State Parks Near Norfolk, Nebraska
5 state park units lie within 50 miles of Norfolk. The closest is Cowboy Trail, about 4 mi southwest of town. 2 parks are within 25 miles, close enough for an evening visit.
- Closest park
- Cowboy Trail4 mi southwest
- Within 25 miles
- 2of 5 within 50 mi
- With camping
- 3parks list campsites
- Dog-friendly
- 0pets allowed
State parks near Norfolk, nearest first
Straight-line distance from central Norfolk; driving distance is usually longer.
Cowboy Trail
Cowboy Trail is a state recreation trail in Madison County, about 4 miles southwest of Norfolk.
Hours, fees and rules for Cowboy Trail →Willow Creek State Recreation Area
Things to do include cross-country skiing, horseback riding, winter sports, canoeing and kayaking, and hunting in season. Facilities for water recreation include a swimming beach, a boat ramp, and a fishing pier.
Hours, fees and rules for Willow Creek State Recreation Area →Dead Timber State Recreation Area
The park supports hunting in season, boating, fishing, wildlife watching, and picnicking. Camping is available: campsites, including tent sites.
Hours, fees and rules for Dead Timber State Recreation Area →Ashfall Fossil Beds State Historical Park
The park supports historic sites, wildlife watching, ranger programs, picnicking, and hiking.
Hours, fees and rules for Ashfall Fossil Beds State Historical Park →Danish Alps State Recreation Area
Visitors come for horseback riding, canoeing and kayaking, hunting in season, boating, and fishing. 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 Danish Alps State Recreation Area →
Best picks by activity
Camping near Norfolk
- Willow Creek State Recreation Area 13 mi northwest · Campground listed
- Dead Timber State Recreation Area 44 mi southeast · Campground listed
- Danish Alps State Recreation Area 50 mi northeast · Campground listed
Swimming near Norfolk
- Willow Creek State Recreation Area 13 mi northwest · Beach, pool or swim area
Hiking near Norfolk
- Willow Creek State Recreation Area 13 mi northwest · Hiking trails listed
- Dead Timber State Recreation Area 44 mi southeast · Hiking trails listed
- Ashfall Fossil Beds State Historical Park 46 mi northwest · Hiking trails listed
- Danish Alps State Recreation Area 50 mi northeast · Hiking trails listed
Fishing near Norfolk
- Willow Creek State Recreation Area 13 mi northwest · Fishing listed
- Dead Timber State Recreation Area 44 mi southeast · Fishing listed
- Danish Alps State Recreation Area 50 mi northeast · Fishing listed
Questions about state parks near Norfolk
What is the closest state park to Norfolk?
Cowboy Trail is the closest, about 4 miles southwest of Norfolk in a straight line. Next are Willow Creek State Recreation Area and Dead Timber State Recreation Area.
How many state parks are near Norfolk?
5 state park units are within 50 miles, and 2 within 25 miles. That includes parks, recreation areas, historic sites and natural areas run by the state.
Which state parks near Norfolk have camping?
3 parks list camping, the nearest being Willow Creek State Recreation Area, Dead Timber State Recreation Area and Danish Alps State Recreation Area. Check each park page for site types, hookups and how to reserve.
Are dogs allowed at state parks near Norfolk?
None of the parks listed here say dogs are allowed. Check each park page before bringing a pet.
Are there free state parks near Norfolk?
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.
State parks near other cities
- Near Columbus, NE41 mi south
- Near Vermillion, SD58 mi northeast
- Near Yankton, SD60 mi north
- Near Sioux City, IA62 mi northeast
- Near Fremont, NE63 mi southeast
- Near Omaha, NE88 mi southeast
Or see all Nebraska state parks or every city we cover.
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.