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Established Camping

Crystal Lake State Rec Area — Crystal Lake State Recreation Area

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CAMPER SUMMARY PRESENTED BYFord

Crystal Lake State Recreation Area near Ayr, Nebraska, features flat terrain with open spaces and scattered trees. Temperatures range from 20°F in winter to 90°F in summer, offering varied seasonal experiences. Visitors can explore nearby attractions such as the Hastings Museum and the Prairie Loft Center for Outdoor and Agricultural Learning.

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Location

Crystal Lake State Rec Area — Crystal Lake State Recreation Area is located in Nebraska

Detail location of campground

Directions

Located 1.5 miles north of Ayr on U.S. Highway 281.

Address

7425 S US Hwy 281
Ayr, NE 68925

Coordinates

40.45600038 N
98.44000018 W

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Connectivity

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  • signal strength bars
    T-MobileLTE
    Some Coverage
  • signal strength bars
    VerizonLTE
    Some Coverage
  • signal strength bars
    AT&TLTE
    Some Coverage

Detours Nearby

LOCAL FAVORITES PRESENTED BYToyota Trucks
Lincoln Park

Lincoln Park

48 min away

Deshler City Park Campground

Deshler City Park Campground

54 min away

Drive Time

Presented byToyota Trucks

Connectivity

Presented byT-Mobile SatelliteT-Mobile is introducing T-Satellite to extend coverage in the outdoorsLearn More
  • signal strength bars
    T-MobileLTE
    Some Coverage
  • signal strength bars
    VerizonLTE
    Some Coverage
  • signal strength bars
    AT&TLTE
    Some Coverage

Access

  • Drive-In
    Park next to your site

Site Types

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

Features

For Campers

  • Trash
  • Picnic Table
  • Phone Service
  • Drinking Water
  • Electric Hookups
  • Toilets
  • Alcohol
  • Pets
  • Fires

For Vehicles

  • 30 Amp Hookups

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Reviews

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3.0

out of 5

3 Reviews

Reviewed May. 9, 2025

No water

First come, self register for $20 electricity. One water sticker 30’ off gravel road at campsite 4. Camper hooked their hose to their rig so no water available at all. Pit-vault toilet inside floor was littered with trash. No dumpster. Two mile gravel dusty road off paved Hwy to park

Reviewed Oct. 13, 2019

Crystal Lake

New management has made many upgrades and done an overall great job! Flooding this spring undid some of there work as there was no power at the rv hookups.

Frequently Asked Questions

What amenities are available at Crystal Lake Recreation Area Campground?

Crystal Lake Recreation Area offers RV sites with electrical hookups for $20 per night (self-registration required). The campground has a vault/pit toilet, though cleanliness may vary. There is a water spigot near campsite 4, approximately 30 feet off the gravel road. Fishing is available at the lake, making it popular for anglers. Note that some amenities might be limited - there's no apparent dumpster service, and water access points are minimal. The campground has undergone upgrades by management, though facilities remain basic.

Where is Crystal Lake Campground located in Nebraska?

Crystal Lake State Recreation Area is located near Hastings, Nebraska. The campground is situated about two miles off the main paved highway down a gravel road. The lake provides a peaceful setting for camping and fishing in this part of Nebraska, making it a convenient getaway spot for locals and travelers alike.

When is the best time to visit Crystal Lake Campground in Nebraska?

The best time to visit Crystal Lake Campground is during late spring through early fall (May to October), when Nebraska weather is most favorable for outdoor activities. Summer offers ideal conditions for fishing and camping, though be prepared for dust from the gravel road during dry periods. The area has experienced flooding in spring months, which can affect electrical services and access, so late summer to early fall might provide the most reliable conditions. Always check current conditions before visiting, especially after periods of heavy rainfall.