Calamus Reservoir and Victoria Springs State Recreation Areas offer year-round camping facilities near Burwell, Nebraska. Located in the Nebraska Sandhills region at elevations between 2,000-2,500 feet, these areas experience hot summers with temperatures regularly reaching 90°F and cold winters that can drop below 0°F. Campsites throughout the region typically fill to capacity during summer weekends while remaining accessible midweek.
What to do
Boating and fishing access: Sherman Reservoir State Recreation Area provides multiple water access points for recreational activities. "This is primarily a reservoir and wildlife management area. Finding a camping spot with access to the lake is difficult. After driving around the lake, we found one, and it was an amazing spot!" notes camper D Marie S.
Paddle boat rentals: At Victoria Springs State Recreation Area, visitors can enjoy the small lake with rentable equipment. "You can rent paddle boats for the small lake. Merlin counted 10 different bird sounds here in April," shares Judy B., highlighting the recreational options and wildlife viewing potential.
Basketball and horseshoes: Recreational facilities are available at several campgrounds in the area. Victoria Springs offers "a basketball hoop, horseshoes, and a playground across the creek by the lake," according to Judy B. The playground provides an additional activity option for families with children.
What campers like
Natural storm protection: Valley View Flat Campground offers camping with significant tree coverage. "FCFS, no reservations needed. About 10 electric sites, plenty of tent and/or primitive sites... Quite a bit of shade also," reports Danika S., highlighting how the natural features benefit campers.
White sand beaches: Homestead Knolls Campground features distinctive sandy shorelines. "Homestead Knolls is a small campground near a small, beautiful white sand beach with gradual increase in depth, perfect for swimming with family. Boat ramp is nearby," notes Jennifer M.
Midweek solitude: For those seeking quiet camping experiences near Burwell, Nebraska with pets, Victoria Springs provides excellent options. "It fills up on the weekends but during the week you can have the entire campground to yourself. Beautiful trees, nice shade, and electrical hook-ups," says Barry M., highlighting the potential for privacy.
What you should know
Non-resident fees: State recreation areas charge additional vehicle fees for out-of-state visitors. At Nunda Shoals Campground, "All sites are electrical only. There is a nice modern shower and bath facility to utilize if you want to conserve your fresh water tank. Toilets are free and it only costs $1.25 for a 7 minute hot shower," explains Darrick H.
Limited boat loading conditions: Weather can impact boat access at Calamus Reservoir. "Beautiful campground! Nice boat ramp but can be tricky to load if windy. Book in advance as this site is very popular and always full!" warns Alex R. about Homestead Knolls.
Site flooding potential: Some campgrounds experience water drainage issues after rainfall. At Homestead Knolls, "There had already been some rain and some of the sites had some flooding," reports Lee D., suggesting campers should check conditions after precipitation.
Tips for camping with families
Playground proximity: Consider site location relative to play areas. "If you have kids who would like to use the playground, I recommend Sites 26, 28, 30 and 40, 42, and 44 (conversely, stay away from these sites if you do not want to be close to kids on the playground)!" advises Lee D. about Homestead Knolls.
Gradual swimming areas: Calamus Reservoir offers family-friendly swimming options. "This lake is amazing — clean and with a sand base," notes D Marie S., though they caution that "camping isn't great, as it's limited and close to others."
Pet-friendly accommodations: Dog owners find numerous options for pet friendly camping near Burwell, with multiple campgrounds allowing leashed pets. "We had such a great stay at the Nunda Shoal Campground. It's situated directly next to the Calamus Reservoir, and there is at least one path that leads right to the sandy beach," shares Emma N.
Tips from RVers
Full hookup availability: Cuzn Eddyz Campground offers complete services for RVers. "Parked in a full hookup pull through site. Was nice and well kept. Bathhouse was clean and well maintained. Owner was very nice," shares Mark L. about this stop near Burwell.
Site leveling and access: Victoria Springs campsites feature generally level surfaces. "The sites are mostly level and well groomed grass with 2 new concrete handicap spots. The 30 amp and 50 amp power was proper voltage and dependable," notes Lumpie C., adding that "ingress and egress is good with gravel road surfaces in park."
Satellite reception challenges: Heavily wooded campgrounds may interfere with television reception. "Access to clear line of site to south for Dish or Directv is difficult due to heavy tree population," warns Lumpie C. about Victoria Springs, providing valuable information for RVers who rely on satellite services.
