Fort Niobrara
- Road
- Gravel
- Permit
- Required
Entry needs a reservation or permit. Entry fee: $1.00 per person launch/wristband fee at the Refuge launch kiosk (self-serve fee box). Fort Niobrara is a river on the Niobrara River in Cherry County, Nebraska. See every spot on the Niobrara River.
Closures and warnings
River floating is allowed only downstream from Cornell Dam. All public entry is prohibited upstream of Cornell Dam. Float-tube groups are limited (max five tubes / eight people tied together). As of September 30, 2026.
Before you swim
| Swimming allowed | Yes |
|---|---|
| Water type | River |
| Entry | Walk in |
Access
| Road | Gravel |
|---|---|
| Road note | Vehicles must stay on designated gravelled roadways on the Refuge. |
| Parking | Free parking at the Fort Niobrara NWR public launch near Cornell Bridge; overflow parking at the handicap-access lot across the river. |
| When it fills | Launch parking can be busy in summer; additional parking is available at the handicap-access lot. |
| Fee | $1.00 per person launch/wristband fee at the Refuge launch kiosk (self-serve fee box). |
| Hours | Refuge open to the public during daylight hours only (legal sunrise to sunset). |
| Reservation or permit | Required |
| Wheelchair access | Handicap-accessible canoe/kayak launch downstream of Cornell Bridge on Burr Oak Road. |
| Managed by | U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (Fort Niobrara National Wildlife Refuge) |
| Restrooms | Yes |
|---|---|
| Note | Public canoe/kayak/tube launch with information kiosk, parking, and restroom (NPS launch listing). |
Rules
| Camping | Not allowed |
|---|---|
| Fires | Not allowed |
Common questions
Common questions
Is Fort Niobrara open?
River floating is allowed only downstream from Cornell Dam. All public entry is prohibited upstream of Cornell Dam. Float-tube groups are limited (max five tubes / eight people tied together). As of September 30, 2026. Hours: Refuge open to the public during daylight hours only (legal sunrise to sunset).
Can you swim at Fort Niobrara?
Yes, swimming is allowed at Fort Niobrara.
How do you get to Fort Niobrara?
The road in is gravel. Vehicles must stay on designated gravelled roadways on the Refuge. Parking: Free parking at the Fort Niobrara NWR public launch near Cornell Bridge; overflow parking at the handicap-access lot across the river. Launch parking can be busy in summer; additional parking is available at the handicap-access lot.
Do you need a reservation for Fort Niobrara?
Yes. A reservation or permit is required.
Is there a fee at Fort Niobrara?
The fee is $1.00 per person launch/wristband fee at the Refuge launch kiosk (self-serve fee box).
What facilities are at Fort Niobrara?
Restrooms. Public canoe/kayak/tube launch with information kiosk, parking, and restroom (NPS launch listing).
What are the rules at Fort Niobrara?
Camping is not allowed and fires are not allowed.
Nearby
Nearby
Public land
Fort Niobrara is inside Fort Niobrara National Wildlife Refuge .
Just outside: Fort Niobrara Wilderness (0.8 mi) .
Sources
4
- https://www.fws.gov/refuge/fort-niobrara/visit-us/rules-policies (accessed September 30, 2026; backs manager, waterbodyName / access.hours / rules.camping / rules.fires / hazardNote, access.roadSurface / roadNote)
- https://www.nps.gov/places/fort-niobrara-nwr-launch-site.htm (accessed September 30, 2026; backs access.fee / parking / wheelchairAccess, access.amenities)
- https://www.nps.gov/articles/000/floating-with-your-own-gear.htm (accessed September 30, 2026; backs access.fee / parking free / parkingPattern)
- https://www.fws.gov/refuge/fort-niobrara/visit-us/activities/fishing (accessed September 30, 2026; backs access.permitRequired / hazardNote upstream prohibition / float craft limits, swimmerNotes.swimmingAllowed / waterType / entryType)
More: Nebraska swimming holes