Bow Creek Recreation Area

What sets Bow Creek Recreation Area apart is its blend of historical significance, pristine natural environments, and a sense of tranquility along the Missouri River in Cedar County, Nebraska. This 205-acre area features ecologically rich habitats, including wetlands, restored prairies, and riparian cottonwood and mesic-bur oak forests, making it a haven for wildlife like whitetail deer, turkeys, dragonflies, and Nebraska's state bird, the Western Meadowlark.

Camping here is rustic and free, with designated sites marked by brown signs and equipped with metal fire rings for campfires. Ideal for those seeking a back-to-basics experience, this primitive campground emphasizes Leave No Trace principles, offering no trash receptacles or modern facilities. Visitors can enjoy hiking trails that weave through diverse landscapes, fishing opportunities along the nearby Missouri River, and birdwatching amidst the restored prairie grasses that once dominated the region.

Located just 2 miles northeast of Wynot, Nebraska, Bow Creek is easily accessed via gravel roads. Its proximity to the Missouri National Recreational River and its recognition as a site along the historic Lewis and Clark National Historic Trail make it especially appealing to campers interested in combining outdoor recreation with a rich sense of place.