Established Camping
Main Campground — Johnson Lake State Recreation Area
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.
Johnson Lake State Recreation Area, near Elwood, Nebraska, is a solid spot for campers looking to enjoy the great outdoors year-round. With a mix of tent and RV sites, you can set up camp with a view of the lake, making it a nice backdrop for your outdoor adventures.
The campground offers essential amenities like drinking water, electric hookups, and clean bathrooms. Many visitors have appreciated the shade provided by the surrounding trees, which adds a nice touch to the camping experience. One camper mentioned, “Nice to have a site that has plenty of shade,” highlighting the comfort it brings during those sunny days.
For those who enjoy fishing or just relaxing by the water, the lake is a great feature. While some campers noted that the sites can feel a bit close together, the planted bushes between them help create a sense of privacy. If you’re just passing through or need a stopover, this area can serve that purpose well, but it’s also a decent choice for a longer stay if you’re looking for a laid-back vibe.
Whether you’re planning a weekend getaway or a longer retreat, Johnson Lake State Recreation Area has the basics covered for a pleasant camping experience.
Description
Summary Excellent camping, fishing, and water sports are hallmarks of this ever-popular area, 10 miles south of Lexington. Though relatively small at 68 acres, this SRA packs a lot of outdoor fun and provides three access points to the 2,068-acre lake. Attractions Johnson Lake offers great boating and skiing and excellent angling for a variety of fish, including walleye, white bass, and wipers. Campers will find electrical hookups, nonpad sites, showers, modern restrooms, dump stations, water, picnic tables, grills, shelters, vault toilets, a boat ramp, fish cleaning stations, a swimming beach, and accessible fishing piers. Johnson Lake campground offers 2 campgrounds. The main campground on the southeast side of the lake has 82 camper pads with electrical hook-ups and an additional 30 non-designated campsites. The campground is shady and located close to shower facilities. It has a sandy beach area and plenty of picnic areas. The Inlet campground on the lake's west side has 31 camper pads with electrical hook-ups and 10 non-designated campsites. It has a boat ramp, excellent bank fishing, and a handicap pier. For those golfers, there is an 18-hole golf course close by.
Location
Main Campground — Johnson Lake State Recreation Area is located in Nebraska
Directions
Johnson Lake SRA: From 1-80 take exit 237 and go 7 miles south on Highway 283, then make a right hand turn at the Cenex Ampride station then first left in to the Park.
Address
1 East Park Dr. 25A
Elwood, NE 68937-9804
Coordinates
40.68456316 N
99.83178055 W
Connectivity
T-MobileLTESome Coverage- VerizonLTESome Coverage
- AT&TLTESome Coverage
Detours Nearby
Arnold Lake State Rec Area — Arnold State Recreation Area
1 hr 3 min away
Willow View Campground — Red Willow Reservoir SRA
1 hr 11 min away
Drive Time
- 1 hr 18 min from Grand Island
- 2 hrs 22 min from Lincoln
- 2 hrs 58 min from Omaha
- 4 hrs 7 min from Manhattan
Connectivity
- T-MobileLTESome Coverage
- VerizonLTESome Coverage
- AT&TLTESome Coverage
Access
- Drive-InPark next to your site
- Walk-InPark in a lot, walk to your site.
- Boat-InSites accessible by watercraft.
Site Types
- Tent Sites
- RV Sites
- Standard (Tent/RV)
Features
For Campers
- Picnic Table
- Reservable
- Showers
- Drinking Water
- Electric Hookups
- Toilets
- Alcohol
- Pets
- Fires
For Vehicles
- Sanitary Dump
- Sewer Hookups
- Water Hookups
- 30 Amp Hookups
- 50 Amp Hookups
- Big Rig Friendly
