Summit Lake State Recreation Area

Star4.13
62 reviews
2787 County Rd. G, Tekamah, Nebraska, 68061, United States
Summer Destination

Quick Facts

1,178 ft

Price

$15 - $30/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

76 campsites

Season

Year-round

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

RV FriendlyElectricShowers

Opens Nebraska Game and Parks site

Official Website
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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...
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Standard Site Fee$15.00
Hookup Site Fee$30.00
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

4.13

Satisfactory

Based on 62 reviews

314 Google reviews

Most mentioned

cleanshadehikingsites

Some mention

mosquitoes

"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."

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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

Driving directionsLocated 3 miles West of Tekamah, Nebraska.
The park is accessible via paved roads and is only three miles west of Tekamah, Nebraska. It does not mention seasonal closures or challenging terrain.
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.

Best Time to Camp at Summit Lake State Recreation Area

Experience the full spectrum of Nebraska's seasons at Summit Lake, where each brings its own rewards. Spring arrives with wildflowers and perfect camping temperatures, while autumn paints the surrounding hills in brilliant golds and crimsons. Summer days invite long hours on the water, though winter transforms the landscape into a serene wonderland best appreciated by the heartiest adventurers. The shoulder seasons of spring and fall offer ideal conditions for those seeking comfortable days and cool, starlit nights.

Summer(Jun-Aug)
4.0 / 5

Summer is best for swimming/boating but is busy and can be crowded at peak times.

Fall(Sep-Nov)
4.0 / 5

Autumn offers colorful scenery and good hiking/fishing weather.

Best
Spring(Mar-May)
4.0 / 5

Spring brings wildflowers and ideal camping temperatures; good for fishing and hiking.

Winter(Dec-Feb)
3.0 / 5
Top 22% in NE

Open year-round; winter is quiet and scenic for wildlife viewing but activity-limited.

Planning Tips
  • Peak Season: Peak season details not specified.. Book 2-3 months ahead.
  • Operating Season: The campground is open year-round.
  • Current Alerts: No current alerts mentioned.

About Summit Lake State Recreation Area

Escape to Summit Lake State Recreation Area, where 345 pristine acres of Nebraska countryside embrace a sparkling 190-acre lake. Whether you're pitching a tent under the stars or settling in with your RV, you'll find the perfect spot among both electric and non-electric sites. Cast a line from the fishing jetties, launch your boat for a day on the water, or explore winding hiking trails that reveal hidden corners of this natural sanctuary. The lake beckons swimmers on warm days, while patient observers are rewarded with glimpses of the abundant wildlife that calls this place home.
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.
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Best Campsites

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Reserving a campsite

Stay Limit
Camping is limited to a maximum stay of two weeks.

Amenities available

Showers
Potable water
Electricity hookups
Dump station
Picnic tables
Vault toilets

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."
HikingThe campground features 4 miles of hiking trails, with varied terrain suitable for horses as well. "If you have a horse, the lake seems to be popular for horseback riding on the many trails," shared a camper.
FishingFishing opportunities include bass, bluegill, catfish, crappie, and walleye. "The lake has more fishing access areas than I've ever seen at any other park," one user commented.
SwimmingThe beach area is available for swimming. While some users appreciated the clean swimming area, others highlighted issues like moss and swimmer's itch in the lake.
BikingBiking is allowed, with trails suitable for casual riders.
BoatingBoating is permitted, but it is a no-wake lake, making it ideal for smaller boats and canoeing. "Not speed boats," clarified one review.
Wildlife viewingBirdwatching opportunities include cranes, pelicans, geese, great owls, and eagles. Wildlife like deer and turkeys are also frequently spotted.
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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.
Active AlertsNo current alerts mentioned.

Weather at Summit Lake State Recreation Area

Reviews

4.1
62 reviews
Satisfactory
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 62 reviews

What Campers Love

Clean facilities, multiple fishing jetties, accessible amenities, shaded campsites, and a variety of activities like hiking and fishing.
Based on 62 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 62 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 62 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 62 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...
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Based on 62 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 62 reviews

Accessibility Features

Outhouses are handicap accessible. Trails are also accessible for horseback riding.
Based on 62 reviews

Pet-Friendly Features

Pets are welcome, and the campground accommodates them well.
Based on 62 reviews

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Last updated January 5, 2026
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