State Parks Near Kearney, Nebraska
12 state park units lie within 50 miles of Kearney. The closest is Fort Kearny State Recreation Area, about 6 mi southeast of town. 6 parks are within 25 miles, close enough for an evening visit.
- Closest park
- Fort Kearny State Recreation Area6 mi southeast
- Within 25 miles
- 6of 12 within 50 mi
- With camping
- 11parks list campsites
- Dog-friendly
- 0pets allowed
State parks near Kearney, nearest first
Straight-line distance from central Kearney; driving distance is usually longer.
Fort Kearny State Recreation Area
The park supports cross-country skiing, winter sports, boating, swimming, and fishing. On the water side, there is a swimming beach and a fishing pier. For overnight stays there are campsites (tent sites and showers).
Hours, fees and rules for Fort Kearny State Recreation Area →Fort Kearny State Historical Park
Popular activities here are historic sites, wildlife watching, and picnicking.
Hours, fees and rules for Fort Kearny State Historical Park →Union Pacific State Recreation Area
Things to do include boating, fishing, wildlife watching, and picnicking. Camping is available: campsites, including tent sites.
Hours, fees and rules for Union Pacific State Recreation Area →Windmill State Recreation Area
The park supports historic sites, boating, swimming, fishing, and biking. Facilities for water recreation include a swimming beach and a fishing pier. Overnight options include campsites, with tent sites and showers.
Hours, fees and rules for Windmill State Recreation Area →Sandy Channel State Recreation Area
Popular activities here are hunting in season, boating, fishing, wildlife watching, and picnicking. Overnight options include campsites, with tent sites.
Hours, fees and rules for Sandy Channel State Recreation Area →War Axe State Recreation Area
Popular activities here are boating, fishing, wildlife watching, and picnicking. Facilities for water recreation include a boat ramp. Camping is available: campsites, including tent sites.
Hours, fees and rules for War Axe State Recreation Area →Cheyenne State Recreation Area
Things to do include boating, fishing, wildlife watching, and picnicking. Facilities for water recreation include a boat ramp. Overnight options include campsites, with tent sites.
Hours, fees and rules for Cheyenne State Recreation Area →Mormon Island State Recreation Area
The park supports hunting in season, boating, swimming, fishing, and biking. Water access includes a swimming beach, a boat ramp, and a fishing pier. For overnight stays there are campsites (tent sites and showers).
Hours, fees and rules for Mormon Island State Recreation Area →Johnson Lake State Recreation Area
Popular activities here are winter sports, boating, swimming, fishing, and wildlife watching. Facilities for water recreation include a swimming beach, a boat ramp, and a fishing pier.
Hours, fees and rules for Johnson Lake State Recreation Area →DLD State Recreation Area
Visitors come for wildlife watching and picnicking. Camping is available: campsites, including tent sites.
Hours, fees and rules for DLD State Recreation Area →Sherman Reservoir State Recreation Area
Visitors come for winter sports, hunting in season, boating, fishing, and wildlife watching. On the water side, there is a boat ramp and a fishing pier. For overnight stays there are campsites (tent sites and showers).
Hours, fees and rules for Sherman Reservoir State Recreation Area →Gallagher Canyon State Recreation Area
Visitors come for boating, fishing, wildlife watching, and picnicking. On the water side, there is a boat ramp. Overnight options include campsites, with tent sites.
Hours, fees and rules for Gallagher Canyon State Recreation Area →
Best picks by activity
Camping near Kearney
- Fort Kearny State Recreation Area 6 mi southeast · Campground listed
- Union Pacific State Recreation Area 9 mi west · Campground listed
- Windmill State Recreation Area 13 mi east · Campground listed
- Sandy Channel State Recreation Area 16 mi west · Campground listed
- War Axe State Recreation Area 18 mi east · Campground listed
+ 6 more in the list above
Swimming near Kearney
- Fort Kearny State Recreation Area 6 mi southeast · Beach, pool or swim area
- Windmill State Recreation Area 13 mi east · Beach, pool or swim area
- Mormon Island State Recreation Area 38 mi east · Beach, pool or swim area
- Johnson Lake State Recreation Area 40 mi west · Beach, pool or swim area
Hiking near Kearney
- Fort Kearny State Recreation Area 6 mi southeast · Hiking trails listed
- Mormon Island State Recreation Area 38 mi east · Hiking trails listed
- Johnson Lake State Recreation Area 40 mi west · Hiking trails listed
- Sherman Reservoir State Recreation Area 44 mi north · Hiking trails listed
Fishing near Kearney
- Fort Kearny State Recreation Area 6 mi southeast · Fishing listed
- Union Pacific State Recreation Area 9 mi west · Fishing listed
- Windmill State Recreation Area 13 mi east · Fishing listed
- Sandy Channel State Recreation Area 16 mi west · Fishing listed
- War Axe State Recreation Area 18 mi east · Fishing listed
+ 5 more in the list above
Questions about state parks near Kearney
What is the closest state park to Kearney?
Fort Kearny State Recreation Area is the closest, about 6 miles southeast of Kearney in a straight line. Next are Fort Kearny State Historical Park and Union Pacific State Recreation Area.
How many state parks are near Kearney?
12 state park units are within 50 miles, and 6 within 25 miles. That includes parks, recreation areas, historic sites and natural areas run by the state.
Which state parks near Kearney have camping?
11 parks list camping, the nearest being Fort Kearny State Recreation Area, Union Pacific State Recreation Area and Windmill State Recreation Area. Check each park page for site types, hookups and how to reserve.
Are dogs allowed at state parks near Kearney?
None of the parks listed here say dogs are allowed. Check each park page before bringing a pet.
Are there free state parks near Kearney?
None of the nearby parks list free entry; most charge a daily vehicle fee or accept an annual pass. Fees are on each park page.
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Built from official park data and updated as parks change; this list was last rebuilt Oct 30, 2026. Features shown are those the official source lists. Filter these parks on the map.