16 Nebraskaland • May 2024
One of the Panhandle's most popular fishing
spots now has more amenities for anglers and
others who want to make a multi-day trip of it.
Workers late last year completed the addition of
20 new electrical campsites and the installation
of a shower house and sewage dump station at
Box Butte State Recreation Area and its 1,600-acre
reservoir.
The dump station and shower house are new
features for the area, and the campsites represent an
increase by more than half of what was previously
available.
The new amenities are at the west side of the
current campground, north and parallel to the
existing paved road and sites 7-18. Half are available
for reservation with the others being first-come,
first-served. The improvements were designed to
comply with the Americans with Disabilities Act.
Nebraska's Capital Maintenance Fund, which
was established by the Legislature in 2016 to help
preserve public outdoor recreation facilities and
parklands, was a large contributor to the $840,000
project. The U.S. Bureau of Reclamation also was a
major financial sponsor.
The expansion follows many other improvements
at the recreation area in recent years, including a
new boat ramp and dock, concrete outhouses and
an upgraded fish-cleaning station.
In addition to fishing, Box Butte Reservoir SRA
and Wildlife Management Area provide boating,
hunting, picnicking and birdwatching opportunities.
It is located 9 miles north of Hemingford.
By Justin Haag
BIG UPGRADES AT BOX BUTTE
CAMPGROUND
IN THE FIELD
The new campsites and shower house at Box Butte Reservoir State Recreation Area will cater to the lake's anglers and many
other visitors. JUSTIN HAAG, NEBRASKALAND
