Willow Way Campground

For Nebraskans seeking an exceptional outdoor experience that combines the tranquility of nature with modern conveniences, Willow Way Campground at Willow Creek State Recreation Area in Pierce is a premier destination. This expansive state park, affectionately called an "Excellent state park" by visitors, provides a diverse range of activities and amenities designed to cater to every type of camper, from those seeking a peaceful lakeside retreat to families eager for active adventures. It’s a true jewel in Nebraska’s state park system, offering a fantastic opportunity to explore the beauty of Northeast Nebraska.

Willow Way Campground is part of the larger Willow Creek State Recreation Area, which consistently receives high ratings for its facilities and natural appeal. Good Sam, a trusted name in camping, gives the campground a perfect 10/10/10 rating for "Completeness of facilities," "Cleanliness of restrooms and showers," and "Visual appeal and environmental quality." Reviewers frequently praise the "Really nice campsites," noting they are "Clean" and "Quiet." Many sites offer "Lots of shade and a ton of space between sites," providing a sense of privacy and comfort. The campground's paved roads and "pretty flat" sites are "great for walking or bicycles," enhancing accessibility and enjoyment. A significant highlight is the "bike path around the lake," described as "worth the stay with wildlife and views along the way." While Nebraska State Parks may have fees for camping and daily passes (around $33 as noted by one reviewer), the value received from such a "hidden treasure" is clear. With well-maintained facilities, a beautiful lake, and numerous recreational opportunities, Willow Way Campground truly stands out as a top choice for Nebraskans.

Willow Way Campground is situated within Willow Creek State Recreation Area, located approximately 1 ½ miles southwest of Pierce, Nebraska. The address is 5CFJ+MQ, Pierce, NE 68767, USA, which corresponds to the park's main entrance or a central point within the area. Pierce is a small, welcoming community in Northeast Nebraska, known for its rural charm and easy access to outdoor recreation.

Accessibility to Willow Creek State Recreation Area and Willow Way Campground is very convenient for Nebraskans. It is easily reachable via well-maintained state and county roads. From larger regional hubs like Norfolk (approximately 25 miles away), the drive is straightforward, leading directly to the park. The main park roads are "paved and pretty flat," making navigation simple for all types of vehicles, including large RVs.

Once inside the park, the campground layouts are designed for ease of access, with specific areas like Willow Way Campground clearly marked. The park's location also offers excellent connectivity to the surrounding natural environment. The 8-mile limestone hike/bike trail circles the 700-acre lake, providing direct access to scenic views and recreational opportunities right from the campground. While some rural aspects are present, such as reliance on nearby towns like Pierce for "Dollar General or Caseys" for supplies, the overall accessibility is high, making it a practical and enjoyable destination for a quick getaway or an extended stay for any Nebraskan looking to explore their state's recreational offerings. A dump station is conveniently located in the town of Pierce near the courthouse, about 5 miles from the lake, providing essential services for RV campers.

• Campsites with Electrical Hookups: Willow Way Campground includes 165 campsites with electricity, offering both 20/30 amp and 50 amp connections to accommodate various RVs. These sites are equipped with picnic tables and fire rings/grills.

• Basic/Primitive Campsites: Numerous Basic campsites are available for those who do not require electricity, suitable for tent camping or self-contained RVs. These also include picnic tables and fire rings/grills.

• Modern Restrooms: The campground offers modern restrooms with flush toilets, which are frequently praised for their cleanliness and maintenance, with one review noting, "The bathrooms are the cleanest bathrooms I have ever seen at a campground!"

• Showers: Modern shower facilities are available, providing hot water and convenience for campers.

• Laundry Facilities: A modern shower house includes laundry facilities, a valuable amenity for longer stays.

• Drinking Water: Drinking water hydrants are available throughout the campground.

• Dump and Fill Station: A dump and fill station is located conveniently in the town of Pierce, about 5 miles from the lake, for RV waste disposal and fresh water replenishment.

• Accessible Facilities: The park strives for accessibility, including an accessible fishing pier and a handicap-accessible camp pad.

• Picnic Areas and Shelters: Dozens of picnic tables and grills are available throughout the park, along with six shelters (two with electricity), ideal for day use and gatherings.

• Willow Creek Lake (700 acres): A central feature offering extensive opportunities for fishing, boating (including water skiing on the main body of the lake), kayaking, and swimming at the designated beach.

• Excellent Fishing: Known for a variety of fish species including crappie, bluegill, bass, catfish, walleye, northern pike, and wipers, making it a prime spot for anglers.

• 8-Mile Limestone Hike/Bike Trail: A popular amenity that circles the lake, providing scenic routes for walking, running, or cycling, often with opportunities for wildlife viewing.

• Clean and Well-Maintained Facilities: Consistently receives top ratings for the cleanliness of its restrooms, showers, and overall grounds.

• Spacious and Shaded Campsites: Offers ample space between sites, many with mature trees providing welcome shade and a sense of privacy.

• Family-Friendly Amenities: Includes two playgrounds for children, ensuring entertainment for younger campers.

• Wildlife Viewing and Bird Watching: The diverse habitats around the lake attract various wildlife, offering great opportunities for observation.

• Unsupervised Swimming Beach: A designated swimming beach allows for cooling off during warm weather (check for seasonal water advisories).

• Archery Field Course: An additional recreational feature for those interested in archery.

• Disc Golf Course: Another recreational option available within the State Recreation Area.

As Willow Way Campground is part of the Nebraska State Parks system, managed by the Nebraska Game & Parks Commission, it operates under a standardized pricing structure rather than offering individual "promotions" in the commercial sense. However, visitors should be aware of the following:

• Nebraska State Park Permit Required: A state park entry permit is mandatory for all vehicles entering the area. Daily permits are typically $7 for Nebraska-licensed vehicles and $14 for non-Nebraska licensed vehicles. Annual permits offer significant savings at $35 for Nebraska residents and $70 for non-residents, with duplicate annual permits also available.

• Camping Fees: Nightly camping rates vary based on site type and time of year. For Electric Plus sites (50 amp with water hook-up or 20/30 amp with water), rates can be $30-$40/night. Electric sites (20/30 amp) are $25-$35/night. Basic (primitive) sites are $10-$20/night. Rates are generally higher on weekends (Thursday-Saturday) and lower Sunday-Wednesday and during the off-season (Sept. 13-May 20).

• Reservations: Reservations can be made for half of the campsites up to 180 days in advance. The remaining sites are available on a first-come, first-served basis, with self-registration for walk-ins. A non-refundable online reservation fee (typically $8.50) is charged.

To get the most accurate and up-to-date pricing, reservation availability, and information on any state-wide promotions (such as "Free Park Entry Days"), Kansans should always consult the official Nebraska Game & Parks Commission website (outdoornebraska.gov) or call the park directly. Good Sam members might find some related discounts advertised through Good Sam's own platforms, but the core pricing is set by the state.

Address: 5CFJ+MQ, Pierce, NE 68767, USA (corresponds to Willow Creek State Recreation Area)

Phone: (402) 329-4053

Mobile Phone: +1 402-329-4053

Email: Willow.Creek@ngpc.ne.gov

For reservations, the best method is to visit the Nebraska Game & Parks Commission’s online reservation system at outdoornebraska.gov. For direct inquiries about Willow Way Campground or Willow Creek State Recreation Area, including current conditions, specific site information, or any questions about park rules and activities, you can contact the park office directly using the phone number or email provided. It is always recommended to call ahead, especially for specific site availability or current water conditions.

For Nebraskans, Willow Way Campground at Willow Creek State Recreation Area stands out as an exceptionally suitable and appealing destination that perfectly embodies the state's love for accessible, well-maintained outdoor recreation. It offers a comprehensive and high-quality camping experience right in their backyard, making it an ideal choice for both spontaneous weekend getaways and planned family vacations.

The key suitability for locals lies in the combination of its natural beauty and its excellent amenities. The "Excellent state park" designation, coupled with perfect 10/10/10 Good Sam ratings for facilities, cleanliness, and visual appeal, speaks volumes about the quality of the experience. Nebraskans appreciate the clean, spacious, and often shaded sites, which provide a comfortable base for relaxation and family activities. The availability of both electric and basic campsites caters to a wide range of preferences, ensuring everyone from seasoned RVers to first-time tent campers can find their perfect spot.

The 700-acre lake is a major draw, offering outstanding fishing, boating, and a refreshing swimming beach, which are quintessential Nebraska summer activities. The 8-mile hike/bike trail around the lake is a particular highlight, providing an active way to explore the area and enjoy "wildlife and views along the way." This offers an immediate connection to nature that’s both invigorating and easily accessible. While there's a park permit fee, Nebraskans recognize this as an investment in maintaining the high quality of their state parks. Willow Way Campground at Willow Creek SRA offers the perfect blend of natural tranquility, recreational opportunities, and modern comforts, making it a beloved and highly recommended destination for any Nebraskan seeking to embrace the great outdoors close to home.