I visited this place in early January, at this time there were hundreds of cranes I'm not sure when the prime viewing month is but you would not be disappointed in January. There is dispersed free camping in the parking loop. Just pull Up to one of the pipe enclosed picnic tables and set up. There is no drinkable water on the premises so B.Y.O.W There is an old pole barn just beyond the parking loop. It houses some Barn Owls. Turn to the right of the barn and walk toward the lake. It is quite a spectacular event to see and hear the cranes flying back to the lake to roost for the night. And leaving the lake in the early morning hours to feed in the fields. Lots of bird watchers and wildlife lovers come to witness this morning and evening.