- Archery range
- Boating
- Camping
- Fishing
State Recreation Area
1 East Park Dr. 25A | Elwood, NE 68937-9804
Ongoing drought conditions may result in low water levels or local fire bans. Please check for updates on our closures and safety advisories page.
Excellent camping, fishing and water sports are hallmarks of this popular area, just 10 miles south of Lexington. This recreation area packs a lot of outdoor fun in 68 acres and provides three access points to the 2,068-acre lake.
It is the heart of a complex of lakes on the Tri-County Canal south of I-80 between Lexington and Cozad. It provides fine outdoor recreation opportunities, especially when joined with the nearby Gallagher Canyon SRA, Elwood Reservoir WMA, Plum Creek and Phillips Canyon.
People watch fireworks on the Fourth of July at Johnson Lake SRA. Julie Geiser, Nebraskaland Magazine/Nebraska Game and Parks Commission
Johnson Lake State Recreation Area. Inlet area at Johnson. Visitors to the SRA walk and sit on the jetty near the boat ramp. Geiser, Sept. 216, 2016. Copyright NEBRASKAland Magazine, Nebraska Game and Parks Commission.
People swim at Johnson Lake SRA as the sun sets. Julie Geiser, Nebraskaland Magazine/Nebraska Game and Parks Commission.
People fish off an accessible fishing pier at Johnson Lake SRA. Julie Geiser, Nebraskaland Magazine/Nebraska Game and Parks Commission
An archery range is located on the north side of the North Inlet Campground. A portion of the archery range has four bag targets at 10, 20, 30 and 40 yards with white rocked lanes. The northern portion has a shooting deck with three bag targets located at different distances. Park guests must bring their own archery equipment.
All types of boats are permitted at the lake. You’ll see fishing boats, sail boats, paddle boats and personal water craft.
Johnson Lake offers excellent angling for a variety of fish, including walleye, white bass and wipers. Recent angler access improvements provide great habitat for quality fishing. Two handicap-accessible fishing piers are available, one on the north side of the inlet and another on the south side. Two fishing cleaning stations are available, as well. Depth and temperature information is available on the Central Nebraska Public Power and Irrigation District website.
The main campground has a one-mile, accessible paved concrete trail that goes from a trailhead on the north side of the park and down to the beach on the south side of the park. Along this section, called the Larry Roper Trail, there are four areas with benches to rest, a free little library (Book Boat), three dog stops with trash cans and bags, fresh water hydrant access, pollinator gardens, and a wildlife viewing blind. Enjoy identifying and learning about the trees along the trail, courtesy of signage provided by the Nebraska Statewide Arboretum.
Johnson Lake has many great areas for friends and family to gather for a cookout or picnic. The area offers over 100 picnic tables and grills, along with five shelters.
A public swim beach provides a place for families to enjoy the water close to amenities and grills for family barbecues.
Johnson Lake has many community and lake events. An annual Independence Day boat parade followed by a fireworks show is always popular with park guests. The annual Juneboree craft fair draws both artisans and shoppers. Other events include eagle viewing, bird watching on the Larry Roper Trail, fishing tournaments and more.
Johnson Lake SRA offers Electric Plus, Electric and Basic campsites. Most of the campsites have 50-amp service, while 24 sites offer 30-amp service. Other amenities include modern restrooms, dump and fill station, shower house, picnic tables and fire ring/grills. In additional to electrical hookup sites, Johnson Lake offers first-come, first-served Basic campsites without electricity.
Camping reservations are available for half of the campsites in the Main and South Inlet campgrounds. Reservations may be made up to 180 days in advance during peak season (May 1 to Oct. 15) for half the campsites in the Main and South Inlet campgrounds. All other campsites are first-come, first-served; campers must register their nightly camping fees in a raised, locked box called an Iron Ranger. Self-service envelopes are provided at each station and accept cash or checks only.
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. Call the Reservation Call Center at 1-844-637-2757 (1-844-NEPARKS) or book online.
