Sometimes the best finds on the road are the ones you least expect. You can be rolling through what seems like a simple blip on the map and discover a real gem. That’s the feeling I get when I think about Blair, Nebraska, and its wonderful little city run park, the Bob Hardy RV Park. This place isn’t new or flashy, in fact, it has been welcoming travelers with open arms since 1991, and that history gives it a certain charm. Perched on the bluffs overlooking the mighty Missouri River, this park is a perfect example of small town hospitality. It offers just eight hard surfaced sites, which keeps it cozy and quiet, along with potable water, clean showers, and a blessedly simple, free flow dump station. It’s the ideal stopover if you’re taking the scenic route to explore rural northeast Nebraska or dipping down into southern Iowa.
Taking a pause in a town like Blair is a reward in itself. It encourages you to slow down and appreciate the quieter side of travel. Just a short ten mile drive north of the park is the DeSoto National Wildlife Refuge, a massive 8,365 acre sanctuary for migratory birds. If you are there in the autumn, you can witness one of nature’s greatest spectacles: tens of thousands of snow geese blanketing DeSoto Lake. It’s a sight and sound you will never forget. For the history buffs among us, a detour to Fort Atkinson State Historical Park is an absolute must. This was the very first United States military post established west of the Missouri River, and on weekends, they often have living history demonstrations that bring the frontier era to life. After a day of exploring, you can wander through downtown Blair, popping into the local cafes and antique shops. It has a relaxed, authentic river town vibe that feels a million miles away from the interstate.
Using a municipal dump station like the one at Bob Hardy Park is a refreshingly straightforward affair. It operates on a simple, trust based system. Check in, if you can even call it that, happens at a small kiosk on the south side of the shower house. A city worker might swing by on occasion, but more often than not, it’s completely self serve. The dump inlet itself is situated on a paved loop that’s plenty wide enough to accommodate even the biggest Class A motorhomes. Because this is a city park, nestled right in the community, there are a few common sense rules to follow. They ask that you limit your stay to fourteen nights, which is more than generous, and that you respect the quiet hours. It’s a peaceful place, and everyone who uses it has a responsibility to help keep it that way.
The amenities here are simple but incredibly effective. You’ve got easy access to potable water, so you can fill your freshwater tank before or after you handle the black tank. The showers and restrooms are reported to be basic but consistently clean, and they stay open until the first hard freeze of the season. A huge plus is that all eight of the pads are wired with both 30 and 50 amp electric hookups, which is fantastic for recharging your house batteries after a few days of boondocking. There’s a playground and picnic tables, making it a great spot if you’re traveling with kids who need to burn off some energy. There are large trash cans on site, but it’s always a nice gesture to pack out your recyclables if you can, just to help keep the city’s operational costs down. You won’t find gas or propane right in the park, but the nearest fuel station is just a couple of miles south on US-75. And like most city parks, there’s a leash ordinance for pets, but there’s a great dog park nearby where they can run free.
The value here is simply unbeatable. The city posts its fees right at the kiosk. Based on recent visitor reports, you can expect to pay around fifteen dollars for a night with electric, or a mere five dollars just to use the dump station. Payment is old school: cash or check in the dropbox. You have to love that small town charm. Of course, it’s always a good idea to verify the current rates, as municipal budgets can and do change from year to year.
Here are a few handy tips for your visit. Make sure you bring exact change or a checkbook, since credit cards are not accepted at the payment kiosk. Try to time your stop to include a sunrise trip to the DeSoto Refuge for some incredible bird watching. If you need to restock your pantry, there’s a Super Saver grocery store just a mile north of the park. And most importantly, be a good neighbor. Respect the quiet hours, which run from 10 p.m. to 6 a.m., as local residents live right next to the park.
My final verdict on Bob Hardy RV Park is that it’s an absolute treasure. It delivers a low cost, full service breather with a friendly, welcoming small town atmosphere. When you add in its close proximity to incredible wildlife sanctuaries and fascinating frontier history, it becomes more than just a pit stop. It’s a destination worth seeking out. If you need absolute confirmation on dump fees or want to check on seasonal closures before you arrive, a quick and friendly call to Blair City Hall is all it takes. This is a spot worth bookmarking for any RVer who values peace, quiet, and a genuine slice of Americana.
1978 Nebraska St, Blair, NE 68008
(402) 426-4191
Cost: Price not available
Category: Lodging
Has Water
