again. Yankton SD is 5 miles away and has everything you need.