Toadstool Geologic Park
Crawford, NE
Eroded sandstone caps balance on pale pedestals in a small badlands basin, with a short loop trail winding between them. The access road is gravel, so check conditions after rain and bring water in summer.
Toadstool Geologic Park lies in the Oglala National Grassland in Dawes County, Nebraska, and is managed by the U.S. Forest Service; it is open around the clock. The badlands landscape features rock formations that resemble mushrooms and is also called the "desert of the Pine Ridge." A loop trail of about 1.6 km (1 mile) passes numerous fossils, which may not be removed. Remains of entelodonts and hyaenodons, among others, have been found here.
If you want to hike farther, follow the roughly 4.8 km (3 mile) Bison Trail to the Hudson-Meng Bison Kill, which crosses Whitehead Creek. There is a camping area with two toilets and a reconstructed sod house. Access is via Nebraska Highway 2/71 and Toadstool Road north of Crawford. Bring plenty of water in summer and allow about one to two hours for the loop trail.
- Nearest town
- Crawford, NE
- Category
- Nature & parks
- GPS
- 42.8667, -103.6000
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)
Nearby
Campsites nearby
- Toadstool Geological Park and CampgroundCampsite1 mi from Toadstool Geologic Park
- Soldier Creek CampgroundCampsite12 mi from Toadstool Geologic Park
- Soldier Creek CampgroundMotorhome stopover16 mi from Toadstool Geologic Park · 76 pitchesMotorhomesElectricity
- Red Cloud CampgroundMotorhome stopover16 mi from Toadstool Geologic Park · 32 pitchesMotorhomesElectricity
All campsites in Nebraska · Campsite data: © OpenStreetMap contributors, ODbL 1.0 · Updated October 3, 2026
FAQs
Where is Toadstool Geologic Park?
Toadstool Geologic Park is in Crawford, NE, at GPS 42.8667, -103.6000. It is about 31 mi from Chadron.
Can you camp near Toadstool Geologic Park?
Yes. The nearest campsite listed in OpenStreetMap is Toadstool Geological Park and Campground, about 1 mi away; within 25 mi there are 4 campsites and motorhome stopovers.
What is there to see near Toadstool Geologic Park?
Places worth a stop nearby: Fort Robinson State Park (15 mi), Agate Fossil Beds National Monument (32 mi), Chadron State Park (32 mi) and The Mammoth Site (39 mi).
When is the best time to visit Toadstool Geologic 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)