RV Parks In Burwell, NE
41.7817° N, 99.1332° W
Quick Overview
Burwell, Nebraska sits right in the heart of the Sandhills region along the North Loup River, and it's become a go-to stop for RVers exploring the wide-open spaces of central Nebraska. With several RV parks and campgrounds in the area, you've got solid options for parking your rig -- from full-hookup sites at established parks to more rustic spots along the river where you can enjoy dry camping under big Nebraska skies. Of those, some offer free access, which is a real bonus if you're watching your budget on a longer trip through the Great Plains.
The town itself is small -- about 1,200 people -- but don't let that fool you. Burwell punches above its weight when it comes to outdoor recreation and community events. It's home to Nebraska's Big Rodeo, one of the oldest professional rodeos in the country, held every July. That event alone fills up every RV park and campground within a 30-mile radius, so if you're planning a summer visit, book early or be prepared to boondock on BLM-adjacent land outside of town.
Most of the RV campgrounds around Burwell cater to anglers and hunters heading out to the nearby Calamus Reservoir, which is just about 7 miles northwest of town on Highway 96. The reservoir offers excellent walleye and bass fishing, and several parks along its shores provide pull-through sites with electric and water hookups. A few of these also have dump stations on-site, making it convenient if you're staying for an extended period. For those who prefer a more self-contained setup, there are primitive camping areas along the reservoir's eastern shore that work well for rigs with solar panels and good water storage capacity.
Getting to Burwell is straightforward. Highway 11 runs north-south through town, connecting to Highway 2 about 30 miles south near Anselmo. From the east, you'll take Highway 91 out of Ord, which is roughly a 25-mile drive on flat, two-lane roads that are easy for even the biggest fifth-wheels and motorhomes. There's no real concern about low bridges or weight restrictions on the main routes into town, though a few of the county roads leading to remote camping spots near the reservoir can get soft after heavy rain, so keep an eye on conditions if you're pulling off the paved roads.
The RV park options here range from basic to comfortable. Some spots along the North Loup River offer shaded sites with mature cottonwood trees, while the parks closer to Calamus Reservoir tend to be more open with better views of the water. Whether you need full hookups for an extended stay or just a level spot with a fire ring for a weekend, Burwell's got something that'll work for your setup. Check the listings below to find the right fit for your rig and travel style.
Top Rated Dump Stations in Burwell
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All Dump Stations Near Burwell
| Station Name | Distance | Rating | Category | Cost |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Riverside Park Camping | 0.4 mi | \u2014 | Dump Station | Varies |
| Willow Springs RV Park | 1.8 mi | \u2014 | Dump Station | Varies |
| Kamp Kaleo | 2.0 mi | \u2014 | Dump Station | Varies |
| Fort Knox Campground | 3.2 mi | \u2014 | Dump Station | Varies |
| Homestead Knolls Campground | 6.3 mi | \u2014 | Dump Station | Varies |
| 91 Pines Campground | 7.2 mi | \u2014 | Dump Station | Varies |
| Aggies Acres | 8.7 mi | \u2014 | Dump Station | Varies |
| Nunda Shoal Campground | 9.1 mi | \u2014 | Dump Station | Varies |
| Valleyview Flat Campground | 12.2 mi | \u2014 | Dump Station | Varies |
| Hannamon Bayou Campground | 14.5 mi | \u2014 | Dump Station | Varies |
Riverside Park Camping
0.4 miWillow Springs RV Park
1.8 miKamp Kaleo
2.0 miFort Knox Campground
3.2 miHomestead Knolls Campground
6.3 mi91 Pines Campground
7.2 miAggies Acres
8.7 miNunda Shoal Campground
9.1 miValleyview Flat Campground
12.2 miHannamon Bayou Campground
14.5 miTraveling to Burwell by RV
Burwell sits at the crossroads of Highway 11 and Highway 91 in the north-central part of Nebraska, roughly 170 miles northwest of Lincoln and about 200 miles from Omaha. If you're coming from I-80, the most common approach is to exit at Grand Island and head north on Highway 281, then cut west on Highway 2 toward Anselmo before turning north on Highway 11. That route keeps you on good highways the entire way, and there's nothing tricky for big rigs -- no low overpasses, no tight turns through small-town squares.
From the west, Highway 2 is your main corridor through the Sandhills. It's a scenic drive with long sight lines and gentle curves, though fuel stops can be spaced 40 to 50 miles apart in some stretches. Top off your tank in Broken Bow or Anselmo before heading north to Burwell. There's a fuel station in town with diesel pumps that can handle larger rigs, plus a convenience store for basic supplies.
For those heading to Calamus Reservoir, Highway 96 north out of Burwell takes you straight to the dam and the main recreation areas. The roads around the reservoir are paved and well-maintained through the camping season, but some of the spur roads to individual campgrounds are gravel. These are generally fine for RVs, but after heavy storms, it's worth checking with the local ranger station or calling ahead to a campground before committing your 40-footer to a muddy side road.
Overnight parking options in the immediate Burwell area are limited outside of the campgrounds themselves. There's no Walmart or major truck stop in town, so if you arrive late, plan to have a reservation or at least a backup option in mind. The Garfield County Fairgrounds sometimes allows overnight RV parking during off-season months, but that's informal and you should ask locally before counting on it.
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Dump Station Costs in Burwell
Camping costs around Burwell are quite reasonable compared to what you'll find in more touristy parts of Nebraska. Of the RV parks and campgrounds in the area, a portion% offer free access while a portion% charge fees. The free options are mostly primitive or basic sites near Calamus Reservoir managed by the state, and they're perfectly fine for self-contained rigs that don't need hookups.
Paid campgrounds in the area typically run between $15 and $35 per night depending on the level of hookups. Basic electric-only sites at the reservoir parks start around $15 to $20, while full-hookup spots at private RV parks closer to town tend to run $25 to $35. Weekly rates are often available at the private parks, usually around $150 to $200 per week, which is a solid deal if you're planning a fishing trip or just want to decompress in the Sandhills for a while.
State park areas around Calamus Reservoir require a Nebraska Parks Permit -- either a daily ($6) or annual ($35) vehicle permit. The annual pass pays for itself in about six days of use, so if you're spending any real time in the area, grab the annual. Some campgrounds at the reservoir also charge a per-night camping fee on top of the vehicle permit, typically $10 to $20 depending on the site amenities.
To keep costs down, consider the free primitive camping areas along the eastern side of Calamus Reservoir. You'll give up hookups, but the spots are spacious, quiet, and right near the water. Bring your own firewood -- local stores sell bundles for around $5 to $7, but gathering deadfall is often allowed in designated areas.
Contact station for pricing details.
Prices may vary. Always confirm with the station before visiting.
What RVers Are Saying About Burwell
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Best Time to Visit Burwell by RV
Winter
Dec - Feb
10-35°F
Crowds: Low
Most campgrounds close or reduce services through winter, and harsh Sandhills winds make RV camping challenging -- only fully winterized rigs with good heating should attempt extended stays.
Spring
Mar - May
35-70°F
Crowds: Low
Spring fishing season starts picking up at Calamus Reservoir by late April, and campgrounds begin opening after winter closures -- great time to snag a prime lakeside site before summer crowds arrive.
Summer
Jun - Aug
65-95°F
Crowds: High
Peak season with the Big Rodeo in late July filling every available campsite in the area. Calamus Reservoir is busy with anglers, boaters, and families, so arrive early in the week to secure a good spot.
Fall
Sep - Nov
30-75°F
Crowds: Medium
Hunting season brings a new wave of visitors to the Sandhills region, and the fall colors along the North Loup River make for scenic camping with significantly fewer RVers competing for sites.
Explore the Burwell Area
If you're heading to Burwell specifically for the fishing at Calamus Reservoir, try to arrive midweek during late May or early June. The campgrounds fill up on weekends from Memorial Day through Labor Day, but midweek you'll often have your pick of sites with the best lake views. The walleye bite is strongest in the early morning and late evening during that stretch, so plan to be on the water by 6 AM for the best action.
For groceries and supplies, Burwell has a small local grocery store that covers the basics, but if you need anything specialized or want to stock up properly, Grand Island is your best bet -- it's about 90 miles south but has Walmart, Menards, and multiple grocery chains. Plan a supply run before you settle in for a longer stay. Propane refills are available at the Co-op in town, and they're familiar with filling RV tanks.
Water quality in the area is generally good, and most campgrounds offer potable water hookups. If you're dry camping near the reservoir, bring extra water containers since the primitive sites don't have water access. The local tap water has a slight mineral taste that's common in this part of Nebraska, but it's perfectly safe.
During Big Rodeo week in late July, everything in town gets busy. Restaurants have long waits, fuel stations see lines, and the campgrounds are packed. If you want to experience it, book your site months in advance. Some locals rent out space on private land during that week -- keep an eye on community boards at the gas station or the Burwell Tribune for those kinds of opportunities. The rodeo itself is worth the crowds if you've never experienced a genuine small-town Nebraska rodeo. Bring lawn chairs for the parade, and don't miss the barbecue stands along the main drag.
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Read more →Frequently Asked Questions About Dump Stations in Burwell
How many RV parks and campgrounds are in the Burwell, Nebraska area?
Burwell has {{stationCount}} RV parks and campgrounds in the surrounding area, with a mix of full-hookup private parks in town and public camping areas along Calamus Reservoir about 7 miles northwest on Highway 96. Options range from basic primitive sites to established parks with electric, water, and sewer connections for longer stays.
Are there free camping options near Burwell?
Yes, {{freeCount}} of the camping options near Burwell are free of charge. These tend to be primitive or basic sites near Calamus Reservoir managed by the state. They're best suited for self-contained RVs since they typically don't offer water or electric hookups, though the locations along the reservoir shoreline are hard to beat for scenery.
What's the best time of year to camp near Burwell?
Late May through early October offers the best camping weather and access to all facilities. For fishing at Calamus Reservoir, late May through June is prime walleye season. If you want to experience the Big Rodeo, plan for late July but book well in advance. Fall is excellent for quieter camping with fewer crowds and pleasant temperatures.
Can large RVs and motorhomes access the campgrounds around Calamus Reservoir?
Most of the main campgrounds at Calamus Reservoir can accommodate larger rigs, including Class A motorhomes and fifth-wheels up to 40 feet. The paved roads leading to the reservoir are wide and well-maintained. However, some of the more remote primitive camping areas are accessed via gravel roads that can get soft after rain, so check conditions before heading in with a big rig.
Do I need a permit to camp at Calamus Reservoir near Burwell?
Yes, you'll need a Nebraska Parks Permit to access state recreation areas around Calamus Reservoir. Daily permits cost $6 and annual permits are $35. The annual permit covers vehicle entry to all Nebraska state parks and recreation areas, making it worthwhile if you plan to visit more than a few times. Campsite fees are separate and range from $10 to $20 per night.
Where can I get RV supplies and propane near Burwell?
Burwell has a local grocery store for basic provisions and a Co-op that handles propane tank refills for RVs. Diesel fuel is available at the station in town. For a larger supply run or specialty RV parts, Grand Island is about 90 miles south on Highway 281 and has Walmart, hardware stores, and more extensive shopping options for stocking up before a longer stay.
How many RV parks and campgrounds are in the Burwell, Nebraska area?
Burwell has {{stationCount}} RV parks and campgrounds in the surrounding area, with a mix of full-hookup private parks in town and public camping areas along Calamus Reservoir about 7 miles northwest on Highway 96. Options range from basic primitive sites to established parks with electric, water, and sewer connections for longer stays.
Are there free camping options near Burwell?
Yes, {{freeCount}} of the camping options near Burwell are free of charge. These tend to be primitive or basic sites near Calamus Reservoir managed by the state. They're best suited for self-contained RVs since they typically don't offer water or electric hookups, though the locations along the reservoir shoreline are hard to beat for scenery.
What's the best time of year to camp near Burwell?
Late May through early October offers the best camping weather and access to all facilities. For fishing at Calamus Reservoir, late May through June is prime walleye season. If you want to experience the Big Rodeo, plan for late July but book well in advance. Fall is excellent for quieter camping with fewer crowds and pleasant temperatures.
Can large RVs and motorhomes access the campgrounds around Calamus Reservoir?
Most of the main campgrounds at Calamus Reservoir can accommodate larger rigs, including Class A motorhomes and fifth-wheels up to 40 feet. The paved roads leading to the reservoir are wide and well-maintained. However, some of the more remote primitive camping areas are accessed via gravel roads that can get soft after rain, so check conditions before heading in with a big rig.
Do I need a permit to camp at Calamus Reservoir near Burwell?
Yes, you'll need a Nebraska Parks Permit to access state recreation areas around Calamus Reservoir. Daily permits cost $6 and annual permits are $35. The annual permit covers vehicle entry to all Nebraska state parks and recreation areas, making it worthwhile if you plan to visit more than a few times. Campsite fees are separate and range from $10 to $20 per night.
Where can I get RV supplies and propane near Burwell?
Burwell has a local grocery store for basic provisions and a Co-op that handles propane tank refills for RVs. Diesel fuel is available at the station in town. For a larger supply run or specialty RV parts, Grand Island is about 90 miles south on Highway 281 and has Walmart, hardware stores, and more extensive shopping options for stocking up before a longer stay.
Are there free dump stations in Burwell?
Yes — there are free RV waste disposal options available near Burwell.
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