Niobrara State Park Lodge

🌲 **Introduction / Overview**

Nestled high above the confluence of the Niobrara and Missouri Rivers, **Niobrara State Park** stands as one of Nebraska’s premier outdoor destinations, offering a rugged, breathtaking escape for families, adventurers, and nature lovers alike. It is far more than just a campground; it is a full-service recreational hub combining the raw beauty of the river bluffs with a wealth of modern amenities and activities. This spectacular park is a jewel in the crown of northeast Nebraska's landscape, renowned for its dramatic scenery and diverse opportunities for exploration.

The park caters to every style of visitor, from those seeking a true wilderness experience in a primitive tent site to those desiring the comfort of home in one of the park’s many modern cabins or lodge accommodations. Visitors consistently praise the area's cleanliness, the sheer volume of activities, and the **friendly and helpful staff**—hallmarks of a well-maintained state park. The stunning views from the higher elevations, where you can gaze over the two mighty rivers meeting, are reason enough to visit. Whether you are coming for a weekend of summer hiking and swimming or a cozy winter retreat in a cabin (like those planning their Thanksgiving stay), Niobrara State Park offers a unique and memorable Great Plains experience.

It is important for all visitors to note that a **Nebraska State Park Permit** is required for vehicle entry, which helps fund the upkeep of this beautiful area and its extensive facilities.

🗺️ **Location and Accessibility**

Niobrara State Park is conveniently located in the northeast corner of the state, placing it near the charming village of Niobrara. The park's stunning setting is defined by its position at the gateway to the Missouri River and the Niobrara National Scenic River corridor. The physical location for the park is generally:

Unnamed Road, Niobrara, NE 68760, USA

Access to the park is generally straightforward via state highways, offering an easy drive for residents coming from Omaha, Lincoln, or other major Nebraska cities. Once inside the park, a network of well-maintained roads, including a scenic, three-mile, one-way loop, provides access to the various campgrounds, cabin areas, trails, and overlooks. The park’s layout, which includes both paved and well-groomed roads, is navigable for RVs up to approximately 55 feet in length, with specific areas like the Modern RV Campground designed for easy access. While the park feels delightfully remote, the proximity to the town of Niobrara ensures that basic services like fuel and local stores are just a short drive away.

🛠️ **Services Offered**

Niobrara State Park provides a comprehensive range of services, blending modern comforts with rustic outdoor living, ensuring a comfortable stay regardless of your chosen accommodation:

• **Diverse Accommodations:** The park offers 76 single-family RV sites (Electric Plus/Electric Hookup with 30- and 50-amp service), 30 Basic tent-only campsites (first-come, first-served), Group campsites, and 19 fully furnished, heated/air-conditioned modern cabins and lodge rooms.
• **Sanitary Facilities:** Clean, modern restroom facilities and coin-operated hot showers are available in the main camping areas (typically mid-May through mid-October, weather permitting). Basic/vault toilets are available year-round.
• **Utilities:** Drinking water spigots are located throughout the park. A dedicated RV dump and fresh water fill station is located near the RV campground.
• **Camp Essentials:** Each campsite, including primitive tent sites, is furnished with a picnic table and fire ring with a grill. Firewood is often available for sale at the camp office or local retailers.
• **Guest Convenience:** A Camp Store/Gift Shop and laundry facilities (coin-operated washer and dryer) are available for guest use, catering to longer stays.
• **Connectivity:** Free Wi-Fi access is available to campers at the shower facility building.

✨ **Features / Highlights**

The true appeal of Niobrara State Park lies in its wealth of unique activities and its unparalleled natural setting at the confluence of two great rivers:

• **Supervised Horseback Riding:** A major draw! Guided trail rides led by professional wranglers are available seasonally (Memorial Day through Labor Day) on over 120 acres of open land, offering a unique way to experience the park's rugged terrain.
• **Summer Swimming Pool:** A modern, chlorinated swimming pool is a highlight during the hot Nebraska summer days (typically mid-June through Labor Day), providing a clean, refreshing place to cool off and sunbathe.
• **Miles of Trails:** Approximately **14 miles of multi-use trails** are available for hiking, biking, and horseback riding, featuring moderately strenuous routes that wind over forested bluffs and offer spectacular views of the Missouri River Valley.
• **Buffalo Cookout:** A famous, long-standing tradition! Buffalo cookouts are hosted on select Saturday evenings during the summer season (Memorial Day through Labor Day), offering a memorable, authentic Great Plains dining experience.
• **River Recreation:** Multiple boat ramps provide easy access to the Missouri River for fishing (catfish, walleye, bass), boating, and other water sports. The park is also a gateway to the Niobrara National Scenic River activities like canoeing and kayaking (via nearby outfitters).
• **Year-Round Lodging:** Fully furnished cabins, some with screened porches and views of the river, offer a comfortable, climate-controlled stay even in the off-season, though visitors should check heating systems upon arrival (as noted in one review).

📞 **Contact Information**

For reservations, cabin check-in procedures, current park conditions, or information on activity schedules (like the pool or horseback rides), please contact the park office:

Address: Unnamed Road, Niobrara, NE 68760, USA (Niobrara State Park)

Phone: (402) 857-3373

Mobile Phone: +1 402-857-3373

Reservations for campsites and cabins can be made well in advance (up to 180 days for camping, and often earlier for cabins) through the Nebraska Game and Parks Commission reservation system, which is highly recommended due to the park's popularity.

✅ **What is Worth Choosing**

Niobrara State Park is the ultimate choice for Nebraskans seeking an **all-inclusive outdoor vacation** where relaxation and adventure meet. What makes it unequivocally worth choosing is the remarkable combination of its **stunning geography and its wealth of amenities and activities** that appeal to all ages.

Unlike simple campgrounds, Niobrara offers a complete package: the convenience of modern electric RV sites and cozy, heated cabins; the fun of a swimming pool on a hot day; the novelty of a guided horseback ride; and the historical flavor of the Buffalo Cookout. It provides the rare opportunity to spend the morning hiking 14 miles of winding trails overlooking two rivers and the afternoon cooling off at the pool or fishing for catfish. This diversity of experience—from rustic tent camping nestled in the cedar-dotted hills to staying in a fully equipped lodge room—ensures that everyone in the family, regardless of their comfort level, will find something to love.

If you are looking for the absolute best blend of natural beauty, outdoor recreation, and modern park management in the state, making Niobrara State Park your destination is a decision you will want to repeat "at least twice a year."