White sand beaches definitely aren’t a sight one typically associates with Nebraska, but we have a few scattered through the state. The most popular and well-known is Lake McConaughy, Nebraska’s largest lake. But there’s an underrated central Nebraska lake with a white sand beach every bit as impressive as Lake Mac’s. And that is the Calamus Reservoir. Come along as we tell you why we think its so special.

The Calamus Reservoir State Recreation Area is a truly underrated place in Nebraska.
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It is located near Burwell and is a popular spot for all kinds of beach and lake activities.
It's tucked into the Sandhill region.
TripAdvisor/nebraskafisherman
The Sandhills are a particularly scenic area of Nebraska and visited by people from all over the country.
This is no tiny recreation area, however.
TripAdvisor/nebraskafisherman
The Calamus Reservoir encompasses an impressive 5,000 acres of area for fishing, camping, boating, swimming, and all kinds of other fun lake activities.
Part of the Calamus River and other streams flow through the recreation area.
flickr/Brian Henderson
Gracie Creek Pond also adjoins the reservoir and offers some terrific fishing opportunities.
We cannot understate how incredibly scenic it is here!
TripAdvisor/Nebraska O
And it really offers a huge variety of activities for nature lovers.
The park is open year-round and features several campgrounds...
Visit Nebraska
... so you can spend an entire weekend having a great time doing all of your favorite beach and lake activities.
The wildlife spotting here is top notch.
flickr/Don Henise
You'll find a wide variety of birds nesting here in every season.
Calamus Reservoir certainly isn't unknown, but it doesn't always get the credit it deserves as a top Sandhills attraction.
TripAdvisor/nebraskafisherman
It really is one of the most spectacular lakes in Nebraska.

A Nebraska Park Permit is required to enter the recreation area, and there is a charge for camping. The five boat ramps are open from spring to fall. Find the Calamus Reservoir State Recreation area on Hwy 96, northwest of Burwell.

Have you ever been to the beautiful Calamus Reservoir? If so, what was your favorite part? We’d love to read about your experience in the comments section below!

Want to visit Nebraska’s most popular white-sand lake? You can enjoy an amazing adventure at Lake McConaughy.

If you’re still in the mood for more Nebraska adventures, take a look at this video:

 

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More to Explore

More to Love about Nebraska

Lysa Allman-Baldwin | May 06, 2023

Where can we find museums in Nebraska?

  • The Museum of the Fur Trade in Chadron documents the history of North America’s fur trade with exhibits ranging from clothing to tools and weapons, art, and more.
  • The Lewis & Clark Pulley Museum in Crofton celebrates the state’s  agricultural history and is chock full of restored antique farm pulleys.
  • Freedom Park in Omaha is the home of an outdoor Naval museum featuring the USS Hazard, the last surviving Admirable Class Minesweeper ship.

Read on to learn more about some of the many other wonderful museums in Nebraska.

Where can we find flea markets in Nebraska?

  • The Nebraska Junk Jaunt is an annual roving event covering over 300 miles and traveling through some 40 towns, making it the biggest flea market in the state.
  • The Brownville Flea Market in Brownville is a twice-a-year event featuring close to 300 vendors.
  • Country Market Days in Pilger takes place on the first Saturday of each month July through October and is a junk restorer's heaven.

Read on to learn more about some of the many other fantastic flea markets in Nebraska.

Where can we find family-owned restaurants in Nebraska?

  • The Farmer's Daughter Cafe in Grand Island focuses on traditional comfort foods.
  • The Coachlight Cafe in Valentine is where people flock for some of the best pies in the state.
  • The Green Apple Café in Cozad serves everything from tacos, to chicken dinners, sandwiches, and more.

Read on to learn more about some of the many other delicious family-owned restaurants in Nebraska.

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Calamus Reservoir, Nebraska 68823, USA