Campgrounds and Camping Reservations - Nebraska Game and Parks Commission

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SPOTLIGHTS
Chadron State Park	Lake Ogallala/Lake McConaughy State Recreation Areas
Chadron State Park is one of Nebraska's best kept secret within the state park system. Voted one of Reserve America's Top 25 in Biking Trails, Chadron State Park will entertain every member of the family. The majestic beauty of the Pine Ridge forms the backdrop for the park and it lies in the heart of the Nebraska National Forest, which is dominated by ponderosa pines. The Pine Ridge is an arch-shaped escarpment some 100 miles and up to 20 miles wide. It consists of intermingled stands of ponderosa pine and prairie. It is rugged country with broken ridges, buttes and small streams, which makes it great for mountain biking. This area has 22 cabins nestled on the hillsides, blending into the natural landscape. Campers are also welcome, with 70 camping pads with electrical hookups and primitive camping is available for tent camping. There is much to do at the park, including, playgrounds, horseback riding, hiking and biking, swimming pool, tennis, sand volleyball, craft center, bird watching, wildlife viewing, paddleboats, fishing, archery and disc golf. The lagoon and Chadron Creek offer excellent trout fishing. Sports equipment, including mountain bikes may be rented at the park office. This park is in an area that has several overlapping geographical ranges of bird and plant life; the Ridges also boast a great diversity of both flora and fauna. Over 80 species of trees, shrubs, wildflowers and grasses occur here, along with 50 species of song, shore and game birds. This is Nebraska's oldest state park and pains are taken to retain the integrity of the area. For those who truly want to escape the hectic pace of life, Chadron State Park is the ideal locale. Here, one can literally retreat to the leisure of a bygone age.	Lake Ogallala and Lake McConaughy State Recreation Areas are adjacent to one another and boast excellent fishing, boating, swimming and overall fun on the water. Lake McConaughy is the largest lake in Nebraska and provides for much fun in the sun. Despite several years of drought, Lake McConaughy (Big Mac) is still 12 miles long and boat ramps are available at Divers Bay and Martin Bay. Lake McConaughy now has a spectacular Visitor/Water Interpretive Center 1/2 mile south of Kingsley Dam on Nebraska Highway 62. The center houses park offices, aquariums, a theater, and interactive displays that interpret the benefits of the Platte River and the High Plains Aquifer, which is the largest underground aquifer in the United States. While campers will find more beach available to set up on for primitive camping, folks requiring modern sites with electricity and showers should be prepared to drive or walk some distance to the lake shore. There are 268 camping pads with electrical hookups and 58 camping pads without electricity. There are over 2,000 non-pad sites without electricity at Big Mac. Amenities included at this area are swimming beaches, boat ramps, boating, fishing, fish cleaning stations and picnicking. Lake McConaughy has been voted one of Reserve America's Top 25 in Park beaches and one of the Top 50 in fishing in 2008. Chilled by the massive surface of Lake McConaughy, a breeze sweeps gently across Kingsley Dam and tumbles 160 feet to the surface of Lake Ogallala. There, at the "little lake" , anglers and campers enjoy the natural air conditioning, but the sunset comes early in the shadow of the towering dam to the west. It is a small, gentle, sedate place that people will find more peaceful than it's counterpart across the dam. It is chillier at this lake and visitors should be prepared for a distinct difference between the two lakes. Fishing and paddling are the primary Lake Ogallala water sports. Only the hardiest swimmers venture a dip in water entering Lake Ogallala because it is a chilly 51 degrees. There also isn't a true beach along its five-mile shoreline. There are 62 camping pads with electrical hookups, 20 camping pads without electricity, and 180 non-pad sites with electricity. The area offers a shady modern campground and provides for a relaxing time that slows your pace as opposed to the high octane energy of Lake McConaughy. Lake Ogallala has been voted one of Reserve America's Top 50 in fishing in 2008.
RECREATION
Be sure to look into participating in the Great Park Pursuit in Nebraska while here or perhaps look into doing a little spring turkey hunting in June. Late spring and early summer fishing is gearing up and you can't go wrong trying out one of our numerous State Recreation Areas or Parks to fish at. Check Nebraska Game and Parks Commission's website for specifics on hunting seasons and regulations, as well as fishing regulations.
NEWS & EVENTS
The following events are occurring throughout the state in June and July: Great Park Pursuit statewide- May 1 through September 8 Every Saturday buffalo cookouts at Niobrara State Park- June and July "Very Important Kids Day" at Victoria Springs State Recreation Area- June 6 Carp Tournament at Calamus State Recreation Area- June 6 Rock Creek Trail Days at Rock Creek Station State Recreation Area and Historical Park- June 6-7 Living history at Indian Cave State Park- June 6-7 Pony Express Re-Ride at Midnight at Fort Kearny State Recreation Area/Historical Park- June 11 Chadron State Park Anniversary events- June 20 Pawnee Storytelling at Fort Kearny State Recreation Area/Historical Park- June 20 Father's Day Fossil Hunt at Ponca State Park- June 20 Father's Day Fossil Hunt and Fish Fry at Ponca State Park- June 21 Father's Day buffet at E.T. Mahoney State Park- June 21 Father's Day buffet at Platte River State Park- June 21 Carp-O-Rama at Pawnee State Recreation Area- June 27 Art Show at Fort Robinson State Park- July 2-4 4th of July celebration at Fort Robinson State Park- July 4 4th of July Stampede Days at Fort Kearny State Recreation Area/Historical Park- July 4 Living History at Indian Cave State Park- July 4-5 4th of July Holiday Buffet at Platte River State Park- July 4 Fur Trade Days at Chadron State Park- July 10-12 Star Gazing at E.T. Mahoney State Park- July 10 Annual Kites and Castles Day at Lake McConaughy State Recreation Area- July 25