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Medicine Creek

State Recreation Area

40611 Road 728 | Cambridge, NE 69022-9312

Located in peaceful southwest Nebraska, Medicine Creek is a great hidden outdoor getaway. Four two-bedroom fully furnished lakeside modern cabins are available for outdoor lovers. Camping, fishing, swimming, picnicking and boating are popular on this 1,768-acre lake.

Features

  • Boating
  • Cabins
  • Camping
  • Fishing
  • Food Service
  • Hunting
  • Picnicking
  • Playground
  • Swimming

Attractions

You’ll see fishing boats, sail boats, paddle boats and personal watercraft. Three ramps and three docks are available.

With the long narrow configuration of the lake, much of which is shaded by mature stands of trees and lush underbrush, Medicine Creek offers outdoor buffs plenty of recreational opportunity, plus plenty of private spots to get away from it all. The long bays that pocket the winding shore and the small islands provide anglers with hotspots for king-sized crappie and other panfish. In early spring, walleye start hitting back in the shallows, but the walleye fishing really begins in June in the main body of the lake.

The dam on Medicine Creek is a zoned, earth-filled structure. It is 165 feet high and 5,665 feet long. At the top of the conservation pool, the lake covers 1,768 surface acres, with 29 miles of shoreline. Completed in 1949, the dam is 30 feet wide at the top and 840 feet at the base. Water stored irrigates some 16,630 acres of land.

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 Americans with Disabilities Act-compliant boat ramps and docks, among other features in reservoirs, lakes, streams and rivers statewide. Lake contour maps are available for some lakes, as well.

Excellent hunting abounds in the spring, fall and winter months. In the fall, hunters will find that Medicine Creek is one of the finest public hunting areas in the state, for its wildlife lands lie in the heart of southwest Nebraska’s pheasant and quail range. More than 5,500 acres have been extensively managed for wildlife habitat.

Medicine Creek offers plenty of opportunities for picnics with 136 picnic tables and 122 grills.

Medicine Creek has a public swim beach.

Cambridge

Medicine Creek is located just 10 miles north of Cambridge, which offers modern lodging, shopping and dining options.

Concessions and McCook

The private concession on the south side of the dam on Trail No. 1, offers a restaurant, grocery items, camping supplies, bait, tackle, gas, modern air-conditioned cabins and hunting, fishing and park entry permits. McCook, Nebraska offers opportunities for modern lodging, dining and shopping.

Nearby reservoirs

Other Southwest Reservoirs include Swanson, Enders and Red Willow, which all provide great opportunities for fishing, camping, boating, swimming and family recreation.

Lodging options

Cabins

Medicine Creek State Recreation Area has four lakefront cabins on the east side of the lake in the Shady Bay Campground, Trail 4. Each two-bedroom cabin is approximately 532 square feet, has air conditioning, a full bathroom, furnished kitchen and a covered deck overlooking the lake. Linens and utensils are provided.

Camping

Medicine Creek SRA offers campers Electric Plus, Electric, Basic and Primitive camping, with 72 all-weather camping pads with electricity. Along with electrical sites, Medicine Creek SRA offers numerous Basic and over 200 Primitive campsites in several campgrounds.

All campers have access to modern restrooms, showers, dump and fill station, vault toilets and nearby concession.

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Contact Us

40611 Rd 728
Cambridge, NE 69022

Park Pricing

A park entry permit is required to visit state parks and may be purchased at the park, statewide Game and Parks offices and permit vendors, or in advance of your arrival online. View those fees, as well as attraction and amenity pricing.

Reservations

Reservations are accepted for cabins, lodge rooms, and group lodges up to one year in advance of the arrival date. Reservations for camping are accepted up to 180 days in advance of arrival date. The Reservation Call Center hours are Monday-Friday 9 a.m. – 6 p.m. (CT) and closed on holidays.

Park Events

Our 76 gorgeous state park and recreations areas host a plethora of events throughout the year. From bird hikes to kayak races, Living History events to family outdoor days, our parks host something fun for every outdoor enthusiast.