- Boating
- Camping
- Fishing
State Recreation Area
88637 US Highway 183 | Long Pine, NE 69217
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 amid rugged tree-covered bluffs, the 196-acre area offers excellent angling, along with camping, hiking and wildlife viewing, among other activities.
Small soapweed (yucca) blooms in a ridgetop prairie above Bone Creek at Keller Park SRA in Brown County. Photo by Eric Fowler, June 17, 2021. Copyright NEBRASKAland Magazine, Nebraska Game and Parks Commission.
Bone Creek flows through Keller Park SRA in Brown County. Photo by Eric Fowler, June 16, 2021. Copyright NEBRASKAland Magazine, Nebraska Game and Parks Commission.
Two men fishing at Keller Park SRA. Photo by Jon Farrar, copyright Nebraskaland Magazine.
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 54 picnic tables, 45 grills and one shelter (without electricity).
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 25 Electric all-weather pads, 15 Basic and 10 Primitive campsites. Each campsite has a fire grate and picnic table. Water pump and primitive restrooms are available. Self-registration boxes are at the entrance for campers to deposit their overnight camping fees.
Camping is all first-come, first-served and stays are limited to 14 consecutive days in a 30 day period. Campers must 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.
From Ainsworth, Keller Park SRA is 5 miles east and 9 miles north of US Hwy 20 on US Hwy 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. The Reservation Call Center hours are Monday-Friday 9 a.m. – 6 p.m. (CT) and closed on holidays.
