- Archery range
- Basketball court
- Biking
- Cabins
- Camping
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.
Milky Way and Stars above Ponderosa Pines at Chadron State Park. Justin Haag, Nebraskaland Magazine/Nebraska Game and Parks Commission
Chadron State Park Swimming Pool. Swimmers cool off on a hot day at Chadron State Park. Haag, July 13, 2014.
Park guests picnic next to a cabin at Chadron State Park in Dawes County. Justin Haag, Nebraskaland Magazine/Nebraska Game and Parks Commission
Pine Cone Butte at Chadron State Park in Dawes County. Justin Haag, Nebraskaland Magazine/Nebraska Game and Parks Commission
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. For more information and to book trail rides, please call the park at (308) 432-6167.
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 ten miles of park trails 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.
Fishing opportunities are abundant at the park’s pond. Trout are stocked monthly from April through August, and anglers can also catch smallmouth bass, hybrid sunfish and yellow perch. Chadron Creek also runs through the park, where anglers can catch wild brook, brown and rainbow trout. Other nearby fishing locations include Bordeaux Creek, Box Butte Reservoir, Chadron City Ponds, Walgren Lake and Whitney Lake.
Archery deer hunting in season is allowed in designated areas. Please call the park office for details. All archery hunters must register at the park office.
Hunting is available on the thousands of acres of National Forest land and state wildlife management areas adjacent to the park. Hunters also may find deer, turkey, sharp-tailed grouse, elk, antelope, Dove and pheasant on land near the park.
Situated between the park’s office and Trading Post activities center, the 3,100-square-foot shooting complex includes both 3-D and bulls-eye archery targets, and a five-station pellet gun range with an automated interactive shooting gallery.
All equipment is provided. The facility is open from 10 a.m. – 6 p.m. throughout the summer.
Rent a 4-person paddleboat for 30 minutes at the park pond (seasonally) between 8 a.m. and 8 p.m.
Chadron State Park’s swimming pool offers visitors a beautiful view overlooking the pines. Lifeguards are on du
The trading post has a craft center, snack bar, gift shop, equipment rentals and more. It is open Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day, with reduced hours beginning in mid-August.
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 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 offers a combination native ponderosa pine forest, hand-planed forest and mixed grass.
Pine Ridge National Recreation Area provides 6600 acres of Ponderosa pine mountains, trails and primitive camping.
The national park showcases the unique rock formations of the area, including many shaped like toadstools.
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.
Chadron State Park is just a short drive from the Black Hills and the many attractions offered in this popular tourist area.
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.
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.
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.
