Standing at a colossal 800 feet above the North Platte River, Scotts Bluff National Monument is a stunning landmark and fantastic destination for RV travelers. Scotts Bluff National Monument is located in
Scotts Bluff County, Nebraska and it has served as a very important landmark for Native Americans, Mormon's, emigrants, and modern travelers.
Scotts Bluff National Monument is massive, covering 3000 acres, and includes two separate bluffs known "South Bluff" and the northern bluff "Scotts Bluff." The monument also features five major outcroppings on the bluffs, known as Dome Rock, Crown Rock, Sentinel Rock, Eagle Rock, and Saddle Rock. The monument has a long history that dates back to when Native American tribes lived and traveled through the area. It was first charted by non-native people in 1812 by the Astorian Expedition of fur traders who were traveling along the nearby river. It was originally named after Hiram Scott who was a clerk for the Rocky Mountain Fur Company and died near the bluff in 1828. It is believed that around 250,000 westward emigrants passed by Scotts Bluff between 1843 and 1869, making it the second-most referred to landmark on the Emigrant Trails in pioneer journals and diaries.
Since being declared a national monument in 1919 the it has become a very popular attraction. It is a great place for people seeking recreational hiking opportunities or for those seeking to learn more about its history thanks to the fantastic Oregon Trail Museum and Visitor Center. There are also daily interpretive programs offered by park rangers and on the weekends you can travel back in time with character reenactments and living history talks.
While there is no RV camping available at Scotts Bluff National Monument, Lake Minatare State Recreation Area is close by and offers RV campsites. You will have the choice between both primitive and non-primitive sites to call home. Scotts Bluff National Monument is open all year round.