Ash Grove Campground

Disappointed. RV parking is at a canted angle, beware of which site you choose. Indian caves ARE CLOSED. Looks like they have been closed for some time. Person at entrance didn’t give us a map or any guidance. Internet is limited. This is not a short term stop over park. Be prepared and stay for more than a day.

We went to the park during covid-19. Some parts of the park was closed because of covid-19 and storm damage. Did get a chance to go walk through the cave trails but we went and walked around trail#9. The park and trails were in good condition. They do a good job managing the park.

As we travel sometimes we pick places because of their location alone. This was one of those places. We didn't know what to expect and we were blown away by its remarkable beauty. Lush forests, so much animal life (especially birds, bugs, toads, and racoons), hiking opportunities, and access to the Missouri River.

We stayed in early July 2020 (Sunday through Wednesday) and the area was swarming with ticks. Like if you walked outside or sat outside for a while, even in super short grass, you would find one on you.

The Indian Cave was closed because a storm messed up the stairs to the cave. But we found a turtle sunning himself on the path down near the boat dock, we found so many toads, the campground is gorgeous (and we had it almost entirely to ourselves), and there is a lot to explore.

We found 3 playgrounds and since absolutely no one else was around, our kids were able to play. We explored the historical buildings and drove down the scenic drives. The place is really wonderful and it is a shame the Indian Cave is closed, that ticks are everywhere, and that there is hardly any cell signal. Still, it's seriously worth a stop, despite it's flaws.

We went here to tent camp and there were spots with multiple sites together, the electric sites are all clustered together, but there are also lots of sites that are along the road but just one site. Aside from a handful of other campers driving by, we were alone with nature. There are also hike-in sites and a few hammock-camping hike-in sites! This was well worth the drive and aside from the weather, I couldn't have been happier.

Very fun weekends in October with folks spending way too much on Halloween decorations! Really nice hiking trails to get away from people and probably more tent camping areas than any park in the Nebraska parks system. Our site was decidedly not level. Many sites close together but ours had a huge front yard. We have a 34’ Class A -no issues with site sizes. Old abandoned St DeRoin is a fun little visit within the park.

Site 40 is up the hill so did have some data access. I would think down the hill you would have little to none. Only TV is if you have a sat and a clear south sky. Most sites in heavy trees. Don’t come here for that, come here to hike!!

Planned to stay 2 days but extended to 3 due to weather. Park and camp grounds are well maintained and all usable roads and RV sites are black top or paved. The road into and out of our camp loop was steep but drivable. All sites are back in only. Few sites appear suitable for rigs 40 ft or longer. Most are un-level, some as much as 6" per foot. Seem better suited to TT and small 5th wheels. Very few sites have water. No sites have sewer. Water sites are 30 amp only. 50 amp sites are electric only. Shower house was clean and well maintained. Showers were "push button" type 5-10 seconds then required a re-push to get water. No temperature control. Female shower was reported to be very hot. Male shower was OK. There was zero ATT or T-mobile (phone, text or data) service in the park. Had to travel about 15 miles back to I-29 before service was found. If your GPS directs you to route 73 do not take. This is 9 miles of dirt road. Come in from I-29 on route 67 to 64E. Watch for low hanging branches on secondary drives, especially when it has been raining.

My last camp here was at an adirondak. There are several throughout the park, all are in backcountry. My last camp there was in November and there were very few tent campers. There were numerous RV campers.
After setting up camp I was approached by a park worker who advised me that on short notice the staff had decided to do a proscribed burn in the area that I was camped in the following day. This worker was quite helpful in showing me on a map where other sites were located that were not impacted. Each year for the last 10 they have had proscribed burns to cut down on the undergrowth so that oak trees have a better chance of growing.

The forest here is generally a hardwood forest, very few conifers.

If you backcountry camp, ie backpack, I would suggest that you scope out the campsite you desire before packing in. It is impossible to tell whether your fav spot is taken as they are not visible from the parking areas.

As for cell service, I use T mobile and except for ravines, valleys and some low places on the road to Indian Cave itself the signal is OK, not great but OK.

This park is very pretty and the lots are well shaded. Has numerous trails, disc golf, boat dock, trail rides, a place to camp with horses, and a fishing pier. When we were there the cave was closed. There are a few historic buildings and a cemetery to explore along with a scenic overlook with a view of the Missouri River and selfie stations around the park. There is also the interesting town of Brownville, NE close by that looks like a fun place to ramble around in for a weekend. The biggest bummer here is that on a hot day there is no where to swim. Would recommend for cooler weather camping.

Also be aware that Nebraska State Parks require a daily pass. Currently $12 daily for out-of-state visitors. Also an $8.50 reservation fee was tacked onto our charge, so it can get quite pricey.

Please note we went on Tuesday July 20 and the stairs to the cave are closed. We paid $8 to drive to the closed sign and leave. Super disappointed. It was mentioned when we checked in to the park nor did we ask about closures of any kind. Scenery was pretty driving through but sad to miss the actual cave which is why we came.