- Boating
- Camping
- Fishing
- Hunting
State Recreation Area
Table Center Road and River Road | Marsland, NE 69354
Box Butte Reservoir SRA encompasses 2,212 acres on the west edge of the Sandhills, 9 miles north of Hemingford. It includes a 1,600-acre lake. The area is a good spot for fishing, camping and picnicking and also features some of the best birdwatching opportunities in the Nebraska panhandle.
The sun rises over the Niobrara River at the west end of Box Butte Reservoir on an autumn morning. Justin Haag, Nebraskaland Magazine/Nebraska Game and Parks Commission
Fishing and Boating at Box Butte Reservoir State Recreation Area and Wildlife Management Area in Dawes County. Justin Haag, Nebraskaland Magazine, Nebraska Game and Parks Commission
A hunter picks up decoys after a morning of hunting at Box Butte Reservoir State Recreation Area. Haag, Nebraskaland Magazine/Nebraska Game and Parks Commission
Tracks of UTVs, ATVs, sleds, angler's feet and more connect the many popular ice fishing spots Box Butte Reservoir. Justin Haag, Nebraskaland Magazine/Nebraska Game and Parks Commission
Aerial View of Box Butte Reservoir State Recreation Area and Wildlife Management Area in the Niobrara River Valley. Justin Haag, Nebraska Game and Parks Commission
Box Butte Reservoir State Recreation Area is well-known for its birding opportunities. Among species that have been spotted there are the Say’s phoebe, ferruginous hawk, eastern bluebird, eastern wood pewee, indigo bunting and wood thrush.
All types of boating are permitted. There are two ramps and two docks available.
Box Butte Reservoir provides good fishing opportunity for northern pike, channel catfish, walleye, smallmouth bass, largemouth bass, bluegill, yellow perch and rock bass. A fish cleaning station is available.
Box Butte Reservoir SRA offers four picnic shelters, 40 tables and 29 grills. Cottonwood and willow trees provide shade.
Nebraska’s first state park, Chadron State Park offers cabins, camping and many activities against the backdrop of Nebraska’s beautiful Pine Ridge.
Stunning Fort Robinson State Park comprises more than 22,000 acres of exquisite Pine Ridge scenery, compelling old west history, exceptional lodging, scenic camping and the park’s own buffalo and longhorn herds.
Nebraska’s expansive national forest and grasslands offer a combination of native ponderosa pine forest, hand-planed forest and mixed grass.
Box Butte offers campers 14 Electric Plus camping pads with 30- and 50-amp electrical hookups, along with 26 Basic non-pad campsites without electricity. Other camping amenities include drinking water and primitive restrooms.
Half of the reservoir’s 40 campsites, each of which is located near the shore with a fire ring and picnic table can be reserved; they include 13 Basic sites, 10 sites with 50-amp electricity and four sites with 20/30-amp electricity. The campground’s one ADA-compliant site is among those available to reserve.
All other camping is first come, first served. Campers at 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. The Reservation Call Center hours are Monday-Friday 9 a.m. – 6 p.m. (CT) and closed on holidays.
