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Established Camping

COE Harlan County Lake Methodist Cove Campground

Campers are Saying

COE Harlan County Lake Methodist Cove Campground, near Republican City, Nebraska, is a solid choice for those looking to enjoy the great outdoors with a beautiful lake view. This campground offers a mix of tent and RV sites, with some spots right by the water, making it a prime location for fishing and relaxing.

Visitors often rave about the friendly atmosphere and the cleanliness of the facilities. One camper mentioned, “People were very friendly, lake views were awesome, and the campground was pretty clean.” You’ll find essential amenities like electric hookups and a sanitary dump station, but keep in mind that there are no showers available, so plan accordingly.

The surrounding area is perfect for outdoor activities, with hiking trails and opportunities for birdwatching and fishing. The lake is known for its walleye and channel catfish, so bring your gear if you’re up for some angling. Plus, the campground is mostly shaded by trees, providing a nice respite from the summer heat.

If you’re planning a visit, remember that the campground operates from May 1 to September 30, and it can get busy during peak times. Some campers have noted that the sites are well-maintained and offer a good amount of space, making it a comfortable spot for families and groups. Whether you’re here for a weekend or a longer stay, you’ll find plenty to enjoy at Methodist Cove.

General Overview

US Army Corps of Engineers

Harlan County Lake

Overview

Methodist Cove Park is located on the west side of Harlan County Lake by Alma, Nebraska. The 13,000-acre Harlan County Lake is the second largest lake in the state. The lake and surrounding land hold great appeal for sportsmen, birders, naturalists or anyone wanting to just get away.

Recreation

Harlan County Lake is popular for fishing, hiking, hunting and boating. Walleye, wipers, white bass, northern pike and channel catfish are the most sought after fish species. Game animals include pheasant, quail, prairie chicken, white-tailed and mule deer, turkey, waterfowl, rabbit and squirrel. The lake offers a variety of hiking trails of varying length and style, as well as one equestrian trail a short drive away. An off-road vehicle trail is located in nearby Republican City.

Facilities

Harlan County Lake is popular for fishing, hiking, hunting and boating. Walleye, wipers, white bass, northern pike and channel catfish are the most sought after fish species. Game animals include pheasant, quail, prairie chicken, white-tailed and mule deer, turkey, waterfowl, rabbit and squirrel. The lake offers a variety of hiking trails of varying length and style, as well as one equestrian trail a short drive away. An off-road vehicle trail is located in nearby Republican City.

Natural Features

Located in South Central Nebraska, lands surrounding Harlan County Lake are primarily mixed grass prairie land. The campground is mostly forested, offering ample shade during the warmth of summer. The Republican River Valley was once occupied by one of the greatest concentrations of buffalo on the Great Plains and was a favored hunting ground for the Pawnee, Sioux, Cheyenne and Arapaho Indian tribes.

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Location

COE Harlan County Lake Methodist Cove Campground is located in Nebraska

Detail location of campground

Directions

From U.S. Highway 80, take Highway 183 south to Alma, Nebraska. Turn left on South Street and travel 2.5 miles. The park entrance is on south side of the road.

Address

70788 Corps Road A
Republican city, NE 68971-9742

Coordinates

40.0869444 N
99.3155556 W

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Access

  • Drive-In
    Park next to your site
  • Boat-In
    Sites accessible by watercraft.

Stay Connected

  • WiFi
    Unknown
  • Verizon
    Unknown
  • AT&T
    Good
  • T-Mobile
    Unknown

Site Types

  • Tent Sites
  • RV Sites
  • Standard (Tent/RV)
  • Group

Features

For Campers

  • Trash
  • Firewood Available
  • Phone Service
  • Reservable
  • Drinking Water
  • Electric Hookups
  • Toilets
  • Alcohol
  • Pets

For Vehicles

  • Sanitary Dump
  • Sewer Hookups
  • Water Hookups
  • 50 Amp Hookups
  • Big Rig Friendly

Reviews

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5 Stars

4 Stars

3 Stars

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1 Star

58%
29%
15%
0%
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4.5

out of 5

7 Reviews

Reviewed Aug. 26, 2021

Fishing Time

Harlan County Lake Near Alma, Nebraska Methodist Cove Park is located on the west side of Harlan County Lake by Alma, Nebraska. The 13,000-acre Harlan County Lake is the second largest lake in the state. The lake and surrounding land hold great appeal for sportsmen, birders, naturalists or anyone wanting to just get away.

  • • May 1– Sept 30
  • • Reservable May 1– Sept 30 (877-444-6777)
  • • Non-reservable Nov 1– April 30

• 48 Electric sites

• 50 amp available

• 81 non electric sites

• Dump station

• Picnic area

• Playground

• Full hookups

• Sewer hookup

• Electric

• Water

• Fire ring/grill

• Toilets/showers

• Boat launch

Methodist Cove Park offers variety campsites of individual, group, electric and non-electric sites. There is also one reservable group picnic shelter for day use. One large heated shower house with flush toilets is centrally located within the campground and several vault toilets are located throughout the rest of the park. The main road is hard surfaced, while others are gravel. A fish cleaning station with grinder and running water is located near the entrance. There two full service marinas on the east end of the lake. Located in South Central Nebraska, lands surrounding Harlan County Lake are primarily mixed grass prairie land. The campground is mostly forested, offering ample shade during the warmth of summer. 

This is a beautiful campground.  The site is flat and open.  Trees are scattered among the many campsites.  The sites are small but well maintained.  A bonus was a washer and dryer located in both the men's and women's bath/toilet facility.  That facility was very clean.

The Republican River Valley was once occupied by one of the greatest concentrations of buffalo on the Great Plains and was a favored hunting ground for the Pawnee, Sioux, Cheyenne and Arapaho Indian tribes. Harlan County Lake is popular for fishing, hiking, hunting and boating. Walleye, wipers, white bass, northern pike and channel catfish are the most sought after fish species. Game animals include pheasant, quail, prairie chicken, white-tailed and mule deer, turkey, waterfowl, rabbit and squirrel. The lake offers a variety of hiking trails of varying length and style, as well as one equestrian trail a short drive away. An off-road vehicle trail is located in nearby Republican City. Harlan County and an additional almost 18,000 acres of land that surround the lake is managed by the COE. There are six parks which provides the area with a plethor of recreation campsites.

 When you turn off the main highway there is a liquor store and just down from that is a bait shop where I would guess you could pick up some supplies. There is a market in Alma, Nebraska. Make sure you purchase your supplies before arriving. 

Notice to all that bring watercraft. All watercraft pose a threat of AIS Aquatic Invasive Species to the waterways in Nebraska and waterways in other states. Watercraft is the primary source of AIS they must be prepared with an accepted means of ensuring no AIS will enter local waterways. CLEAN DRY Non residents must obtain the AIS decal and apply to watercraft. If a boat is launched from a Nebraska boat facility a AIS decal must be obtained.

 Latitude 40° 5' 12.9998" N Longitude 99° 18' 56.0002" W 

From U.S. Highway 80, take Highway 183 south to Alma, Nebraska. Turn left on South Street and travel 2.5 miles. The park entrance is on south side of the road.

Need to Know• Only one camping unit allowed per site• All campers must check in when arriving at park• Maximum of six people allowed per site• An attendant is on duty during the peak season of May through September• Secure coolers and boating equipment each night to prevent thefts• Off-road vehicles are not permitted

• Don't Move Firewood: Protect your forests from tree-killing pests by buying your firewood locally and burning it on-site. Visit Dontmovefirewood.org for further information.

Contact Information Mailing Address 70788 Corps Road A REPUBLICAN CITY, NE 68971-9742 Phone Number For campground inquiries, please call: 308-799-2105

LNT

Better than when you found it

Stay safe - Happy Travels

Month of VisitSeptember
Reviewed Sep. 24, 2020

pretty views, nice owners

snagged a lake front spot on a Wednesday night, drove right in. when we went to check out the next morning the lady said we didn’t have to worry about paying. bathrooms are clean + have pretty hot water. I would camp here again

Reviewed Jul. 21, 2020

Nice campground

We came in late and the campground was almost full. They found a place for us to park a Jeep with a roof top tent. All places are flat and good parking and good grass for tents. Set up well. Showers could have been cleaner but ok. The wind blew hard across the lake.

Reviewed Jul. 10, 2019

Huge Campground with Many Options

There are many RV and tent sites at this campground with water access to the Harlan reservoir. Several loops of sites are available around the lake within this campground. Electric RV sites and some tent sites can be reserved online while there are also a set number of first come first served sites. Dogs and campfires are allowed. There is a fish cleaning station for those who are interested in fishing. There is also a playground in the main loop for kids. Due to the overwhelming amount of rain in the area, some of the sites are unavailable right now, but there are still more than enough for everyone. We were there on a busy holiday weekend and still had plenty of space, shade, and privacy. Dogs are allowed on lease at all times. There are also two group campsites and a covered picnic facility that would be great for reunions.

Site440
Month of VisitJuly
  • Review photo of COE Harlan County Lake Methodist Cove Campground by Carly P., July 10, 2019
Reviewed Aug. 9, 2018

Most relaxing vacation my husband and I have ever had.

Located on Harlan County Lake. We chose campsite #63, just back from the shoreline. It was an extremely large site with plenty of room to play with our dogs without bothering anyone else. Plenty of places to walk or hike along the shoreline. While the temps were in the 90's and humid out in the sun, our site stayed between 78 and 80 due to the cooling breezes coming from the lake. The campground water supply was pristine. There were plenty of nice outhouses spread throughout the park. The main bathhouse is huge and the showers are great. The boat ramp was very nice. The campground hostess was very nice and comes around to introduce herself in case you have any questions.

Site63
Month of VisitSeptember
  • Review photo of COE Harlan County Lake Methodist Cove Campground by Barb C., August 9, 2018

Frequently Asked Questions

  • How much does it cost to camp at COE Harlan County Lake Methodist Cove Campground?

    Camping at COE Harlan County Lake Methodist Cove Campground can cost between $16.00 and $30.00 depending on the site.

  • Does COE Harlan County Lake Methodist Cove Campground have RV hookups?

    According to TheDyrt.com, COE Harlan County Lake Methodist Cove Campground has 50 amp electric hookups, water hookups and sewer hookups.

  • What is the elevation of COE Harlan County Lake Methodist Cove Campground?

    COE Harlan County Lake Methodist Cove Campground is located at 1960 feet.

  • What is the max vehicle length at COE Harlan County Lake Methodist Cove Campground?

    COE Harlan County Lake Methodist Cove Campground allows vehicles up to 120 feet.

  • Does COE Harlan County Lake Methodist Cove Campground have wifi?

    No, according to campers on TheDyrt.com, COE Harlan County Lake Methodist Cove Campground does not have wifi.

  • Is there cell phone reception at COE Harlan County Lake Methodist Cove Campground?

    According to campers on TheDyrt.com, Verizon signal is unknown, AT&T is good, and T-Mobile is unknown.

  • How hard is it to get a campsite at COE Harlan County Lake Methodist Cove Campground?

    Some campers book as far as 6 months in advance, so on high-demand weekends it can be very difficult to get a campsite at COE Harlan County Lake Methodist Cove Campground. If you want to get a last-minute campsite at COE Harlan County Lake Methodist Cove Campground, try setting up a text message Alert atTheDyrt.com/alerts

  • Why is it so hard to get a campsite at COE Harlan County Lake Methodist Cove Campground?

    There are 133 campsites at COE Harlan County Lake Methodist Cove Campground and over 80 million Americans who camp! Try snagging a cancellation by setting up a text message Alert atTheDyrt.com/alerts