Fishing and hiking give campers two clear reasons to set up at Butte View Campground on Lake Minatare SRA, where sites back up directly to the water despite the name suggesting otherwise. Sites sit under tall cottonwood trees, providing reliable shade, and include electric, water, and sewer hookups alongside a picnic table and fire pit. Weekday visits tend to be quiet, with only a handful of rigs sharing the area, but locals note weekends draw noticeably larger crowds. Showers are available on-site at an additional cost. Campers who want full hookups, lake access, and tree cover will find this setup works well during the week.
Description
Summary
At 2,158 acres, Lake Minatare SRA is the Panhandle’s largest body of water, attracting thousands of anglers, campers, water skiers and swimmers each year. Lake Minatare boasts excellent outdoor recreation opportunities, while irrigating thousands of acres in the North Platte Valley. Lake Minatare is closed to public access from October 15 to January 15 as it is part of the North Platte National Wildlife Refuge.
Attractions
Plains Lighthouse – Lake Minatare’s landmark lighthouse was a beacon of hope in the dark days of the Great Depression, when many American’s were jobless. It was built entirely of native stone between 1937 and 1939 by the Veteran’s Conservation Corps (VCC). The unusual structure stands 55 feet tall and serves as a combination shelter house and observation tower. It is open to public access.
Lake Minatare is surrounded by notable historic and recreational sites including the North Platte National Wildlife Refuge, Chimney Rock National Historic Site, Scotts Bluff National Monument and Wildcat Hills State Recreation Area.
Campground Notes
Campers will find a variety of options at Lake Minatare SRA. Lake View Campground offers 52 Electric Plus sites. Butte View Campground offers 49 Electric Plus sites and West Wind Campground offers 20 Basic sites with picnic tables and fire rings. Numerous non-designated Primitive sites are available including beach sites.
ATTENTION - IMPORTANT INFORMATION, READ CAREFULLY
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.
Lake Minatare is closed to all public access from October 15 to January 15 annually.
Hunting is prohibited at Lake Minatare SRA.
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 2 Alerts are In Effect
There are 2 alerts for this campground. Camp safely!
Warning 2 Alerts are In Effect
There are 2 alerts for this campground. Camp safely!
Due to low water levels at Lake Minatare, the Rock Ramp is currently the only usable boat ramp and is expected to remain the primary launch location throughout the summer. Boaters should plan ahead, use caution, and be aware that conditions may continue to change throughout the season.
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 & DirectionsButte View Campground is located in Nebraska near Scottsbluff
Directions
From Scottsbluff: The intersections of Hwy. 71 and Hwy. 26, go three miles north on 71 to Lake Minatare Road. Turn east on Lake Minatare Road and go eight miles to a T with Stonegate Road. Turn left (north) on Stonegate Road for one mile. Turn right into the Lake View entrance immediately after crossing the canal bridge. The office is half mile up the road on your right. From Minatare and Hwy. 26: Turn north on Stonegate Road at the northeast corner of Minatare. Go nine miles on Stonegate Road to the Lake View entrance, turning right after crossing the canal bridge. The office is half mile up the road on your right.
Address
PO Box 188
Minatare, NE 69356-0188
Coordinates
41.94385907 N
103.475449 W
Connectivity
T-Mobile5GExcellent Coverage
VerizonLTESome Coverage- AT&TLTESome Coverage
Connectivity
- T-Mobile5GExcellent Coverage
- VerizonLTESome Coverage
- AT&TLTESome Coverage
Access
- Drive-InPark next to your site
- Walk-InPark in a lot, walk to your site.
Site Types
- Tent Sites
- RV Sites
- Standard (Tent/RV)
Features
For Campers
- Picnic Table
- Reservable
- Showers
- Drinking Water
- Electric Hookups
- Toilets
- Alcohol
- Pets
- Fires
For Vehicles
- Sanitary Dump
- Sewer Hookups
- Water Hookups
- 30 Amp Hookups
- 50 Amp Hookups
Drive Time
- 1 hr 50 min from Cheyenne, WY
- 2 hrs 25 min from Fort Collins, CO
- 2 hrs 39 min from Greeley, CO
- 2 hrs 59 min from Rapid City, SD
