- Archery range
- Boating
- Camping
- Fishing
- Food service
State Recreation Area
72718 Trail 2 | McCook, NE 69001-9801
A temporary campfire ban is currently in place at all Nebraska Game and Parks properties, including its state park system and wildlife management areas, due to dry conditions. Updates will be announced in our news section.
Willow View campground remains open after a fire temporarily closed other portions of Red Willow Reservoir SRA to camping and hiking beginning March 22, 2025. Learn more.
Some of the finest fishing and hunting in the state are found at Red Willow Reservoir SRA, and the area has excellent facilities for camping and water-oriented recreation. Red Willow Reservoir SRA offers 4,320 acres of land around a 1,628-acre lake. Camping, swimming, picnicking, and water recreation are very popular at Red Willow.
Spend a day on the water at Red Willow State Recreation Area. Julie Geiser, Nebraska Game and Parks Commission
Camping in the shade by the lake. Julie Geiser, Nebraska Game and Parks Commission
Park visitors enjoy the swim beach at Red Willow State Recreation Area. Julie Geiser, Nebraska Game and Parks Commission
A wide variety of fish species can be found in Hugh Butler Lake at Red Willow SRA, making it a perfect destination for avid anglers and those picking up a fishing rod for the first time. Julie Geiser, Nebraska Game and Parks Commission
After a day of play, relax and enjoy a breathtaking sunset. Julie Geiser, Nebraska Game and Parks Commission
A 20-target archery range is adjacent to the Willow View campground.
All boats allowed. Ramps are located at Spring Creek, Willow View and Red Willow areas.
Species in Hugh Butler Lake include common carp, channel catfish, crappie, flathead catfish, largemouth bass, northern pike, smallmouth bass, walleye, white bass and wiper. Fish-cleaning stations are located at the Spring Creek area.
The area offers 2 miles of mowed hiking trails.
Pheasant, rabbit and deer hunters enjoy Red Willow’s tall native grasses, brushy canyons, and shrub and tree plantings for wildlife. The area has good populations of pheasants and both whitetail and mule deer. Pheasant hunters will also put up an occasional covey of quail, and cottontails are plentiful in the draws and plum thickets.
Day-use picnic facilities include 13 shelters, 130 picnic tables and 110 grills.
A public swim beach is available for family recreation. Showers are located at Willow View Campground.
Other Southwest Reservoirs include Swanson, Enders and Medicine Creek, which all provide great opportunities for fishing, camping, boating, swimming and family recreation.
McCook, Nebraska offers opportunities for modern lodging, dining and shopping.
Red Willow Reservoir SRA offers campers Electric Plus, Electric, Basic and Primitive campsites. There are 48 camping pads with 30- and 50-amp electrical hookups, with access to showers and a dump and fill station. Willow View Campground also offers a panoramic view of the lake.
Red Willow offers numerous Basic and Primitive camping for those that don’t need electricity or modern facilities.
All camping at the park is first-come, first-served. Campers 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.
Park Events
Our 76 gorgeous state park and recreations areas host a plethora of events throughout the year. From bird hikes to kayak races, Living History events to family outdoor days, our parks host something fun for every outdoor enthusiast.
