Fort Robinson State Park
Crawford, NE
A former army post set among red bluffs, with restored buildings, a museum and trails into the surrounding pine hills. Start at the museum for context, then drive the park roads, which give good views over the Pine Ridge.
Fort Robinson was established in 1874 as Camp Robinson and played a central role in the Sioux Wars. On May 6, 1877, Crazy Horse surrendered here with about 1,100 followers; on September 5 of that year he was killed here. On January 9, 1879, Northern Cheyenne led by Dull Knife broke out of the barracks, leading to the Fort Robinson massacre. From 1885 the 9th Cavalry Regiment, the Buffalo Soldiers, was stationed here. After World War I the fort became the world's largest army remount depot, and in World War II it held a dog-training center and a prisoner-of-war camp.
The park covers about 8,900 ha (22,000 acres) and lies 3 km (2 miles) west of Crawford. It includes a museum in the 1905 post headquarters, the Trailside Museum of Natural History, historic buildings and the Post Playhouse summer theater. Start at the museum and allow at least half a day.
- Nearest town
- Crawford, NE
- Category
- History & culture
- GPS
- 42.6736, -103.4675
Hours, fees and access change. Confirm with the operator or park before you go.
Good to know
Best time to go
The most pleasant months are usually May–June and September. Still fine, with some compromises, in April, July–August and October. Cold, short days in December–February. (Estimate from long-term temperature averages, terrain and pass seasons)
Sources
Nearby
Campsites nearby
- Soldier Creek CampgroundMotorhome stopover1 mi from Fort Robinson State Park · 76 pitchesMotorhomesElectricity
- Red Cloud CampgroundMotorhome stopover1 mi from Fort Robinson State Park · 32 pitchesMotorhomesElectricity
- Toadstool Geological Park and CampgroundCampsite14 mi from Fort Robinson State Park
- Roberts Tract CampgroundCampsite16 mi from Fort Robinson State ParkTentsCaravans
- Red Cloud CampgroundCampsite24 mi from Fort Robinson State ParkTentsCaravansToilets
- Eagle Rest RV ParkMotorhome stopover25 mi from Fort Robinson State ParkMotorhomes
All campsites in Nebraska · Campsite data: © OpenStreetMap contributors, ODbL 1.0 · Updated October 3, 2026
FAQs
Where is Fort Robinson State Park?
Fort Robinson State Park is in Crawford, NE, at GPS 42.6736, -103.4675. It is about 26 mi from Chadron.
Can you camp near Fort Robinson State Park?
Yes. The nearest campsite listed in OpenStreetMap is Soldier Creek Campground, about 1 mi away; within 25 mi there are 8 campsites and motorhome stopovers.
What is there to see near Fort Robinson State Park?
Places worth a stop nearby: Toadstool Geologic Park (15 mi), Agate Fossil Beds National Monument (23 mi), Chadron State Park (23 mi) and Carhenge (48 mi).
When is the best time to visit Fort Robinson State Park?
The most pleasant months are usually May–June and September. Still fine, with some compromises, in April, July–August and October. (Estimate from long-term temperature averages, terrain and pass seasons)