RiverWest Park (Elkhorn River) - Image 1
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RiverWest Park Elkhorn River

4.4
·227 reviews·, United States

Experience the Elkhorn River with camping, tubing, and unique themed events at RiverWest Park.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Summer afternoons

Perfect for river activities

CrowdHigh
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RiverWest Park (Elkhorn River) - Image 1

RiverWest Park Elkhorn River

Best Time

Summer afternoons

Perfect for river activities

CrowdHigh
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Experience the Elkhorn River with camping, tubing, and unique themed events at RiverWest Park. TikTokReddit

4.4
(227 reviews)

"The beach area was still the best thing about this campground! Reddit"

Vertical photo
TIP

Pack for the River 🛶

Bring coolers with snacks and drinks for a fun day on the Elkhorn River. :cooler:

Check Water Levels First 💧

Tubing trips can be cancelled due to low or high water. Always confirm conditions beforehand. :warning:

Third hero image

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Elkhorn River Tubing

Elkhorn River Tubing

Elkhorn River

Enjoy a refreshing float down the Elkhorn River, a popular summer activity for groups.

Reddit
Swimming Beach

Swimming Beach

Campground Beach Area

A small but enjoyable beach area offers a spot to cool off and relax by the river.

Reddit
Ren Faire & LARP Events

Ren Faire & LARP Events

RiverWest Park

Experience unique themed events like Renaissance Faires and live-action role-playing games.

TikTok
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Planning Your Visit

Water Levels Can Be Tricky

River conditions can change rapidly. Always check current water levels before planning a tubing or canoeing trip. Low levels can lead to cancellations, while high levels might pose safety risks. Reddit

Campsite Privacy is Limited

Campsites are often close together, offering little privacy. Long-term campers and seasonal visitors can contribute to a crowded atmosphere, especially during peak times. Reddit

Best Times

When
Summer afternoons
Why
Perfect for river activities
Crowd
High
When
Weekdays
Why
Fewer crowds, more peace
Crowd
Low

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

Out here at the Elkhorn Shores Ren Faire met some amazing people like @Sebastian Vain and the @Incendiary NPCs #renfaire #viking #norse #larp
@the.nine.realms.market
105 likes • 1.1K views

Pack for the River 🛶

Bring coolers with snacks and drinks for a fun day on the Elkhorn River. Reddit :cooler:

Check Water Levels First 💧

Tubing trips can be cancelled due to low or high water. Always confirm conditions beforehand. Reddit :warning:

reddit.com

Thinking about floating Elkhorn river over 4th of July weekend. Any advice?

reddit.com

Floating the Elkhorn River

Campsite Setup Help 🏕️

Staff can assist with tricky RV backing, even in the dark. Don't hesitate to ask for help! Reddit :car:

Kid-Friendly Activities 🧸

The campground offers movie nights and games for children. Reddit :child:

reddit.com

I'm going tubing down the Elkhorn Saturday with a group. Who has done this? Any tips?

Tips

from all over the internet

Pack for the River 🛶

Bring coolers with snacks and drinks for a fun day on the Elkhorn River. Reddit :cooler:

Check Water Levels First 💧

Tubing trips can be cancelled due to low or high water. Always confirm conditions beforehand. Reddit :warning:

Campsite Setup Help 🏕️

Staff can assist with tricky RV backing, even in the dark. Don't hesitate to ask for help! Reddit :car:

Kid-Friendly Activities 🧸

The campground offers movie nights and games for children. Reddit :child:

Bring Extra Extension Cords 🔌

Electrical hookups can be far from RV sites; bring a long cord or be prepared to buy one. Reddit :electric_plug:

What Travellers Say

4.4
(227 reviews)

Reviews Summary

RiverWest Park offers a prime location on the Elkhorn River with opportunities for tubing and swimming, complemented by friendly staff and occasional themed events. However, visitors frequently cite issues with campsite privacy, rocky terrain, and inconsistent water quality and hookup accessibility. Reddit

"We booked this campground because of the good rating and the swimming beach at the river! The beach area was very small but that was still the best thing about this campground! Nothing was paved, the camp area was rocky and rough, not nice for children. Lots of long term campers, which gave it a trashy feel. The shade trees were nice, but their water source left much to be desired. It was well water, which was very yellow and smelled like rotten eggs 😝 the owners were friendly and nice, so I’ll give 3 stars but we probably wouldn’t come back again."

Sharita Zimmerman

"Well maintained campsite with friendly staff. I rented a travel trailer for the first time and expected the sites to be similar to rest stops where you pull in directly. A park manager guided me into backing up a 26ft trailer in the dark! I appreciate the patience and holding in the laughter of a clown show that must have been to witness 😂."

Lance Lietzau

"My family and I had such a blast staying here this weekend. The lady's the help out at the campground are so nice! They have movie nights, and left games out for my Littles to play with. Definitely going to come back!"

Samantha Wilson

What People Like

River access
Friendly staff
Themed events

What People Dislike

Lack of privacy
Rocky campsites
Water quality issues

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

RiverWest Park is accessible by car. Specific directions will depend on your starting point, but it's generally located along the Elkhorn River. GPS navigation is recommended. Reddit

Public transportation options to RiverWest Park are limited. It's best to travel by personal vehicle or carpool with others. Reddit

The park offers direct access to the Elkhorn River, with designated areas for launching tubes, canoes, and kayaks. Reddit

RiverWest Park is situated in a more rural area, but nearby towns may offer additional amenities and services. Reddit

Roads leading to the park are generally well-maintained, but can be unpaved in some areas. Check local road conditions before your trip. Reddit

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

Entry to RiverWest Park typically requires a camping reservation or a day-use fee, depending on your visit. Check their official website for current pricing. Reddit

Park hours can vary seasonally. Campground access is usually 24/7 for registered campers, while day-use areas have specific operating times. Reddit

Yes, booking campsites in advance is highly recommended, especially during peak season, to secure your spot. Reddit

Information on discounts for RiverWest Park is not widely available. It's best to inquire directly with the park management. Reddit

Cancellation policies can vary. Review the terms and conditions at the time of booking or contact the park for details. Reddit

🎫 🏞️ Onsite Experience

Activities include tubing and canoeing on the Elkhorn River, swimming at the beach, camping, and attending special events like Renaissance Faires. TikTokReddit

Campers can expect amenities like restrooms, water sources, and electrical hookups (though some sites may have issues). Dump stations are available. Reddit

Yes, the park offers kid-friendly activities like movie nights and games, and has a swimming beach. However, campsites can be rocky. Reddit

The well water at the campground can be yellow and have an odor. River water quality for recreation should be checked locally. Reddit

Pet policies can vary. It's advisable to check with RiverWest Park management regarding their specific rules for pets. Reddit

🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining

RiverWest Park primarily offers a campground experience. It's recommended to bring your own food and cooking supplies. Reddit

Dining options are limited directly at the park. You'll likely need to travel to nearby towns for restaurants and grocery stores. Reddit

Campfires are generally permitted in designated fire rings, but always check for local fire restrictions. Reddit

Pack non-perishable items, easy-to-cook meals, and plenty of snacks and drinks, especially if you plan on spending time on the river. Reddit

Information about an onsite store is not readily available. It's best to come prepared with all your necessary supplies. Reddit

📸 📸 Photography

Capture scenic shots of the Elkhorn River, the campground's natural surroundings, and any special events like Ren Faires. TikTok

Golden hour (early morning and late afternoon) offers beautiful lighting for landscape and wildlife photography. TikTok

The river itself, the swimming beach, and any unique structures or event setups during festivals are great photo spots. TikTok

A versatile camera with a good zoom lens is useful for capturing both landscapes and potential wildlife. Waterproof gear is advisable for river activities. TikTok

Drone usage policies can vary. Always check with park management and adhere to local regulations before flying a drone. TikTok

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

RiverWest Park offers some appealing features for families, including a swimming beach on the Elkhorn River and organized movie nights and games for children. These activities can help keep younger visitors entertained. Reddit

However, families should be aware that the campsites are often described as rocky and lacking privacy, which might not be ideal for very young children or those seeking a peaceful environment. The quality of the well water is also something to consider. Despite these points, the friendly staff and the opportunity for river fun make it a potentially enjoyable, albeit imperfect, family destination. Reddit

💰 Budget Travelers

For budget-conscious travelers, RiverWest Park can be an option, especially if focusing on the natural attractions like the Elkhorn River. The cost of camping is generally reasonable, and the primary activities like tubing and swimming are low-cost or free once you're in the park. Reddit

However, be prepared for potential hidden costs. The need to purchase extra-long electrical cords if your site is far from the hookup can add unexpected expenses. Also, the limited dining options mean you'll likely need to budget for groceries and cooking supplies. If you can overlook the campsite privacy and amenity issues, it can be a budget-friendly way to enjoy the river. Reddit

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

Navigating the Elkhorn River

The Elkhorn River is the main draw for many visitors to RiverWest Park, offering opportunities for tubing, canoeing, and kayaking. However, river conditions can be unpredictable. Water levels fluctuate significantly, meaning trips can be cancelled due to being too low or too high. It's crucial to check the latest river reports before heading out. When conditions are right, a leisurely float with friends and coolers is a classic summer experience. Reddit

When planning your river adventure, remember that tube floaters can sometimes be loud and leave trash, which can impact the experience for campers. It's a good idea to be aware of this possibility, especially during peak season. Bringing your own gear or checking rental availability in advance is also recommended. Reddit

Beyond water activities, the park occasionally hosts unique events like Renaissance Faires and LARP gatherings. These themed events add a distinct flavor to the park's offerings, attracting a diverse crowd and providing memorable experiences beyond the typical outdoor recreation. TikTok

Campsite Realities and Amenities

RiverWest Park's campsites are a mixed bag, according to visitor feedback. While the staff is often praised for being friendly and helpful, the campsite layout is frequently described as cramped, with little privacy between sites. This can be a significant drawback for those seeking a secluded camping experience. Reddit

Amenities can also be a point of contention. While basic facilities like restrooms and water sources are available, the well water has been noted for its yellow color and sulfurous smell. Electrical hookups can be problematic, with some sites being excessively far from the power source, requiring visitors to purchase long extension cords. Dump stations are available but can sometimes overflow. Reddit

Despite these drawbacks, the park does offer some family-friendly features, including movie nights and games for children. The presence of long-term campers can also contribute to a particular atmosphere, which some find less desirable. Reddit

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