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Established Camping

Sandy Beach Campground — Lake McConaughy SRA

Warning 3 Alerts are In Effect

There are 3 alerts 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.

The possession and consumption of alcohol is prohibited at Lake McConaughy and Lake Ogallala.

SAVE TIME, DON'T WAIT IN LINE! BUY YOUR PARK ENTRY PERMIT IN ADVANCE AND ENJOY MORE TIME IN THE PARK. PURCHASE HERE **gooutdoorsne.com**

CAMPER SUMMARY PRESENTED BYFord

Sandy Beach - Lake McConaughy SRA, near Ogallala, Nebraska, is a fantastic spot for those looking to camp right by the water. With its beautiful lakeside views, you can wake up and step straight into the refreshing water, making it a perfect getaway for families and pets alike.

This campground allows fires, so you can roast marshmallows and share stories around the campfire as the sun sets. Visitors have raved about the cleanliness and peacefulness of the area, with one camper noting, “We never thought we would be staying on a beach in Nebraska! It was so clean and peaceful!!”

If you’re into water activities, this place is a dream. Some campers have mentioned wishing they had brought inflatable paddleboards to enjoy the lake even more. Plus, the sunsets here are something special, with one reviewer describing it as feeling like they were at an ocean beach right in the heart of Nebraska.

While it can get hot, especially in September, the easy access to the lake makes it manageable. Just be cautious when driving down to the beach; it’s easy to get stuck if you’re not careful. Whether you’re here for a quick stop or a longer stay, Sandy Beach offers a unique camping experience that you won’t forget.

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Location

Sandy Beach Campground — Lake McConaughy SRA is located in Nebraska

Detail location of campground

Directions

Take Interstate 80 to the Ogallala Exit #126, then turn north onto Hwy 61 (or Spruce Street in Ogallala). Turn East (right) on Hwy 61 North and follow the road. The Visitor Center will be on the right-hand side of the road. 1 mile after the Visitor Center is the Kingsley Dam. After crossing the dam, take the first left for the Martin Bay entrance. You must check-in at the kiosk, or the Visitor Center, before proceeding to your camping spot.

Address

1475 Highway 61 North
Ogallala, NE 69153-5930

Coordinates

41.25861448 N
101.77127555 W

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Connectivity

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    T-Mobile5G
    Excellent Coverage
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    Verizon5G
    Excellent Coverage
  • signal strength bars
    AT&TLTE
    Some Coverage

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Detours Nearby

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Lakeview

Lakeview

28 min away

Stapleton City Park

Stapleton City Park

1 hr 25 min away

Drive Time

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Connectivity

Presented byT-Mobile SatelliteT-Mobile is introducing T-Satellite to extend coverage in the outdoorsLearn More
  • signal strength bars
    T-Mobile5G
    Excellent Coverage
  • signal strength bars
    Verizon5G
    Excellent Coverage
  • signal strength bars
    AT&TLTE
    Some Coverage

Access

  • Drive-In
    Park next to your site
  • Walk-In
    Park in a lot, walk to your site.
  • Hike-In
    Backcountry sites.
  • Boat-In
    Sites accessible by watercraft.

Site Types

  • Tent Sites
  • RV Sites
  • Standard (Tent/RV)
  • Group

Features

For Campers

  • Market
  • Picnic Table
  • Reservable
  • Showers
  • Drinking Water
  • Electric Hookups
  • Toilets
  • Pets
  • Fires

For Vehicles

  • Sanitary Dump
  • Sewer Hookups
  • Water Hookups
  • 30 Amp Hookups
  • 50 Amp Hookups

Contact

General Info

Reservations


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Reviews

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5 Reviews

Reviewed Oct. 4, 2025

Must love trains

I stayed at Beach 13 under the trees. I did not see anyone else in this area. I can imagine it’s insanely busy during the summer and that sounds miserable. There were several trains going throughout the night. There were porta potties at the parking lot and down the street was a shower bathroom facility. As with other Nebraska parks be prepared to pay for a shower.

SiteBeach 13
Month of VisitSeptember
  • Review photo of Sandy Beach Campground — Lake McConaughy SRA by Allison B., October 4, 2025
Reviewed Apr. 1, 2024

Lake front Success

We camped right on the water. The spot was beautiful. Wake up walk into the lake. At night little frogs like to reveal themselves from the sand. Dog loved it. Kids loved it. It was very hot but the East access to the lake made it better. Canopy needed this time of year for sure. Gets hot in September. Be careful coming down to the beach. If you drive the wrong way you will get stuck taking an rv down and you can pay for a bulldozer to pull it in if you need it.

Site014 but went right to the beach.
Month of VisitSeptember
  • Review photo of Sandy Beach Campground — Lake McConaughy SRA by Rico B., April 1, 2024
  • Review photo of Sandy Beach Campground — Lake McConaughy SRA by Rico B., April 1, 2024
  • Review photo of Sandy Beach Campground — Lake McConaughy SRA by Rico B., April 1, 2024
Reviewed Aug. 30, 2021

Beach camping

Was such a surprising and awesome spot. Stopped here at while driving towards Yellowstone, once there, I wish we would have packed the inflatable paddleboard.

Month of VisitAugust
  • Review photo of Sandy Beach Campground — Lake McConaughy SRA by Alexia , August 30, 2021
  • Review photo of Sandy Beach Campground — Lake McConaughy SRA by Alexia , August 30, 2021
  • Review photo of Sandy Beach Campground — Lake McConaughy SRA by Alexia , August 30, 2021
Reviewed Jun. 3, 2021

Beach camping

This is a very cool spot. Many beach camping areas at Lake McConaughey. Some people have pulled their trailers within feet of the water to make for some great camping.

SiteBeach Area #17
Month of VisitJune
  • Review photo of Sandy Beach Campground — Lake McConaughy SRA by Curt , June 3, 2021
Reviewed Sep. 22, 2020

Great ocean beach camp spot in the middle of the country

Felt like I was at an ocean beach in the middle of NEBRASKA. Paid the necessary dues at the entrance to the beach area and then drove along the water to find the perfect spot. Backed the Jeep up to the water and called it home for the night. It was a little windy the day I stayed there...hopefully it is calmer most days. I think you can find other spots in coves that would guard you from the wind if needed. Great sunset and sunrise views.

Month of VisitJuly
  • Review photo of Sandy Beach Campground — Lake McConaughy SRA by Jim H., September 22, 2020
  • Review photo of Sandy Beach Campground — Lake McConaughy SRA by Jim H., September 22, 2020
  • Review photo of Sandy Beach Campground — Lake McConaughy SRA by Jim H., September 22, 2020
  • (6) View All

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need reservations for Sandy Beach Campground at Lake McConaughy?

Sandy Beach Campground operates on a first-come, first-served basis rather than a reservation system. Visitors pay entrance fees at the access point to the beach area before proceeding to find their camping spot. Since this is a popular destination, especially during peak season, arriving early gives you the best chance of securing a prime waterfront location. Always check with Lake McConaughy State Recreation Area for any policy changes before your trip.

What amenities are available at Sandy Beach Campground?

Sandy Beach Campground offers primitive beach camping with minimal amenities. The main attraction is the ability to camp directly on the sandy shoreline with immediate lake access. Basic facilities are limited, so campers should come prepared with their own supplies including water, food, and waste disposal options. The area is ideal for those who enjoy paddleboarding, swimming, and other water activities. Cell service is available at the lake, though signal strength may vary depending on your location and provider.

When is the best time to visit Sandy Beach at Lake McConaughy?

Late spring through early fall offers the best experience at Sandy Beach Campground. Summer months provide ideal swimming and water recreation conditions, though temperatures can get very hot—bringing a canopy or shade structure is highly recommended, especially in July and August. September can still offer warm days with potentially fewer crowds. Be prepared for potential wind, which is common in the area. Evenings may reveal charming wildlife like small frogs emerging from the sand, adding to the unique camping experience.

Where is Sandy Beach Campground located at Lake McConaughy?

Sandy Beach Campground is located along the shoreline of Lake McConaughy in Nebraska. This unique camping area gives visitors the feeling of being at an ocean beach despite being in the middle of Nebraska. The campground features sandy shores where campers can set up directly along the water's edge. Access is through a main entrance to the beach area, after which you can drive along the waterfront to select your preferred camping spot.