Skip to main content

Calamus campsites temporarily first-come, first-serve

All campsites at Calamus State Recreation Area near Burwell temporarily will be available on a first-come, first-served basis this upcoming season. A roads project in 2024 has affected the ability for reservations to be accepted at campgrounds.

The roads project is part of ongoing efforts to enhance accessibility and safety within the SRA. It includes repaving camper pads, roadways, Virginia Smith Dam and South Lake Road up to Dry Valley, and creating Americans with Disabilities Act-accessible camper pads.

Visitors can expect temporary closures around the park and in the campgrounds. They are encouraged to call the park ahead of arrival for updates at 308-346-5666.

For campers who prefer to make reservations, Sherman Reservoir SRA near Loup City, located approximately 40 miles southeast of Calamus, is available. The expanded West Ridge Campground has 61 campsites with Electric Plus (30/50 amp) service. Reservations are needed for half the sites; the other half are first-come, first-served. 

Find additional outdoor recreation opportunities at OutdoorNebraska.gov/parks/find-a-park.


About Jerry Kane

Jerry Kane is the news manager with the Nebraska Game and Parks Commission. He can be contacted at jerry.kane@nebraska.gov or 402-471-5008.

Related Articles

Drought takes toll on eastern Nebraska oaks

May 30, 2025

Drought takes toll on eastern Nebraska oaks

State parks along Nebraska’s eastern edge are seeing dead or declining trees due to stressors.

Read More
Patrols to focus on reducing alcohol-related accidents at parks, WMAs

May 22, 2025

Patrols to focus on reducing alcohol-related accidents at parks, WMAs

Game and Parks conservation officers will conduct these special enforcement patrols through August.

Read More
Women can learn skills at Introduction to Fishing events

May 21, 2025

Women can learn skills at Introduction to Fishing events

The BOW program will host four of these fun, beginner events at lakes across south-central Nebraska.

Read More