Map showing campground location near Ashton, Nebraska

Camper submitted image from Ravenna Lake State Recreation Area

Ravenna Lake State Recreation Area

SUMMARY PRESENTED BY

Reservations at Ravenna Lake State Recreation Area go through CampSpot, and booking ahead matters. On busy holiday weekends, nearly every site fills up, with only a handful of reserved-but-empty spots remaining by Friday evening. The $10 reservation fee locks in your site, which is worth it given how quickly the campground reaches capacity. Sites vary in size, and some are cramped between larger rigs, so privacy can be limited when the campground is at full occupancy.

The lake draws anglers and paddlers throughout the season. Facilities include electric hookups, drinking water, picnic tables, and firewood for purchase. Showers and flush restrooms are located near the campground entrance, with porta-potties positioned closer to the sites themselves. Disc golf, volleyball, and a pet exercise area give campers additional activity options on the grounds. One note of caution: a railroad line runs adjacent to the property, which affects noise levels, and at least one reviewer found the lake water quality concerning, describing it as "lake very nasty," per Georgina E..

Maintenance has been ongoing in recent years, with bathhouse upgrades and hookup improvements noted by multiple visitors. Gravel pull-through sites accommodate RVs. The campground tends to work best for campers who visit outside peak holiday periods, when crowd levels drop and sites feel less compressed. Those exploring places to camp near Ravenna Lake State Recreation Area have additional options in the region, including Sherman Reservoir State Rec Area Campground to the north for a different setting.

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Map & DirectionsRavenna Lake State Recreation Area is located in Nebraska near Ashton

Public Campground

Coordinates

41.01925316 N
98.891042 W

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Connectivity

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Some Coverage

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Some Coverage
Verified by 2 users
Last on 8/7/26
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Some Coverage

Access

Drive-In
Park next to your site
Walk-In
Park in a lot, walk to your site.

Site Types

Tent Sites
RV Sites
Standard (Tent/RV)

Features

For Campers

ADA Access
Trash
Picnic Table
Firewood Available
Phone Service
Reservable
Drinking Water
Electric Hookups
Toilets
Pets
Fires

For Vehicles

Sanitary Dump
Water Hookups
Pull-Through Sites
Big Rig Friendly

Contact

General Info

Drive Time

32 min from Grand Island, NE
1 hr 50 min from Lincoln, NE
2 hrs 27 min from Omaha, NE
3 hrs 28 min from Sioux City, IA

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Reviews5 Camper Reviews - Ravenna Lake State Recreation Area

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5 Stars

4 Stars

3 Stars

2 Stars

1 Star

3.0

out of 5

5 Reviews

Campers regularly cited ongoing facility improvements and well-maintained grounds as positives. Some visitors expressed concerns about railroad noise and crowded conditions during peak times, though quieter periods offer more peaceful experiences.

SUMMARY PRESENTED BY

Robert B.

Scout

Reviewed Jul. 6, 2024

Robert brummund

It was very nice except for people drinking in the park

Site22

Month of VisitJuly

Jennifer T.

Traveler

Reviewed May. 28, 2024

Pleasant Stay

The only way to reserve a site is through camp spot and we have a little trouble with that because it did not let me pick my site number. We arrived Friday evening on Memorial weekend and it was crowded. The campsite is great on the pocketbook but you have to pay a $10 fee to lock in your site and I am so glad we did! There was only three other empty spots in the entire campground and they were all marked reserved when we got there. The campground was pretty busy We were a little disappointed in our site because it was very small and kind of sandwiched between two big campers so not a lot of privacy and not a lot of room. There were a lot of people fishing and kayaking and a lot of dogs. There are showers and bathrooms but they are up near the entrance to the campground although they did have porta potties near the campsites. Although the grounds were well maintained the grass was mowed there was volleyball net setup disc golf available a pet exercise area the fountain was beautiful and shady in most areas. We would probably return on a non-holiday weekend when it's not so busy.

Site#2

Month of VisitMay

(5) View All

Susan

Guide

Reviewed Sep. 26, 2021

Only getter better

Lots of work and upgrades in progress to facilities like bath house and hook ups etc. Porta-Potties available and free remnant firewood boxes for fire rings. Picnic tables metal wire on cement slabs. RV pull thru on gravel. Easy to call for details and upgrade status; nice staff. Peaceful Camping. Spent two nights for Nebraska Junk Jaunt.

Site1

Month of VisitSeptember

Charles C.

Legend

Reviewed Sep. 30, 2018

Beautiful Lake Did Not Overcome the Poor Maintenance

The lake was nice and probably had good fishing. The Disc Golf course looked inviting, but the mosquitoes were horrendous and the Toilet disgusting.

Month of VisitSeptember

(6) View All

Georgina E.

Traveler

Reviewed Jul. 23, 2018

Ravenna Lake

Was not impressed, lake very nasty. Trash can's overflowing with trash. Noise due to being right beside railroad tracks.

Frequently Asked Questions

What amenities and facilities are available at Ravenna Campground?

Ravenna Lake State Recreation Area offers a mix of basic and improving amenities. The campground features RV pull-through sites on gravel surfaces, picnic tables (metal wire on cement slabs), and fire rings with free remnant firewood boxes available for campers. Portable toilets are provided, though bathroom facilities have received mixed reviews. The campground is undergoing upgrades to facilities including the bath house and hookups. For RV campers, there are improving hookup options. The campground is budget-friendly, making it an economical choice for overnight stays.

Where is Ravenna Campground located and how do I get there?

Ravenna Lake State Recreation Area is located in Ravenna, Nebraska. The campground is situated alongside a railroad track, which is important to note for those sensitive to noise. Access is straightforward with clear signage. The campground uses Camp Spot for reservations, so it's advisable to book ahead, especially during holiday weekends when it tends to get crowded. There is a $10 fee to secure a specific site. For precise directions, it's recommended to contact the campground directly as they have helpful staff who can provide the most current access information.

Is Ravenna Lake accessible from the campground and what activities can I do there?

Ravenna Lake is directly accessible from the campground and offers fishing opportunities, though water quality has been reported as less than ideal at times. The recreation area features a disc golf course for enthusiasts, though be prepared with mosquito repellent as insects can be abundant, particularly during warmer months. The atmosphere is generally peaceful, making it suitable for relaxation. The lake area includes some recreational facilities, though maintenance of public areas can be variable. For the most enjoyable experience, visiting during off-peak periods might provide a more serene setting with fewer crowds.

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