- Archery range
- Biking
- Boating
- Camping
State Park
65296 720 Rd. | Shubert, NE 68437-9801
Named for the large sandstone cave within the park, Indian Cave State Park encompasses 3,052 rugged acres bordering the mighty Missouri River. The park is well-known for its beautiful camping and picnicking spots, as well as for its 22 miles of scenic hiking and biking trails. The park boasts sweeping views of the wide, winding Missouri River and a majestic hardwood forest that puts on a spectacular show of colors each autumn. During the park’s annual Haunted Hollow in October, visitors can soak in the beauty of the season while partaking in hayrack rides, spooky campsite decorating contests, games, crafts and other family-friendly activities.
Children and their parents brave a rain shower to hunt for mushrooms in a contest at Indian Cave State Park. Eric Fowler, Nebraska Game and Parks Commission
Views from the scenic overlook on Loop Road during fall in Indian Cave State Park. Eric Fowler, Nebraska Game and Parks Commission
A family sits around a campfire in a backcountry campsite at Indian Cave State Park. Eric Fowler, Nebraska Game and Parks Commission
The sun rises over the Missouri River at Indian Cave State Park in Nemaha and Richardson counties. Eric Fowler, Nebraska Game and Parks Commission
Children ring the bell in front of the restored schoolhouse in the historic town of St. Deroin at Indian Cave State Park. Eric Fowler, Nebraska Game and Parks Commission
A group of Volkswagen bus owners camp annually at Indian Cave State Park. Eric Fowler, Nebraska Game and Parks Commission
Indian Cave is the main geologic feature of the state park and bears prehistoric Native American petroglyphs of unknown date and origin. View them from the ADA-accessible boardwalk, with seating, information signs and an 8-foot-wide viewing deck that is just below the cave opening. Guests can also view the Missouri River from the boardwalk.
Indian Cave State Park is well-known for its beautiful trail system and offers 22 miles of hike/bike trails, as well as 16 miles of equestrian trails. All trail users will find a variety of trails to suit their tastes, with the most scenic along the river. Adirondack shelters are located periodically along the trails.
History buffs will enjoy the restored schoolhouse and general store from the old river town of St. Deroin, where old-time crafts are demonstrated during living history weekends throughout the summer and fall.
Indian Cave State Park has a concrete boat ramp offering access to the Missouri River. The interactive Missouri River Outdoor Recreation Access Guide shows public access sites for fishing, hunting, boating, camping and more on the Missouri River. It also serves as a navigation guide.
Indian Cave State Park’s Outdoor Adventure is held annually in April and includes a 5K fun run, family activities, hayrack rides, Dutch oven cooking demonstrations and more.
Christmas in July is held annually in July and includes visits with Santa, horse-drawn sleigh rides, pioneer Christmas stories and a Christmas movie under the stars, among other events.
Haunted Hollow events, which are held three weekends in October, feature haunted hayrack rides, a spooky campground decorating contest, pumpkin carving and more.
Indian Cave offers excellent opportunities to view deer, turkey, woodchuck, beaver, raccoon, and many species of birds, such as barred owls, Kentucky warblers, scarlet tanagers and more.
A covered picnic shelter can be reserved for celebrations and get-togethers. The park also has a disc golf course, archery range and an outdoor amphitheater.
Quaint, historic Brownville is home to museums, antique shops, art galleries, bed and breakfasts and bookstores, a theater and more.
Verdon State Recreation Area offers a spring-fed, 45-acre lake with shady primitive camping. The lake has largemouth bass, as well as bluegills, white crappies and channel catfish. Only electric boat motors are allowed on the lake.
Indian Cave State Park offers campers Electric Plus, Electric, Basic and Equestrian Basic campsites. Ash Grove campground has 51 Electric Plus and 36 Electric campsites and Hackberry Hollow campground has 32 Electric Plus and 15 Electric pad sites. Campers will enjoy an array of amenities including showers, modern restrooms, laundry facility and a dump and fill station, as well as picnic tables and grills.
For those that like to camp among the scenic hills, there are many Basic campsites that are open for use year-round. Showers are available in the Basic camping area, as well as a water hydrant and electrical hookups. Grills and ground-level fire rings are provided. Additionally, there are Adirondack shelters along the trails for back-to-nature enthusiasts.
Camping reservations are available for half of the electrical campsites in Ash Grove and Hackberry Hollow campgrounds. All other camping is first-come, first-served. All campers should check in at the park entrance or office upon arrival. For those camping without reservations, please go to park entrance booth or office upon arrival to check availability and register to camp. If arriving after hours, campers register their nightly camping fees in a raised locked box called an Iron Ranger. Self-service envelopes are provided at the Iron Ranger located at the park entrance. Check or cash only. On-site camping informational signs are provided to help guide campers with the self-registration process.
Indian Cave boasts 16 miles of equestrian trails and has an established horse camp for private horses with Basic Equestrian camping. Riders should carry drinking water. A water wagon is available for horses. Amenities include toilets, grills, tables, hitching posts and 12 corrals. Equestrian camping is all first-come, first-served.
Indian Cave State Park offers a covered picnic shelter available for rent. Visit our pricing page for details. Picnic shelters may be reserved by calling the park.
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.
