Lake Mcconaughy State Recreation Area
Swimming hole in Ogallala, Nebraska · Lake
Lake Mcconaughy State Recreation Area 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
- Coordinates
- 41.24470, -101.66810
- 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
- None — assume unguarded
- Camping
- Multiple campgrounds plus beach camping (advance reservation required in peak season).
- 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.
- Listing last updated
- July 13, 2026
The experience
- Best time to visitPeak 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.
- AccessEasy. 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.
- FacilitiesVisitor 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 nearbyMultiple 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.
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.
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