Oglala National Grassland
RV Guide
Introduction
The open prairieland of Oglala National Grassland in northwest Nebraska is a mix of short and long grass, checkered with deep ravines cut by wind and water. There are a number of geological sites of interest, such as Hudson-Meng Bone Bed, where you can explore an archaeological site and learn more about the natural history of the region. You can also visit the Toadstool Geological Park, which is known for its unique rock formations and fossil deposits. A a number of hiking trails loop around the area, with varying degrees of difficulty. You’ll be able to spot a wide range of bird species in the area, including sage thrashers, hawks, and golden eagles. Much of the grasslands is open to hunting, where you’ll find populations of white-tailed deer, as well as a mix of small game species.
RV camping options in the area are somewhat limited. Toadstool Geological Park is home to the main RV campground in the area, but has limited capacity, with just six sites. During your stay tou’ll have access to a number of hiking trails, as well as a range of interpretive programs. Should you want more seclusion, you can also disperse camp throughout much of the grasslands.
RV Rentals in Oglala National Grassland
Transportation
Driving
Located in the Nebraska panhandle, Oglala National Grassland is a remote area that is hours away from any major city. Although it may take a while to reach the grasslands, the area itself is RV-friendly, so you should have few issues getting to your campground.
If you are driving from Denver, take I-25 north out of the city to NE-71, and you’ll reach the grasslands in around five hours. From Lincoln, take NE-2, and you’ll arrive in around seven hours.
NE-71 is the only major route through the grasslands. This two-lane road is mostly flat and straight, although you'll want to watch out for the occasional pothole. The main campground in the area is located near Toadstool Geological Park. The campground is about a 25-minute drive from NE-71, and the access roads may be narrow and unpaved. The roads may get icy as the temperature drops, so be prepared for winter conditions.
Parking
Public Transportation
Campgrounds and parking in Oglala National Grassland
Campsites in Oglala National Grassland
First-come first-served
Toadstool Geological Park and Campground
Toadstool Geological Park and Campground is a small camping area offering six primitive sites with no hookups. The sites are basic, with no hookups of any kind. Each site has a shaded picnic table, a fire pit, and a grill. Pets are allowed in the campground, provided dogs are kept on a leash at all times. There is no water, so make sure you bring enough in your RV to tide you over for the duration of your stay. Reservations are not accepted, so arrive early if you want to save a spot, as there are only six sites.
While the camping amenities are basic, the location and scenery are amazing. You'll be in the heart of Toadstool Geological Park where you can soak in the moon-like landscape all around you. Plus, you will be only a short hike away from the Hudson-Meng Education and Research Center, where you can take a tour of an active archaeological site.
Alternate camping
Dispersed Camping
If you wish to have some more privacy, you can also disperse camp at a number of places in the grasslands. There are a number of private plots of land in the area, so make sure you stay on public land.
Seasonal activities in Oglala National Grassland
In-Season
Hiking
With a number of unique geological features and varied wildlife, Oglala National Grassland is a popular hiking destination. Toadstool Geological Park is the main highlight in the area, with a number of hiking trails and interpretive sites. You can learn more about the area’s geological formations, as well as spot fossil deposits as you hike. You can also take the Bison Trail up to the Hudson-Meng Education and Research Center, where you’ll learn more about the area’s history.
Exploring Toadstool Geological Park
If you want to check out some jaw-dropping scenery of badlands landscape like unique rock formations shaped like toadstools, park the RV at Toadstool Geological Park. Located inside the grasslands, visiting this area is like traveling back in time since you can see fossils deposits from millions of year ago. There are three trails to choose from which will take you on interpretive hikes. You can also visit a reconstructed sod house, which provides a glimpse into the life of homesteaders in the early 20th century.
Visiting Hudson-Meng Education and Research Center
Drive the rig or hike up to the Hudson-Meng Education and Research Center, an active archaeological and fossil site. The center is located next to the site of the largest recorded Alberta Culture bison kill in history, where 600 bison were killed 10,000 years ago by hunters. You can learn more about this amazing history by visiting the interpretive exhibits or taking a guided tour. Before you leave, take a minute to soak in the lovely pastureland views that surround you.
Off-Season
Birdwatching
Don't forget to pack your binoculars in the camping trailer since Oglala National Grassland is listed as part of the Nebraska Birding Trail. You may be able to see sage thrashers, long-billed curlews, chestnut-collared longspurs, and Swainson’s hawks. Golden eagles are also often seen in the area. You can find more information on the birds in the region by consulting local Nebraska audubon societies, many of which produce excellent field guides and bird checklists.
Wildlife Viewing
Don't forget to pack your binoculars in your camping trailer since the rolling prairies of the grasslands are home to a wide variety of wildlife, making it one of the best areas to see the natural sights of the badlands. It’s a great place in the state to see herds of pronghorns, and you’ll also be able to spot prairie dog colonies roaming the grasslands. Wildlife viewing tends to be better during the spring, when the temperatures are mild and the grasslands are covered by beds of wildflowers.
Hunting
Most of the grasslands are open to hunting, with a mix of big and small game species. You can hunt for white-tailed and mule deer in many of the northern parts of the grasslands, as well as elk in certain areas. Take caution while hunting in the area, as there are a number of private plots of land dotted throughout the grasslands. Some of the hunting areas become a bit crowded during deer season, so you may have more luck if you take an ATV away from the main roads.
