Wildcat Hills State Recreation Area

About

Wildcat Hills State Recreation Area provides a quiet, primitive camping experience in the rugged pine-covered bluffs of the Nebraska Panhandle. The 12 basic campsites are dispersed along the interior trail roads, offering a variety of settings from forested areas to short-grass prairie. Each site includes a fire ring and picnic table, with three vault toilets distributed throughout the area and drinking water available near the Nature Center. The recreation area encompasses 1,094 acres of wilderness with approximately 3 miles of hiking trails accessible from the campsites. The Wildcat Hills Nature Center features interactive displays and observation decks with panoramic views of the North Platte River Valley. The area is well-positioned for exploring nearby attractions including Scotts Bluff National Monument, Chimney Rock, and Lake Minatare State Recreation Area, all within 30 miles. Camping reservations are available for half of the sites through Nebraska State Parks, while the remaining sites operate on a first-come, first-served basis. FCFS campers must register at the Nature Center or use the self-pay station after hours, which accepts cash or check only. Note that large RVs and vehicles towing larger trailers cannot access the summit area due to an extremely sharp turnaround.

Directions

Located 10 miles south of Gering on the east side of Nebraska Highway 71. Address: 210615 Hwy 71, Gering, NE 69341.