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.
Calamus Reservoir SRA near Burwell is a popular spot for all kinds of beach and lake activities.
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It’s tucked into the Sandhills, a particularly scenic area of Nebraska.
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This is no tiny recreation area. There’s an impressive 5,000 acres of room for fishing, camping, boating, swimming, and all kinds of other fun lake activities.
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Part of the Calamus River and other streams flow through the recreation area. Gracie Creek Pond also adjoins the reservoir and offers some terrific fishing opportunities.
flickr/Brian Henderson
The reservoir itself is incredibly scenic and offers a huge variety of activities for outdoors-lovers.
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The park is open year-round and features several campgrounds so you can spend an entire weekend having a great time doing all of your favorite beach and lake activities.
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The wildlife spotting here is top notch, with a variety of birds nesting here in every season.
flickr/Don Henise
Calamus Reservoir certainly isn’t unknown, but it doesn’t always get the credit it deserves as a top Sandhills attraction.
TripAdvisor/nebraskafisherman
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.
Google Maps
TripAdvisor/nebraskafisherman
flickr/Brian Henderson
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Visit Nebraska
flickr/Don Henise
Want to visit Nebraska’s most popular white-sand lake? Learn about Lake McConaughy here.
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