The Great Plains do have great beaches, too — just wait and see! It may be known as the Cornhusker State, but Nebraska is awash with beautiful lakesides well worth exploring. Here are a few to put onto your list next time you’re wandering through the heartland.
Nebraska Beaches
Lake McConaughy State Recreation Area Beach
A visit to the beach at Lake McConaughy State Recreation Area will make you feel you’ve ventured much further afield than southwestern Nebraska. Along with ample opportunities for swimming, sunbathing, and even beach-front camping, this lake is beloved for paddling, kayaking, water skiing, windsurfing, SCUBA diving and more. Because of the soft footing and gentle, shallow waters, this beach is a good one for those traveling with small kids and other not-so-strong swimmers.
Things to do near the Lake McConaughy State Recreation Area Beach
Only a short drive from the place where Colorado corners its way into Nebraska, this western plains recreation area is fairly distant from any of the state’s big cities.
Enders Reservoir State Recreation Area Beach
Nestled even further southwest into the state, the Enders Reservoir State Recreation Area is well-known for its beachfront. Because it’s a preserved landscape for waterfowl and other species to enjoy, it’s not as highly developed as some of the other public lands in this area. That said, it’s still an excellent place to enjoy a beach day, particularly if you’re after a more rugged, untouched look at southwestern Nebraska.
Things to do near the Enders Reservoir State Recreation Area Beach
While the state recreation area itself doesn’t offer much in the way of amenities, it’s right around the corner from a well-manicured 9-hole golf course, and several campgrounds are available nearby.
Swanson Reservoir State Recreation Area Beach
Swanson Reservoir State Recreation Area offers an undeveloped beachfront where golden sands and green grasses merge right at the lip of the lake. Along with classic beach-day activities, like swimming and sunbathing, this area is well loved by boaters and watersports enthusiasts. Although the park itself is fairly undeveloped, there is a nearby waterside restaurant, campgrounds, a ranch with a hunting club, and wilderness hiking trails all around the lake’s perimeter.
Things to do near the Swanson Reservoir State Recreation Area Beach
The nearby town of Stratton may be small, but it’s got you covered when it comes to basic vacation necessities — and offers a couple of great down-home restaurants, to boot.
Calamus Reservoir State Recreation Area Beach
Broad, golden-sanded shores offer plenty of room to spread out a towel or pitch a tent, and windsurfers are commonly spotted along the cerulean surface of the lake. Need more incentive to visit the beach at Calamus Reservoir State Recreation Area? This lake is surrounded by nearly 5,000 acres of countryside, which is criss-crossed with hiking trails and populated with native grasses and other local flora and fauna.
Things to do near the Calamus Reservoir State Recreation Area Beach
As one of the most popular vacation zones in Nebraska, it’s no surprise that this state recreation area is surrounded by tourist-specific amenities, including marine and sports shops, campgrounds, eateries, and another gorgeous golf course.
Fremont State Recreation Area Beach
Where the Platte River runs through the city of Fremont, it breaks out into a collection of small but scenic lakes. This is what the Fremont State Recreation Area protects and takes advantage of. Along with showers and restrooms, this state recreation area offers guests an enticing lakefront beach for swimming, sunbathing and more.
Things to do near the Fremont State Recreation Area Beach
The city of Fremont is home to Midland University, and like many college towns, it offers more than its fair share of cultural attractions and entertainment options. Wander its quaint downtown to peruse shops and restaurants, or revel in one of the many maintained green spaces and parks that round out the preserve that this state recreation area provides.
Wagon Trail Lake State Recreation Area Beach
Wagon Trail Lake State Recreation Area offers stunning scenery as well as perfectly swimmable and sunbathe-able beachfronts. The sandy shore is perfect for sand-castle building or simply sitting back to enjoy the stunning sunsets that so frequently make their presence known. It’s also the perfect lake for kayaking and other paddle sports!
Things to do near the Wagon Trail Lake State Recreation Area
A half-hour’s drive southeast of Lincoln, this state recreation area is both easy to reach and far enough away to make you feel like you’ve truly gotten away from it all, the perfect combination for a beach getaway destination from the city. Not sure where to stay? We’ve got you covered with the best campgrounds in the Lincoln area.
Iron Horse Trail Lake Beach
The blue waters and peachy-white sands at Iron Horse Trail Lake Beach are framed by beautiful green Nebraska grasses and overhanging tree branches. The park has installed a volleyball net, so you and the family (or a group of friends!) can enjoy a friendly competitive game if you need to work up a sweat after chilling lakeside for a few hours.
Things to do near the Iron Horse Trail Lake Beach
Located about equidistant from the small towns of Pawnee City and Du Bois, this lakeside beach is an excellent off-the-beaten-path choice for those who aren’t into crowds but are into wide-open spaces.
The Best Nebraska Beaches for RVers
Branched Oak Lake State Recreation Area Beach
If you’re looking for the ultimate beach getaway, the Branched Oak Lake State Recreation Area Beach is it. This sprawling state recreation area includes tons of sandy shorelines, its very own marina, picnic facilities, and more. There’s also a playground available to keep your kids entertained once they get sick of splashing. Along the lakeshore, you can see sailors, pontoon boaters, paddle boarders and a variety of other watersports enthusiasts take to the waves.
Why This Beach is Perfect for RVers
This park is extra awesome because it offers onsite RV camping. This means you can park your RV right in the middle of the action.
Things to do near the Branched Oak Lake State Recreation Area Beach
The nearby Branched Oak Observatory is the perfect spot for those who are fascinated by the night sky. Meanwhile, the city of Lincoln waits just twenty minutes away and offers the perfect combination of urban and rural adventure. Here are some local campgrounds to consider.
Pawnee State Recreation Area Beach
Pawnee State Recreation Area offers not just one, but two soft, sandy beaches that edge up on the lake’s blue water.There are also other developments and amenities onsite to make for a thrilling family beach day (or family beach weekend). The Pawnee State Park Outdoor Shotgun Range is the perfect place to practice your aim and fire, and on-site horse corrals make it easy to camp with your four-legged, hooved family members, too.
Why This Beach is Perfect for RVers
This park offers two on-site campgrounds for both tent campers and RVers, hookups included. This is great news for those who want to stay near all the fun.
Things to do near the Pawnee State Recreation Area Beach
This park is situated only 20 minutes away from downtown Lincoln — which has all its own unique charms to offer visitors and residents alike. Take the kids to the Lincoln Children’s Museum or treat yourself to some fine dining and nightlife.
Louisville State Recreation Area Beach
A well-developed state recreation area with restrooms, on-site showers and more, this preserve is perhaps best known for its stunning soft-sand beaches. It also plays host to boat docks which make it easy to launch and access any vessel you might want to sail along its waves. Meanwhile, it’s all surrounded by the deep green Nebraska foliage you expect along the riverside, and only a short drive from both of Nebraska’s major population centers.
Why This Beach is Perfect for RVers
This is another park that offers some lovely onsite camping. Why not book a campsite and take advantage of this super convenient fact?
Things to do near the Louisville State Recreation Area Beach
Approximately halfway between Omaha and Lincoln, this state recreation area is near plenty to see and do. It’s also only a few minutes away from Platte River State Park, which offers all its own worthwhile attractions. Here are some local campgrounds to consider.
Planning an RV Trip to Nebraska
While you’re in Nebraska, be sure to visit the best state parks and book stays in some of the top 10 campgrounds and RV parks in the entire state. You’ll also want to make time to see Omaha and Lincoln and some of Nebraska’s must-see landmarks.
