Nebraska Tailwaters

Campground · Nebraska · 37 bookable sites ·

Managed by the US Army Corps of Engineers

Lewis And Clark Recreation Area (Recreation Area) · Open Access

37
Bookable sites
84 ft
Max rig length
up to 25
People per site
2
Accessible sites
1,193 ft
Elevation
Missouri River boat ramp at Nebraska Tailwaters
Photo: U.S. Army Corps of Engineers · Recreation.gov

Overview

Nebraska Tailwaters Campground is nestled along the Nebraska bank of the Missouri River, is a fun-filled camping destination just downstream of Gavins Point Dam and Lewis & Clark Lake. The 31,400-acre Lewis & Clark Lake and Gavins Point Dam are nestled in the golden, chalkstone-lined valley of the Missouri River growing into one of the most popular recreation destinations in the Great Plains. 

For more information, please visit the Gavins Point Project Website.

Recreation

Located just below Gavins Point Dam in the dam "Tailwaters" provides exceptional access to the Missouri River. A large 2-lane boat ramp, large parking area is available, along with an accessible fishing pier and many areas for bank fishing. The Lewis and Clark Lake area attracts more than 2 million visitors each year to its shores. Recreation opportunities around the lake include camping, fishing, hunting, hiking, boating, sailing, swimming, bird-watching, and photography.

For the biking and hiking enthusiasts, three trails are available in the area. They include a paved trail that runs from Yankton to the Gavins Point area, a multi-use trail in the Gavins Point area and the Calumet Bluff hiking trail located near the visitor center. Wintertime activities include ice fishing, cross-country skiing, snowmobiling and sledding.

Developed public parks and recreation areas surround the lake above and below Gavins Point Dam. Camping facilities provided by the Corps and the States of South Dakota and Nebraska include boat ramps, picnic areas, campsites with electricity, modern restrooms, playground equipment and trailer dump stations.

Facilities

Nebraska Tailwaters offers 36 campsites, 34 of these campsites have electric hookups and 2 of the campsites are non-electric and are for tent camping only. Amenities include modern shower facilities with flush toilets, river access with shore fishing, handicap accessible fishing pier, boat ramp, fish cleaning station and RV dump station. There is also a Group Camping Area with electric hookups, picnic shelter, fire pit, grill, and vault toilet. 

Natural Features

The campground sits on the south bank of the Missouri River, along the tailwaters of Gavins Point Dam. Surrounding the area is the golden, chalkstone-lined Missouri River Valley. Nebraska Tailwaters is known for its exceptional Bald Eagle viewing year-round, along with many other birds of prey. 

Contact Info

For facility specific information, please call (402) 667-2546.

Nearby Attractions

Charges & Cancellations

Reservation changes and cancellations can be made on Recreation.gov or by calling 1-877-444-6777.  

For more information on rules and policies regarding reservation cancellations and changes, please visit: https://www.recreation.gov/rules-reservation-policies.   

The facts

  • 37 bookable sites
  • 2 accessible sites
  • Vehicles up to 84 ft
  • Up to 25 people per site
  • Loops: NEBRASKA TAILWATERS, NTAI

Site types

  • 34 Standard Electric
  • 2 Tent Only Nonelectric
  • 1 Group Standard Area Electric

Amenities

  • Electric hookups
  • Water hookups
  • Campfires allowed
  • Fire pits
  • Picnic tables
  • Grills
  • Shade
  • Pets allowed
  • Sewer hookups

Book on Recreation.gov

37 campsites at Nebraska Tailwaters

Check-in 4:00 PM · Check-out 2:00 PM

SiteLoopTypeEntrySurfaceGradeWaterMax rigPeople
Group CampNEBRASKA TAILWATERSGroup Standard Area ElectricBack InPavedModerate—25 ft25 🐾
01NTAIStandard ElectricPull ThroughPavedSlightRiverfront—8 🐾
02NTAIStandard ElectricPull ThroughPavedSlightRiverfront—8 🐾
03NTAIStandard Electric———Riverfront—8 🐾
04NTAIStandard ElectricBack InPavedSlightRiverfront68 ft8 🐾
05NTAIStandard ElectricBack InPavedSlightRiverfront65 ft8 🐾
06NTAIStandard ElectricBack InPaved—Riverfront67 ft8 🐾
07 NTAIStandard ElectricBack InPavedSlightRiverfront70 ft8 🐾
08NTAIStandard ElectricBack InPavedSlightRiverfront71 ft8 🐾
09NTAIStandard ElectricBack InPavedSlightRiverfront66 ft8 🐾
10NTAIStandard ElectricBack InPavedSlightRiverfront74 ft8 🐾
11NTAIStandard ElectricBack InPavedSlightRiverfront69 ft8 🐾
12NTAIStandard ElectricBack InPavedSlightRiverfront65 ft8 🐾
13NTAIStandard ElectricBack InPavedSlightRiverfront67 ft8 🐾
14NTAIStandard ElectricBack InPavedSlightRiverfront69 ft8 🐾
15NTAIStandard ElectricBack InPavedSlightRiverfront72 ft8♿ 🐾
16NTAIStandard ElectricBack InPavedSlightRiverfront78 ft8 🐾
17NTAIStandard ElectricBack InPavedSlightRiverfront78 ft8♿ 🐾
18NTAIStandard ElectricBack InPavedSlightRiverfront83 ft8 🐾
19NTAIStandard ElectricBack InPavedSlightRiverfront82 ft8 🐾
20NTAIStandard ElectricBack InPavedSlightRiverfront79 ft8 🐾
21NTAIStandard ElectricBack InPavedSlightRiverfront78 ft8 🐾
22NTAIStandard ElectricBack InPavedSlightRiverfront78 ft8 🐾
23NTAIStandard ElectricBack InPavedSlightRiverfront80 ft8 🐾
24NTAIStandard ElectricBack InPavedSlightRiverfront78 ft8 🐾
25NTAIStandard ElectricBack InPavedSlightRiverfront77 ft8 🐾
26NTAIStandard ElectricBack InPavedSlightRiverfront79 ft8 🐾
27NTAIStandard ElectricBack InPavedSlightRiverfront77 ft8 🐾
28NTAIStandard ElectricBack InPavedSlightRiverfront77 ft8 🐾
29NTAIStandard ElectricBack InPavedSlightRiverfront61 ft8 🐾
30NTAIStandard ElectricBack InPavedSlightRiverfront67 ft8 🐾
31NTAIStandard ElectricBack InPavedSlightRiverfront62 ft8 🐾
32NTAIStandard ElectricBack InPavedSlightRiverfront84 ft8 🐾
33NTAIStandard ElectricBack InPavedSlightRiverfront62 ft8 🐾
34NTAIStandard ElectricBack InPavedSlightRiverfront63 ft8 🐾
35NTAITent Only Nonelectric———Riverfront—8 🐾
36NTAITent Only Nonelectric———Riverfront—8 🐾

Getting there

From Yankton, South Dakota, go south on U.S. Highway 81 for 2 miles, then west on Nebraska Highway 121 for 4 miles, campground entrance will be on your right.

42.84889, -97.47028 · 42°50'56.0"N 97°28'13.0"W

Directions (Google Maps) · Directions (Apple Maps)

Typical weather

Typically 87°F in Jul, down to 30°F in Jan.

JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
High °F303547607282878578634734
Low °F101425354859646252392515
Precip in0.70.91.63.43.74.03.53.32.92.61.31.0

1991–2020 averages from the nearest NOAA station, 5.8 mi away — not measured at the facility itself, and elevation can make a real difference over that distance.

Map

Fees and stay limits

Camping reservations can be made at Recreation.gov or by calling 1-877-444-6777.

From Recreation.gov, which is not always current. The operator's own page is the authority on what you will be charged.

More photos

Trail along Missouri River
Photo: USACE · Recreation.gov
Accessible Fishing Pier on the Missouri River
Photo: U.S. Army Corps of Engineers · Recreation.gov

Member photos

Common questions about Nebraska Tailwaters

Can you reserve a site at Nebraska Tailwaters?
Yes, Nebraska Tailwaters is reservable through Recreation.gov.
How many campsites does Nebraska Tailwaters have?
37 sites.
What is the maximum RV length at Nebraska Tailwaters?
84 ft. That is the longest vehicle the sites here are recorded as taking; individual sites may be shorter.
Are pets allowed at Nebraska Tailwaters?
Yes, pets are allowed at Nebraska Tailwaters.
Does Nebraska Tailwaters have hookups?
Electric, Water.
Are campfires allowed at Nebraska Tailwaters?
Campfires are allowed at Nebraska Tailwaters. Check for a current fire restriction before you go.

Camping near Nebraska Tailwaters

Comments

Contact

Recreation.gov last updated this record on 2026-03-11.

Facility information and photographs from Recreation.gov (RIDB). SpotOpened is not affiliated with Recreation.gov or any federal agency.