- Boating
- Cabins
- Camping
State Recreation Area
43400 Highway S21 A | Anselmo, NE 68813-9541
Established in 1925, Victoria Springs State Recreation Area is the third oldest area in Nebraska’s state park system. Located 6 miles east of Anselmo or 7 miles north of Merna, Victoria Springs has justly been described as an oasis in the Sand Hills.
The 60-acre area draws its name from the mineral springs located there and in the heyday of the spas, Victoria’s waters were much acclaimed, and its spring water was bottled and sold throughout the United States. It was once part of the homestead of an early pioneer and Custer County judge Charles R. Mathews.
Still on the site are the log cabins that Judge Mathews built, one as his home and the other as the first post office in Custer County. In addition to these historic buildings and the scenic setting, Victoria Springs also offers cabins, camping, and picnic area.
Half of the campsites and the two cabins take reservations up to a year in advance.
Non-powered craft and electric trolling motors are permitted on the lake.
Anglers can find largemouth bass, bluegill, hybrid sunfish, green sunfish and catfish in the five-acre lake at Victoria Springs. A handicap-accessible fishing pad is available.
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.
Victoria Springs is a beautiful place for a picnic. The wooded picnic area offers picnic tables, grills, and a picnic shelter with electricity. The picnic shelter can be reserved for special events.
Victoria springs also offers paddleboat rental.
Victoria has two modern, two-bedroom, housekeeping cabins, equipped with a kitchen, two bedrooms with double beds, linens, blankets, shower and toilet. The kitchenettes are furnished with ranges, refrigerators, tableware, and sink. Typically, these cabins are available from Memorial Day Weekend through mid-November. Reservations may be made up to a year in advance.
Victoria Springs State Recreation Area offers Electric Plus, Electric and Basic camping. There are 21 camping pads with 20-, 30- and 50-amp electrical hookups, as well as 60 Basic non-pad campsites without electricity. Drinking water, modern restrooms, showers and a dump and fill station are available.
Half of the campsites take reservations up to a year in advance of arrival. All other camping is first-come, first-served. Those camping first-come, first-served 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.
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.
