- Archery
- Camping
- Hiking
State Recreation Area
West Scouts Rest Ranch Road and North Buffalo Bill Avenue | North Platte, NE 69101
Buffalo Bill State Recreation Area offers camping and hiking right next door to the Buffalo Bill State Historical Park, which makes it easy to tour the ranch house and barn that Col. William F. “Buffalo Bill” Cody built for his home in North Platte during the heyday of his famous Wild West Show. Cody owned some 4,000 acres here, which were appropriately named Scout’s Rest Ranch. Visitors can spend time enjoying the trails and scenery at the recreation area, as well as touring the historic buildings and soaking up the history at the historical park.
Visitors will enjoy trails through wooded paths and along the scenic North Platte River. Trail rides are by Dusty Trails. Julie Geiser, Nebraskaland Magazine/Nebraska Game and Parks Commission
An aerial photo shows the RV campground at Buffalo Bill State Recreation Area on the North Platte River. Eric Fowler, Nebraskaland Magazine/Nebraska Game and Parks Commission.
People of all ages attend a BioBlitz at Buffalo Bill SRA. Painted turtles were caught in traps. A park staff educates participants about the turtles, which were tagged and released. Julie Geiser, Nebraskaland Magazine/Nebraska Game and Parks Commission
A vivid sunset displays Nebraska's colorful skies on the North Platte River at Buffalo Bill SRA. Julie Geiser, Nebraskaland Magazine/Nebraska Game and Parks Commission
Birding day hike at Buffalo Bill State Recreation Area as a part of Nebraska Bird Month. Nebraskaland Magazine/Nebraska Game and Parks Commission.
Buffalo Bill State Historical Park is adjacent to the recreation area. The historical park recaptures the life and career of the famed Pony Express rider, Army scout and buffalo-hunter-turned-showman. Visitors can tour Buffalo Bill’s house and barn and see a wealth of historical artifacts from a rich and unique life.
Archers now have a venue to practice their sport at Buffalo Bill SRA’s public archery range located west of the campground. Built by Nebraska Game and Parks staff and local volunteers, the range is free to use and open during daylight hours. The range has seven square targets in wooden frames set at 10, 20, 25, 30, 40, 50 and 60 yards. It is available on a first-come, first-served basis and archers must bring their own equipment.
Buffalo Bill State Recreation Area has great fishing via access to the North Platte River. Largemouth bass, bluegill, channel catfish, common carp and northern pike can be caught here.
The park offers five miles of hiking trails.
The park’s placement along the Platte River makes a peaceful, scenic spot for picnicking or grilling. The park offers one picnic shelter with a grill and four tables. There are eight tent camping areas with grills and tables that can be used as day use areas.
During the summer months, the park offers guests guided horseback trail rides provided by Dusty Trails and float trips down the North Platte River. Rentals of kayaks, canoes, tubes and tanks are available. In addition, the park has a petting zoo.
For more information about these activities, please call the park at 308-530-0048.
The Golden Spike Tower in nearby North Platte offers the world’s best view of the world’s largest railyard.
Located in North Platte, the Lincoln County Historical Museum features historical buildings from throughout the county, a display about the famous North Platte Canteen and other exhibits on the history and culture of Western Nebraska.
Dining, fuel, groceries and lodging are available in nearby North Platte.
Buffalo Bill State Recreation Area offers Electric Plus, Electric and Basic camping. The recreation area offers 23 camping pads with electricity, and of these, 18 have 30-amp hookups and five sites have 50-amp hookups. The area also offers eight non-pad Basic campsites without electricity. Other campground amenities include primitive restrooms and drinking water hydrants available throughout the campground.
Camping is all first-come, first-served, and campers register their nightly camping fees 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.
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.
