- Archery range
- Biking
- Boating
- Camping
- Disc golf
State Recreation Area
3900 NW. 105th St. | Lincoln, NE 68524
Ongoing drought conditions may result in low water levels or local fire bans. Please check for updates on our closures and safety advisories page.
Pawnee State Recreation Area features nearly 2,000 acres, 740 of which are water acres. Diverse recreation opportunities on this area draw anglers, birders, boaters, hikers, hunters, shutterbugs and anyone else who enjoys the outdoors.
Fishing in the fall with your favorite friend. Eric Fowler, Nebraska Game and Parks Commission
Equestrian trails with a lake view. Eric Fowler, Nebraska Game and Parks Commission
The Area 4 campground offers spacious campsites near the water. Eric Fowler, Nebraska Game and Parks Commission
People relax outside their camper in the Area 4 campground. Eric Fowler, Nebraska Game and Parks Commission
Soak up some rays at the swim beach at Area 1. Eric Fowler, Nebraska Game and Parks Commission
Visitors enjoy water recreation at Pawnee. Eric Fowler, Nebraska Game and Parks Commission
All types of boats are welcome at Pawnee SRA. The lake offers three ramps and two docks.
Pawnee State Recreation Area is a popular spot with anglers. White bass, walleye, largemouth bass, bluegill and two kinds of catfish, among others, can all be found in the lake. Pawnee also has a fish cleaning station.
Pawnee has 6 miles of trails for hiking, biking and horseback riding.
Hunting is permitted in season beginning the first Tuesday after Labor Day. Hunters will find abundant small game, waterfowl and whitetail deer.
Pawnee’s close proximity to Lincoln makes it a popular day-use spot. The area has over 50 picnic tables, more than 200 grills, and two shelters — one of which is available for rental.
Pawnee State Recreation Area offers a shotgun-only shooting range (no pellet guns, rifles, handguns, etc.) The range is open from sunrise to sunset. There is no additional fee. A valid state park entry permit required.
Pawnee SRA has two swimming beaches. No lifeguards are on duty.
Pawnee SRA offers campers Electric Plus, Electric, Basic, and Equestrian Basic campsites. The area offers 101 all-weather camping pads with 20-, 30- and 50-amp electrical hookups, as well as 34 camping pads without electricity and 97 non-pad sites without electricity. Sites 1-73 have 50-amp hookups. The shady campground offers water, showers and modern restrooms. A dump and fill station is available at the area.
Reservations for campsites are available for 47 of the campsites (sites 22-52) in Lakeview Campground. All other camping is 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 station and accept cash or checks only.
Shelter houses may be reserved by calling the park at 402-796-2362.
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.
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.
