How much does camping cost at Summit Lake State Recreation Area?

Camping fees at Summit Lake State Recreation Area range from $15-$30/night. Prices may vary by site type (standard, hookup, premium) and season. Book online to see exact pricing for your dates.

Is Summit Lake State Recreation Area first-come first-served or reservation?

Summit Lake State Recreation Area 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 Summit Lake State Recreation Area?

Summit Lake State Recreation Area is open Peak season details not specified.. 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 Summit Lake State Recreation Area?

Yes, Summit Lake State Recreation Area has shower facilities available for campers. Check the amenities section for details on hours and any fees.

How many campsites does Summit Lake State Recreation Area have?

Summit Lake State Recreation Area has 76 campsites. Sites vary in size, privacy, and amenities. Check availability online to find the best site for your needs.

Are dogs allowed at Summit Lake State Recreation Area?

Yes, pets are allowed at Summit Lake State Recreation Area. 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 Summit Lake State Recreation Area?

Summit Lake State Recreation Area offers: Restrooms, Showers, Potable Water, Dump Station, Electrical Hookups, Pets Allowed. See our detailed campground page for the full list of facilities and features.

What activities can I do at Summit Lake State Recreation Area?

Popular activities at Summit Lake State Recreation Area include Hiking, Fishing, Swimming, Biking, Boating, Wildlife Viewing, Beach Activities. The surrounding area offers plenty of outdoor recreation opportunities for all skill levels.

Summit Lake State Recreation Area

Q: Can I have a campfire at Summit Lake State Recreation Area?

Fire policies at Summit Lake State Recreation Area: Fire pits are available at campsites. Campfire rules or restrictions are not outlined in the sources.. Always check current fire restrictions before your trip, as conditions change seasonally.

4.19

73 reviews

2787 County Rd. G, Tekamah, Nebraska, 68061, United States

Top 1% in NEWinter

Summer Destination

Featured in:Swimming Camping Nebraska

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

Quick Facts

1,178 ft

Price

$15 - $30/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

76 campsites

Season

Year-round

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

ElectricShowers

Book on Nebraska Game and Parks Official Website

Get Directions

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

Quick Facts

1,178 ft

Price

$15 - $30/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

76 campsites

Season

Year-round

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

ElectricShowers

Book on Nebraska Game and Parks Official Website

Get Directions

Summit Lake State Recreation Area

$15.00 - $30.00 / night

Campsite Fees

Camping fees range from $15 per night for tent sites without electricity to $30 per night for sites with electrical hookups. A park permit is...

Standard Site Fee$15.00

Hookup Site Fee$30.00

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4023741727

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Campground Map

2787 County Rd. G, Tekamah, Nebraska, 68061, United States

Summit Lake State Recreation Area

2787 County Rd. G, Tekamah, Nebraska, 68061, United States

Nearby places

Tekamah (3 miles, approximately 5 minutes drive).

Nearby supplies

Supplies such as groceries, camping gear, ice, and other items can be procured in Tekamah, located about 3 miles away.

Weather at Summit Lake State Recreation Area

Best Time to Camp at Summit Lake State Recreation Area

Fall offers the best camping window. Daytime highs run mid-50s to low 70s°F, with nights dropping to the mid-30s to mid-40s°F. Post-Labor Day crowds thin out, improving campsite availability and reducing boat traffic. The cooler water temperatures trigger active feeding for bass and crappie. Spring brings wildflowers and comfortable temperatures. Summer gets hot but works for extended water activities. Winter attracts only the most committed cold-weather campers.

Best

Fall(Sep-Nov)

4.5 / 5

Fall cited as best window: mild temps, thinner crowds and excellent hiking/fishing conditions.

Planning Tips

Peak Season: Peak season details not specified.. Book 2-3 months ahead.
Operating Season: The campground is open year-round.

About Summit Lake State Recreation Area

Summit Lake State Recreation Area sits on 345 acres in northeastern Nebraska's hill country, 25 miles north of Omaha near Tekamah. The 190-acre lake anchors 76 campsites (tent, RV, primitive, and group) with fees ranging from $15 to $30 per night. Sites accommodate up to 8 people and equipment up to 65 feet, with electric hookups available at select sites.

Summit Lake State Recreation Area caters to a variety of camping styles, including RV camping, tent camping, and group camping. "Clean sites, friendly people, and facilities unmatched," a review summarized.

Weather and SeasonsFall offers the best camping window. Daytime highs run mid-50s to low 70s°F, with nights dropping to the mid-30s to mid-40s°F. Post-Labor Day crowds thin out, improving campsite availability and reducing boat traffic. The cooler water temperatures trigger active feeding for bass and crappie. Spring brings wildflowers and comfortable temperatures. Summer gets hot but works for extended water activities. Winter attracts only the most committed cold-weather campers.

ElevationNestled within Nebraska's gently rolling terrain, Summit Lake offers accessible outdoor recreation at comfortable elevations.

Natural Features and SceneryRolling hills surround the 190-acre lake at 1,178 feet elevation, with mature forests providing shade across much of the campground. The terrain reflects glacial history and prairie wind erosion over centuries. Multiple fishing jetties extend into the water. Wildlife includes cranes, pelicans, geese, and deer near the shoreline at dawn and dusk. Privacy varies: some sites offer tree cover and seclusion, while others sit in open areas closer to the beach. Low water levels have been reported by recent visitors, affecting swimming conditions.

Geological RegionSituated in northeastern Nebraska's captivating hill country, Summit Lake State Recreation Area showcases the region's characteristic rolling topography. The 190-acre lake serves as the jewel in this natural crown, surrounded by mature forests and gentle slopes that tell the story of ancient glaciers and centuries of prairie winds sculpting this beloved landscape.

Scenic ViewsThe campground offers scenic views of Summit Lake and the surrounding wooded areas. On clear nights, stars reflecting on the lake are a highlight.

Lodging & AccommodationsThere are no hotel-style lodges, but the campground supports tent and RV camping with modern facilities.

Programs & ActivitiesNo specific information available about cultural or educational programs.

Best Campsites

Curated by campers, for campers

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Reserving a campsite

Stay Limit

Camping is limited to a maximum stay of two weeks.

Guests Allowed Per Site

Maximum of eight guests per site.

Groups

Prearranged group camping areas are available.

Tents

Tents are allowed

RV vehicles

RV vehicles are allowed

Primitive

Primitive camping is allowed

Reservable

Reservations are allowed

Site layoutTwo loops: Eckdahl Campground and Muskrat Campground. Sites are spacious and relatively level. You can camp in shade, sun, or near the beach depending on loop and site selection.

Reservation PlatformsReservations can be made through Nebraska Game and Parks official website or by calling directly.

Walk-in AvailabilityFirst-come, first-served sites are available, but exact numbers are not specified.

Cancellation PolicyNo explicit details provided regarding cancellation policies.

AccessibilityFacilities like outhouses are accessible for people with disabilities. "I was impressed that the outhouses were handicap accessible," one reviewer remarked.

Site SizeEach campsite accommodates up to 8 people and supports equipment lengths of up to 65 feet.

PrivacyVaries by site, with some areas offering shade and seclusion while others are more open. "Camp in the shade, in the sun, or spend time on the beach," summarized a review.

Total Campsites76 campsites

Recommended SitesSites in shaded areas are ideal for campers seeking privacy and relief from summer heat.

Best CampsitesSites with electrical hookups are recommended by reviewers for convenience. Shaded sites fill first during peak season. Specific site numbers aren't mentioned in available data.

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Amenities available

Summit Lake State Recreation Area offers a wide range of amenities catering to different types of campers. It features 33 tent camping sites and 43 electric campsites equipped with 50-amp hookups. Additional facilities include a showerhouse, drinking water sources, accessible fishing docks, parking areas, and playgrounds. A stone picnic shelter and prearranged group camping areas are also present. "There is a playground for the kids and a nice area for swimming in the lake," noted one reviewer. Another observed, "The bathrooms at Muskrat Campground are primitive but clean, and the main side has big bathrooms with coin-operated showers complete with hot water."

Showers

Potable water

Electricity hookups

Dump station

Picnic tables

Vault toilets

I manage this campground

RV details

Activities you can enjoy

Summit Lake State Recreation Area offers a host of recreational activities. Popular activities include fishing, swimming, hiking, biking, and wildlife viewing. The area is well-suited for anglers and features 13 fishing jetties and a fish-cleaning station. "There are plenty of picnic tables to just go for a picnic," one camper noted, and another praised the "many trails for hiking and horseback riding."

Hiking

Fishing

Swimming

Biking

Boating

Wildlife viewing

Planning your trip?Check out our camping packing checklist

Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsThe lake water is sometimes low, leading to an abundance of mosquitoes and flies. Swimmer’s itch has been reported due to parasites in the water.

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 pits are available at campsites. Campfire rules or restrictions are not outlined in the sources.

Quiet HoursQuiet hours start at 10 PM.

Emergency ServicesTekamah has basic emergency services approximately 3 miles away (police and medical services).

Water FeaturesCampground surrounds Summit Lake, providing opportunities for fishing, boating (non-motorized), and swimming.

Camp HostCamp hosts are noted for their friendliness and helpfulness. However, they are not employees and do not manage reservations.

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

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Tips from campers

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Reviews

From Booking Sources

4.2

73 reviews

Satisfactory

Summit Lake State Recreation Area is satisfactory, placing it in the bottom 60% of campgrounds based on reviews

The campground receives mixed reviews. Many visitors praise its cleanliness, accessibility, and range of activities, while others critique low water levels and the lack of additional facilities like a camp store. Privacy and quietness vary seasonally and by site.

Review Summaries

Based on 73 reviews

What Campers Love

Clean facilities, multiple fishing jetties, accessible amenities, shaded campsites, and a variety of activities like hiking and fishing.

Based on 73 reviews

Common Concerns

Low water levels in the lake, absence of a camp store, coin-operated showers, swimmer's itch, and crowding during peak times.

Based on 73 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

Eckdahl and Muskrat Campgrounds offer electric sites. Sites vary in shade and privacy, with a maximum occupancy of 8 people and equipment length of 65 feet.

Based on 73 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Reserve sites with electricity. Bring your own supplies due to the lack of a camp store. Avoid swimming if lake conditions are poor.

Based on 73 reviews

Seasonal Insights

Summer: Busy, suitable for swimming and boating. Winter: Quiet, scenic, good for wildlife viewing. Spring/Fall: Moderate crowds, favorable weather for hiking and fishing.

Based on 73 reviews

Camper Quotes

"Summit Lake is a nice little quiet campground. The lake is huge!" - Shawn Hough. "Clean sites, friendly people, and facilities unmatched." - Patrick Shinkle. "The lake has more fishing access areas...

Based on 73 reviews

Accessibility Features

Outhouses are handicap accessible. Trails are also accessible for horseback riding.

Based on 73 reviews

Pet-Friendly Features

Pets are welcome, and the campground accommodates them well.

Based on 73 reviews

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Go if

Anglers and birders get the most out of fall visits, when bass and crappie feed actively, crowds thin after Labor Day, and cranes and eagles work the shoreline at dawn. Electric sites with 50-amp hookups handle rigs up to 65 feet, and Tekamah is only 3 miles out for resupply.

Skip if

Swimmer's itch and low lake levels have been a recurring frustration, so families banking on beach days may be disappointed. Coin-operated showers and no camp store also matter if you're packing light and expecting full-service amenities.

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Lewis and Clark State Park sits along Blue Lake, an oxbow lake carved from the Missouri River's former channel near Onawa, Iowa. The campground offers 25–35 dollar sites with full hookups, showers, and a mix of tent and RV spots. Reviews mention good spacing and a quiet atmosphere, though mosquitoes can be heavy and maintenance sometimes slips.