Crystal Springs Campground

For Nebraskans seeking a beautiful and accessible outdoor escape, Crystal Springs Campground in Fairbury, NE, presents a compelling option. This 73-acre park, nestled just south of Fairbury, offers a world apart from city life, inviting visitors to immerse themselves in nature. Renowned for its stunning natural beauty, Crystal Springs boasts several ponds teeming with hundreds of ducks, creating a picturesque and lively environment. With an abundance of trees and meticulously maintained grounds, it’s a place where you can truly unwind and reconnect with the natural world.

Crystal Springs Campground caters to a variety of camping preferences, offering both reserved sites for those who plan ahead and convenient first-come, first-served options. At an affordable rate of $20 per night, it provides excellent value for a serene camping experience. While some facilities are undergoing updates, the commitment to providing essential amenities like hot showers, as highlighted by a satisfied camper, indicates a continuous effort to enhance visitor comfort. This campground is ideal for local users looking for a peaceful retreat, opportunities for fishing in its spring-fed lakes, or simply a beautiful setting to enjoy the outdoors with family and friends in the heart of Nebraska.

Crystal Springs Campground is conveniently located at 56701 Crystal Springs Rd, Fairbury, NE 68352, USA. While the provided address was simply "Fairbury, NE 68352, USA", more detailed public information places it specifically on Crystal Springs Road, just south of the city of Fairbury. This strategic location makes it easily accessible for Nebraskans traveling from various parts of the state, ensuring a relatively straightforward drive to a tranquil natural setting.

Fairbury, located in Jefferson County, offers a charming small-town atmosphere with essential services and amenities, all within a short distance from the campground. This proximity allows campers to stock up on supplies or explore local attractions without sacrificing the peaceful seclusion of the park. The campground's setting, with its 73 acres and multiple lakes, provides a natural buffer from urban noise, offering a truly immersive outdoor experience. For those with a love for the outdoors, Crystal Springs' accessibility, combined with its serene environment, makes it an attractive choice for a quick weekend getaway or a longer vacation within Nebraska.

Crystal Springs Campground provides a variety of services to enhance the camping experience for its visitors:

• Camping Sites: The campground offers approximately 60 camping sites. These include both reserved sites (specifically sites 1-20 and 22-24 in the Lakeside Area, available via online reservation) and first-come, first-served envelope sites for flexibility.
• Electrical Hookups: Many sites are equipped with electrical hookups (30 and 50 amp service available at Lakeside sites, 30 amp only at Upper Campsites), providing convenience for RV and trailer campers. Electricity is available year-round.
• Water Hookups: Water connections are available at each site, though water access may be seasonal (typically available after the danger of frost is past, usually April 15 - October 15).
• Hot Showers: The restrooms and shower house facilities offer hot water, a welcome amenity for campers, especially after a day of outdoor activities. These facilities are generally available from April to October 15.
• Picnic Tables & Fire Pits: Each campsite is equipped with a picnic table and fire ring, allowing for enjoyable outdoor meals and campfires.
• Dump Station: A sanitary dump station is available for RVers to dispose of waste, located at the Fairbury City Park and usable at no charge. (Note: some older reviews incorrectly state no dump station on site, but city information confirms its availability at the city park).
• Fishing Opportunities: The campground features two spring-fed lakes and a third man-made pond, stocked with various fish including large-mouth bass, catfish, bluegill, and trout. Perfect for anglers of all skill levels.
• Playground: A designated playground area is available for children, ensuring family-friendly entertainment.
• Disc Golf Course: The park features a disc golf course, offering an additional recreational activity for visitors.
• Pet-Friendly: Pets are allowed within the campground, provided they are kept on a leash.
• Campground Host Program: The City of Fairbury utilizes a Campground Host program (from April 15 - October), with hosts available to greet campers, assist with registration, and provide information.

The daily camping rate is $20.00 per night, with an additional $0.70 administrative fee for online reservations.

Crystal Springs Campground offers numerous features and highlights that make it a compelling destination for campers in Nebraska:

• Beautiful Natural Setting: The campground is lauded for its "very beautiful" environment, featuring numerous trees, well-maintained grounds, and several spring-fed ponds that are home to hundreds of ducks, creating a picturesque and serene atmosphere.
• Excellent Fishing Opportunities: With two spring-fed lakes and a man-made pond stocked with a variety of fish (including bass, catfish, bluegill, and annual trout stocking), it's a prime spot for fishing enthusiasts. Kayaking and non-motorized boating are also popular on the lakes.
• Affordable Camping: At just $20 per night for sites with electrical hookups, Crystal Springs offers exceptional value, making quality camping accessible to a wider range of budgets.
• Hot Showers Available: The provision of hot water in the showers is a significant comfort for campers, especially after a day of outdoor activities, enhancing the overall camping experience.
• Flexible Site Options: The availability of both online reserved sites and first-come, first-served envelope sites provides flexibility for different travel styles, accommodating both planners and spontaneous adventurers.
• Family-Friendly Amenities: The presence of a playground and a disc golf course offers recreational opportunities for all ages, making it suitable for family outings.
• Proximity to Fairbury: Being just south of Fairbury means campers enjoy a peaceful natural setting while still having easy access to town amenities, local businesses, and the historic downtown area.
• Wildlife Viewing: The abundant wildlife, particularly the ducks on the ponds, provides excellent opportunities for nature observation and photography.
• Year-Round Electricity: While water may be seasonal, the availability of electricity year-round offers flexibility for cold-weather camping for those with self-contained RVs.

These highlights collectively paint a picture of Crystal Springs Campground as a versatile, affordable, and beautiful destination for outdoor enthusiasts in Nebraska.

Crystal Springs Campground in Fairbury, NE, primarily offers its value through its consistently affordable daily rate rather than specific promotional "offers" in the traditional sense. The standard camping rate is $20.00 per night for sites with electric hookups, which is already a very competitive price for the amenities and natural beauty provided.

However, it's worth noting a few points that function as inherent "specials" or benefits:

• Affordable Daily Rate: The $20 nightly fee is a significant draw in itself, particularly for sites offering electric and water hookups, making it an ongoing value proposition. An additional $0.70 administrative fee applies to online reservations.
• Campground Host Program: The City of Fairbury offers a Campground Host program from April 15 to October. Individuals who volunteer as hosts for a minimum two-week period have their campground fees waived during that time. While this is a volunteer opportunity, it functions as a unique benefit for those willing to contribute to the community.
• Free Dump Station: The availability of a free dump station at the Fairbury City Park (for Crystal Springs campers) is another cost-saving feature that benefits RV users.

For the most up-to-date information on rates, availability, or any potential changes, it is always best to check the official Fairbury City website for Crystal Springs Campground or contact the city directly.

• Address: 56701 Crystal Springs Rd, Fairbury, NE 68352, USA
• City of Fairbury Phone (General Inquiries/Campground Information): (402) 729-2148 (as per VisitNebraska.com) or (402) 729-2476 (as per fairbury.com)
• Online Reservations: Reservations for specific sites (1-20 and 22-24 in the Lakeside Area) can be made through the City of Fairbury's official website. Look for the "Recreation Management - REC1" portal.

Given the slight variations in phone numbers provided online, it's advisable to try either of the Fairbury city numbers for direct assistance. For online reservations, navigating to the City of Fairbury's website and locating the Crystal Springs Campground section is the best approach.

For Nebraskans, Crystal Springs Campground in Fairbury offers a highly suitable and appealing option for connecting with the outdoors right in their home state. Its inherent beauty, characterized by lush trees and serene spring-fed ponds teeming with wildlife, provides an immediate escape from the daily grind without requiring extensive travel. This accessibility makes it ideal for weekend getaways, family vacations, or even just a day trip for fishing and recreation.

The affordability, with a nightly rate of just $20 for sites with electrical hookups, is a significant draw for local budgets, allowing more Nebraskans to enjoy quality camping. The flexibility of having both reservable and first-come, first-served sites caters to different planning styles, ensuring that whether you're a meticulous planner or a spontaneous adventurer, there's a spot for you. While some older reviews mention noise concerns, the overall positive sentiment and the campground's natural setting suggest a generally peaceful environment. The presence of hot showers, a playground, disc golf, and excellent fishing opportunities means there are activities to keep everyone entertained, from families with young children to seasoned anglers. The proximity to Fairbury town also ensures that essentials are always within reach. Crystal Springs Campground truly embodies the spirit of accessible outdoor recreation in Nebraska, making it a perfect choice for locals seeking beautiful scenery, a relaxing atmosphere, and enjoyable activities close to home.