Zorinsky Lake
RV Guide
Introduction
Home to one of the last remaining native tall grass prairies in eastern Nebraska, Zorinsky Lake is a great day trip destination for RV lovers exploring Nebraska. Located in West Omaha around 17 miles from the city center, Zorinsky Lake was originally opened in 1993 after several dams in the surrounding area were closed to complete the reservoir. The lake is named after former U.S Senator Edward Zorinsky, who served from 1976 until 1987.
In total there are 255 acres that make up the lake and another 770 acres of public land (190 of which is used for wildlife protection). RV lovers who visit Zorinsky Lake will have plenty of fun thanks to the numerous recreational activities that are available. The lake is a very popular boating and fishing destination, while off the lake you can have a relaxing picnic, go hiking, ride a bike, have the kids explore the two modern playgrounds, play baseball, or run around on the soccer fields. The prairie that is located at the park is also home to around 120 species of plants, birds, and wildlife, so you will have many wildlife viewing opportunities.
Zorinsky Lake is open for day use only, but there are some campgrounds available nearby, including multiple within the Two Rivers State Recreation Area. Whether you are a first time RV explorer or a seasoned veteran, you will have a great time all year round at Zorinsky Lake.
RV Rentals in Zorinsky Lake
Transportation
Driving
Getting to and from Zorinsky Lake is very easy thanks to its location to the west of Omaha, which is the largest city in Nebraska. Because of this short distance, Zorinsky Lake is a great place for city dwellers, as well as RV travelers. Omaha is the best place for you to pick up any supplies or visit any amenities before you visit the lake since it's the largest city in Nebraska.
If you are driving to the park in an RV, you shouldn't have any troubles navigating the roads as they are paved, wide, and kept in very good condition. You won't have to worry about the roads being too steep either since the area is relatively flat.
While Zorinsky Lake is open during the winter time you can expect a lot of snow if you choose to visit during these months. It would be a good idea to call ahead to the COE office to make sure that the roads in and around the park will be open. You would hate to make the journey out and not be able to see the lake!
Parking
There is plenty of parking available on the south-east side of the lake.
Public Transportation
Many bus routes leaving from the Omaha city center will take you to and from Zorinsky Lake.
Campgrounds and parking in Zorinsky Lake
Campsites in Zorinsky Lake
Reservations camping
RV Camping at Two Rivers State Recreation Area
Located only around 11 miles to the west of Zorinsky Lake, Two Rivers State Recreation Area is a first-rate choice for RV travelers wanting to stay close by. There are so many different camping options available at Two Rivers State Recreation Area for you to enjoy thanks to the six different campgrounds on offer.
In total, there are 143 camping pads that are equipped with electrical hookups, along with a further 64 that are primitive sites for you to choose from. The campgrounds also have some great amenities, including some that have swimming areas, restrooms, water collection points, a playground, sites with lake views, fire pits, picnic tables, and a dump station. Pets are also allowed, but they have to be on a leash no longer than six feet when they are outside your vehicle. Since you are so close to Omaha, cell phone coverage will be great on any of the major networks too.
The campgrounds at Two Rivers State Recreation Area are a mixture between reservations and first come, first serve. If you want to stay at a powered site, we recommend that you book a reservation in advance as these are the most popular within the campgrounds. Two Rivers State Recreation Area is open for camping all year round.
West Omaha / NE Lincoln KOA Holiday
Another excellent camping option for those wanting to stay close by to Zorinsky Lake is the West Omaha / NE Lincoln KOA Holiday. Located around 14 miles to the southwest of the lake, West Omaha / NE Lincoln KOA Holiday is known for being a family-friendly campground that has plenty of activities available to entertain people of all ages.
There are 60 RV friendly campsites available for you to choose from that come in the form of back-in or pull-through sites. All of the sites at West Omaha / NE Lincoln KOA Holiday have electrical hookups, and the campground can accept rigs up to 80 feet in length. Some of the campground amenities include WiFi, cable TV, a pool (open only during the summertime), mini-golf, snack bar, dog park, jumping pillow, and pizza made to order.
Reservations at West Omaha / NE Lincoln KOA Holiday are encouraged since it isn't a huge campground. West Omaha / NE Lincoln KOA Holiday is open from the beginning of April until near the end of October.
Seasonal activities in Zorinsky Lake
In-Season
Boating
Zorinsky Lake is one of Omaha's most popular lakes, and for good reason. Swimming is not allowed at the lake. However, it is a fantastic boating destination for those who love to get out and explore what's on top of the water. There is a boat ramp that you are free to use on the southeastern side of the lake that is suitable for boats of many shapes and sizes, including paddle boats, fishing boats, and kayaks. If you want to go boating during your visit, make sure you bring your own watercraft or rent one outside of the lake.
Fishing
Zorinsky Lake is also very popular with people who love to fish and are looking to catch the big one. The maximum depth of the lake is around 30 feet, making it a great spot to fish. You can fish from a boat or the shoreline and the most popular areas to throw out a line are near the sunken rocks on the east side of 168 Street. Common species caught at Zorinsky Lake include walleye, catfish, and largemouth bass.
Picnicking
One of the best ways to enjoy the great outdoors during your visit to Zorinsky Lake is to pack a picnic. There are seven different shelters available for you to choose from, including some that have lakeside views and access to amenities, such as grills, toilets, and drinking water. The shelters can be reserved online, but if they are empty you can also use them on a first come, first served basis all year round.
Wildlife Viewing
During the spring time (specifically once the snow has melted away) the area in and around Zorinsky Lake comes to life with many wildlife species venturing out to say hello. Common animals found at the park include many breeds of birds, deer, turkey, coyotes, and lots of fish!
Many of these animals can be found in the Bauermeister Prairie, which is part of the two percent natural grasslands that are left in the state. For more information on wildlife viewing, talk to the staff of the lake during your visit.
Off-Season
Hiking
For those interested in hiking at Zorinsky Lake, there is a fantastic scenic trail that you must check out. Known as the Zorinsky Lake Trail, it is over seven miles long and is perfect for viewing some of the natural wildlife that calls the area home. A lot of the loop is shaded, and you can expect to see wildflowers, birds, and maybe even a deer!
Please note that the trail is quite busy, so you will not get to hike in seclusion. Despite this, the Zorinsky Lake Trail is well worth your time.
Winter Recreation
Once the snow has fallen at Zorinsky Lake, the area tends to become less crowded and out come the few winter recreation enthusiasts looking to have some fun. There are many different forms of winter recreation allowed at Zorinsky Lake, including ice fishing, sledding, cross-country skiing, and even ice skating. If you are looking for something more family-friendly to enjoy, you are also welcome to make a snowman or have a snowball fight. How fun!
