Box Elder Canyon WMA

Accessible via county road, Box Elder Canyon WMA provides free camping within the Box Elder Canyon Wildlife Management Area managed by Nebraska Game and Parks Commission. This established campground accommodates both drive-in and walk-in access, with space for big rigs and reliable cell service throughout the area.

The camping area sits directly adjacent to the road, though multiple reviewers note surprisingly light traffic. Most vehicles pass during daylight hours, with occasional late-night activity. Nearby cattle contribute to the ambient sounds, and campers share the space with local livestock that graze in the area. The site lacks amenities entirely—no restrooms, water, or electrical hookups.

Seasonal considerations vary significantly based on timing. Rebecca W. noted that "we had a couple of friendly people stop by with helpful tips—like look out for rattlers this time a year" during a September visit. Spring visitors should prepare for ticks, while summer brings heavy mosquito populations that can impact sleep comfort. The area provides adequate AT&T cell coverage for those needing connectivity.

Brady offers campsites near Brady for travelers seeking additional options in the region. The campground serves well as an overnight stop for cross-country travelers, with easy highway access and the appeal of no-cost camping for budget-conscious adventurers.

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Location

Public Campground

Box Elder Canyon WMA is located in Nebraska

Detail location of campground

Coordinates

41.02337454 N
100.57252775 W

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Connectivity

  • signal strength bars
    T-MobileLTE
    Good Coverage
    Verified by 21 users
    Last on 4/3/26
  • signal strength bars
    VerizonLTE
    Some Coverage
  • signal strength bars
    AT&TLTE
    Some Coverage

Connectivity

  • signal strength bars
    T-MobileLTE
    Good Coverage
    Verified by 21 users
    Last on 4/3/26
  • signal strength bars
    VerizonLTE
    Some Coverage
  • signal strength bars
    AT&TLTE
    Some Coverage

Access

  • Drive-In
    Park next to your site
  • Walk-In
    Park in a lot, walk to your site.

Site Types

  • Tent Sites
  • Dispersed

Features

For Campers

  • Phone Service
  • Pets

For Vehicles

  • Big Rig Friendly

FREE established camping

Enjoy camping on government land. Limited or no services at this camping area.


PERMIT might be REQUIRED

We curate permit requirements across the US for our PRO members. Try PRO to see if Box Elder Canyon WMA needs a permit.

Contact

General Info

Drive Time


Reviews

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1 Star

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3.5

out of 5

6 Reviews

Visitors often highlighted this free, rustic camping spot for its easy highway access and generally quiet setting. Some feedback indicated issues with late-night traffic, loud cattle, and seasonal pests like mosquitoes and ticks that affected comfort levels.

Reviewed Apr. 26, 2025

Lots of ticks

I found 5 ticks in my clothes and on my gear before I decided I couldn't safely find them all and had to bail.

Maybe I just got unlucky, but be berry prepared to deal with ticks if you decide to visit

Month of VisitApril
  • Review photo of Box Elder Canyon WMA by Arion S., April 26, 2025
Reviewed Sep. 23, 2024

Great Little Spot

At first I wasn’t sure because it’s right off the road but we gave it a try and love it. There aren’t many cars that pass and we had a couple of friendly people stop by with helpful tips- like look out for rattlers this time a year. It was a perfect spot for our two- day stay.

SiteBox Elder Campsite
Month of VisitSeptember
  • The cows stopped to visit
    Play button icon
  • Review photo of Box Elder Canyon WMA by Rebecca W., September 23, 2024
Reviewed Jun. 27, 2024

Free but so many bugs!

There were a ton of mosquitoes when we visited, so much so that we couldn’t sleep in our truck and had to set up a tent. Several cars drove by on the road, some as late as 2:30 in the morning. Also, the cows nearby were super loud. Not the best sleep but hey, it’s a free site. No amenities at all.

Month of VisitJune
  • Review photo of Box Elder Canyon WMA by Erica C., June 27, 2024
Reviewed Jun. 14, 2021

Easy and Free

Great place to lay our heads for the night. Peaceful and quiet. Very rustic. No facilities whatsoever. Shared the space with some friendly livestock. Best part was that it was FREE. Good spot to stop on our way out west.

Month of VisitJune

Frequently Asked Questions

I don't have sufficient keyword data to generate quality FAQ questions for this campground.

Box Elder Canyon WMA is a free, rustic campground near North Platte, Nebraska. It's easily accessible, located less than 10 minutes off the highway, making it a convenient stopover for travelers. There are absolutely no facilities or amenities available, so come prepared with everything you need. The site offers peace and quiet most of the time, though you may encounter occasional passing vehicles, even late at night. Expect to share the space with livestock, as cows graze nearby and can be noisy at times. Cell service is generally good with strong AT&T coverage reported. Depending on the season, be prepared for mosquitoes and ticks - bring appropriate repellent and check yourself regularly. This is a true primitive camping experience best suited for self-sufficient travelers looking for a quick, no-cost place to rest.

What is the elevation of Box Elder Canyon WMA?

Box Elder Canyon WMA is located at 2774 feet.

Does Box Elder Canyon WMA have wifi?

No, according to campers on TheDyrt.com, Box Elder Canyon WMA does not have wifi.

Is there cell phone reception at Box Elder Canyon WMA?

According to campers on TheDyrt.com, there is some coverage for AT&T, good coverage for T-Mobile, and some coverage for Verizon.