If you’ve never been to Nebraska, you’re rolling your eyes at that title right now. Beaches in Nebraska? It’s true – we may be just about as far away from the ocean as you can get in the U.S., but that doesn’t mean we’re lacking in sandy, sunny swimming beaches. Here are some great places to spend a hot summer day.

1. Lake McConaughy, Ogallala
Lake McConaughy, Ogallala Beach Rd, Ogallala, NE 69153, USA
flickr/Vicki Watkins
Lake Mac is BIG - with over 100 miles of white sandy shoreline, it's hard not to have fun here. Lake Ogallala is right next door for anglers and campers who want to get away from the biggest crowds. Easily one of the best beaches in Nebraska!
2. Linoma Beach, Gretna
Linoma Beach Campground, 17106 Lanoma Rd, Gretna, NE 68028, USA
Wikimedia Commons/Ammodramus
The curious little beach with a lighthouse has seen some troubles over the years with declining tourism and general disrepair but has since made a triumphant return. This is a fun lake beach in Nebraska!
3. Iron Horse Lake, Pawnee County
Iron Horse Trail Lake, Nebraska, USA
VisitNebraska
Iron Horse Lake is part of a small park in Dubois that offers the standard fun family beach activities. Camping, grilling, swimming, and making sand castles are just a few. A beautiful Nebraska beach worth visiting!
4. Calamus Reservoir, Burwell
Calamus Reservoir State Recreation Area and Wildlife Management Area, 42285 York Pt Rd, Burwell, NE 68823, USA
TripAdvisor/nebraskafisherman
An extremely popular fishing destination in the Sandhills, Calamus Reservoir has a lot more to offer. Besides the swimming beach, there are five boat ramps and lots of room for primitive and modern camping. We think it’s one of the best beaches in Nebraska!
5. Lewis and Clark Lake, Crofton
Lewis and Clark Lake, United States
City Data
The Lewis and Clark State Recreation Area is a beloved place to get out into nature and spend some time with family and friends. It's the second-largest lake in the state, right after McConaughy. Its breathtaking natural beauty is one of its stand-out features. One of the best lake beaches in Nebraska!

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6. Branched Oak Lake, Near Malcolm
Branched Oak Lake, West Oak, NE 68428, USA
flickr/overduebook
If you're looking for (mostly) untamed natural beauty, Branched Oak Lake is a lovely place to visit. Hiking and camping are popular here, and there's even an area where you can camp with your horse! It’s a beautiful Nebraska beach worth visiting.
7. Fremont Lakes, Fremont
Fremont Lakes, 3120 State Lakes Rd, Fremont, NE 68025, USA
flickr/Overduebook
This recreation area is made up of 20 sandpit lakes and about 40 acres of land. It's a peaceful place to spend an afternoon or to camp for a night or two. This Nebraska beach boasts some of the best camping in the state, too!
8. Johnson Lake, Lexington
Johnson Lake Properties, 2802 Plum Creek Pkwy, Lexington, NE 68850, USA
City Data
Johnson Lake is ideal for all kinds of water recreation, from fishing to swimming to boating and water skiing. Two campgrounds and a golf course will make you want to stay for a while. This Nebraska beach is a hidden paradise!
9. Mormon Island Recreation Area, Hall County
Mormon Island State Recreation Area, 7425 US-281, Doniphan, NE 68832, USA
YouTube/GeoStarBrand
The Mormon Island State Recreation Area is part of a chain of small lakes created in the 1960s to add some recreational opportunities to the area. Mormon Island is a fantastic place to watch the annual sandhill cranes migration. A swimming area is separated from the fishing and boating areas.
10. Oliver Reservoir, Kimball
Oliver Reservoir, Bushnell, NE, USA
Anna Starck / Google Maps
This western Nebraska gem is big enough to accommodate anglers, water skiers, boaters, and swimmers. With 175 camping spots, you can count on meeting some fun fellow campers while you're there. It's one of the best beaches in Nebraska!

There’s a nice mixture here of completely natural beaches in Nebraska- with grassy, rocky shorelines – and softer, sandy beaches. No matter what your preference, there’s a beach in Nebraska for you to love. At just 10 beaches, we’ve barely scratched the surface here of what Nebraska has to offer. What’s your favorite Nebraska beach? Let us know in the comments below!

If you’re looking for more great natural beauty in Nebraska? Check out these sand dunes in Nebraska.

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More to Explore

Beaches In Nebraska

Megan McDonald | June 02, 2023

Are there any beaches in Nebraska?

Nebraska, being a landlocked state, does not have any oceanic beaches, but it does boast a number of beautiful lakes and reservoirs that offer sandy shores and recreational opportunities reminiscent of traditional beach destinations.

  • Lake McConaughy (Big Mac) - Nebraska's largest reservoir spanning 20,000 acres, offering sandy beaches for swimming, sunbathing, boating, jet skiing, and fishing.
  • Harlan County Reservoir - A scenic destination in south-central Nebraska with sandy shores, clear waters, and opportunities for swimming, picnicking, camping, kayaking, and paddleboarding.
  • Branched Oak Lake - Located near Lincoln, the state capital, features a sandy beach and amenities like picnic areas, playgrounds, and hiking trails.
  • Lake Minatare - A picturesque lake in western Nebraska offering a sandy beach for relaxation, swimming, and picnicking, surrounded by stunning natural landscapes.
  • Lewis and Clark Lake - Situated in northeastern Nebraska, this reservoir boasts sandy beaches, campgrounds, and water activities such as boating, fishing, and water skiing.
  • Calamus Reservoir - Nestled in the Sandhills region, Calamus Reservoir provides a tranquil beach setting for swimming, sunbathing, camping, and fishing, along with hiking and wildlife viewing opportunities.
  • Lake Maloney - Located near North Platte, this reservoir offers a sandy beach area for swimming, picnicking, and camping, attracting visitors seeking a beach-like experience.

 

These lakes and reservoirs in Nebraska may not have an oceanic coastline, but they offer beautiful sandy beaches and recreational activities, allowing residents and travelers to enjoy beach-like experiences in the heartland of the Midwest.

What lakes are safe to swim in in Nebraska?

Nebraska has several lakes that are considered safe for swimming. Here are some of the safest lakes in Nebraska to swim in:

  • Lake McConaughy: Located in western Nebraska, Lake McConaughy is a popular destination for swimming. It has designated swimming areas, and the water is generally considered safe for recreational activities. However, it's always a good idea to check for any advisories or warnings before swimming.
  • Harlan County Reservoir: Situated in south-central Nebraska, Harlan County Reservoir offers safe swimming areas along its sandy shores. The reservoir is regularly monitored, and water quality is generally suitable for swimming.
  • Branched Oak Lake: This lake near Lincoln is a popular spot for swimming, and the water is generally considered safe. It has designated swimming beaches with lifeguards during peak season.
  • Lake Minatare: Located in western Nebraska, Lake Minatare provides opportunities for swimming, and the water quality is typically safe for recreational use.
  • Lewis and Clark Lake: Situated in northeastern Nebraska, Lewis and Clark Lake has designated swimming areas where visitors can enjoy safe and refreshing swimming experiences.

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