- Biking
- Boating
- Camping
State Recreation Area
2199 30 Rd. | Kearney, NE 68847
Fort Kearny State Recreation Area offers 186 acres dotted with sandpit lakes. In the spring, the world’s largest concentration of sandhill cranes and waterfowl gathers in the central Platte River valley. Facilities include camping, showers, dump and fill station, modern restrooms, drinking water, picnic tables, grills, picnic shelters, accessible fishing pier, nature trail, non-power boating and hike-bike trail. The park also offers a disc golf course. Fort Kearny State Historical Park and visitor interpretive center is located 3 miles west of the state recreation area.
Fort Kearny Master Plan establishes a framework for cohesive future park improvements, while preserving existing uses valued by visitors, staff and volunteers. Learn about the vision for the park in the Fort Kearny Master Plan found on our Publications page under Agency Plans. Thank you to everyone that contributed to the planning process for Fort Kearny.
The Fort Kearny State Recreation Area hike/bike trail is 1.8 miles. Julie Geiser, Nebraskaland Magazine/Nebraska Game and Parks Commission
Fort Kearny State Recreation Area offers good fishing opportunities to guests. Julie Geiser, Nebraskaland Magazine/Nebraska Game and Parks Commission
Kayaking during the Outdoor Discovery Program at Fort Kearny State Recreation Area. Nebraska Game and Parks Commission
People relax around a campfire in the RV campground at Fort Kearny State Recreation Area in Kearney County. Eric Fowler, Nebraskaland Magazine/Nebraska Game and Parks Commission
A family goes for a bike ride at Fort Kearny State Recreation Area in Kearney County. Julie Geiser, Nebraskaland Magazine/Nebraska Game and Parks Commission
With nearly 100 camping spots and seven ponds to fish in there is plenty to do at Fort Kearny State Recreation Area. Julie Geiser, Nebraskaland Magazine/Nebraska Game and Parks Commission
Fort Kearny State Recreation Area is an excellent place to view sandhill cranes during spring migration. The bridges over the Platte River on the hike-bike trail are a popular place to observe them at dusk and dawn.
The interpretive center at adjoining Fort Kearny State Historical Park also is open daily during peak migration and serves as an information center for crane viewers.
Held annually each May, the Fort Kearny Outdoor Expo gives people of all ages and experience levels the opportunity to try archery, shooting sports, kayaking, rock climbing, fishing and many other outdoor activities. Various exhibits give people the chance to see Nebraska fish and wildlife species up close. While a park permit is required, all activities are offered free of charge.
Only no-wake boating is permitted at Fort Kearny State Recreation Area. There are no boat ramps or docks.
Fort Kearny State Recreation Area has seven pit lakes that total 21 acres of water. Anglers will find bluegill, channel catfish, crappie and largemouth bass, among other species. Rainbow trout is stocked seasonally in Lake 6. Lake 2 is catch-and-release for all catfish species, and there’s a 21-inch minimum length limit for black bass. Accessible fishing decks are located on lakes 6 and 7.
The unique Fort Kearny Hike-Bike Trail begins at the park and extends 1.8 miles to Bassway Strip Wildlife Management Area, crossing both channels of the Platte River on what once was a segment of the Burlington and Missouri River Railroad.
The bridges over the river are a popular spot for Sandhill crane viewing during spring migration. During winter, these trails are popular with cross-country skiers.
Flora and fauna of the Platte Valley also can be enjoyed from this trail or from another that follows the old 1864 river channel. A trail map is available at the Fort Kearny State Historical Park visitor center.
Day-use facilities are open year-round and include picnic tables, shelters, grills, drinking water and playground equipment.
Lake 7 offers a designated swimming area with a beach. No lifeguards are on duty. A modern restroom and picnic shelter are located near the beach. The beach is open from 10 a.m. to 8:30 p.m. from Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day.
Fort Kearny is a year-round recreation area that provides Electric Plus, Electric and Basic camping. There are showers and modern restrooms, plus a dump and fill station. Stately cottonwood trees, some over 100 years old, shade much of the camping area. Fort Kearny SRA offers two campgrounds, East and West. East Campground offers Electric Plus sites and the West Campground offers Electric Plus, Electric and Basic campsites.
Camping reservations are available for half of the electrical campsites. All other camping is all first-come, first-served. Campers must register their nightly camping fees in a raised, locked box called an Iron Ranger. Self-service envelopes are provided at each station and accept cash or checks only.
Picnic shelters, both non-electrical and electrical, are reservable for your activity or event.
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.
