Lake Mcconaughy S.r.a.
Swimming hole in Ogallala, Nebraska · Lake
Lake Mcconaughy S.r.a. is a reservoir swimming hole. It is at 1475 Highway 61 N, Ogallala, NE. Fee notes: Park entry permit fee required. Best season: Peak season runs roughly May 20 to September 10, when the white sand beaches and warm, clear water draw the biggest crowds.
Typical season: Peak season runs roughly May 20 to September 10, when the white sand beaches and warm, clear water draw the biggest crowds
Key facts
Structured details for trip planning — verify access and fees with the land manager before you visit.
- Address
- 1475 Highway 61 N, Ogallala, NE 69153
- Water type
- Reservoir
- Water body
- Lake McConaughy (North Platte River)
- Fee
- Park entry permit fee required
- Nearest town
- Ogallala
- State
- Nebraska
- Best season
- Peak season runs roughly May 20 to September 10, when the white sand beaches and warm, clear water draw the biggest crowds. During peak season all overnight camping is by advance reservation only.
- Access difficulty
- Easy. The lake is about eight miles northeast of Ogallala via Highway 61, with large designated walk-in beach day-use areas near the Martin Bay, Arthur Bay, Sandy Beach, and Cedar View entrances.
- Restrooms
- Yes
- Lifeguard
- Present (seasonal)
- Camping
- Multiple campgrounds plus beach camping (advance reservation required in peak season).
- Land manager
- State park / recreation agency
- Activities
- Swimming, boating, water skiing, windsurfing, scuba diving, fishing, camping
- Facilities
- Visitor and Water Interpretive Center, multiple campgrounds with showers and modern restrooms, roughly 1,000 beach campsites depending on water levels, boat ramps, fish cleaning stations, and lakeside lodges and marinas.
- Last verified
- July 13, 2026
The experience
- Best time to visit Peak season runs roughly May 20 to September 10, when the white sand beaches and warm, clear water draw the biggest crowds. During peak season all overnight camping is by advance reservation only.
- Access Easy. The lake is about eight miles northeast of Ogallala via Highway 61, with large designated walk-in beach day-use areas near the Martin Bay, Arthur Bay, Sandy Beach, and Cedar View entrances.
- Facilities Visitor and Water Interpretive Center, multiple campgrounds with showers and modern restrooms, roughly 1,000 beach campsites depending on water levels, boat ramps, fish cleaning stations, and lakeside lodges and marinas.
- Camping nearby Multiple campgrounds plus beach camping (advance reservation required in peak season).
Highlights & features
- Nebraska’s largest reservoir at 30,000 surface acres
- White-sand swimming beaches unusual for the Great Plains
- Kingsley Dam is among the largest hydraulic-fill dams of its type in the world
Access & fees
Verified against outdoornebraska.gov (checked July 2026). Rules and fees can change; confirm with the land manager before you go.
Top picks for this trip
Willit Rashguard Swim Shirt UPF 50+
The best all-around sun shirt for swimming holes — light enough to swim in, dry enough to hike out in.
Check price on
Outward Hound Granby Splash Life Jacket
The best all-around dog swim float for natural water — as long as the hole is calm and you stay hands-on.
Check price onDisclosure: Gear links may earn a commission as an Amazon Associate — at no extra cost to you. Learn more.
What to pack for Lake Mcconaughy S.r.a.
Gear we compare side by side for lake swims like this one — water access, sun, and the hike in.
Disclosure: Gear links may earn a commission as an Amazon Associate — at no extra cost to you. Learn more.
Frequently asked questions
Can you swim at Lake McConaughy?
Yes — swimming is allowed at beach areas unless otherwise posted, and Big Mac’s white-sand beaches are Nebraska’s most famous. No lifeguards are on duty at any beach, so swim with a buddy and watch children closely.
Is there a fee at Lake McConaughy?
Yes. A Nebraska state park entry permit is required for vehicles, and camping is charged separately. Permits are sold at park entrances and through Nebraska Game and Parks.
Explore more nearby swimming guides
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.