Nebraska lakes are a fantastic destination for water enthusiasts of all ages. Despite Nebraska’s reputation for being land-locked, Nebraska offers many fun and clean inland lakes. They are perfect for boating, fishing, swimming, and other recreational activities. From Glen Cunningham Lake to Conestoga Lake to the popular Lewis and Clark Lake, Nebraska lakes are also great spots to take the family camping or enjoy a quiet weekend getaway with friends. If you’re traveling in from out of state looking for a longer vacation on one of the lakes in Nebraska this is your guide to finding the perfect spot!
Nebraska lakes offer many different water activities. The following is a list of lakes in Nebraska that we’ve ranked as the best for swimming, boating, fishing, and other recreational activities:
Our huge list of Nebraska lakes is designed to jumpstart you as you put together your future travel plans. When you think of Nebraska lake vacations, we can help you find:
- The clearest lakes in Nebraska – perfect for fishing or finding a rental property with a view for a relaxing spring, fall, or winter getaway.
- The best lakes for boating in Nebraska. For boat owners, or those looking to rent, we can help you find the best lakes to enjoy a warm summer day water skiing, tubing, or dropping a line in the lake with your buddies.
- A day at the beach. If you and the family want to keep cool, we’ll help you find the best Nebraska lakes for swimming.
Find Nebraska Lakes Near You
From the biggest lakes in Nebraska to those near state recreation areas and parks, you can find all of them on this site. Below are some of our favorite lakes – so take a look and see if one fits the bill for your next vacation.
The best lakes to visit in Nebraska
Lake McConaughy is Nebraska’s largest lake and reservoir at 30,000 acres. There are great places to camp right on the water to enjoy all that the lake has to offer. The lake offers power sports, including boating, water skiing and jet skiing. You can also fish, scuba dive, kayak and swim. Lake McConaughy is truly one of the crown jewels of Nebraska’s lakes. The Lake McConaughy State Recreation Area offers many great access opportunities to this lake.
Lewis and Clark Lake is one of the most popular lakes in Nebraska. The lake hosts thousands of visitors per year. Lake goers can swim, boat fish, as well as bike, hike and picnic along the lake. The lake is home to the Lewis and Clark State Recreation Area, which offers camping and cabins to plan your vacation stay.
Lake Wanahoo is a tranquil lake for no-wake boating and fishing. It also have camping opportunities. As Lake Wanahoo doesn’t allower power boating, it is perfect for those looking for a quiet getaway and more traditional water activities. Situated north of Wahoo, the lake has camping available or day-use facilities as well.
Lake Minatare has a beautiful sand beach area with shade trees on the northern side of the lake. This lake offers boat rentals, a general store, snack bar, picnic areas, and a great campground!
Lake Ogallala is as a smaller section of Lake McConaughy, along the scenic North Platte River. This lake offers boat rentals, a marina, picnic areas & shelters, restrooms & showers, a swimming beach with lifeguards on duty during peak season, a playground, and a campground with full hookups & primitive sites.
Lake Babcock–Lake Babcock is a 600 acre lake in Central Nebraska, north east of Omaha. Lake Babcock is known for very good largemouth bass, catfish and black crappie fishing. It’s central location makes this lake a popular destination!
If you’re looking for lakes in Nebraska, we hope this list of lakes is helpful! Whether you’re looking to escape the hustle and bustle of a city or just want some time away from work on your next vacation, these lakes should be at the top of your list.