Fishing, swimming, and kayaking give campers plenty of reasons to spend time at Bluestem State Rec Area, an Army Corps of Engineers campground set along a lake outside Martell, Nebraska. Sites run $15 to $30 per night, with full hookups available for RVs including electric, water, and sewer connections. Access to the campground has been flagged as rough, so drivers should factor that in before arrival.
Lakeside spots are the draw here. Getting to one early pays off, as Jared J. notes you "can get some really pretty lakeside spots if you get there early." The swim beach and fishing are the most commonly mentioned activities across reviews, and the campground also has an archery range and trails. Cell coverage is reportedly solid. Crowd levels vary considerably depending on the season and weekend timing, with some visitors encountering a heavy party atmosphere while others, particularly winter campers, have found the place largely empty.
Cleanliness has been inconsistent based on past reviews, with at least one visitor noting significant dog waste along the lake. The campground is open year-round, pets are allowed, and alcohol is permitted on site. Reservations are available, which makes sense to use during warmer months when the swim beach draws larger groups. Campers who want a quieter or more remote experience nearby might look at Olive Creek Lake State Recreation Area to the southwest, or Area 5 Campground about a mile north.
Description
Located southwest of Lincoln, Bluestem State Recreation Area features 742-acres for picnicking, camping and much more. Anglers especially enjoy Bluestem, which has a 325-acre lake.
Currently, water levels at Bluestem SRA are extremely low. As a result, access to boat ramps and the swim beach is significantly limited or unavailable. These conditions are due to ongoing drought and lack of rainfall. Bluestem relies on natural precipitation to maintain water levels. Visitors are encouraged to plan accordingly and check conditions before arrival.
Warning 1 Alert is In Effect
There is 1 alert for this campground. Camp safely!
Warning 1 Alert is In Effect
There is 1 alert for this campground. Camp safely!
The Nebraska Game & Parks Commission maintains the right to establish "black-out" dates and reserve facilities or lodging for Special Events and maintenance related needs.
RV Road Trip Guides
Map & DirectionsBluestem State Rec Area is located in Nebraska near Martell
Directions
- From Lincoln: Take Highway 77 south, then head west on W. Sprague Road. - From Omaha: Take I-80 west to Highway 77 south, then west on W. Sprague Road. - From Beatrice: Take Highway 77 north, then west on W. Sprague Road. - From Central Nebraska: Take I-80 east to Highway 77 south, then west on W. Sprague Road.
Address
5800 W. Sprague Road
Martell, NE 68404
Coordinates
40.62500012 N
96.795 W
Connectivity
T-Mobile5GExcellent Coverage- Verizon5GExcellent Coverage
- AT&T5GExcellent Coverage
Connectivity
- T-Mobile5GExcellent Coverage
- Verizon5GExcellent Coverage
- AT&T5GExcellent Coverage
Access
- Drive-InPark next to your site
- Walk-InPark in a lot, walk to your site.
Site Types
- Tent Sites
- RV Sites
- Standard (Tent/RV)
- Dispersed
- Group
- Equestrian
Features
For Campers
- Picnic Table
- Reservable
- Electric Hookups
- Alcohol
- Pets
- Fires
For Vehicles
- Sanitary Dump
- Sewer Hookups
- Water Hookups
- 30 Amp Hookups
- 50 Amp Hookups
Drive Time
- 19 min from Lincoln, NE
- 1 hr 1 min from Omaha, NE
- 1 hr 32 min from Grand Island, NE
- 2 hrs from Manhattan, KS
