LAKE MALONEY
Built in 1935, Lake Maloney was formed by the construction of a large dam across
the Platte River Valley. Once excavated, this off-channel reservoir was developed to
store and regulate water flows before they are used for hydroelectric generation at
the North Platte Hydro facility run by NPPD.
These flows travel down the canal system from Sutherland Reservoir into Lake
Maloney's inlet on the west side of the lake called Kansas Point.
Trails
At Maloney State Recreation Area, it is the scenic hike/bike trail that garners the
attention. Running adjacent to the lake, the 2.9-mile-long path is where visitors take
in the sights and view a myriad of wildlife, including deer, turkeys and songbirds.
On the Water
At 1,000-acres, visitors paddleboard, kayak, sail, swim, tube and ski while
anglers fish for channel and flathead catfish, crappie, bluegill and smallmouth
and largemouth bass. Ice anglers travel across frozen waters to take advantage of
walleye, perch and white bass during the winter, and hunters can get their fill of
waterfowl on portions of the lake.
Amenities
Lake Maloney has two camping areas, Kansas Point and the Outlet (main
camping area). These areas offer different views of the lake and a nearby public
golf course.
Kansas Point:
• 54 electrical campsites
• vault latrines
• fire rings
• picnic tables
• fish cleaning station
• freshwater hydrants
• new fishing pier and fishing walkway
completed in 2025
As the water continues its way through the lake, it flows to the Outlet area
before traveling down the canal system. The Outlet has its own set of conveniences
and is a great place to walk your dog, view wildlife, fish or enjoy the view from a
lawn chair.
Outlet Area:
• over 60 basic camping sites
• shower facilities
• day-use areas under shade trees
• fire rings
• picnic tables
• a playground
• freshwater hydrants
• swim beach
• two boat ramps
• fish cleaning station
• dump station
Jaycee Park is a day-use area located on the south side of the lake that includes a
swim beach, picnic area, vault pit latrine and a disc golf course which is a popular,
more secluded place for recreation.
While a family can pull a two-for-one and visit both parks on a weekend,
it becomes quickly apparent upon arrival that spending an entire weekend
at one location is better than splitting your time between two spots. And it
gives you reason to visit the other area the next time you find yourself in
southwestern Nebraska.
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