Within Branched Oak State Recreation Area, this Nebraska Game and Parks Commission campground spreads across multiple areas around the lake's shoreline. The South Shore area positions RV sites on elevated ground roughly 100 yards from the water, while Middle Oak Creek offers electrical sites directly at water level for easier shore fishing and kayak launches.
Site configurations vary considerably throughout the campground. The South Shore features a mix of full hookup sites, 50-amp electric, and 30-amp-only options arranged in cul-de-sac formations where each site faces the road with lake or green space behind. Walk-in tent sites require parking in designated areas and carrying gear to lakefront spots. MickandKarla W. noted their site "sits up on a hill about 100 yards from the water" with good spacing between neighbors.
Campers gain direct access to the lake for fishing, kayaking, and swimming at designated beach areas. The recreation area includes archery and shotgun ranges, disc golf, and equestrian trails accessible from Area 2. Shower facilities operate seasonally, and the campground provides dump stations and potable water access. Pat V. appreciated the "pretty stellar sunrises" and noted good stargazing conditions.
Reservations prove essential during peak season, as sites fill quickly by Friday afternoons. The campground attracts heavy boat traffic and can become crowded on weekends, with noise from the nearby highway audible at some sites. Wind across the lake affects tent camping significantly. No stores operate within the park, requiring campers to bring all supplies or drive 10 minutes to Raymond for basics.
For different camping experiences, Area Three Campground provides equestrian facilities just west of the main recreation area.
Description
Branched Oak, 2 1/2 miles. N of Malcolm via S-55M, is the largest of the Salt Valley Lakes near Lincoln, encompassing 5,595 acres with 1,800 acres of water. The campgrounds have restrooms, showers, drinking water, and 4 dump stations. There are 338 pad sites and ample space for primitive camping.
Attractions
The area has 4 boat ramps, fish cleaning stations, private marina and concession, several miles of hiking, biking and horse trails, including an area where camping is allowed with horses.
Campground Notes
Camping is permitted in nine public use areas around the lake. Facilities and opportunities range from modern to primitive. Middle Oak Creek Campground (Area #4) offers hard surfaced campsites with 30-amp and 50-amp electrical hookups, non-electrical camper pads and tent sites. Middle Oak Creek campers have access to two modern shower buildings and will also find such other facilities as a dump station, playground and boat ramp with limited overnight docks. South Shore Campground (Area #1) offers paved campsites with, 30-amp and 50 amp electrical hookups, 11 full hook up sites, tent sites. Access to 2 coin-operated shower buildings, 2 dump stations, playground, shelter you can rent, at office (seats 60).
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
Rest of the year hours are 8 - 4:30 Monday - Friday
A Nebraska State Park Permit is required to enter this park area. A Nebraska Licensed Vehicle Park Entry Permit is $35 for an Annual Permit, $17.50 for a Duplicate Annual Permit (used for that second vehicle in your family) or a Daily Permit which is $7 per day you are staying. A Non-Nebraska Licensed Vehicle Park Entry Permit is $70, $35 for a Duplicate Annual Permit or a Daily Permit which is $14 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 & DirectionsBranched Oak Lake State Rec Area is located in Nebraska near Malcolm
Directions
**Going west on I-80:** Take the North 27th street exit, at the stop sign turn right, go 1/2 mile to Arbor Rd., turn left go 1 mile to North 14th, turn right on North 14th, go to yellow flashing light which is Raymond Rd., Turn left, stay on Raymond Rd. for 8 miles, there will be a curve in the road. If you turn right you will go to areas 14,13,12,11,10 and 9 if you stay on Raymond Rd. you will go to areas 1 (Southshore Campground) ,2,3,4 (Middle Oak Creek Campground), 5,6,7 and 8. **Going east on I-80:** From I-80 take the Seward/HWY 15 exit, which is North to Seward. At the stop light in Seward turn right which will be HWY 34, stay on this HWY for 12 miles you will see a sign that says Branched Oak. There is only one way to turn, which is north and puts you on NW 112th. It takes you through the town of Malcolm. Stay on this road for 5 miles and you are at the lake. If you turn right you will go to areas 14,13,12,11,10 and 9. If you turn left you will go to Areas 1(Southshore Campground),2,3,4 ( Middle Oak Creek Campground),5,6,7 and 8. **Going South on HWY 79:** At the yellow flashing turn right on Raymond Rd, go 4 miles and same as above. **Going North on HWY 77:** stay on 10th St., in Lincoln, take HWY 34 West. Stay on Hwy 34 until you come to the HWY 79 exit, turn right-on HWY 79 stay on this for 5 miles. You will come to a yellow flashing light turn left on Raymond Rd. for 4 miles and at the curve, same as above.
Address
12000 West Branched Oak Rd.
Raymond, NE 68428-9728
Coordinates
40.97300034 N
96.89100028 W
Connectivity
T-MobileLTESome Coverage
Verizon5GExcellent CoverageVerified by 4 usersLast on 6/12/26- AT&TLTESome Coverage
Connectivity
- T-MobileLTESome Coverage
- Verizon5GExcellent CoverageVerified by 4 usersLast on 6/12/26
- AT&TLTESome Coverage
Access
- Drive-InPark next to your site
- Walk-InPark in a lot, walk to your site.
- Hike-InBackcountry sites.
- Boat-InSites accessible by watercraft.
Site Types
- Tent Sites
- RV Sites
- Standard (Tent/RV)
- Dispersed
- Group
- Tent Cabin
- Equestrian
Features
For Campers
- Picnic Table
- Reservable
- Showers
- Drinking Water
- Electric Hookups
- Toilets
- Alcohol
- Pets
- Fires
For Vehicles
- Sanitary Dump
- Sewer Hookups
- Water Hookups
- Pull-Through Sites
- 30 Amp Hookups
- 50 Amp Hookups
- Big Rig Friendly
Contact
General Info
Reservations
Drive Time
- 19 min from Lincoln, NE
- 53 min from Omaha, NE
- 1 hr 25 min from Grand Island, NE
- 2 hrs 7 min from Sioux City, IA
