- Boating
- Camping
- Fishing
State Recreation Area
88637 U.S. Highway 7 | Long Pine, NE 69217
Ongoing drought conditions may result in low water levels or local fire bans. Please check for updates on our closures and safety advisories page.
Keller Park State Recreation Area, northeast of Ainsworth on Bone Creek, is one of the few spots where anglers can pursue both rainbow trout and warm water species. Nestled in a canyon amid rugged tree-covered bluffs, the 196-acre area offers excellent angling, along with camping, hiking and wildlife viewing, among other activities.
Yucca blooms in a ridgetop prairie above Bone Creek at Keller Park SRA. Eric Fowler, Nebraskaland Magazine/Nebraska Game and Parks Commission
Keller Park SRA offers unique fishing opportunities in beautiful setting. Eric Fowler, Nebraskaland Magazine/Nebraska Game and Parks Commission
Bone Creek flows through Keller Park SRA in Brown County. Eric Fowler, Nebraskaland Magazine/Nebraska Game and Parks Commission
Keller Park is a peaceful place to camp among the trees. Photo by Eric Fowler, Nebraskaland Magazine/Nebraska Game and Parks Commission
Keller Park SRA offers a variety of cold and warm water fishing opportunities in the five small lakes found on the area. These ponds range in size from .8 acres (Lakes 1 and 5) to 2.5 acres (Lake 4). Primary species found in Lake 1, 2, 3 and 4 include largemouth bass, bluegill and channel catfish. Good fishing exists for all these species and quality fish are present in these small lakes. Lakes 4 and 5 are cool water ponds and are stocked seasonally with rainbow trout. Trout can also be found in Bone Creek, which runs through the park and offers an occasional catch for the angler.
The lakes are typically steep sided and easily fished from shore. Boat access is available for small boats and non-powered craft such as canoes and kayaks utilizing primitive boat ramps on Lake 1 and 2. Watercraft are limited to non-powered watercraft or electric motors only. The use of gas motors is prohibited.
Access to lakes 3, 4, and 5 involve crossing a foot bridge over Bone Creek. A canoe or kayak can be portaged or carried over the bridge. Lakes 1 and 2 can be accessed via county road off Highway 183 just north of the Park.
Statewide regulations are in effect for all the ponds and that includes a 15″ minimum length limit on largemouth bass with a 5 fish daily bag limit, a 15 fish daily bag limit on bluegill and a 5 fish daily bag limit on channel catfish. The rainbow trout daily bag limit is 5 fish with only 1 fish greater than 16″ allowed daily.
Other angling opportunity within easy access from Keller Park SRA include Long Pine SRA, Long Pine WMA, and Pine Glen WMA all on Long Pine Creek which offers very good angling for brown and rainbow trout. In addition, Bobcat WMA and Fred Thomas WMA are accessible via county roads within 15 miles east and west of Keller Park SRA. Bobcat WMA is located on lower Plum Creek and can offer brown trout while Fred Thomas WMA is located on the Niobrara River. The Niobrara River is excellent fishing for channel catfish. Consult the Game and Park public access atlas for exact location of these areas.
Only electric motor and non-powered boats are permitted at Keller Park. There primitive boat ramps on Lake 1 and 2 for kayaks and canoes.
Hiking is a popular activity at Keller Park, and a rustic footbridge across Bone Creek adds charm to the stroll.
Keller Park offers beautiful spots for picnicking and has over 50 picnic tables, 45 grills and one shelter (without electricity).
Located just 11 miles south of Keller Park, Long Pine State Recreation Area is an excellent place to camp, explore and fish for trout in the coldwater stream that runs through the park.
Located northwest of Keller Park SRA, Smith Falls is about a 50-minute drive and well worth the trip to see Nebraska’s tallest waterfall. The park is a beautiful place to camp, fish, hike and explore.
Keller Park is a mecca for all sorts of wildlife, from songbirds to whitetails and an occasional mule deer. During the spring and fall migrations, whispering wings will include ducks such as mallards, teal and shovelers, as well as hawks and perhaps an eagle or two. Sharp-eyed bird watchers might spot sandhill cranes as they fly overhead and maybe even a rare whooping crane stopping over on the nearby Niobrara River.
Campers will find 24 Electric Plus campsites and 11 Basic campsites. Each campsite has a fire grate and picnic table. Water hydrants and primitive restrooms are available.
Camping is all 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.
From Ainsworth, Keller Park SRA is 5 miles east and 9 miles north of U.S. Highway 20 on U.S. Highway 7 (formerly U.S. Highway 183).
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.
