Skip to main content

Reminder: Campers at Lakes McConaughy, Ogallala need reservations

With the July 4 holiday weekend rapidly approaching, campers are reminded they will need a reservation to stay overnight at Lake McConaughy and Lake Ogallala state recreation areas.

Campers should book their reservation at the two state recreation areas before leaving home. Reservations can be made online, via mobile app RA Camping, or by phone at 308-284-8800 during business hours.

Designated campground sites can be reserved 180 days prior to arrival date, and beach camping sites can be reserved 30 days prior to arrival date.

Same-day reservations may be made online or by phone until 5 p.m. Mountain time, if sites remain available. Once capacities are reached, no additional overnight camping will be allowed; for alternative lodging options, including private campgrounds, hotels or cabins, visit ILoveLakeMac.com.

Campers must arrive and check in with park staff, in-person, at the Visitor Center or at a staffed entrance booth between 2 p.m. and 9 p.m. Mountain time. Registered campers will receive an email with more details regarding their reservation prior to arrival.

Day-use activities are not limited and do not require a reservation.

A park entry permit is required of each vehicle entering each SRA and can be purchased in advance online.

Boaters who register their motorized watercraft in any other state also must have an Aquatic Invasive Species Stamp each year they boat in Nebraska. This stamp, $15 for nonresidents, is available for purchase online.

Learn more, make your reservation or buy your permit at OutdoorNebraska.gov.


About Shawna Richter-Ryerson

Shawna Richter-Ryerson is an assistant division administrator for communications at the Nebraska Game and Parks Commission. She can be contacted at shawna.richter-ryerson@nebraska.gov or 402-471-5565.

Related Articles

Compete in Steel Plate Challenge at Platte River State Park

Jul 31, 2025

Compete in Steel Plate Challenge at Platte River State Park

This is a speed-shooting competition consisting of standardized stages with five steel targets.

Read More
Kuhn retiring from Game and Parks on Oct. 1

Jul 31, 2025

Kuhn retiring from Game and Parks on Oct. 1

The assistant director of program development is retiring after nearly 45 years with the agency.

Read More
Game and Parks wins 10 awards at annual ACI conference

Jul 30, 2025

Game and Parks wins 10 awards at annual ACI conference

The awards recognized excellence in outreach, education and communications for the prior year.

Read More