- Boating
- Camping
- Fishing
- Hunting
- Picnicking
- Playground
- Swimming
Box Butte Reservoir SRA encompasses 2,212 acres on the west edge of the Sandhills, 9 miles north of Hemingford. It includes a 1,600-acre lake. The area is a good spot for fishing, camping and picnicking and also features some of the best birdwatching opportunities in the Nebraska panhandle.
Attractions
Fishing
Box Butte Reservoir provides good fishing opportunity for northern pike, channel catfish, walleye, smallmouth bass, largemouth bass, bluegill, yellow perch and rock bass. A fish cleaning station is available.
For more information on fishing opportunities here and at parks across the state, visit the interactive public fishing areas map. This map provides detailed information on available species, regulations, public boat ramps, fish cleaning stations and ADA-accessible boat ramps and docks , among other features in reservoirs, lakes, streams and rivers statewide. Lake contour maps are available for some lakes, as well.
Boating
All types of boating are permitted. There are two ramps and two docks available.
Birding
Box Butte Reservoir State Recreation Area is well-known for its birding opportunities. Among species that have been spotted there are Say’s Phoebes, Ferruginous Hawks, Eastern Bluebird, Eastern Wood-pewee, Indigo Bunting and Wood Thrush.
Swimming
A swimming beach allows visitors a chance to cool off on hot summer days. There are no lifeguards on duty.
Picnicking
Box Butte Reservoir SRA offers four picnic shelters, 40 tables and 29 grills. Cottonwoods and willows provide shade.
Camping
Camping
Box Butte offers campers Electric Plus, Electric, and Basic camping. There are 14 camping pads with 30- and 50-amp electrical hookups. The park also offers 40 non-pad Basic campsites without electricity.
Other camping amenities include drinking water and primitive restrooms.
Camping is all first-come, first-served and campers register their nightly camping fees in a raised, locked box called an Iron Ranger. Self-service envelopes are provided at each Iron Ranger station. Check or cash only. Iron Rangers are generally located near the park entrance or in the campground area. On-site camping informational signs are provided to help guide campers with the self-registration process.
Map
Fees
A park entry permit is required and may be purchased at statewide Game and Parks offices and permit vendors or in advance of your arrival online.
Nearby attractions
Chadron State Park
Nebraska’s oldest state park, Chadron State Park offers cabins, camping and many activities against the backdrop of Nebraska’s beautiful Pine Ridge.
Fort Robinson State Park
Stunning Fort Robinson State Park comprises more than 22,000 acres of exquisite Pine Ridge scenery, compelling old west history, exceptional lodging, scenic camping and the park’s own buffalo and longhorn herds.
Nebraska National Forest and Grasslands
Nebraska National Forest and Grasslands offers a combination native ponderosa pine forest, hand-planed forest and mixed grass.
Contact Information
Address: Box Butte Reservoir SRA | PO Box 392 | Crawford, NE 69339-0392
9 1/2 miles north of Hemingford, Neb.
Phone: (308) 665-2903
Email: Send email
