Red Willow Reservoir State Recreation Area provides glamping in McCook, Nebraska with campsites along a 1,629-acre reservoir at 2,600 feet elevation. The reservoir, created in 1962 when Red Willow Dam was constructed on the Republican River, offers water recreation opportunities in an otherwise semi-arid region that receives approximately 21 inches of annual rainfall.
What to do
Fishing opportunities: At Red Willow Reservoir, visitors can catch walleye, white bass, channel catfish, and northern pike. "Small but beautiful very nice quiet relaxation everybody keeps to themselves," noted one visitor at Willow View Campground.
Wildlife viewing: Prairie Dog State Park features native wildlife observation opportunities. "There are a number of loops here, we chose one with a lot of trees. There are some without water (fyi) and some that don't allow RVs," explains one camper at Cottonwood Campground.
Swimming access: Several campgrounds offer water activities during summer months. According to a visitor at Prairie Dog State Park, there are "Shaded RV spots with hookups. Good swimming."
What campers like
Quiet atmosphere: Campers appreciate the peaceful setting at glamping sites near McCook. "I've visited here during every season. The heat and bugs of mid July to the frozen autumn morings, always beautiful and teaming with wildlife," reported one visitor to Prairie Dog Campground.
Varied campsite options: Enders Reservoir offers different camping environments. "Sites with either electric or not. The electric sites were fairly full (note these are located near the highway). I went for the primitive. Not overly maintained. Some sites were hard to see," explains a camper at Enders Reservoir SRA.
Accessibility: Most glamping areas provide straightforward access for various camping setups. "This evening, my husband and I are camped out on the beach at Champion Lake in Enders State Recreation Area, Nebraska. We chose the campground at the left of the major Reservoir campground, which is the Dam Campground."
What you should know
Weather conditions: The region experiences significant seasonal variation. "Surprise: crazy storms rolling over the plains! The caretakers were very nice and had recommendations for all kinds of things along our route (including amazing pie)," notes a visitor about their experience.
Insect activity: Bug populations vary by season near McCook glamping sites. A visitor at Shady Rest cautioned, "Hopefully it was just a wet period or bad day" regarding insects, while another camper at the same location advised, "Better in Oct. No ticks or bugs and frankly of all the camping locations, there is a number of different choices, I had my section to myself."
Permit requirements: Most sites require permits and payment. At Enders Reservoir, "Permits are required, but your money envelope (deposit receipt) is your permit, if you are not local. We are staying 2 nights."
Tips for camping with families
Kid-friendly activities: Several areas provide recreation specifically for younger visitors. "Fantastic state Park with full hookups... Beach, fishing and a delightful small City of prairie dogs to entertain the kids for hours," notes one visitor.
Spacious sites: Some campgrounds offer more room for families to spread out. "We stayed in Prairie Dog State Park for one night on our way back home from Colorado and were pleasantly surprised with what a nice park this was. We stayed in a primitive site. The sites were spacious and had a wonderful shelter!" shared a camper at Shady Rest Campground.
Bathroom facilities: Restroom quality varies between locations. "The bathrooms are embarrassing $26 dollars a night," noted one camper, while another mentioned, "The vault toilet, however didnt look like it had been swept in awhile as it had a LOT of bug carcasses."
Tips from RVers
Hookup options: Many glamping locations near McCook offer various utility connections. "Excellent for large RV's. Pull thru sites with full hookups and overlooking Norton reservoir," states a visitor describing Cedar Ridge Campground.
Noise considerations: Highway proximity affects some RV sites. At Enders Reservoir, one camper advises, "My advice park closer to the lake, less road noise."
Boat launch conditions: Water levels impact boat accessibility. "The campground is nice. There's hardly any water in it and it's very Rocky to put a boat in," notes a visitor about Enders Reservoir conditions.
