Redwood Area Campground

Redwood Area Campground: Embracing the Simple Life Near Loup City, Nebraska

For Nebraska adventurers who find beauty in simplicity and seek an escape beneath wide-open, unpolluted skies, the Redwood Area Campground near Loup City offers a unique and authentic taste of the prairie. This location is distinctly different from larger, resort-style RV parks; it’s a spot where the sounds are limited to the "wind in the trees and a steer or two," and the focus is on nature itself.

Often described by visitors as "So VERY BEAUTIFUL!" this campground is an ideal choice for campers who are self-sufficient and prioritize tranquil surroundings over an extensive list of modern amenities. It’s part of the wider recreational opportunities available in the Loup City area, which centers around the popular Sherman Reservoir. The Redwood Area provides a basic, easy-to-access, and scenic overnight stop or a peaceful basecamp for exploring the surrounding Central Nebraska landscape.

Guests should approach the Redwood Area Campground with the expectation of a primitive camping experience. Here, the highlight isn't paved sites or full hookups, but the opportunity to truly disconnect, enjoy a brilliant view of the night sky, and appreciate the natural, uncrowded beauty of Nebraska's open country. It is a genuine, low-cost option for those traveling through or staying near Sherman Reservoir, and its simplicity is its greatest strength.

Location and Accessibility

The Redwood Area Campground is generally associated with the larger Sherman Reservoir State Recreation Area, which is located just a few miles east of Loup City, Nebraska. This central Nebraska location makes it a feasible destination for many residents across the state and a practical stopping point for travelers using regional highways.

The park's address places it in the Loup City area, a small, welcoming community that provides necessary services and supplies. For those with RVs, accessibility is generally good, as the campground is near the main recreational hub of the reservoir. However, visitors should be aware, based on reviews, that the site itself may feel less organized than a typical, developed campground, perhaps appearing more like a "parking lot" or a simple loop off the main access road. Campers must keep driving and look for the specific turn-offs or areas dedicated to the campground within the broader recreational area.

The proximity to Sherman Reservoir means that once situated, campers have easy access to the lake for fishing and boating activities, which is a major draw for the area.

Address: Loup City, NE 68853, USA

Services Offered

The services at Redwood Area Campground are intentionally minimal, focusing on the fundamental needs of a short-term, basic camping stay. Information indicates a "primitive" or self-contained philosophy, but generally provides the essentials for safety and comfort. Since the campground is often a simpler area within the larger Sherman Reservoir SRA, some services may be found nearby in the main recreation areas.

• Designated Areas: The site includes around "10 or so picnic tables and fire pits," suggesting dedicated, albeit simple, spaces for cooking and gathering.
• Leveling: While RVs may find the ground "not real level," it is described as "level enough for one night," meaning basic chocks or leveling blocks will likely be needed for larger vehicles.
• Water and Sanitation: Given its basic nature, Redwood Area itself may only offer pit toilets (outhouses). Campers must assume they need to be self-sufficient regarding water. Modern restrooms, dump stations, and coin-operated showers are typically found in the main, developed camping areas of the nearby Sherman Reservoir SRA.
• RV Accommodation: The campground can accommodate RVs, but without formal electrical, water, or sewer hookups, necessitating that campers operate on their own battery, water, and waste tanks.
• Policy: The camping operation is typically first-come, first-served and often operates under a limited maximum stay (e.g., seven days within a 30-day period) common in Loup Power District and state park lands.

Features and Highlights

The true highlights of the Redwood Area Campground are its natural environment and quiet, unassuming setting, appealing directly to those who prefer minimalist camping.

• Natural Beauty and Openness: The foremost feature is the "So VERY BEAUTIFUL!" environment. The lack of excessive development means you get expansive views, especially of the "Great view of night sky"—a major feature for astronomy enthusiasts in unpolluted Nebraska.
• Tranquility: This site is ideal for those seeking quiet. The only sound noted in reviews is the "sound of wind in the trees" and occasionally livestock, ensuring a genuinely peaceful retreat.
• Uncrowded Atmosphere: Described as having "Plenty of space" and "Not crowded," the campground offers a feeling of seclusion and space not available at packed commercial parks.
• Proximity to Sherman Reservoir: While primitive itself, the Redwood Area is located near the Sherman Reservoir SRA, giving campers easy access to the lake's fishing, boating, and water sports.
• Basic Comforts: The simple provisions of picnic tables and fire pits provide the core elements needed for a traditional, comfortable camp evening.

Contact Information

Since the Redwood Area Campground is a small, specific location likely managed under the larger Sherman Reservoir State Recreation Area umbrella, there is no direct, unique phone number. For questions about rules, fees, or the general area, contacting the Sherman Reservoir SRA office is the most reliable method.

Address: Loup City, NE 68853, USA

Nearest Official Contact (Sherman Reservoir SRA): (308) 745-0230

What is Worth Choosing Redwood Area Campground

For Nebraska residents, the Redwood Area Campground is a valuable choice specifically because of what it lacks: crowds, noise, and high fees. It is the perfect spot for the self-contained RVer or tent camper who views camping as an opportunity to be close to nature.

The unparalleled tranquility and spectacular night sky viewing are its most compelling features. If your definition of a great night is hearing only the wind and seeing the Milky Way clearly, this spot is a rare find. Unlike developed campgrounds where reservations are a battle, this area is typically first-come, first-served, offering spontaneity and ease for travelers passing through. While it is primitive—requiring campers to be prepared with their own water, power, and waste management—its simplicity translates directly into low-cost camping and an authentic prairie experience.

Ultimately, Redwood Area Campground is worth choosing for its raw, natural beauty and its function as a peaceful, economical, and scenic stopover near the recreational waters of Sherman Reservoir. It delivers on the promise of a quiet night beneath the vast, breathtaking Nebraska sky.