lake mcconaughy

KOKnight

I have been going here my whole life! Good walleye, small mouth bass fishing, and cat fishing. Also if you bow hunt for carp- wonderful shallow areas for that. The only thing is do not go on 4th of July. It was so busy we couldn't find a spot on the beach for 10 plus miles!

852markm

Great sailing lake way out in western Nebraska. Windsurfing competition half here, too. Not what you would expect

daler225

This is a very large lake that is great for summer time activities. It is about 21 miles long and 3 miles across. Great sandy beaches especially on the north side of the lake. It is 9 miles north of Ogallala. Great fishing & boating. Beware of the wind & if it comes up then get off the water ASAP. If you want a camp fire bring your own wood as there is a limited supply to pick up on the beach to burn. It does require a parks pass and some camp sites are fee based also. There are numerous places to shop for snack items but it is pricey. So shop in town 1st or bring it from home with you.

cindysM7964PA

This is a beautiful clear, calm lake. Great for family vacations, water sports and fishing. There were also a couple of golf resorts close to the water and many places to camp.

JJHI

Lake MConaughy is awesome, if you come prepared. With a 4 wheel drive vehicle, you can camp anywhere on the white sand beaches. Definitely bring some shade with you because it is sunny and hot all summer long. Also bring bug and fly spray. Our only disappointment with the trip were the biting flies. Otherwise, great fun for everyone, and our dogs loved it.

SusieRussell

I used to live in Ogallala, NE, and often went to the beautiful and huge - Lake McConaughy. It truly is beautiful. A great place to take your boat/seado's, go fishing all day, take a picnic, sunbathe, take the family, go hiking in the nearby areas. Have a great BBQ on the lake. You can drive your car right on the sand. Don't miss it. It's a little drive, but very easy, off the Highway. It is about a 4 hour drive from Denver, CO. You have to go. It is so big - and it is never crowded like southern California lakes. You'll relax and enjoy. I love it there and cannot wait to go back. In the winter - it snows --- so not a good time to go.

Momof4SpursFan

The lake was beautiful and there are lots of places to access the shore. A peaceful place with lovely scenery and convenient places to park and picnic.

Julia599

Water, sand, nature - yes. Train - no. You better stay at the hotel, not in a tent. People with kids - this place is for you!

landlockedNE

I spent a day at the lake with my RV, I only live 2 hours away but it was well worth the drive! The water is a beautiful pale Thalo green at the edges and at this time of year the visibility was about 4 to 5 feet! The beaches are smooth tan sand and it does on for MILES! The sunset was amazing too! It is a little bit of paradise on the edge of the Sand Hills!!

paigepants

We went in early August in the afternoon, and there was hardly anyone there! The sand on the swimming beach is some of the best sand I've ever experienced (even at ocean beaches). We were just making a quick stop, so we only waded out in the water, but it was warm and clear, and we had fun digging and building in the sand.

Tjshade

We didn't have a lot of time to spend there but we did stop at the visitor's center and learned quite a lot about the construction of the dam and the water in the plains. It was quite enjoyable. We also went down to the lake at Martin 5 and stuck our toes in. I was disappointed to see a few broken bottles and some trash on the beach but other than that, it seemed like a lovely place to spend a day.

esa503

Lake McConaughy is a beautiful spot located just outside of a small rural town called Ogallala, NE. It is able to accommodate just about anyone and any activity- from parasailing to fishing. The lake is approximately 20 miles long and 3 miles wide. I grew up watching Jaws, so if the water isn't clear, I don't go in (even if it is in NE)... but Lake McConaughy has beautiful waters and I feel completely comfortable swimming in the waters. It only costs a couple of dollars for a daily permit and the staff at the kiosk are so helpful. The beach is nice and the sand isn't rough- many spots for camping or just hanging out for the day. If you're in NE or in the nearby area, I would suggest taking a day at Lake Mac- where nature can really be enjoyed.

OuncaJeffrA

Lake McConaughy is a 4 hour drive from my home town of Denver Colorado. The lake which is approximatly 28 miles long and 4 miles wide can be found in the Sandy dunes of SW Nebraska. Because of the location the lake has miles and miles of soft brown sandy beaches. The south side shore is much more remote and fill of natural plants and animals. The north side of the lake has multiple small town's, camp grounds, marinas and public access. The fishing varies from season to season but due to the lakes size it can produce absolute monster size fish. early to late summer the water is clear, warm and enviting! Water sports abound including parasailing! Every LAbor daty the lake host a sailing regatta. If camping is not your idea of a beach vacation there are rental homes in Lemoyne and rental trailers in North Shore. Both locations include AC, shower and bathrooms. Rental water craft are also available around the dam and other locations. This is a beautiful, laid back lake with Mexico beaches and a Nebraska farmer attitude.

farmwife68

We didn't spend a lot of time at the lake - but what we saw we loved. This is a large lake (12 miles long) with very well-maintained camping and picnic areas. The lakes have sandy beaches, too. We bought the day pass for $5. It was well worth it. I noticed the park also lent fishing poles and life vests.

djraad

We have been to Lake McConaughy 2 years in a row now, and absolutely love it! We camped in Lone Eagle Campground both times, although you can camp on the beach if you have a tent or trailer. The campground is well maintained, but watch out for the goat heads! They're everywhere, and they attach to everything. (Don't walk around barefoot or wear soft soled shoes) The public rest room and showers are kept very clean. We camped in site #29, which has a view of the lake & a path to the beach if you want to walk instead of driving to one of the parking lots that have beach access. We took our car onto the beach each day. You have to have either 4 wheel drive or all wheel drive or you WILL get stuck. There are tractors that will pull you out if that happens for a fee. There are restrictions in place on the beach, although we didn't see any rangers on the beach or in the campground the 5 days we were there. You can bring any kind of floats, toys, shelters, etc. on the beach. Dogs are also ok. As I said, no enforcement, but none was needed while we were there. It's a great place to go and enjoy the water. We will go back again next summer!