Calamus Sra

Star3.93
44 reviews
42285 York Point Road, Burwell, Nebraska, 68823, United States
Summer Destination

Quick Facts

2,274 ft

Price

$7 - $70/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

177 campsites

Season

Year-round

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

RV FriendlyElectricShowers
Get Directions
Calamus Sra
$7.00 - $70.00 / night
Campsite Fees
Fees vary based on vehicle type and camping options. Nebraska Licensed Vehicle Park Entry Permit costs $35 annually or $17.50 for a duplicate permit,...
Show more
Standard Site Fee$30.00
Hookup Site Fee$0.00
Premium Site Fee$0.00
Hike and Bike Site Fee$15.00
Group Site Fee$0.00
Food Storage Locker Fee$0.00

Get Notified When Available

We'll monitor this campground and alert you the moment sites become available.

Free with account · Checks every 2 minutes

150,000+ sites monitored · Email, SMS, or in-app notifications

Share this campground
Reserve America
Provider
3083465666
Help improve this page
See something outdated or incorrect? Let us know!

What Campers Say

3.93

Mixed Reviews

Based on 44 reviews

494 Google reviews

Most mentioned

cleanwaterbeachfriendly

"Reviews of Calamus SRA highlight the area's natural beauty, well-maintained facilities, excellent fishing, and sandy beaches. However, some criticisms include the lack of hiking trails, accessibility issues, and high camping fees."

Read all reviews

Campground Map

42285 York Point Road, Burwell, Nebraska, 68823, United States

Calamus Sra

42285 York Point Road, Burwell, Nebraska, 68823, United States

Driving directionsThe Calamus SRA is located 6 miles NW on HWY #96 from the West edge of Burwell.
Roads in the area have mixed reviews. Official sources note the campground is accessible via paved roads off Highway #96. However, user reviews highlight issues with poor road conditions in some areas. For instance, Jeff Willson noted, "The roads and paved areas are terrible!"
Nearby supplies
Supplies such as groceries, propane, and camping essentials are available within 10 miles.

Best Time to Camp at Calamus Sra

Each season paints Calamus in distinct colors and moods. Winter transforms the landscape into a crystalline wonderland, with snow blanketing the hills and temperatures dipping well below freezing. As spring awakens the prairie, wildflowers burst into bloom under clear skies and comfortable temperatures. Summer brings warm days perfect for water activities, with temperatures climbing to a pleasant 87°F accompanied by refreshing afternoon rains. Fall arrives with crisp air and golden grasses, creating ideal conditions for those seeking the perfect camping weather without summer crowds.

Summer(Jun-Aug)
4.0 / 5

Peak season for swimming, boating and fishing though can be crowded.

Fall(Sep-Nov)
4.0 / 5

Fall cited as more tranquil with good scenery and wildlife viewing.

Best
Spring(Mar-May)
4.0 / 5

Spring offers quieter visits and blooming wildflowers; good wildlife activity.

Winter(Dec-Feb)
2.5 / 5

Winter scenery described; few activity details and limited winter-specific offerings.

Planning Tips

    About Calamus Sra

    Nestled in the heart of Nebraska's iconic Sandhills, Calamus State Recreation Area invites adventurers to discover 5,124 acres of shimmering reservoir waters surrounded by endless rolling prairie. This outdoor paradise seamlessly blends water-based recreation with the tranquil beauty of native grasslands, offering camping experiences that range from lakeside relaxation to hilltop vistas under star-filled skies.
    Calamus SRA caters to a range of campers with modern, primitive, and group camping options. It is suitable for tents, RVs, and campers seeking basic amenities.
    Advertisement

    Best Campsites

    Curated by campers, for campers
    Reveal picks

    Reserving a campsite

    Check-in
    4p.m.
    Check-out
    2p.m.

    Amenities available

    Showers
    Potable water
    Electricity hookups
    Flush toilets
    Dump station
    Fire rings

    Activities you can enjoy

    Recreational opportunities at Calamus SRA are centered around the expansive reservoir and nature. Key activities include fishing, boating, wildlife viewing, and swimming at the sandy beaches. Additional options include hiking, hunting, and exploring the fish hatchery.
    HikingThere is a short 1.06-mile nature trail offering lake views, but some users mention the lack of additional hiking opportunities as a drawback. Caution is advised due to cacti on the trail.
    FishingFishing is one of the primary activities, with visitors reporting good catches, especially early in the morning and late in the evening. Both the reservoir and river are suitable for fishing.
    SwimmingThe sandy beaches provide excellent swimming opportunities, with gradual depth increases making it family-friendly.
    BoatingBoating is a major activity, with boat ramps and dock slips provided. Both motorized and non-motorized boats are supported.
    Wildlife viewingVisitors frequently report sightings of diverse bird species and other wildlife, including turkeys. The area is noted for its scenic beauty and opportunities for wildlife observation.
    Beach activitiesThe sandy beaches are ideal for sunbathing and leisure. Some visitors describe them as 'white sandy beaches' with a coastal feel.
    Advertisement

    Policies & Safety

    Hazards & AlertsPotential hazards include cacti along trails and blue algae conditions in the lake, as noted by Kristen McNally. Cactus thorns can impact pets, requiring leather gloves for removal.

    Weather at Calamus Sra

    Reviews

    3.9
    44 reviews
    Mixed Reviews
    Mixed Reviews
    Calamus Sra has mixed reviews, placing it in the bottom 85% of campgrounds based on reviews
    Reviews of Calamus SRA highlight the area's natural beauty, well-maintained facilities, excellent fishing, and sandy beaches. However, some criticisms include the lack of hiking trails, accessibility issues, and high camping fees.
    Review Summaries
    Based on 44 reviews

    What Campers Love

    Clean and well-maintained facilities, beautiful sandy beaches, excellent access to water activities, family-friendly atmosphere, and abundant wildlife.
    Based on 44 reviews

    Common Concerns

    High camping fees, lack of hiking trails, reports of unhelpful staff, occasional overcrowding, and inadequate signage for water conditions such as blue algae.
    Based on 44 reviews

    Pro Tips & Recommendations

    Bring leather gloves for handling cacti while hiking. Plan camping trips during less crowded times to secure better spots. Ensure you have specific coins for showers.
    Based on 44 reviews

    Seasonal Insights

    Summer months are popular for water activities but can be crowded. Spring and fall offer more tranquil experiences. Winter activities are not detailed.
    Based on 44 reviews

    Camper Quotes

    "Five-star if you have a fishing boat. If you are into hiking, this likely is not the park for you." - Rob. "The beach all along Calamus Reservoir is excellent. We will definitely camp here again." -...
    Show more
    Based on 44 reviews

    Site-Specific Reviews

    Nunda Shoal campground receives mixed reviews, with some appreciating its spaciousness and others citing poor staff interaction. Homestead campground is noted as better-maintained.
    Based on 44 reviews

    Accessibility Features

    Complaints about unhelpful staff for ADA campers; however, facilities are generally described as well-maintained.
    Based on 44 reviews

    Pet-Friendly Features

    Pets are allowed but caution is advised on hiking trails due to cacti.
    Based on 44 reviews

    0
    0 review
    1
    2
    3
    4
    5

    Add your voice to the Outdoorithm community

    Been to Calamus Sra? Your review helps fellow campers discover what makes this place special—and what to expect.


    Last updated January 5, 2026
    Advertisement

    Nearby Campgrounds

    Popular campgrounds in Nebraska

    Campgrounds
    Calamus Sra