Enders, Nebraska sits at an elevation of approximately 3,000 feet in the southwestern part of the state, where the high plains climate brings hot summers and cold winters with relatively low precipitation. The region surrounding Enders Reservoir offers a mix of grassland and agricultural landscapes with camping options that range from primitive lakeside spots to full-service RV parks. Wind can be significant in this area, particularly during seasonal transitions.
What to do
Fishing opportunities: At Enders Reservoir State Recreation Area, visitors can fish despite variable water levels. "The campground is nice. There's hardly any water in it and it's very Rocky to put a boat in," notes one camper, highlighting the sometimes challenging conditions.
Golfing excursions: Campers staying near Champion Lake can enjoy a round at the nearby golf course. "This evening, my husband and I are camped out on the beach at Champion Lake in Enders State Recreation Area, Nebraska... Oh yes. The golfing. Well, there is a golf course across the road from the campground," explains one visitor to Champion Lake State Rec Area.
Lake activities: When water levels permit, boating and swimming are popular. "This was a small little lake we found on our trip. Caught a few bass. Drank a few beers and had some laughs," reports a visitor to Swanson Reservoir State Rec Area, which is open seasonally from May to September.
What campers like
Quiet camping spots: Some areas offer peaceful settings away from crowds. At Enders Reservoir, a camper notes, "I went for the primitive. Not overly maintained. Some sites were hard to see. There are pit toilets, but from the primitives it is several hundred yards away. Down in the primitive there were no other campers."
Affordable rates: Many camping options in the area are budget-friendly. "Good place to speaks the day and night, $12 for out of state $6 for local. My advice park closer to the lake, less road noise," suggests a camper at Enders Reservoir.
Beach camping: Champion Lake State Rec Area offers unique opportunities for waterfront camping. "Nice little campground when looking for a place to spend the night. On a little lake, was relatively clean. Dirt sites/no pads, but reasonably flat. Stayed here @ the end of October & had the place to ourselves other than the geese," shares one visitor who appreciated the lakeside setting.
What you should know
Seasonal operation: Several campgrounds in the area have limited seasonal availability. While Enders Reservoir remains open year-round, Swanson Reservoir operates only from May through September.
Water level fluctuations: Drought conditions can affect recreation at these reservoirs. "The campground is nice. There's hardly any water in it and it's very Rocky to put a boat in," a camper at Enders Reservoir comments.
Primitive camping realities: At Days Inn and RV Park in nearby Paxton, expect basic amenities. "It's a combo gas station, convenience store, hotel, and campground. It has full hookups with several gravel pull-through sites. It is not fancy but sites are level and price is right at 22.50 and the owner was nice. There are a few grills beside a little fishing lake, no picnic tables, and a fair amount of highway noise," reports one visitor.
Site variations: Many campgrounds feature a mix of site types. At Enders Reservoir, "Sites with either electric or not. The electric sites were fairly full (note these are located near the highway). I went for the primitive."
Tips for camping with families
Playground access: When traveling with children, seek out campgrounds with play areas. The Ogallala KOA provides family-friendly amenities. "This place is less than a mile off i-80. Ease access and great wifi. There is a small playground for the kids and several dog walks but that is about it," notes one reviewer.
Swimming options: While lake water may not always be ideal, some private campgrounds offer alternatives. At Ogallala Tri-Trails KOA, a visitor mentions, "We only stayed one night. Very nice people who own this park. Loved the little country house office. The pool was closed because of Covid and it was super windy. Cute playground my kids liked."
Quiet time considerations: Road noise can be an issue at certain RV sites near Enders, Nebraska. One camper suggests at Enders Reservoir, "My advice park closer to the lake, less road noise," which is particularly important when camping with light-sleeping children.
Tips from RVers
Hookup availability: RV sites near Enders, Nebraska vary widely in services offered. At Wray Hitch'n Post about an hour's drive away, "We stayed in Wray from August 2019 to January 2021 very clean and quite little Park. We are fulltimeers and travel with my husband's work. Just all around great place!! Would definitely stay again. Great prices and really good wifi."
Overnight stopping points: Many travelers use the area as a convenient waypoint. "This was a great overnight stopover. Very nicely maintained campground. The bathrooms were very clean, nicely designed with a modern look. Tiny off leash K9 park for dogs. Snug campground surrounded by corn fields," reports a visitor to Ogallala Tri-Trails KOA.
Road access considerations: When selecting an RV site, consider proximity to major routes. "Easy in/easy out. Nice looking sites. Some soft gravel in sites. Water pressure okay. Electric solid. Road noise from I-80 is very very loud and should be expected. If you're a light sleeper, stay away," advises an RVer about Ogallala/I-80 KOA Journey.
