Lake Ogallala - Lake McConaughy State Rec Area
Anthony B.
Reviewed Aug. 24, 2020

Great Stay for the Beginning of the summer!

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 & 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.

SiteBeach Site #15/ Sandy Beach North End/ Beach Area in front of Lone Eagle
Month of VisitSeptember
  • Review photo of Lake Ogallala - Lake McConaughy State Rec Area by Anthony B., August 24, 2020
  • Review photo of Lake Ogallala - Lake McConaughy State Rec Area by Anthony B., August 24, 2020
  • Review photo of Lake Ogallala - Lake McConaughy State Rec Area by Anthony B., August 24, 2020
  • Review photo of Lake Ogallala - Lake McConaughy State Rec Area by Anthony B., August 24, 2020
  • Review photo of Lake Ogallala - Lake McConaughy State Rec Area by Anthony B., August 24, 2020
  • Review photo of Lake Ogallala - Lake McConaughy State Rec Area by Anthony B., August 24, 2020