Within Pawnee State Recreation Area, Area 3 Campground provides full hookup sites with 30 and 50 amp electric service on open terrain near the lake. Campers find spacious sites but note that water access requires using a hand pump along the access road rather than individual site hookups. The campground host assists with water tank filling using extended hoses when needed.
The location offers easy access from I-80, making it practical for overnight stops during cross-country travel. Multiple hiking trails connect from the camping area, and the adjacent lake supports fishing, kayaking, and swimming activities. For additional camping options in the region, consider sites around Malcolm. Reservations help secure sites during peak season.
Description
Summary
Featuring the second largest lake in the Salt Valley, Pawnee State Recreation Area is northwest of Emerald. This popular area offers a full range of facilities to go with its 740 water acres. Pawnee has modern restrooms and showers, plus electrical hookups for campers.
Attractions
Visitors have plenty of room to pitch their tent or park their rig to enjoy a day or a week of outdoor fun. Boaters will find four docks provide easy access to the lake, and anglers can haul in northern pike, walleye, largemouth bass, bluegill and two kinds of catfish among others.
More than 1,800 acres of land are open to hiker, hunters, shutterbugs and anyone else who enjoys the out-of-doors. Hunters will find abundant upland and small game, waterfowl and deer. As on all state recreation areas, hunting is permitted in season beginning the first Tuesday after Labor Day.
Campground Notes
Pawnee State Recreation Area's Lakeview Campground provides campers with a shady modern electrical campground with shower facilities, fishing, boating, picnicking, hiking and wildlife viewing. Boaters will find four docks provide easy access to the lake, and anglers can catch white bass, walleye, largemouth bass, bluegill and two kinds of catfish among others.
Camping reservations may be made a minimum of three days in advance of arrival and a maximum of 180 days in advance of arrival.
CHECK IN AND OUT SCHEDULE- If you check out early, the unused portion of your payment will be forfeited.
Office Details
Office Hours are Memorial Day Weekend - Labor Day 8 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. Monday - Friday
Office phone: (402)796-2362 or email ngpc.pawnee@nebraska.gov
Concession List
Castaways - 402-783-2221
A Nebraska State Park Permit is required to enter this park area. A Nebraska Licensed Vehicle Park Entry Permit is $30 for an Annual Permit, $15 for a Duplicate Annual Permit (used for that second vehicle in your family) or a Daily Permit which is $6 per day you are staying. A Non-Nebraska Licensed Vehicle Park Entry Permit is $60, $30 for a Duplicate Annual Permit or a Daily Permit which is $12 per day. You may purchase your Park Permit prior to your stay by shopping online at OutdoorNebraska.org. All vehicles entering a Nebraska Park Area are required to have a valid park entry permit.
Warning 1 Alert is In Effect
There is 1 alert for this campground. Camp safely!
Warning 1 Alert is In Effect
There is 1 alert for this campground. Camp safely!
The Nebraska Game & Parks Commission maintains the right to establish "black-out" dates and reserve facilities or lodging for Special Events and maintenance related needs.
RV Road Trip Guides
Map & DirectionsArea 3 Campground is located in Nebraska near Malcolm
Directions
Pawnee State Recreation Area Driving Directions Westbound I-80 or Northbound on Hwy 2: Take I-80 exit 401 to Hwy 34, Continue West on Hwy 34 8 mi., Turn South on N.W. 112th St. Continue South on N.W. 112th St. 2 mi. Eastbound I-80 Take I-80 to exit 388 (Pleasant Dale/Crete exit), Turn South and continue 1/2 mi. to Hwy. 6. Turn East on Hwy. 6. Continue East on Hwy. 6 for 6 mi. Turn North on N.W. 84th St. (this intersection located in Emerald, NE) Continue North on N.W. 84th 2 mi. Turn West on W. Adams St. Continue West on W. Adams St. 1 1/2 mi. Westbound Hwy 6: Take Hwy. 6 West 3 mi. (from Lincoln city limit). Turn North on N.W. 84th St. (intersection located in Emerald, NE). Continue North on N.W. 84th 2 mi. Turn West on W. Adams St. Continue West on W. Adams St. 1 1/2 mi.
Address
3800 NW 105th
Lincoln, NE 68524-8814
Coordinates
40.85787088 N
96.89370774 W
Connectivity
T-Mobile5GGood Coverage
Verizon5GExcellent CoverageVerified by 2 usersLast on 6/9/26
AT&TLTESome Coverage
Connectivity
- T-Mobile5GGood Coverage
- Verizon5GExcellent CoverageVerified by 2 usersLast on 6/9/26
- AT&TLTESome Coverage
Access
- Drive-InPark next to your site
Site Types
- Tent Sites
- RV Sites
Features
For Campers
- Market
- Picnic Table
- Reservable
- Showers
- Drinking Water
- Electric Hookups
- Toilets
- Pets
- Fires
For Vehicles
- Sanitary Dump
- Sewer Hookups
- Water Hookups
- 30 Amp Hookups
- 50 Amp Hookups
