Scottsbluff YMCA Trails West Camp

Scottsbluff, Nebraska


12 Cabins, 7 Tent Sites

Overlooking the North Platte River and the iconic bluffs of Scotts Bluff National Monument in western Nebraska, the Scottsbluff YMCA Trails West Camp occupies one of the most historically resonant landscapes in American westward expansion—the gateway through which hundreds of thousands of Oregon, California, and Mormon Trail pioneers passed in the mid-19th century on their way to new lives in the American West. Managed by the regional YMCA on the river's north bank directly beneath the Monument's commanding profile, the camp offers cabin accommodations with modern comforts, a full fitness center, outdoor pool, tent camping, and an events facility that serves both organized group retreats and individual travelers who want to experience the monument's extraordinary landscape on their own schedule. Cabins accommodate guests in furnished comfort with queen beds, bunk beds, private baths, satellite TV, and WiFi—providing a significantly more comfortable base than tent camping while maintaining an intimate scale appropriate to the natural and historical surroundings. An outdoor pool, fitness center, and indoor and outdoor event spaces serve the group retreat market that represents the camp's institutional core, while fire pits, showers, laundry facilities, a low ropes course, and a zipline provide recreation for groups and individual guests alike. Tent camping is available for those who prefer a more traditional camping experience in this exceptional setting. The YMCA's organizational values—accessibility and community—shape a property that genuinely welcomes individual travelers alongside its organized group programming. Scotts Bluff National Monument, visible from the camp and accessible within minutes, preserves the ancient volcanic tuff formations that rise 800 feet above the North Platte River to create the distinctive profile that Oregon Trail pioneers could see for days before reaching them. The Scotts Bluff summit road and trail provide panoramic views across the North Platte Valley and the High Plains that extend to the horizon in every direction—a view that gives immediate physical comprehension of the scale of the landscape the pioneers were crossing. The monument's visitor center displays original William Henry Jackson photographs and Scotts Bluff itself provides the tactile connection to the trail ruts, the register cliffs, and the pioneer experience. The broader region encompasses a remarkable concentration of landmark sites along the Oregon Trail corridor: Chimney Rock National Historic Site, visible 23 miles to the southeast across the flat river valley and arguably the most frequently mentioned and described landmark in pioneer trail journals, represents one of the defining images of American westward migration. Agate Fossil Beds National Monument, 34 miles to the north, protects Miocene-era fossils including the bones of ancient rhinoceroses and other species that define the paleontological significance of the Great Plains landscape beneath its current grassland surface. Scottsbluff operates as a genuine four-season destination, with the grassland and river landscape offering its own seasonal character in each month. Spring and fall provide the most comfortable temperatures for exploring the trail sites, and fall in particular brings the migration of thousands of sandhill cranes through the North Platte Valley in one of the great wildlife spectacles of the central flyway. Summer evenings bring ranger programs at the monument and the expansive Great Plains sunset that travelers who have only experienced the Rocky Mountain version discover as its own kind of spectacular. Reserve your cabin or tent site at YMCA Trails West Camp and spend your mornings on the same ground where 400,000 Americans walked toward their futures.

What does this place offer

  • Bird/Wildlife Watching
  • Cabins
  • Gaga Ball
  • Pavilion
  • Pet Friendly
  • Pool - Outdoor
  • River/Stream/Creek
  • River/Stream/Creek Nearby
  • Swimming

Select your site to book online


Location

Scottsbluff YMCA Trails West Camp, 1918 S Beltline Hwy W, Scottsbluff, NE 69363, USA


Things to know

Check-in: 3:00 PM

Check-out: 10:00 AM

Rules

Check-In and Check-Out Procedure - Check-in 3:00 PM. - Check-out 10:00 AM. - Venue check-in and check-out times correlate with your reservation times. - For full-day reservations, check-in is at 8:00 am and check-out is at 10:00 pm - While each park attempts to accommodate your exact spot request, the on-site manager has the ultimate decision for spot placement. Multi-Day Events - Multi-day events can access their reserved buildings for the full duration (24 hours) of their reserved days. - Please contact the Camp Coordinator to verify your multi-day check-out times. Alcohol Policy - Alcohol is permitted in the facility you have rented, but is confined to indoor consumption only. - The adult signing this contract will be responsible for any & all behavior, damages, additional cleaning expenses, and following State laws on minors. - The signing adult will be responsible for any failure to comply with such laws. Substance Policy - Possession of illegal drugs is prohibited on all camp property. Smoking Policy - All buildings and the entire camp property are smoke-free. - No smoking or vaping at any time while on Camp property. Group Leader Responsibilities - As a group leader, you are responsible for all actions of your group and for enforcing these policies. - The group leader assumes responsibility for all damages caused by your group to Camp property. Youth Supervision - All youth, 19 and under, shall be under the direct supervision of a responsible adult throughout the duration of your stay at the Camp. Noise and Music Policy - No loud music or bands will be permitted to play after 10:00 PM unless special permission is given by the Director and a waiver has been filed with the City of Scottsbluff. Pet Policy - Pets are not permitted unless otherwise stated in the cabin listing. Prohibited Items - Fireworks, firearms, ammunition, and chainsaws are NOT PERMITTED. Liability and Safety - The YMCA assumes no responsibility for loss of property or belongings brought to the Camp. - Safety is your responsibility. - The YMCA does not provide medical, emergency, or First Aid personnel at the Camp. - This excludes reservations for the pool, in which case the YMCA will provide two lifeguards and emergency equipment. - If an accident or injury occurs, the group leader shall contact the camp director to be sure proper procedures are followed. Fire Safety - All outdoor fires must remain in established fire pits and cannot be left unattended. - Fire pits cannot be moved to a different location. - The fire pits are available on a first-come, first-served basis. Environmental Responsibility - Please keep the Camp property and the surrounding nature free of all litter. - Improperly disposed of trash can blow into the river and impact local wildlife. Consideration of Other Groups - You are responsible for awareness and consideration of other groups present at the Camp. - This includes but is not limited to maintaining reasonable noise levels in cabins or facilities, maintaining proper decorum at meals, and sharing joint recreation facilities. - Quiet time for overnight guests is between the hours of 11:00 PM and 7:00 AM. Shared Use Areas and Private Ceremonies - The lawn by the North Platte River and the three crosses is considered shared use. - All guests with reservations can use the lawn free of charge. - Private ceremonies are allowed for a 2-hour time period, which must be communicated with the camp director. - Private ceremonies will be allowed on a first-come, first-served basis. - Chairs and decorations for private ceremonies must be set up and removed within your 2-hour time period. - Please understand that there may be other events at the camp during your time. - We will communicate with other guests if there is a private ceremony, but we are not responsible for the behavior of other guests during your private ceremony. Program Area Use - Use of program areas, such as the pool and paintball course, must be arranged with the YMCA in advance and must be under the supervision of YMCA staff. Reservations and Payments - When reserving a facility or cabins at the Camp, a signed contract and 50% of the total fee are required at the time you make your reservation, or payment by check is required within 2 weeks of receiving the contract. - A credit card is required to secure your reservation. Your credit card will be charged for any damages to or loss of Camp property that may occur during your stay. Taxes - All overnight lodging is subject to 9.2% lodging tax and 7% sales tax. - A copy of tax-exempt forms, if applicable, is required on file before taxes will be removed.

Cancellation Policy

Cancellation and Refund Policy - 61 + days prior to arrival, 90% will be refunded. - 31–60 days prior to arrival, 50% will be refunded. - Less than 30 days prior to arrival, no refund. - You may request a refund at any time. - All refund amounts are determined by the cancellation policy and will be returned to your credit card within 5–10 business days. - No refunds are given for checking out a day early. - All Spot2Nite reservations require payment in full at the time of booking. - Please contact Spot2Nite to cancel a reservation via email to [email protected] or call (877)778-2683, Option 1. - Spot2Nite convenience fees and credit card processing fees are non-refundable.