No matter where you live in Nebraska, from the biggest city to the most remote Sandhills ranch, you are never far from a public outdoor recreation area.

Many of these recreational opportunities; trails, lakes, parks, and wildlife areas are built and maintained by NRDs. Many NRD projects are developed for multiple purposes. Recreational trails are built atop of flood-control levees or along abandoned railroad lines. Dams built for flood-control often develop into recreational areas. Habitat areas and wetlands may be available to hunters and are often preserved for interpretive nature study.

Have questions about our recreation areas? Email Tyler Warren, Recreation Superintendent.

Book Your Camping Spot!

Reservations are accepted up to 60 days in advance of departure date

Click here to reserve your camping site at Maple Creek Recreation Area!

Click here to reserve your camping site at Maskenthine Lake Recreation Area!

Click here to reserve your camping site at Willow Creek State Recreation Area! 

Interested in becoming a Campground Host?

Are you interested in becoming a Campground Host? Campground hosts are volunteers who are willing to share their camping knowledge and love of the outdoors with others. They welcome visitors, acquaint them with park facilities, and answer any questions they may have.  It’s an opportunity to develop some lasting friendships, while contributing to the betterment of our Recreation Areas. We have openings for the Maskenthine Lake Recreation Area north of Stanton, and the Maple Creek Recreation Area northwest of Leigh. Call 402-371-7313 for more information.

NRD Recreation Exploration

Feeling the need to get away from it all? You’re in luck! Nebraska’s Natural Resources Districts (NRDs) offer numerous opportunities to enjoy and appreciate our natural world. Many of the NRDs build and operate public recreation areas available to all who wish to view wildlife, fish and hunt, take nature walks, use bike trails or participate in other outdoor activities. NRD recreation facilities are built and operated to meet multipurpose needs - combining recreation with flood control, wildlife habitat enhancement, soil erosion and sediment control, or wetland renovation along our rivers and streams to protect lives, property and the future. So, whether you are a visitor to Nebraska or a resident of our beautiful state, get out and enjoy one of the numerous NRD recreation areas. 

NRD Recreation Exploration 

The NRD Recreation Exploration challenges participants to visit as many Natural Resources District (NRD) recreation areas as they can between March 1, 2025, and September 19, 2025. Visit an NRD recreation area and submit a photo for a chance to win prizes! Click here to go to the NRD Recreation Exploration webpage. 

NDEE Beach Watch Sampling Reports

NDEE conducts weekly sampling for Harmful Algal Blooms (HABs), also known as toxic blue-green algae, and E. coli bacteria at 51 public recreational lakes (56 sites in all) across Nebraska from May through September and these results are updated weekly.  Samples are typically collected on Monday and results are posted on the website on Friday.

Click this link to see the current sampling results

Recreation Area Rules & Regulations

  • Vehicles are allowed on roadways and parking areas only
  • Alcoholic beverages are prohibited
  • Swimming permitted in designated area only
  • Pets are prohibited on the swimming beach
  • Fires area allowed only in grills
  • Operation of snowmobiles is prohibited
  • Camping is limited to 14 consecutive days
  • Quiet shall be maintained between 10pm and 6am in the camper pad area
  • Swimming beach is closed between 9pm and 6am

Click here to view all LENRD Recreation Area Rules & Regulations

Camping Reservation Cancellation Policy

  • Guests may request to cancel their reservation at any time. Refund amounts may vary based on how far in advance the request for cancellation is received.
  • Cancellation requests received:
    • Eight (8) days or more in advance of stay: refund will be for entire stay less non-refundable reservation and card processing fees
    • Seven (7) days up to 24 hours in advance of stay: refund will be for stay less one night's charge and non-refundable reservation and card processing fees
    • Less than 24 hours in advance (after 4:00 p.m. the day before the first night): no refund issued
  • Refund amounts are less any applicable booking and card processing fees.
  • **This policy remains at the discretion of the District.**