Lake Minatare State Recreation Area Guide

Updated on Jul 17, 2019

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Introduction

Pack up your RV and be the one that got away during your next camping adventure as you visit Lake Minatare State Recreation Area. Get ready to explore Nebraska's only full-size lighthouse or have fun out on Lake Minatare fishing or boating. With 2,970 acres to explore, get ready to have one of your best RV vacations to date. An angler's delight, Lake Minatare is one of Nebraska's largest bodies of water. Get ready to catch some popular game fish like yellow perch, white bass, and blue catfish. Bird watchers will be delighted to see the variety of birds that travel to the North Platte Wildlife Refuge, the only one in the state, that is a haven to waterfowl among other animals. Due to the area's popularity among the wildlife, visitors cannot access the lake from mid-October to mid-January so not affect migratory birds. Rest and relax east of the dam, along the sandy beach at Lake Minatare, or have fun taking a well-earned dip in the lake. Camp along the scenic campground at one of the 26 electric-hookup RV campsites. Have fun in the water, hike along the trails, or make s' mores over a campfire. Don't forget to bring your favorite four-leg companion with you as this park is pet-friendly. Reserve your camping spot today - you deserve a vacation.

RV Rentals in Lake Minatare State Recreation Area

$119 / Night

2011 Keystone Outback - 27' 270BH

Gering, NE

$112 / Night

2002 Dutchmen Classic

Minatare, NE

$150 / Night

2013 Forest River Vengeance

Scottsbluff, NE

$120 / Night

**Pet and Kid Friendly ** 2019 Keystone Bullet 287QBS

Cheyenne, WY

$107 / Night

2014 R-Vision Trail-Lite Trail Lite

Cheyenne, WY

$110 / Night

2015 Keystone Springdale

Gering, NE

Transportation in Lake Minatare State Recreation Area

Driving

Take a break from the daily grind of life and travel to one of the state’s famous lakes in western Nebraska. Getting to Lake Minatare State Recreation Area will be a breeze as the park is nestled near U.S. Highway 26 and Nebraska Highway 71. Travel through the North Platte River Valley along the paved road to Lake Minatare, which is a few miles from Scottsbluff, Nebraska. Less than two hours from Cheyenne, Wyoming and around three hours from Casper, Wyoming, and Denver, Colorado, makes this place an excellent getaway for the weekend or an extended vacation.

Parking

During your trip, try to visit the visitor center that is a half a mile up the road, on your right once you enter the state park. Pick up a park map and to connect with the friendly rangers as they can answer any questions you have during your stay at Lake Minatare State Recreation Area. For parking your RV, you will need to back-in your RV at the campsite, and the campground can accommodate RVs up to 65 feet in size. Each individual site has paved asphalt. Reserve your camping spot today and get here now - your vacation awaits!

Public Transport

Campgrounds and parking in Lake Minatare State Recreation Area

Campsites in Lake Minatare State Recreation Area

Reservations camping

Lakeview Point Campground

C’mon out in your RV to a gem of a Nebraska campground. A family-friendly destination, Lake Minatare State Recreation Area Campground offers electric hookups on large, well-spaced sites that provide shade from the park’s Cottonwood trees. Twenty-six RV asphalt pads offer a gorgeous view of Lake Minatare, with easy access to fishing or enjoying a beautiful sunset. Each site provides picnic tables and fire pits. There is drinking water, a laundry room, and a dump station on-site. Also, you’ll find a renovated bathhouse with flush toilets and hot showers. Plan to bring Fido along on your camping adventure as the camp is pet-friendly as long as the animals are on a secure leash. From hiking the trails, exploring the lighthouse, or spending time out on Lake Minatare, this is a great location for everyone. The campground is a beautiful place to sit back and enjoy the peaceful surroundings of Mother Nature. A delightful place to stay and make memories for years to come, you will need to make your reservations in advance. Plan your visit to Western Nebraska now, and get your favorite spot today!

First-come first-served

Alternate camping

Seasonal activities in Lake Minatare State Recreation Area

In-Season

Water Sports

Have some fun that is good for the soul out on Lake Minatare. From swimming along the lakeshore to stretching out on your beach towel at the sandy beach, Lake Minatare State Area has much to offer campers. Head out from your RV and enjoy time on your boat by using one of the four boat ramps. From power boating to wind sailing, it's a great way to spend part of your trip.

Exploring the North Platte Wildlife Refuge

This part of the Panhandle is a refuge for migrating birds and a haven for waterfowl. A fantastic place to view wildlife, unwind, and relax - it's a must see. Grab your camera and your best walking shoes as you comb the area looking for Canada geese, herons, and other waterfowl. Make plans to visit from mid-January to mid-October as the area and lake are closed to campers to welcome the nearly 200,000 birds that use it as a refuge.

Fishing at Lake Minatare

An angler’s delight, Lake Minatare is a destination for those who love to fish. The recreation area is famous for for walleyes, big channel fish, crappie, blue catfish, northern pike, yellow perch, and smallmouth bass, which is unique to the Panhandle area. Get out in your boat or cast your line from the lake shore and spend a few hours relaxing. Once you’ve caught your dinner, use the several fish cleaning stations at Lake View Point, West Win, and Butte View locations.

Off-Season

Picnicking

After a busy day out in the water or hiking the trails at Lake Minatare State Area, make time to have an outdoor picnic during your RV camping trip. Lake Minatare offers many fantastic locations for you to take a respite from fishing or the trails and enjoy a meal away from the campsite. Relax as you take in the tranquil scenery of the forest. All tables are first-come, first-served, but if you are hosting a larger group like a birthday party or a reunion, there is a picnic shelter that you can reserve in advance.

Visiting the Lake Minatare Landmark Lighthouse

Unique to Nebraska, the Lake Minatare's lighthouse was built during the Great Depression as a symbol of hope by the Veterans Conservation Corps Camp BR-1. Entirely created by stone, the lighthouse is 55 feet tall with four flights and observation deck. After you set up your RV campsite, spend time to explore this great asset to western Nebraska. You’ll want to bring your camera to capture the gorgeous views of the river valley and Lake Minatare.

Wildlife Viewing

Take a break from your RV or trailer campsite and come to see the variety of Nebraska wildlife during your visit at Lake Minatare State Recreation Area. With mule deer, white-tailed deer, river otter, coyotes, Swift foxes, and even bobcats roaming the area, you will not want to forget your camera in your campervan. With over 40 different species that live along with the many Cottonwood trees at Lake Minatare State Recreation Area, this RV camping trip will not disappoint.

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