Calamus Reservoir S.r.a.
Swimming hole in Burwell, Nebraska · Lake
Calamus Reservoir S.r.a. is a reservoir swimming hole. It is near Burwell, Nebraska. Fee notes: Park entry permit fee required. Best season: Summer is prime time for swimming and beach play on this Sandhills lake, with cool evenings that make for pleasant camping.
Typical season: Summer is prime time for swimming and beach play on this Sandhills lake, with cool evenings that make for pleasant camping
Key facts
Structured details for trip planning — verify access and fees with the land manager before you visit.
- Water type
- Reservoir
- Water body
- Calamus Reservoir (Calamus River)
- Fee
- Park entry permit fee required
- Nearest town
- Burwell
- State
- Nebraska
- Best season
- Summer is prime time for swimming and beach play on this Sandhills lake, with cool evenings that make for pleasant camping. Walleye fishing peaks in spring and early summer.
- Access difficulty
- Easy. The area is on York Point Road near Burwell in Nebraska’s Sandhills, with sandy shorelines around the 5,123-acre lake and drive-up access at multiple points.
- Restrooms
- Yes
- Lifeguard
- Present (seasonal)
- Camping
- Three campgrounds with showers, water, and modern restrooms.
- Land manager
- State park / recreation agency
- Activities
- Swimming, boating, fishing, camping, birding
- Facilities
- Three campgrounds (Homestead Knolls, Nunda Shoal, Valley View Flat) with showers, water, and modern restrooms; 204 picnic tables, a playground, four boat ramps, fish cleaning stations, and nearby marinas and concessions.
- Last verified
- July 13, 2026
The experience
- Best time to visit Summer is prime time for swimming and beach play on this Sandhills lake, with cool evenings that make for pleasant camping. Walleye fishing peaks in spring and early summer.
- Access Easy. The area is on York Point Road near Burwell in Nebraska’s Sandhills, with sandy shorelines around the 5,123-acre lake and drive-up access at multiple points.
- Facilities Three campgrounds (Homestead Knolls, Nunda Shoal, Valley View Flat) with showers, water, and modern restrooms; 204 picnic tables, a playground, four boat ramps, fish cleaning stations, and nearby marinas and concessions.
- Camping nearby Three campgrounds with showers, water, and modern restrooms.
Highlights & features
- Open shoreline swimming on sandy Sandhills beaches
- 5,123-acre lake with 31 miles of shoreline
- State fish hatchery below the dam with self-guided tours
Access & fees
Verified against outdoornebraska.gov (checked July 2026). Rules and fees can change; confirm with the land manager before you go.
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What to pack for Calamus Reservoir S.r.a.
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Frequently asked questions
Can you swim at Calamus Reservoir?
Yes — swimming is officially permitted at the reservoir as open shoreline swimming along its sandy Sandhills beaches rather than at a single formal beach. No lifeguards are on duty, and swimming is not allowed within 50 yards of boat ramps and docks.
Is there a fee at Calamus?
Yes, a Nebraska state park entry permit is required for vehicles, with camping charged separately across three campgrounds.
What makes Calamus Reservoir special?
Its Sandhills setting: 31 miles of sandy shoreline behind Virginia Smith Dam, completed in 1986, with one of Nebraska’s five state fish hatcheries just below the dam offering self-guided tours.
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Sources & updates
Official land managers cited on this page
Always confirm current rules, closures, and fees on the agency site before visiting.
Spotted outdated access, fees, or safety info? Send a correction with the page URL — we review every submission.