Harlan County Lake dominates the camping landscape around Alma, Nebraska, covering 13,000 acres with elevation ranging from 1,946 to 2,094 feet above sea level. Most campsites near Alma, Nebraska experience strong winds due to the open terrain of the Nebraska plains, with gusts commonly reaching 30-40 mph during spring and fall seasons. Winter temperatures can drop below freezing from November through March, making most camping options in the area seasonal.
What to do
Fishing opportunities: The Republican River flows into Harlan County Lake, creating prime fishing conditions. "Stayed here for 3 days and 2 nights back in 2011. The park is a bit more built up than what I generally like but this was a fishing trip so I didn't mind," notes a visitor to COE Harlan County Lake Hunter Cove Park.
Archery practice: North Outlet Harlan County Lake features specialized facilities for archery enthusiasts. "The archery range is the best thing about this campground making me wish I had my bow," reports one camper who found this unique amenity at this less crowded campground.
Boating access: Multiple boat launches around the lake provide water access points. "Driving in, there is a nice new playground on the left. Then you pass through a mobile home section. Not trashy at all. It looks like people's summer places on the lake," notes a visitor to North Shore Marina Campground.
Hiking trails: The lake perimeter offers walking paths of varying difficulty. "The lake offers a variety of hiking trails of varying length and style, as well as one equestrian trail a short drive away," mentions a reviewer describing recreational options around the lake.
What campers like
Spacious lakefront sites: Many campsites offer direct water views and ample space between neighbors. "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," shares a visitor to COE Harlan County Lake Methodist Cove Campground.
Clean facilities: Maintenance standards remain high at most developed campgrounds. "This campground is busy all summer for the full hookup but normally will have electricity only or primitive openings," notes a camper about Methodist Cove, highlighting the variety of site types available.
Family-friendly amenities: Playgrounds and recreation areas cater to younger campers. "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," explains a reviewer about the camping options.
Temperature moderation: The lake creates natural cooling effects during summer heat. "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," reports a camper who appreciated this natural climate control.
What you should know
Wind conditions: Strong prairie winds affect camping comfort throughout the region. "When we arrived on a Monday. Only 2 others in the entire campground. We had our pick of the best spot. With the Interagency Lifetime Seniors Pass. $8 a night until April 30. Sweet deal," shares a visitor to Hunter Cove Park.
Aquatic Invasive Species regulations: Non-resident boaters must obtain AIS decals before launching. "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," warns a camper.
Road conditions: Access roads to campgrounds can be challenging for larger vehicles. "Roads are what I would consider secondary. Rather narrow, especially if you meet a vehicle pulling a boat and you are in an RV so be prepared," cautions a visitor describing the approach to several camping areas.
Reservation requirements: Many campgrounds switch between reservation systems and first-come-first-served depending on season. "We arrived on a Monday. Only 2 others in the entire campground. We had our pick of the best spot," reports a spring visitor to Hunter Cove Park.
Tips for camping with families
Playground access: Several campgrounds feature play equipment for children. "Large campground with primative and RV sites. Dogs are allowed on leash and there are plenty of places for the kids to run around and play," notes a visitor to Hunter Cove Park.
Swimming beaches: Designated swimming areas provide safer water recreation for children. "The beaches are nice and there is a marina which has bait, some food and supplies. There's even a little bar," describes a visitor to Patterson Harbor Marina.
Shade considerations: Tree cover varies significantly between campgrounds and affects summer comfort. "Hunter Cove is a large, well kept park and all facilities are clean with no flies or at least very few. The park is blessed with a lot of mature tress giving most sites a nice shade," explains a regular visitor.
Group camping options: Some locations offer designated group sites for family reunions. "There are also two group campsites and a covered picnic facility that would be great for reunions," mentions a camper describing Methodist Cove's layout.
Tips from RVers
In-town convenience: Alma City Park provides full hookups with easy access to supplies. "This is a smaller RV campground within the city of Alma, NE. Very popular boating on the Harlan reservoir. The town offers easy grocery shopping or supply runs," notes a visitor to Alma City Park.
Weather preparedness: Wind protection is essential for awnings and cooking equipment. "This is a great city campground, with a grocery store two blocks away but the flies were horrendous! Houseflies were very aggressive," reports a camper who stayed at Alma City Park.
Laundry facilities: Some campgrounds offer washing machines. "A bonus was a washer and dryer located in both the men's and women's bath/toilet facility. That facility was very clean," mentions a visitor appreciating this convenience.
Water fill locations: Central water stations require planning for non-hookup sites. "One place to fill water tanks, boat dock, fish and cleaning station," notes a camper about the available amenities at one location.
