State: Nebraska
Short Name: Lake McConaughy SRA
Address 1: 1450 Highway 61N
City: Ogallala
Zip: 69153
Phone: 308-284-8800
Open: Seasonal
Number of Sites: 2890
Electric: 208
Camp URL: http://www.ngpc.state.ne.us/parks/guides/parksearch/showpark.asp?Area_No=99
Full Hook: Yes
Yes, we still have water. Despite several years of drought, Lake McConaughy is still 12 miles long and boat ramps are available at Divers Bay and Martin Bay. 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. Nebraska’s largest reservoir at 35,700 acres, Lake McConaughy now has a spectacular Visitor/Water Interpretive Center, ½ mile south of Kingsley Dam on Nebr. 62. The center houses parks offices, aquariums and theater, with interactive displays that interpret the benefits of the Platte River and the High Plains Aquifer.
Cedar Vue Campground features all-weather camping pads, a trailer dump station, shower-restroom building, sandy beach, low-water boat ramp, and blacktop roads. Cedar Vue is about 15 miles from the dam on Nebr. 92.
Spring Park at public access road No. 9 offers some good camping. It’s a small, quality area with a mature stand of cottonwoods. Otter Creek is better known as fishermen’s headquarters. It has primitive facilities, plenty of shade, and a protected bay for boat mooring near campsites.
Martin Bay Campground is probably the most popular area at Lake Mcconaughy, Martin Bay appeals especially to anglers, pleasure boaters, water skiers, and sailing enthusiasts. Typical of Big Mac’s north shore, the bay is ringed with clean, fine sand, making for a fine swimming beach. Behind the ring of sand, clusters of trees offer welcome refuge from the hot summer sun and variety from the sand-water landscape. The area has a boat ramp that’s usable during part of the low-water season.
The Lone Eagle Modern Campground is located on the north shore of Lake McConaughy SRA. The campground can be accessed through the Arthur Bay Entrance (Gate #2) from Hwy. 92, and follow the Shoreline Road 2.7 miles west, or you can access the campground through the Sandy Beach Entrance (Gate #4) from Hwy. 92, and then follow the Shoreline Road 1.7 miles east.