Skip to main content

Sandy Channel

State Recreation Area

150 S. Highway 183 | Elm Creek, NE 68836

Sandy Channel State Recreation Area provides great opportunities for fishing, floating, kayaking, and primitive camping. This area, located 3 miles south of Elm Creek, encompasses approximately 180 acres, including 52 acres of water in six lakes. Clear water provides a scenic atmosphere for scuba divers. Recent improvements at Sandy Channel include fishing access, boat ramps, picnic tables, grills, hiking trails, kiosk and handicap accessible latrines.

Features

  • Boating
  • Camping
  • Fishing
  • Hunting
  • Picnicking

Attractions

Sandy Channel has a series of sandpit lakes that offer anglers a variety of opportunities. Largemouth bass, bluegill, channel catfish and crappie can be found in all of the pits as well as a variety of other species. Pit #8, the largest pit located on the north and northeast side of the area, may even offer anglers a chance of catching a walleye or even a muskellunge. Bow-fishing and spearfishing opportunities for non-game fish also abound.

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.

Hunting opportunities at Sandy Channel include dove, rabbit and waterfowl on 180 acres of land.

Electric motor and non-powered boats are the only boat types allowed.

Improvements include picnic tables and grills for popular campsites and shaded picnic areas.

Sandy Channel is located near the Elm Creek interchange on I-80. Nearby attractions include the Chevyland U.S.A. Auto Museum, Fort Kearny State Historical Park and the Cabela’s flagship store.

Lodging options

Primitive camping

Sandy Channel offers 30 non-pad sites without electricity which are available year-round on a first come, first serve basis.

Related content

Park FAQs

Park FAQs

Answers to questions frequently asked by park visitors.

Read More
Go Boating

Go Boating

Use these resources to get out on the water safely and legally while boating.

Read More
Fish

Fish

From bank fishing to boat fishing, Nebraska offers you everything you need to reel in a good time.

Read More

Contact Us

150 S. Highway 183
Elm Creek, NE 68836

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.