Wagontrain Lake
RV Guide
Introduction
A 315-acre lake, located 2.5 miles east of Hickman, Wagon Train Lake is a brilliant place to experience the outdoors. The lake is the main attraction of the 746 acre Wagon Train State Recreation Area in the southeast corner of Nebraska. Being one of 20 salt valley lakes located within a 25-mile radius of Lincoln, the region is known mostly for its water sports activities.
The artificial lake was completed on June 1 1963, and is used for flood control, wildlife conservation, recreation, and hydroelectricity. Recreation is the most significant use of the lake, however, with the six miles of shoreline attracting thousands of visitors to the resort annually.
Fishing is the most popular activity at the lake. The lake has a rich population of sport fish including crappie, largemouth bass, whitefish, and trout. There is also a 1000 acre recreation area at the resort where visitors can participate in a wide range of land-based recreational sports. The rich vegetation and landscape provide habitat to a lot of wildlife and birds like grouse, ferrets, hawks, raccoons, otters, turkey, quails and a lot of other species. There is a boat ramp at the lake for boating and kayaking as well as lots of other water-based sports which make the lake a premium place to visit to explore the Nebraskan outdoors.
RV Rentals in Wagontrain Lake
Transportation
Driving
Wagon Train Lake is located 2.5 miles east of Hickman and the park entrance can be easily reached off 110th Street 21 miles south of Lincoln, Nebraska. There are gravel, paved and dirt roads in the area but all roads are vehicle friendly and can be navigated easily. Speed limits are displayed on highways signposts and directions to the Park are also displayed when you get closer to the entrance.
Parking
Public Transportation
Campgrounds and parking in Wagontrain Lake
Campsites in Wagontrain Lake
Reservations camping
Wagon Train State Recreation Area Campground
The campground at Wagon Train State Recreation Area is ideal for relaxation, with a serene and neat environment. The campground has a total of 108 pet-friendly campsites with electric hookups available (30 & 50 amps) but no water and sewer. The campground is kid-friendly, with primitive bath and restroom facilities available nearby.
Picnic shelters and fire rings are provided, with firewood, ice, and other essential camping items sold on site. Nearby amenities include a camp store, dump station, and a fishing pier. A wheelchair-accessible fishing pier is provided as well.
Trails run close to the campground for hiking, biking, and birding, and some of the park's unique bird species can be seen around the campground, especially at dawn. There is also a kid's playground nearby where youngsters can take part in a wide range of outdoor sports.
Campers can only stay at the campground for a maximum of 14 days at a time.
Seasonal activities in Wagontrain Lake
In-Season
Fishing
Wagon Train Lake provides year-round fishing for anglers. Anglers at the lake will find channel catfish, crappie, bluegill and a lot of trout species. Walleye, largemouth bass, and wiper are also common at the lake. There are a lot of daily limits and regulations at the lakes, so anglers should be familiar with fishing regulations before fishing at the lake. There is a wheelchair-accessible fishing pier at the lake, so everyone can get involved in the fun.
Swimming
The large lake area has a designated swimming beach for visitors. The warm lake has a steady current, making it safe for kids and adults to swim at all times. Be aware, though, that the swimming area is not supervised by lifeguards, so this activity is undertaken at your own risk.
Still, there's no better way to cool off on a summer's day than by taking a dip in the lake. The swimming beach is located on the southeast side of the lake.
Birding
Nebraska isn't known for its diverse bird population, but visitors can still get to see some of America's most unique bird species at the lake. Some rare songbird species can be heard and seen at the lake, and woodpeckers and herons also make homes in the tall trees surrounding the lake. Hawks and crows can be spotted roaming all day, with owls a common sight for night hikers and campers. Upland birds like turkeys are also common and waterfowl and ducks can be seen by boaters.
Off-Season
Hiking
Hiking is a brilliant way of experiencing the natural splendor of Nebraska. There are a few trails at the lake that give visitors a glorious view of the lake, as well as birding and wildlife viewing opportunities. The Wagon Train Lake Trail is the most popular trail at the park, giving hikers a stunning view of the Nebraska sunset as well as scenic lake views and wildlife viewing opportunities.
Picnicking
Wagon Train Lake is a popular day-use spot in the region. There are three separate picnic areas at the park, offering 125 picnic tables, over a hundred grills, picnic shelters, and drinking water. The picnic areas are tidy and well maintained with parking spaces provided nearby.
It all adds up to a perfect spot to spend some time with family and friends, eating outdoors and enjoying all that the scenic park has to offer.
Wildlife Viewing
The lake serves as a wildlife conservation resource, and visitors to the park can see some of the animals that inhabited the area even before the construction of the lake. Small mammals like rabbits, squirrels, and otters are abundant around the lake and are often used as game for hunting activities. Meanwhile, deer and foxes can be seen roaming the grass and forests. There are also numerous snake species, and turtles can be spotted at the lake all day.
