Red Cloud Campground

How does the Red Cloud Campground, located in the Pine Ridge area of Nebraska, redefine your expectations of a peaceful camping retreat? Just one mile south of Chadron State Park, this compact Forest Service campground offers 13 primitive sites surrounded by sweeping vistas of grasslands, ponderosa pine forests, and dramatic ridges, making it ideal for campers seeking immersion in a tranquil natural environment.

With basic amenities, including picnic tables, parking pads, pedestal grills, fire rings, and a single vault toilet, the campground emphasizes a back-to-basics experience. Although potable water is not available, the site's simplicity is complemented by direct access to the Pine Ridge Trail system, a network weaving through diverse landscapes of creek bottoms, canyons, and open ridgetops with scenic butte views. These trails can accommodate both hikers and motorized vehicles, adding versatility to your outdoor activities.

Conveniently located just eight miles south of Chadron, visitors are within a short drive of Chadron State Park’s recreational offerings, including fishing, hiking, and wildlife observation. The area's serene atmosphere and surrounding natural beauty make Red Cloud Campground a favored stop for day trips, weekend escapes, or brief overnights en route to other destinations.