Lake Ogallala Campground, near Ogallala, Nebraska, is a solid choice for those looking to enjoy a peaceful lakeside experience. With sites that come equipped with picnic tables and fire pits, it’s perfect for roasting marshmallows and soaking in the views of the lake.

This campground offers a mix of tent and RV sites, with some featuring electric hookups. Visitors have mentioned the availability of drinking water and showers, which can make your stay more comfortable. One camper noted, “This campsite is beautiful - a nice quiet lake with fishing & kayaking,” highlighting the outdoor activities right at your fingertips.

If you’re up for some adventure, Lake Ogallala is right next to Lake McConaughy, where you can find even more recreational opportunities. Whether you’re into fishing, kayaking, or just chilling by the water, you’ll find plenty to keep you entertained. Just keep in mind that the campground can get lively on weekends, so if you’re after tranquility, consider planning your visit during the week.

To create a safer, family-friendly environment, all camping at Lake McConaughy and Lake Ogallala State Recreation Areas will be by advanced reservation only, beginning May 21, 2021. Reservation booking will be available in late April. To learn more visit: http://outdoornebraska.gov/lakemcconaughy/

Located on the east side of Kingsley Dam and massive Lake McConaughy, Lake Ogallala is known as "the little lake". Chilled by the massive surface of Lake McConaughy, Lake Ogallala is a well-known fishing destination, particularly renowned for its fast-growing and feisty rainbow trout. Compared to Lake McConaughy, Lake Ogallala is small, gentle and sedate at 320 acres. It lacks the sandy beaches of its neighbor to the west, but its protected shoreline wards off winds. Along with fishing, visitors come to paddle, camp and enjoy the scenery.

Lake Ogallala is well-known for its quality fishery, and rainbow trout are among the species most popular with anglers. In addition to rainbow trout, anglers may find yellow perch, channel catfish and an occasional wiper. There is one fish cleaning station, improved angler access areas in the northwest corner, west side and near the Kingsley Hydro as well as a kayak launch dock at the North Boat Ramp. All boats are permitted, but Lake Ogallala is a no-wake lake. Non-motorized watercraft are very popular at Lake Ogallala due to the protection from the wind offered by Kingsley Dam. There are two boat ramps and two boat docks available along with a kayak launch dock at the north boat ramp.

The Lake Ogallala Hike-Bike Trail is located on the east side of Lake Ogallala inside the Lake Ogallala Modern Campground. The two-mile trail runs on top of the northern dyke that holds Lake Ogallala and ends at the Nebraska Public Power District's Diversion Dam.

Lake Ogallala East Campground – Located at the East Entrance of Lake Ogallala off the Keystone Lake Road, this area features hard surfaced roads and pads with 82 Electric Plus sites, water available throughout the area and a restroom and shower facility.

Lake Ogallala West Campground – Located at the West Entrance of Lake Ogallala off the Keystone Lake Road, this Campground is spread across multiple locations on the west side of Lake Ogallala and includes many lake front sites. All sites are grass and most have a table and grill. Water is available at the fish cleaning station, playground and south boat ramp.

CHECK-IN AND CHECK-OUT If you check out early, the unused portion of your payment will be forfeited. Campers with reservations must check in with staff either at a kiosk (fee booth) or at the Visitor Center. Check-In time is from 2 pm MST ¿ 9 pm MST. Please be prepared to provide your name and reservation number. Your reservation number can be accessed from your confirmation email, or by logging into your Reserve America account.   
  
All overnight campers must: Make a reservation in advance. Check in with park staff before proceeding to their campsite  
  
**[See Reservation Policies details](https://nebraskastateparks.reserveamerica.com/resource/contracts/ne/ReservationPolicies.pdf)**

Lake Ogallala Beach Campsites - Lake McConaughy State Rec Area

The Dyrt is here to help plan your best camping near Ogallala. There's so much to see and do, from exhilarating hikes or bike rides to exploring the local dining and shopping. At The Dyrt, campers like you share their favorite spots, plus tips and photos. No matter where you're headed in Ogallala, you'll find the best spot for you and your camping crew.

Ogallala

The Best Camping Near Ogallala, Nebraska

there are two campgrounds, one on the east and one on the west sides of the lake.  The east side has electrical and water hookups the west doesn’t.  We stayed on the west side toward the south end in a unnumbered site. There are Porta Potty’s fairly close to all sites but water is a little more sparse. The west side is next to Kingsley Dam and is less populated but there is road noise during the day.  The west side is non reservable.  This lake is quieter than McConaughy but is only a couple minutes drive away.  McConaughy is loaded with activities.


Less crowded than lake McConaughy

Lake Ogallala and it’s campground was beautiful! Plenty of fishing, great area for walking, and you can hop right over to lake McConaughy for even more water action, restaurants and beautiful seeneri! The camp sites of most of the campground we small and very close together though.

Great area with wonderful siteseeing

Lake Ogallala Trail is a 9 mile lightly trafficked out and back trail located near Ogallala, primarily used for hiking. The lake itself is pretty small (large pond) especially compared to its neighbor Lake McConoughey

The camping area was a little on the primitive side. Morning catfishing right off the banks is excellent!

Fishing area

Clean restrooms with showers. Well wooded and below the dam so there is not much wind.

Quiet camping next to a fishing lake.

Really nice little lake for kayaking and fishing. There was some people swiming in the lake but it was too cold to go in there. Watch out for biting flies. 

Very pretty


I stopped at this campsite on a cross country road trip from NY to NV, as I didn’t know anyone who resided in the great state of Nebraska. Talk about a total hidden gem!! This campground is one of the most beautiful, quiet and serene campgrounds I have ever been to. There are lots of sites right along the water and perfect for fishing!! Absolutely some gorgeous views here.

Hidden gem

Great rout fishing below the dam but the cool thing is that all of the lake and surrounding sites are available to you.  Nice facilities and possibly a bit quieter than some of the Lake McConaughy sites which can become party sites.

Camping below the dam, Close to McConaughy's beaches & old western town

The views are pretty but the lack of full hookup sites and dump stations aren't worth it, in our opinion.  When we booked our reservation, we utilized the options for 50amp site for a 40' camper and water.  What we got was a 50amp site with "community" water available for us to fill up jugs and whatever else held water  that we had to walk several sites down to get from a communal water faucet.  Had we known this, we could have filled out fresh water tank completely to prepare.  It isn't like we never dry dock but a more clear booking site would have helped us prepare.  The trash dumpsters are in the worst possible spot for longer rigs pulling out from Lake Ogallala's SRA sites, including #36.  And, finally...the fact the dumpstations are no where near most of the camp sites, nor are they clearly marked for convenient finding ensures we will not using this location again.

A Big Nope from Us

Such a beautiful place to stay. Ideally, you would want a spot by the water and/or under the shade trees more. For the reservable side, it has electric hook ups and community water spouts you can fill your tanks with. Spots are pretty spaced out. The big lake is easy to get to. Dump stations are at the big lake and should be marked better. There used to be a playground at the campground, but it is gone. Did find one by the dam at the non-electric side of Lake Ogallala.

Beauty

From Colorado Springs, it was about an 4.5 Hour Drive and about 5.25 with "Pit Stops" along the Way.  Upon Arriving, you will need to pay for Nebraska State Park Permit (Out of State $45 Dollars, In State $30) and then a camping fee for camping on the beach which is $12 per day for primitive.  

  

We opted to Buy an annual pass because this was our second trip and purchased on the first (Review #1) and definitely saved us money.  Depending on the season, early summer the water is high and the beach area is not a lengthy.  However, as the summer progresses, the water level lowers and the beach are becomes very long and very easy to get stuck in just a regular truck without a camper.  With a camper is definitely recommended to utiilize the beach towing at $80 to $100 for entry and exit.  This beach towing includes leveling of the camper front to back and side to side.  There are about 10 to choose from, but typically one tower will service a four to five mile stretch of the beach.  

  

With the given amount of traffic of campers in these Covid times, almost all camping areas are full and arriving on Wednesday or early Thursday morning will ensure a better camping experience.  Keep in mind, during holidays it is extremely busy and what you think might be impossible to get another camper beside you, will result in another camper "squeezing" in beside you at wee hours in the morning to avoid the looks.  Both times we went, campers were coming in at 3 and 4 in the morning.  It is best to camp on non-holiday weekends that have a little less people.  

  

I would suggest if you have little kids, to camp on the beach so you can have your camp set-up and also maintain your camp (i.e. cook &amp; clean) while one adult watches the children swim.  It allows us to not have to run back to the camper to grab something or start cooking.  Plus it makes it super convenient with all the inflatables. 

  

As far as the beach goes, the sand is really nice and there typically no rocks or branches in the water.  With that said, there are other spots that have a lot of underwater trees and brush which make an uncomfortable experience and a recommendation of water shoes would help. 

  

There are plenty of Boat Rentals, Jet Ski Rentals, Kayak and Paddleboard rentals in the area that will provide fun and entertainment. Both of the power rentals will run you about $350 to $400 dollars per day and provide great entertainment.  With the lake being 25 miles long, it is very hard to see the whole lake. Boating is enjoyed all day long, but I would recommend the Jet Skis in the morning as the water is a bit calmer, from less boats being on the water. 

  

There are facilities at the top of the beach entrance, which include bathrooms and trash dumpsters.  There are no showers in close vicinity, but you can find some at Lone Eagle Campground.  Beware though, they get crowded very quickly and the line is at peak times. 

  

All in all, I highly recommend Lake Mac, but would not recommend it in the late summer.  Most importantly, the wind is extreme and use extreme caution when bringing out the portable canopies and also RV Awnings.  I could not tell you how many Awnings being destroyed and a graveyard of twisted metal canopies destined for the scrap bin.

Great Stay for the Beginning of the summer!

Real quick review: Nice little no wake lake. We enjoyed the lake to paddleboard around. 
Tent camping one side and RV on my the other. 
Bath house
Boat launch
Playground
RV hookups 
Dumpstation
Short walking trail to the damn spout
..water all sites
..some electric Sites

Nice

Great sites right on a small peaceful lake. Just know if the wind changes you might get a little smelly at the campsites. Also look at beach camping up at the big lake above the dam. We didn't realize that was there until we drove in so FYI.

Beautiful place...can be a little smelly

Stayed here on my cross country drive. Real calm at dusk on this reservoir, it picked up real fast into a certified windstorm by 2AM when I felt like my tent was about to be blown away into oblivion. LOTS of RVs.

Summer windstorms

Mid April,  we were one of a handful of campers.  We had our pick of sites at Lake Ogallala located at the base of the dam.  We selected 38. Due to the high winds and cold, we weren't able to kayak/SUP as planned, but it would be a good place.  Also, great places on the other side of the dam.  The bath house was open, but not the showers, which are pay by the way. There are also Porta Pottys in addition to the 1 modern bathhouse. The tree shaded sites are pretty level, but the tree rooms have buckled a lot of them.  There is no dump station here, you have to go down the road to Little Thunder, but no extra charge.   Speaking of charges,  its pretty pricey.  Sites $32 Plus a separate daily park pass.  State residents $6.  Nonresident $8.  Lastly,  the campground is next to a huge open pasture with lots of cows grazing.  We didn't notice any smell, though.  We would stay again

Lakefront beauty

Stayed one night on the Big Lake and one night at the small lake. Both are very good, just more quiet and less traffic at Lake Ogallala. Very nice camp sites and good fishing.

Quiet place to stay at Big Mac

This was a great little campsite that’s a little off the beaten path and for us was a nice surprise. The campground was quiet with some wildlife in and around the lake. There’s only a pit toilet and a few outhouses on the tent side. No showers. The only water pump I found was at the fish washing station.  

Quiet and peaceful

This place was great up until around 10pm when I noticed a strange pick up in cars coming through. Later I realized these are all the people who don’t want to pay and come in after the gate attendant leaves. Unfortunately, the caravan that came to the site next to mine around 11:30pm was awful. Kids running around screaming and lighting up my tent with flashlights until 1am, the music started at 1:30am, and then illegal fireworks at 2am. When I told them I was trying to sleep I got called some unfavorable names and as a solo female traveler did not feel safe.

I would avoid on Fridays and Saturdays in the summer if you are looking for the peace and serenity other campers mentioned.

All depends on your neighbors

Absolutely stunning place to camp right on the lake! Just beware if you are parking on the back of loose sand, as some vehicles could get stuck. It was very windy when we were there, so if you’re renting make sure you have appropriate stakes!

Beautiful location, beware of sand

This campsite is beautiful - a nice quiet lake with fishing &amp; kayaking, shady spot with electric hookup, and a pretty nice fire pit. Huge cottonwoods surround us with birds chirping into the evening &amp; the crickets singing at night.  No water hookups at the site but there is water available - though not a RV fill/dump station. Paid showers available. A great retreat after a day on Lake Mac, which is right next door. No quiet hours on Saturday night. Worth it for the water access to Lake Ogallala! 

Shady Retreat from the Lake

This review is for the West Campground, which is a Basic site with no hookups. There is water in a couple places but not at each site. The sites do have a picnic table, fire ring or grill. There are trash dumpsters, a playground, porta potties and a more modern restroom at the end of the campground. Most sites are fairly level and have trees for shade. Sites 1-17 are right on the lake, although the sites near the power generating have a strong surphur smell from the water.

This is a great place to stay if you don’t mind no hookups. 


Nice no hookup campground

not Lake McConaughey

No close restrooms, sites are very close and it costs $25 per night for a basic site

Over priced

Easy access to campsites, clean shower houses, fun walking trails with great views of the lake! Fun boating and atv activities or beach day with the family! 

Tent camping 

We thought this place was beautiful. Loved the beach camping on the lake. You could be on the lake or nestled in the trees. Open camping within the beach area you choose. Get a reservation, but plenty of open space. Gave it 4 stars because it was blowing like crazy when we were there. 

Beautiful Beach Camping 

We paid for a site that resembled a dispersed camping site( and a poor one at that).  We also left early, not wanting to stay an hour more.  Site disorganized, unclean, with old nasty Porta potty’s.  This campground is not for seniors!  ￼Mostly for low income Young families.  ￼ in addition to the camping fee we were required to pay $12 for a vehicle fee.  No showers or even vault toilets.  Walmart is a better deal?￼￼

A nonstarter for us!

Been here two different weekends now as we wait for our more long term spot to open up. Has been very quiet even when packed full. Camp hosts are super friendly and helpful.

Nice large grassy spots with beach access.
Great flat roads for bike riding. Very few visitors off-season

Isolated off season

East campground Electric Plus Site. Looking for the plus. No RV fill/dump station. Water spigot available. Bath house with pay showers. Daily entry fee (had to purchase on internet), fill/dump station a few miles up the road to the big lake. Just not convenient. Host on site, but sign says off duty, and haven’t seen them. Several piles of dog poop on site and we didn’t bring a dog. Site does have a fire pit, picnic table and a good view of the lake. Not worth what an out of stater had to pay traveling through. 

Rating based on view from camper

Great fall camping. Big sites well spaced. Our choice of shade or open sites. This time of year it’s first come, first served.  We had very few neighbors.

Lake Ogalalla near McConaughy

Nice grass to pitch your tent on right next to the lake. Not too close to neighbor sites. Quiet 

Photos of Lake Ogallala Beach Campsites - Lake McConaughy State Rec Area

Real photos from real campers