56 Nebraskaland • March 2022
I
n registering visitors for campsites,
Nebraska's largest reservoir sailed
uncharted waters in 2021. The
predominant verdict is that it was a
highly successful voyage.
Last April, the Nebraska Game
and Parks Commission implemented
changes needed to create a safer,
family-frien dly environment at the
22-mile-long Lake McConaughy and
the smaller reservoir below its dam,
Lake Ogallala.
One change was requiring
reservations during the peak season
for camping at the two state recreation
areas. The new system, largely
implemented to combat problems of
overcrowding, marked a monumental
shift from prior years when beachgoers
could show up and place a tent or
camper into any vacant spot along
Lake McConaughy's expansive, often
crowded, sandy shoreline.
The new strategy meant visitors
could choose from Game and Parks'
1,500 designated sites — 500 of which
are in nine campgrounds, and another
1,000 spots at 17 beach areas.
The popularity of Lake McConaughy,
owned by the Central Nebraska Public
Power and Irrigation District and
managed for recreation by Game and
Parks, has long posed a challenge.
Many of the lake's hundreds of
thousands of visitors each year come
from Colorado's Front Range, where
many see it as the nearest place to
enjoy recreational opportunities most
often found at coastal settings.
Such a large area attracts a diverse
set of users. The excellent fishery
attracts anglers. The big, open
water attracts a variety of boaters
and personal watercraft users.
Campgrounds attract groups of
friends and families. Wildlife attracts
hunters and other conservationists.
Sailboaters, picnickers, wind surfers
and scuba divers are also in the mix.
The park often was overcrowded
and congested, overburdening park
infrastructure, and groups of unruly
partiers sometimes demanded the
most attention.
This year's changes came about
after collaborative discussion by
the Game and Parks Commission
and a local advisory committee that
included business leaders, concession
operators, lake residents, park guests,
area first-responders, local tourism
and economic development officials
and the Keith County Chamber of
Commerce. The committee is open to
anyone who wants to attend.
Officials say the positive
outcomes have exceeded even their
expectations, resulting in better
control, an increased ability to collect
A More Family
Friendly Lake
McConaughy
A crowded shoreline in the Arthur Bay area on the July 4th weekend at
Lake McConaughy State Recreation Area in 2020.
ERIC FOWLER, NEBRASKALAND
By Justin Haag
