How much does camping cost at Lake Ogallala Sra?

Camping fees at Lake Ogallala Sra range from $8-$38/night. Prices may vary by site type (standard, hookup, premium) and season. Book online to see exact pricing for your dates.

Is Lake Ogallala Sra first-come first-served or reservation?

Lake Ogallala Sra accepts online reservations. We recommend booking in advance, especially during peak season (typically summer weekends). Use campsite alerts to get notified when spots become available.

What is the best time to visit Lake Ogallala Sra?

Lake Ogallala Sra is open Peak season coincides with warmer months; specific date ranges are not mentioned.. The best time to visit depends on your preferences—summer offers the warmest weather and most activities, while spring and fall provide fewer crowds and milder temperatures. Check current conditions before your trip.

Are there showers at Lake Ogallala Sra?

Yes, Lake Ogallala Sra has shower facilities available for campers. Check the amenities section for details on hours and any fees.

Can I have a campfire at Lake Ogallala Sra?

Fire policies at Lake Ogallala Sra: Fire rings available at most sites.. Always check current fire restrictions before your trip, as conditions change seasonally.

How many campsites does Lake Ogallala Sra have?

Lake Ogallala Sra has 82 campsites. Sites vary in size, privacy, and amenities. Check availability online to find the best site for your needs.

Are dogs allowed at Lake Ogallala Sra?

Yes, pets are allowed at Lake Ogallala Sra. Dogs must typically be kept on a leash (usually 6 feet or shorter) and under control at all times. Be sure to clean up after your pet and check for any breed or size restrictions.

What amenities are available at Lake Ogallala Sra?

Lake Ogallala Sra offers: Restrooms, Showers, Potable Water, Dump Station, Electrical Hookups, Pets Allowed, Camp Store, Laundry. See our detailed campground page for the full list of facilities and features.

What activities can I do at Lake Ogallala Sra?

Popular activities at Lake Ogallala Sra include Hiking, Fishing, Swimming, Biking, Boating, Wildlife Viewing. The surrounding area offers plenty of outdoor recreation opportunities for all skill levels.

Lake Ogallala Sra

4.17

190 reviews

1475 Highway 61N, Ogallala, Nebraska, 69153-5930, United States

Top 22% in NESpring

Scenic ViewsSummer Destination

Featured in:Boating Camping Nebraska Swimming Camping Nebraska Family-Friendly Campgrounds Nebraska +4 more

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

Quick Facts

3,120 ft

Price

$8 - $38/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

82 campsites

Season

Year-round

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

ElectricShowers

Book on Lake Ogallala State Recreation Area Official Website

Get Directions

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

Quick Facts

3,120 ft

Price

$8 - $38/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

82 campsites

Season

Year-round

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

ElectricShowers

Book on Lake Ogallala State Recreation Area Official Website

Get Directions

Lake Ogallala Sra

$8.00 - $38.00 / night

Campsite Fees

Fees range from $8 to $38 depending on campsite type and amenities. Additional fees include a $12 daily out-of-state resident use fee.

Standard Site Fee$30.00

Get Notified When Available

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

Free to start · paid plans add 2-min scans

256,000+ sites monitored · Email, SMS, or in-app notifications

Learn more about alerts →

Share this campground

Reserve America

Provider

3082848800

I manage this campground

Plan a trip to Lake Ogallala Sra

Compare with similar sites, watch availability, and build a packing list — Camp Sage handles all of it.

Campground Map

1475 Highway 61N, Ogallala, Nebraska, 69153-5930, United States

Lake Ogallala Sra

1475 Highway 61N, Ogallala, Nebraska, 69153-5930, United States

Nearby places

Ogallala (approx. 1 mile), Keystone (approx. 5 miles)

Nearby supplies

Less than 1 mile: Fuel and retail supplies available. Greater than 10 miles: Grocery stores and bait/tackle shops.

Driving directionsTake 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. If you are camping at the Lake Ogallala East campground, please check in at the Visitor Center. 1 mile after the Visitor Center is the Kingsley Dam. To get to the Lake Ogallala campgrounds, travel to the north end of Kingsley Dam and take the first right (heading East) after crossing the dam onto the Keystone road. The first right will be a dirt road leading to the Lake Ogallala West campground. You may also check in at the kiosk down this first dirt road.

Access from Interstate 80 is straightforward via paved highways, but there are some dirt roads leading to specific campgrounds. Road conditions appear manageable for most vehicles.

Weather at Lake Ogallala Sra

Best Time to Camp at Lake Ogallala Sra

Fall delivers the best camping window, with daytime highs between 55 and 75°F from September through October. Cottonwoods and willows show late-season color along the shore. Bass and walleye stay active, and crowds thin out compared to summer. The dam blocks some prairie wind, though gusts still blow across open areas. Spring and summer are warm enough for swimming and water sports, but expect more visitors and stronger winds.

Best

Fall(Sep-Nov)

4.5 / 5

Fall cited as best window: moderate temps, cottonwood color, fewer visitors and good fishing.

Planning Tips

Peak Season: Peak season coincides with warmer months; specific date ranges are not mentioned.. Book 2-3 months ahead.
Operating Season: Camping is year-round, but late April and early May highlight reservation systems.

About Lake Ogallala Sra

Lake Ogallala State Recreation Area sits on the eastern flank of Kingsley Dam, offering 82 campsites split between two distinct areas. The East campground runs on hard-surfaced roads with electric hookups for RVs, while the West campground spreads grassy tent sites near the shoreline. Fees range from $8 to $38 per night, with advance reservations required. Same-day bookings close early, and showers cost extra tokens or quarters.

The campground offers a range of camping options, including RV sites with electrical hookups, primitive sites, and group camping. Tent camping is also supported.

Weather and SeasonsFall delivers the best camping window, with daytime highs between 55 and 75°F from September through October. Cottonwoods and willows show late-season color along the shore. Bass and walleye stay active, and crowds thin out compared to summer. The dam blocks some prairie wind, though gusts still blow across open areas. Spring and summer are warm enough for swimming and water sports, but expect more visitors and stronger winds.

ElevationNestled in the protective shadow of the impressive Kingsley Dam, the campground enjoys a unique microclimate that shields visitors from the strongest prairie winds. This strategic location below the dam creates stunning vantage points where engineering marvels meet natural beauty, offering photographers and nature lovers alike spectacular views that change with the light throughout the day.

Natural Features and SceneryThis 320-acre lake sits in Nebraska's Sandhills transition zone at 3,120 feet elevation, dwarfed by the 30,000-acre Lake McConaughy beyond the dam. Mature cottonwoods and willows line the shores, turning gold in fall. The dam creates a natural windbreak, sheltering coves and gentle shorelines. Some sites sit directly on the water with shade cover. The landscape shifts from flat prairie to protected lakefront, with calmer conditions than the open plains to the west.

Geological RegionPositioned on the eastern flank of Kingsley Dam, Lake Ogallala showcases the unique geography of Nebraska's Sandhills region. This 320-acre jewel sits in stark contrast to the 30,000-acre Lake McConaughy just beyond the dam. The landscape tells a story of human ingenuity and natural adaptation, where flat prairie terrains give way to protected coves and gentle shorelines. The dam serves as both a dramatic backdrop and a natural windbreak, creating sheltered areas perfect for camping and water recreation in this fascinating geological transition zone.

Scenic ViewsPopular for lakeside views, especially at East campground sites. West campground often features direct water access.

Lodging & AccommodationsCabins are available through concessionaires, but detailed descriptions of the cabins were not provided.

Programs & ActivitiesNo cultural or educational programs were explicitly mentioned.

Best Campsites

Curated by campers, for campers

Reveal picks

Reserving a campsite

Check-in

Check-in available from 2 PM to 9 PM MST.

Check-out

Check-out time not specified.

Stay Limit

Maximum consecutive stay is unclear
user reviews suggest potential abuse of stay limits.

Guests Allowed Per Site

Exact guest limits are unspecified.

Tents

Tents are allowed

RV vehicles

RV vehicles are allowed

Primitive

Primitive camping is allowed

Reservable

Reservations are allowed

Site layoutEast campground runs on hard-surfaced roads and pads with electric hookups, sized for RVs of all lengths. West campground scatters grassy sites closer to the water. Spacing varies, with some sites offering privacy and others more open. No water hookups at individual sites.

Reservation PlatformsReservations must be made online via Reserve America.

Walk-in AvailabilityTransitioned to online reservation-only system; no same-day reservations accepted after 5 PM.

Cancellation PolicyReservations are non-refundable after check-in. Cancellation policies prior to check-in are not detailed.

AccessibilitySome sites are described as level and spread out, which may facilitate accessibility. However, no specific ADA-compliant features were mentioned.

Site SizeVaries, with some spacious and large enough to accommodate RVs of all sizes.

PrivacyOffers a balance of privacy and openness, with some sites directly on the lake providing scenic views and shade.

Total Campsites82 campsites

Recommended SitesLakeside sites are the most recommended for scenery and proximity to water activities.

Best CampsitesSite 41 gets mentioned for direct lake access and kayak launching. Shorefront sites in general are easier to snag in fall when crowds drop off.

Need help booking Lake Ogallala Sra?

Reservation tips, booking windows, and free cancellation alerts.

ReserveAmerica Guide

Booking tips & windows

When to Book

Find your booking window

Cancellation Alerts

Free alerts for this campground

Amenities available

Lake Ogallala SRA offers a range of amenities for campers, including bird watching, boating, fire rings, fishing stations, picnic tables, restrooms, showers, playgrounds, and hiking trails. According to user reviews, the restrooms are generally clean, and showers are coin-operated. Some users noted a lack of water hookups and dump stations at some sites.

Showers

Potable water

Electricity hookups

Flush toilets

Dump station

Fire rings

I manage this campground

RV details

Activities you can enjoy

The campground offers a variety of outdoor activities such as fishing, boating, hiking, and wildlife viewing. The lake’s protected shoreline makes it ideal for paddleboarding and kayaking. A two-mile hike-bike trail offers additional recreational opportunities.

Hiking

Fishing

Swimming

Biking

Boating

Wildlife viewing

Planning your trip?Check out our camping packing checklist

Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsWindy conditions and unpleasant smells near discharge tubes are mentioned. Some users noted issues with flies and ground mounds.

No Water HookupsSite-level water hookups are not available. RV campers should fill freshwater tanks before arrival; check the No Potable Water note above if applicable for drinking water.

Fire PolicyFire rings available at most sites.

Quiet HoursQuiet hours are 10 PM to 6 AM

Emergency ServicesGreater than 10 miles: Emergency services, including hospitals and police.

Trash & RecyclingTrash facilities are available, but no specific details on recycling options or their locations were provided.

Water FeaturesDirectly adjacent to Lake Ogallala. West campground features lakeside sites.

Camp HostCamp hosts are frequently noted as helpful and friendly across reviews.

Cell CoverageNo explicit mentions in the sources regarding cell phone service coverage and quality.

Trip Planning Tools

Set an AlertGet notified when sites open up Check WeatherHistorical weather data Gear for This TripMatched gear recommendations Packing ListCustomizable checklist

Questions & answers

Researching this campground? Ask anything — other campers and our team will weigh in. No visit required.

Tips from campers

Short heads-ups about the road in, gear quirks, timing, and more. You don't have to have been here to share what you know.

Reviews

From Booking Sources

4.2

190 reviews

Satisfactory

Lake Ogallala Sra is satisfactory, placing it in the bottom 60% of campgrounds based on reviews

User reviews are mixed, highlighting the campground's cleanliness, scenic beauty, and family-friendly environment but criticizing the booking system, lack of water hookups, and additional costs for showers.

Review Summaries

Based on 190 reviews

What Campers Love

Users praised the campground for its cleanliness, scenic views, spacious sites, and well-maintained facilities. The camp hosts were frequently commended for their helpfulness.

Based on 190 reviews

Common Concerns

Frequent complaints included the lack of water hookups, inconvenient check-in procedures, poorly advertised additional costs (e.g., shower tokens, daily park fees), and issues with the reservation...

Based on 190 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

Site 41 was noted for its good experience and proximity to the lake. Lakeside sites were frequently highlighted for their scenic views.

Based on 190 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Bring shower tokens or quarters, as the showers are not free. Advance reservations are required, and same-day reservations close early. Consider bringing extra drinking water due to the lack of...

Based on 190 reviews

Seasonal Insights

Spring and fall are regarded as the best times for camping due to moderate weather conditions. Summer reviews noted high winds, while fall reviews mentioned fewer visitors and discounted rates.

Based on 190 reviews

Camper Quotes

1. 'Love this campground! It is my favorite by far. Amenities are good. Clean restrooms.'\n2. 'We stayed at the East Campground. Check-in is at a place on the west side of the lake which is a...

Based on 190 reviews

Accessibility Features

Accessibility for those with disabilities was not explicitly reviewed, though some sites are noted as level and spread out.

Based on 190 reviews

Pet-Friendly Features

The campground is described as pet-friendly, though some users noted grassy areas with stickers that could be uncomfortable for pets.

Based on 190 reviews

Outdoorithm Community

Be the first to review this campground

Every adventure creates another. Share what you learned so the next camper feels a little more prepared heading out.

Go if

Trout anglers, kayakers, and paddleboarders get the most out of this place. The no-wake policy keeps the water calm, there's a dedicated kayak launch dock, and fishing for rainbow trout and perch is the main draw. Site 41 is worth grabbing if you want to be close to the water. Fa

Skip if

Full-hookup RV campers will be frustrated, no water connections at any site, and showers cost extra tokens. Grocery stores and emergency services are both over 10 miles out, so if resupply or safety proximity matters to your group, this location works against you.

Nearby Campgrounds

Frequently Visited