We’ve shared some of our favorite lakes in Nebraska with you before, but we have so many others that deserve a visit this summer. Here, we’ve included some of the Nebraska lakes we’ve mentioned previously, along with some new ones that we haven’t. The end result is a compilation of the most beautiful lakes in Nebraska! Visit them all to make the summer one that you won’t soon forget.

1. Center Lake, Bridgeport State Recreation Area, near Bridgeport
Bridgeport State Recreation Area, Bridgeport Lake State Recreation Rd, Bridgeport, NE 69336, USA
NGPC
Bridgeport SRA's water is distributed over five sandpit lakes, of which Center Lake is the largest. One of the best lakes in Nebraska, this is a popular spot with boaters, campers, and those just looking to hang out in a lovely shady spot on a warm afternoon.
2. Calamus Reservoir, Burwell
Calamus Reservoir, Nebraska 68823, USA
TripAdvisor/nebraskafisherman
This beautiful spot is very popular with families and offers outstanding fishing, boating, and swimming. This sandy beach may very well be the best lake in Nebraska.
3. Czechland Lake Recreation Area, near Prague
Czechland Lake Recreation Area, Chester, NE 68050, USA
NE NRD
What a gorgeous place to spend a day - or several, if you take advantage of the primitive or RV camping facilities. There's no swimming here, but there's plenty of hiking, fishing, boating, and hunting to be found at Czechland Lake Recreation Area.
4. Enders Reservoir, near Enders
Enders Reservoir, Nebraska 69027, USA
By Ammodramus (Own work) [CC0], via Wikimedia Commons
Enders Reservoir is less developed than some other Nebraska lakes, giving it a wonderfully natural feel. There is one swimming area, and plenty of room for fishing, boating, and camping.
5. Harlan County Lake, Harlan County
Harlan County Lake, Nebraska, USA
City of Alma
One of the biggest lakes in Nebraska, this is the state's third-largest lake, and it offers some of the best fishing you'll find in the state. You can camp here and, if you decide to visit in the winter, you might get to see the large number of bald eagles that migrate through the area every year.
6. Holmes Lake, Lincoln
Holmes Lake, Lincoln, NE 68506, USA
flickr/RLEVANS
This lake in the middle of the city is a nice escape from the hurried world outside. Bring your fishing pole or kayak, or just grab a picnic lunch and enjoy the view at this beautiful lake in Nebraska.

Related Stories

There's Almost Nothing In Life A Day On Nebraska's Niobrara River Can't Cure

There's Almost Nothing In Life A Day On Nebraska's Niobrara River Can't Cure

 Watch The Sunset At Holmes Lake, A Unique East-Facing Park In Nebraska

Watch The Sunset At Holmes Lake, A Unique East-Facing Park In Nebraska

 The Clearest Lake In Nebraska Is Almost Too Beautiful To Be Real

The Clearest Lake In Nebraska Is Almost Too Beautiful To Be Real
7. Lake McConaughy, near Ogallala
McConaughy Lake, Nebraska, USA
flickr/Mike
Lake Mac is the biggest lake in Nebraska, and there's no shortage of fun activities here. The gorgeous white sand beaches will almost make you forget you're in a landlocked state. There are unlimited options for fishing, boating, swimming, camping, and all kinds of water sports.
8. Lewis and Clark Lake, near Crofton
Lewis and Clark Lake, United States
Sheila Griggs
We share Nebraska's second-largest lake, Lewis and Clark Lake, with South Dakota, but there's more than enough to go around. Fishing, boating, hiking, water skiing, and windsurfing are super popular here, and you can camp or rent a cabin with a great view of the water.
9. Sherman Reservoir, Loup City
Sherman Reservoir, Nebraska 68853, USA
NGPC
With some of the best fishing in Nebraska, Sherman Reservoir is a great place for a family day out. In addition to fishing, boating and water sports are popular activities. Seasonal hunting is permitted around the reservoir as well.
10. Standing Bear Lake, Omaha
Standing Bear Lake, Omaha, NE 68164, USA
flickr/Lindsy Carranza
Among the most beautiful lakes in Nebraska, Standing Bear Lake is an unbelievable oasis in the midst of the state's largest city. You'll find fishing and no-wake boating here, and many people enjoy the hiking and biking trails.
11. Sutherland State Recreation Area, near Sutherland
Sutherland Reservoir State Recreation Area, Sutherland, NE 69165, USA
NGPC
Sutherland Reservoir has some prime swimming and fishing areas. Power boating is allowed, and there are 85 primitive camping sites, making Sutherland Reservoir one of the best of all Nebraska lakes.
12. Wagon Train Lake, Hickman
Wagon Train Lake, Saltillo, NE, USA
Wagon Train Lake NE
Anglers will find a wheelchair-accessible pier at Wagon Train Lake, and the fishing is fantastic. You can also swim here, and boats are welcome as long as you keep the speed to 5 MPH or below.
13. Walgren Lake, Hay Springs
Walgren Lake, Hay Springs, NE 69347, USA
NGPC
Some people say that a Loch Ness-type monster hides in the depths of Walgren Lake, but you'll have to decide that for yourself. While you're monster hunting, you can have fun fishing or boating. If you want to stay longer, you'll be happy to know that there are 40 primitive camping sites at Walgren Lake.

14. Willow Creek State Recreation Area, near Pierce
Although it's named for the creek that feeds the Elkhorn River, this reservoir offers all kinds of fishing and boating fun. Possibly the best lake in Nebraska, there's a swimming beach and a hike/bike trail as well as a dedicated horse trail. You can even bring your horse camping with you.

With dozens of excellent lakes in Nebraska to choose from, the Cornhusker State offers the perfect water adventure for everyone. If you don’t see your favorite Nebraska lakes listed here, be sure to check out these scenic Nebraska lakes. Where is your favorite lake to spend a warm summer day? What do you think is the best lake in Nebraska? Tell us!

Though amazing, the options for cooling off aren’t limited to the best lakes in Nebraska. There are some incredible swim spots, including this man-made swimming hole in Nebraska that’s fun for all ages.

OnlyInYourState may earn compensation through affiliate links in this article. As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.

More to Explore

Lakes In Nebraska

Daniella DiRienzo | July 25, 2022

Can I camp right on the water in Nebraska?

Nebraska lakes aren’t just for swimming and fishing, they’re for camping too! There are several places where you can camp right on the water in Nebraska including the Swanson Reservoir in Trenton. Nestled beside the Republic River, the reservoir is open seasonally, May through October. Visitors can enjoy a wealth of water-related activities including lakeside camping. There are several electrical hook-ups scattered throughout the campground. Craving a more primitive camping experience? You’ll be happy to know you can pitch a tent right on the sandy beach.

Where can I go tubing in Nebraska?

When it comes to water-related fun in Nebraska, the options are virtually endless. There are so many ways to enjoy the state’s beautiful bodies of water, including tubing. You’ll find several outfitters in the state that facilitate float trips in Nebraska – one of which is Little Outlaw. Located in Valentine, Little Outlaw organizes floats on the beautiful Niobrara River. The floats vary in length, with the shortest taking four hours to complete. As tubers meander down the river, they’ll pass lots of lovely sights including Smith Falls, the tallest waterfall in Nebraska.

Related Articles

Explore Nebraska