Gracie Creek Renovations Underway
Gracie Creek Pond is undergoing rehabilitation work to improve the fishery and aquatic habitat. As construction occurs, angler access will be extremely limited.
Thank you for your support and patience as we make these improvements.
- Boating
- Camping
- Fishing
- Hunting
- Picnicking
- Playground
Located in Nebraska’s beautiful sandhills, Calamus State Recreation Area is among the most popular places for camping, fishing, boating, picnicking and hiking in the state. Features of the area include a 5,123-acre lake and surrounding 4,958 acres of gently rolling land, covered with native grasses and forbs. Some 1.2 miles of the Calamus River and 3.5 miles of other streams meander through the area.
Make a ReservationAttractions
Fishing
Primary sport fish at Calamus State Recreation Area are walleye, white bass, wipers (white/striped bass hybrid), channel catfish, carp, drum, muskie, northern pike and crappie. In addition, catchable rainbow trout are stocked regularly in adjoining Gracie Creek Pond. In spring and early summer, walleye are tops on most anglers’ lists. As summer progresses white bass, wipers and catfish show up. Two fish-cleaning stations are on-site.
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.
Boating
All types of boats are permitted at the lake, which offers four docks and five ramps. Calamus State Recreation Area also offers access to the Calamus River.
Concessions
Dining, snacks, groceries, boat rental, bait and other sundries are available at the following concession areas (call for details, exact location and hours):
- Husker Marine: 308-346-4410
- Homestead Knolls Sports Center: 308-346-5695
- Calamus Marine: 308-346-5678
- Creekside: 308-346-5666
- Sandhills Service: 402-241-8424
Fish Hatchery
One of Nebraska’s five fish hatcheries is located at Calamus State Recreation Area. Located below the dam, the hatchery has self-guided tours and displays on raising fish and other topics, making it an interesting and unexpected stop for many lake visitors.
Picnicking
The fresh air and cool evenings of the Sandhills make Calamus a great spot for picnicking and grilling out. The area offers 204 picnic tables, 216 grills and one shelter.
Swimming
Swimming is permitted at Calamus Reservoir, however, no lifeguards are on duty, and swimming is at your own risk. Swimming is not allowed within 50 yards of boat ramps and docks.
Other activities
Calamus offers naturalist programs, birding events and a pumpkin carving event each autumn. Visit the calendar to view upcoming events.
Camping
Camping
Calamus offers Electric Plus and Basic camping spread over three different campgrounds. Shower houses are available at Homestead Knolls, Nunda Shoal and Valley View Flat campgrounds. All three areas offer mature shade trees, water and modern restrooms and each area is within walking distance of the lake. A dump and fill station is available at Little York Point. Additionally, camping is permitted in the parking lots of the Valley View Flat and Hannaman Bayou campgrounds in designated spots.
Hannaman Bayou and Valley View Flat campgrounds offer Basic non-pad campsites with access to water, restrooms and shower houses.
There is a group campground that accommodates up to eight tents in the Valley View Flat Campground. Reservations are available for this area.
Beach camping is not permitted at Calamus SRA.
Camping reservations are available for half of the electrical campsites up to a year in advance. All other camping is all 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 Iron Ranger station. Check or cash only. Iron Rangers are generally located near the park entrance or in the campground area. On-site camping informational signs are provided to help guide campers with the self-registration process.
Maps
Fees
A park entry permit is required and may be purchased at the park, statewide Game and Parks offices and permit vendors or in advance of your arrival online.
VIEW ALL PARK FEESNearby attractions
Burwell
Dining, lodging, fuel and groceries are available in nearby Burwell. Burwell is also home to Nebraska’s oldest rodeo, which takes place each July.
Tubing, canoeing and tanking
Calamus Outfitters offers tubing, canoeing and tanking trips down the Calamus River. They also offer guided bird watching and hunting.
Contact Information
Address: Calamus SRA | 42285 York Point Rd | Burwell, NE 68823-9803
Phone: (308) 346-5666
Email: Send email
