Chadron State Park
Chadron, NE
Nebraska's oldest state park sits in pine-covered buttes south of Chadron, with trails to viewpoints over the Pine Ridge. Visit in late spring or autumn for cooler hiking and quieter paths.
Chadron State Park opened in 1921 and is Nebraska's oldest state park. It originally covered 640 acres and now measures about 394 ha (974 acres). It lies about 14 km (9 miles) south of Chadron in the Nebraska National Forest, along the Pine Ridge escarpment, with ponderosa pine forest and cottonwoods along Chadron Creek. In the 1930s the Civilian Conservation Corps built guest cabins, among other work. In the West Ash Wildfire in August 2012, about 90 percent of the park burned, but no buildings or other infrastructure were lost.
The park offers swimming, horseback riding, archery, disc golf, hiking and fishing; you can also rent paddle boats and stay overnight in cabins or at the campground. Allow half a day or an overnight stay. In summer the pool and paddle boats are the main draw.
- Nearest town
- Chadron, NE
- Category
- Nature & parks
- GPS
- 42.7040, -103.0100
Hours, fees and access change. Confirm with the operator or park before you go.
Good to know
Best time to go
The most pleasant months are usually May–June and September. Still fine, with some compromises, in April, July–August and October. Cold, short days in December–February. (Estimate from long-term temperature averages, terrain and pass seasons)
Nearby
Campsites nearby
- Red Cloud CampgroundCampsite1 mi from Chadron State ParkTentsCaravansToilets
- Motorhome stopover · ChadronMotorhome stopover1 mi from Chadron State ParkTentsMotorhomes
- Roberts Tract CampgroundCampsite7 mi from Chadron State ParkTentsCaravans
- Eagle Rest RV ParkMotorhome stopover9 mi from Chadron State ParkMotorhomes
- Red Cloud CampgroundMotorhome stopover23 mi from Chadron State Park · 32 pitchesMotorhomesElectricity
- Soldier Creek CampgroundMotorhome stopover23 mi from Chadron State Park · 76 pitchesMotorhomesElectricity
All campsites in Nebraska · Campsite data: © OpenStreetMap contributors, ODbL 1.0 · Updated October 3, 2026
FAQs
Where is Chadron State Park?
Chadron State Park is in Chadron, NE, at GPS 42.7040, -103.0100. It is about 20 mi from Crawford.
Can you camp near Chadron State Park?
Yes. The nearest campsite listed in OpenStreetMap is Red Cloud Campground, about 1 mi away; within 25 mi there are 6 campsites and motorhome stopovers.
What is there to see near Chadron State Park?
Places worth a stop nearby: Fort Robinson State Park (23 mi), Toadstool Geologic Park (32 mi), Carhenge (40 mi) and Agate Fossil Beds National Monument (43 mi).
When is the best time to visit Chadron State Park?
The most pleasant months are usually May–June and September. Still fine, with some compromises, in April, July–August and October. (Estimate from long-term temperature averages, terrain and pass seasons)