Lake Minatare Sra

Star4.54
26 reviews
PO Box 188, Minatare, Nebraska, 69356-0188, United States
Summer Destination

Quick Facts

4,104 ft

Price

$7 - $70/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

121 campsites

Season

Campground operates ...

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

RV FriendlyElectricShowers

Opens Nebraska State Parks site

Official Website
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Lake Minatare Sra
$7.00 - $70.00 / night
Campsite Fees
A Nebraska State Park Permit is required for entry. Nebraska licensed vehicles pay $35 annually or $7 daily. Non-Nebraska vehicles pay $70 annually...
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Standard Site Fee$0.00
Hookup Site Fee$0.00
Premium Site Fee$0.00
Hike and Bike Site Fee$0.00
Group Site Fee$0.00
Food Storage Locker Fee$0.00

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What Campers Say

4.54

Top-Rated

Based on 26 reviews

363 Google reviews

Most mentioned

cleanwater

"Reviews are mixed, with many praising the scenic beauty, diverse activities, and convenient facilities. However, complaints about restroom and shower cleanliness are common."

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Campground Map

PO Box 188, Minatare, Nebraska, 69356-0188, United States

Lake Minatare Sra

PO Box 188, Minatare, Nebraska, 69356-0188, United States

Driving directionsFrom Scottsbluff: The intersections of Hwy. 71 and Hwy. 26, go three miles north on 71 to Lake Minatare Road. Turn east on Lake Minatare Road and go eight miles to a T with Stonegate Road. Turn left (north) on Stonegate Road for one mile. Turn right into the Lake View entrance immediately after crossing the canal bridge. The office is half mile up the road on your right. From Minatare and Hwy. 26: Turn north on Stonegate Road at the northeast corner of Minatare. Go nine miles on Stonegate Road to the Lake View entrance, turning right after crossing the canal bridge. The office is half mile up the road on your right.
The roads leading to the campground include paved highways, and the final stretch involves some turns on Stonegate Road. Access is open from January 15 to October 15; the site is closed to public access from October 15 to January 15.
Nearby places
Scottsbluff (approx. 12 miles), Minatare (approx. 9 miles).
Nearby supplies
Within 10 miles, retail shops with drinks, ice, and snacks are available. Camping supplies, fuel, and groceries are likely located in Scottsbluff or Minatare (approximately 9 to 12 miles away).

Best Time to Camp at Lake Minatare Sra

Experience the dramatic beauty of Nebraska's changing seasons at Lake Minatare. Winter transforms the landscape into a serene wonderland, with occasional snowfall dusting the sandhills and creating a peaceful atmosphere for those seeking solitude. As spring awakens the shoreline, temperatures climb toward perfect camping weather, culminating in warm, comfortable summers ideal for swimming, boating, and evening campfires under star-filled skies. Each season paints the lake and surrounding hills in new colors, offering year-round reasons to explore.

Best
Summer(Jun-Aug)
4.0 / 5

Late-summer warm water, expanded beach and peak boating/swimming activity noted (but more flies).

Fall(Sep-Nov)
3.0 / 5

Open into mid-October; fewer crowds but mixed reviews on maintenance and water levels.

Spring(Mar-May)
3.0 / 5

Open in spring; reviews note rising water levels and occasional maintenance issues.

Winter(Dec-Feb)
Not recommended

Campground closed Oct 15–Jan 15; winter camping not available.

Planning Tips
  • Peak Season: Specific peak season dates are not provided, but the campground is open from January 15 to October 15.. Book 2-3 months ahead.
  • Operating Season: Campground operates from January 15 to October 15. It is closed from October 15 to January 15.
  • Current Alerts: The campground is closed to public access from October 15 to January 15 annually.

About Lake Minatare Sra

Welcome to Lake Minatare State Recreation Area, where 2,158 acres of pristine wilderness embrace the Panhandle's largest and most spectacular body of water. This outdoor paradise beckons adventurers with its shimmering waters perfect for boating and fishing, scenic trails that wind through diverse landscapes, and campgrounds that range from modern electric sites to secluded primitive spots where you can truly disconnect. Whether you're seeking a family weekend getaway or a solitary escape into nature, Lake Minatare delivers an unforgettable experience.
Lake Minatare SRA offers electric, basic, and primitive camping sites. Non-designated primitive sites include beach camping. Group sites are spacious enough for multiple people and vehicles. Scout's Cabin provides unique rental opportunities.
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Reserving a campsite

Check-in
  • Specified as a general timeframe
  • details are unclear.
Check-out
  • Specified as a general timeframe
  • details are unclear.
Stay Limit
Reservations can be made for up to 180 days in advance.

Amenities available

Showers
Potable water
Electricity hookups
Dump station
Fire rings
Picnic tables

Activities you can enjoy

Lake Minatare offers diverse recreational activities including fishing, boating, kayaking, water skiing, swimming, and wildlife viewing. Visitors praised the beautiful scenery, abundant wildlife like geese and pelicans, and historic sites like the Plains Lighthouse. The lake itself is the centerpiece for outdoor adventures, and activities like water sports are popular.
HikingWithin Facility Hiking mentioned, but no details on trail difficulty or lengths.
Fishing'Very good fishing lots of different types of fish in the water.' (Cayla D) but 'Fishing is slow.' (Judith Wolff-Moorehouse)
SwimmingSwimming at Park Lake is highlighted with warm water in late summer. 'Our camping and swimming experiences have always been great.' (Ethan Clarey)
BoatingThree ramps with courtesy docks available. 'Great for kayaking, boating, jet skiing, canoeing.' (Wendi Nichols)
Wildlife viewingFrequent wildlife sightings like geese and pelicans. 'Neat wildlife.' (Jared Smith)
Beach activitiesPrimitive camping is permitted on the beach, offering a unique experience. 'Plenty of sandy beach.' (Justin Wiege)
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Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsNo specific hazards are detailed, but general outdoor risks such as wildlife and water safety should be considered.
Active AlertsThe campground is closed to public access from October 15 to January 15 annually.

Weather at Lake Minatare Sra

Reviews

4.5
26 reviews
Top-Rated
Top-Rated
Lake Minatare Sra is top-rated, placing it in the top 15% of campgrounds based on reviews
Reviews are mixed, with many praising the scenic beauty, diverse activities, and convenient facilities. However, complaints about restroom and shower cleanliness are common.
Review Summaries
Based on 26 reviews

What Campers Love

Visitors loved the scenic backdrop, accessibility to water-based activities, and the historic lighthouse. Common phrases include 'Beautiful spot,' 'Great camping area,' and 'Clean and well-kept.'
Based on 26 reviews

Common Concerns

Criticism focuses on restroom and shower cleanliness ('Absolutely filthy,' Deb Ortiz), crowded conditions during peak camping months, and flies during late summer.
Based on 26 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Reserve spots early during holidays. Beach camping is permitted. Check out the lighthouse for stunning views. Some sites like #31 are highlighted as top choices.
Based on 26 reviews

Seasonal Insights

Late summer sees warm water levels and an increase in flies. Winter months highlight slow fishing but abundant wildlife. Spring reviews note water levels rising and grounds needing maintenance.
Based on 26 reviews

Camper Quotes

'Hook ups or primitive, it's a great camping experience.' (Wendi Nichols), 'Sites were close together.' (Jared), 'Listening to fish jump in the lake and waking to many different birds in the...
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Based on 26 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

Site #31 praised for proximity to facilities like laundry and showers. East side recommended for less congestion.
Based on 26 reviews

Accessibility Features

No specific accessibility reviews provided.
Based on 26 reviews

Pet-Friendly Features

'Pets are allowed.' (Wendi Nichols)
Based on 26 reviews

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Last updated January 5, 2026
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