Skip to main content

Chadron

State Park

15951 Highway 385 | Chadron, NE 69337-7353

Nebraska’s first state park, Chadron State Park was founded in 1921 and is nestled among the distinctive buttes and canyons of Nebraska’s Pine Ridge. Since its founding a century ago, it’s remained a popular spot for camping, family reunions and old-fashioned vacations where guests can escape and enjoy spending time in one of the state’s most famous landscapes.

Features

  • Archery Range
  • Biking
  • Cabins
  • Camping
  • Fishing
  • Food Service
  • Hiking
  • Lodging
  • Picnicking
  • Swimming
  • Trail Rides
Three visitors enjoy a trail ride on horseback among pine trees at Chadron State Park.

Trail rides

Explore scenic Chadron State Park on horseback with guided trail rides. The horseback trail rides are for visitors age 6 or older and are available Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day, with reduced hours beginning in mid-August.

Hikers silhouetted on buttes at Chadron State Park

Hiking & biking trails

Chadron State Park is an especially great destination for hikers and mountain bikers. Hike-bike trails for all skill levels lace the park and adjoining Forest Service lands. Between the trails in the park and on the adjacent Nebraska National Forest, a hiker or biker will find more than 100 miles of beautiful trails and old roads suitable for a variety of experience levels.

Attractions

Anglers will find trout both in Chadron Creek and in the park lagoon.

For more information on fishing opportunities here and at parks across the state, visit the interactive public fishing areas map. This map provides detailed information on available species, regulations, public boat ramps, fish cleaning stations and ADA-accessible boat ramps and docks , among other features in reservoirs, lakes, streams and rivers statewide. Lake contour maps are available for some lakes, as well.

Chadron State Park’s swimming pool offers visitors a beautiful view overlooking the pines. Lifeguards are on duty.

Admission
  • Day Pass
    • Adults $4
    • Children, $3
  • Season Pass
    • Adult $65
    • Child $45
    • Family $120
Hours
  • Memorial Day through Mid-August:
    • Daily: noon p.m. – 6 p.m.
  • Mid-August through Labor Day:
    • Saturday, Sunday and Labor Day: noon – 6 p.m.

The park offers paddle boats, archery, tennis and sand volleyball courts, horseshoe pits, softball field, playgrounds, historical programs, disc golf course, winter sledding hill, evening programs, trail rides, and a trading post. Additionally, the park has picnic shelters that can be reserved.

The trading post has a craft center, snack bar, hatchet throwing, gift shop and more. It is open Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day, with reduced hours beginning in mid-August.

Fort Robinson State Park

Stunning Fort Robinson State Park comprises more than 22,000 acres of exquisite Pine Ridge scenery, compelling old west history, exceptional lodging, scenic camping and the park’s own buffalo and longhorn herds.

Agate Fossil Beds National Monument

Agate Fossil Beds National Monument is one of the world’s most significant Miocene Epoch mammal sites. Several fossils can be found in exhibits along some of the monument’s trails. Exhibits in the visitor center contain a few real fossils and many plastic resin replicas.

Nebraska National Forest and Grasslands

Nebraska National Forest and Grasslands offers a combination native ponderosa pine forest, hand-planed forest and mixed grass.

Pine Ridge National Recreation Area

Pine Ridge National Recreation Area provides 6600 acres of Ponderosa pine mountains, trails and primitive camping.

Toadstool Geologic Park

The national park showcases the unique rock formations of the area, including many shaped like toadstools.

Museum of the Fur Trade

The Museum of the Fur Trade is dedicated to preserving the rich history of the North American fur trade and stands on the site of James Bordeaux’s trading post which was established for the American Fur Company in 1837.

Black Hills

Chadron State Park is just a short drive from the Black Hills and the many attractions offered in this popular tourist area.

Lodging options

Camping

Chadron State Park offers Electric Plus and Basic campsites year-round. Amenities for campers include showers, dump station, laundry, picnic tables, grills and a playground for the kids.

Reservations are accepted for half of the campsites up to one year in advance of arrival date and paid in full at the time the reservation is made. All other camping at Chadron State Park is first-come, first-served. Campers for first-come, first-served campsites pay at the time of their arrival in a raised locked box called an Iron Ranger. Self-service envelopes are provided at each Iron Ranger station. Check or cash only. Iron Rangers are generally located near the park entrance or in the campground area. On-site camping informational signs are provided to help guide campers with the self-registration process.

Cabins

Chadron State Park has 22 cabins available for rental. Cabins are air conditioned, heated and furnished with blankets, towels, stoves, refrigerators, silverware and cooking utensils.

Related content

Go Camping

Go Camping

Get away and unwind by planning a camping trip with your tent or RV at a Nebraska state park.

Read More
Explore Trails

Explore Trails

Nebraska offers trails for hiking, biking, kayaking, horseback riding, snowmobiling and more.

Read More
Fish

Fish

From bank fishing to boat fishing, Nebraska offers you everything you need to reel in a good time.

Read More
Park FAQs

Park FAQs

Answers to questions frequently asked by park visitors.

Read More

Contact Us

15951 Hwy 385
Chadron, NE 69337-7353

Park Pricing

A park entry permit is required to visit state parks and may be purchased at the park, statewide Game and Parks offices and permit vendors, or in advance of your arrival online. View those fees, as well as attraction and amenity pricing.

Reservations

Reservations are accepted for cabins, lodge rooms, and group lodges up to one year in advance of the arrival date. Reservations for camping are accepted up to 180 days in advance of arrival date. The Reservation Call Center hours are Monday-Friday 9 a.m. – 6 p.m. (CT) and closed on holidays.

Park Events

Our 76 gorgeous state park and recreations areas host a plethora of events throughout the year. From bird hikes to kayak races, Living History events to family outdoor days, our parks host something fun for every outdoor enthusiast.