Memphis Lake State Recreation Area sits within a patchwork of Nebraska cornfields northwest of Ashland, managed by the Nebraska Game and Parks Commission. The campground runs along the northern shore of a no-wake lake, with most sites positioned close enough to the water that campers can hear it from their tents. Mature trees provide consistent overhead shade throughout the loop, and each site includes a picnic table and fire ring.
The lake is the main draw. It's stocked for fishing, and the no-wake designation keeps the water calm for kayaks and canoes. A concession stand near the park entrance sells bait and ice, with canoe rentals reportedly available. John G. captured the surroundings well: "Redwing blackbirds, geese, and lightning bugs tucked in between the corn fields." Geese are a consistent presence throughout the park, and their droppings on the ground are worth watching for, particularly near the water's edge.
Campers looking for campgrounds around Memphis Lake State Recreation Area will find that this one tends to stay relatively uncrowded. One reviewer found it roughly ten percent full on a Thursday in late June, and first-come, first-served sites are available. Pricing runs from $10 per night for primitive sites up to $35 for electric and sewer hookups. Day-use fees apply separately and run $7 for Nebraska residents and $14 for out-of-state visitors.
Bathroom facilities have drawn mixed feedback. Some reviewers found them clean and functional, while others noted locked or poorly maintained restrooms. Mosquitoes can be heavy on summer evenings. The park stays open year-round, and an early April visit from one camper came in at just $10 per night with light crowds. Nearby alternatives include Ashland RV Campground and Military Park Camp Ashland Campground for those who want full-service setups.
Anglers, paddlers, and campers who want a site near the water without heavy RV park infrastructure will find Memphis Lake worth the stop.
RV Road Trip Guides
Map & DirectionsMemphis Lake State Rec Area is located in Nebraska near Ashland
Directions
From Lincoln, go north on hwy 77 to hwy 63 (located between Ceresco and Wahoo). Take hwy 63 east to Memphis and go through Memphis to park and watch signs. From Omaha, go west on interstate 80 to the Greenwood Interchange, then north on hwy 63 to hwy 6, east on hwy 6/63 to Ashland, and north on hwy 63 to Memphis. Go through Memphis and watch for signs to the park.
Coordinates
41.10245945418461 N
96.44235388714077 W
Connectivity
- T-Mobile5GExcellent Coverage
- VerizonLTESome CoverageVerified by 3 usersLast on 8/12/26
- AT&T5GExcellent Coverage
Connectivity
- T-Mobile5GExcellent Coverage
- VerizonLTESome CoverageVerified by 3 usersLast on 8/12/26
- AT&T5GExcellent 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)
- Group
- Cabins
Features
For Campers
- Market
- ADA Access
- Trash
- Picnic Table
- Firewood Available
- Phone Service
- Showers
- Drinking Water
- Electric Hookups
- Toilets
- Alcohol
- Pets
- Fires
For Vehicles
- Sanitary Dump
- Sewer Hookups
- Pull-Through Sites
Drive Time
- 29 min from Omaha, NE
- 35 min from Lincoln, NE
- 1 hr 43 min from Sioux City, IA
- 1 hr 50 min from Grand Island, NE











