Pawnee Sra
00 review3800 NW 105th, Lincoln, Nebraska, 68524-8814, United States
Pawnee Sra
$6.00 - $60.00 / night
Campsite Fees
Standard Site Fee$25.00
Hookup Site Fee$36.00
Premium Site Fee$0.00
Hike and Bike Site Fee$0.00
Group Site Fee$0.00
Food Storage Locker Fee$0.00
Nebraska State Park Permit required: $30 Annual Permit, $15 Duplicate Annual Permit, $6 Daily Permit for Nebraska-licensed vehicles. For Non-Nebraska licensed vehicles: $60 Annual Permit, $30 Duplicate Annual Permit, $12 Daily Permit. Camping fees vary with amenities offered.
About this campground
Escape to Pawnee State Recreation Area, where the shimmering waters of Salt Valley's second-largest lake beckon outdoor enthusiasts from across the region. Just northwest of Emerald, this beloved destination seamlessly blends natural beauty with modern comfort. Wake up to lakeside views, enjoy hot showers after a day of adventure, and plug in at convenient electrical hookups. Whether you're casting a line at dawn, exploring scenic hiking trails, or launching your boat for an afternoon cruise, Pawnee SRA delivers the perfect balance of wilderness and convenience.
The campground caters to a wide range of camping styles, including tent camping, RV camping, and group camping. Primitive sites are also available.
Historical SignificanceWhile the stories of Pawnee's past remain untold in official records, the land itself speaks volumes through the experiences of countless families and adventurers who have made memories along these shores.
Weather and SeasonsExperience the magic of changing seasons at Pawnee, where each time of year paints the landscape in different hues. Peak season brings those perfect days with comfortable temperatures and clear skies – ideal for any outdoor pursuit. Summer transforms the area into a warm, humid paradise perfect for swimming and water sports, while winter's crisp, freezing temperatures create a serene wonderland for those seeking solitude and stark beauty.
ElevationThe gentle topography of Pawnee creates an accessible outdoor playground where visitors of all abilities can enjoy nature's splendor without challenging climbs or steep terrain.
Natural Features and SceneryPicture yourself surrounded by 740 acres of pristine water, where morning mist dances across the surface and sunset paints the sky in brilliant colors. This aquatic gem sits nestled within 1,800 acres of meticulously maintained parkland, where emerald grass carpets roll down to the water's edge and seasonal wildflower meadows burst with color. It's a photographer's dream and nature lover's paradise, offering endless vistas and intimate natural moments.
Geological RegionSituated in the heart of Salt Valley, Pawnee showcases the region's natural splendor with its impressive lake – the second largest in the valley. This 1,800-acre outdoor sanctuary represents the perfect marriage of water and land, creating diverse ecosystems and recreational opportunities that define the Salt Valley experience.
Campsite details
AccessibilityAccessibility is somewhat variable. Some areas have paved paths leading to picnic tables, but others lack accessible features like shelves in restrooms.
Sites SizeThe campsites are described as large and well-spaced, especially in the Lakeview Campground. One user noted, 'The Lakeview campground has large, well-kept RV spaces.'
Sites PrivacyCampsites offer varying levels of privacy. Some are well-spaced with trees and shrubs providing seclusion, while others are closer together, especially in tent camping areas.
Total Campsites0 campsites
Recommended CampsitesArea 4 recommended for its level pads and clean sites. Lakeview Campground praised for its large spaces.
Best CampsitesArea 4 is praised for its level pads, well-spaced sites, and proximity to the lake.
Reserving a campsite
Check-in
8:00 AM
Check-out
4:30 PM
Stay Limit
Maximum 180 days in advance reservations.
Tents
Tents are allowed
RV vehicles
RV vehicles are allowed
Primitive
Primitive are allowed
Reservable
Reservations are allowed
Site layoutIncludes areas with level pads, grass, and concrete paths from sites to picnic tables.
Open and Closed SeasonOpen Year-Round with peak season from Memorial Day Weekend through Labor Day.
Reservation PlatformsReservations can be made online at OutdoorNebraska.org or via phone.
Walk-in AvailabilityFirst-come-first-served sites are available but may be limited during peak holidays.
Cancellation PolicyIf you check out early, the unused portion of your payment will be forfeited.
Amenities available
Showers
Potable water
Fire rings
Picnic tables
Dump station
Cell phone service
Flush toilets
Vault toilets
Electricity hookups
Camp Store
Activities you can enjoy
Pawnee SRA offers a variety of activities, including fishing, boating, hiking, and wildlife viewing. The campground is particularly well-suited for outdoor recreation enthusiasts, with its expansive lake and surrounding trails.
Hiking
The park features numerous trails, including an approximately 2-mile loop in Area 4. Trails are well-maintained, feature meadows and wildflowers, and provide scenic views. One user described the trails as having 'beautiful meadows with lots of wildflowers.'Fishing
The lake supports fishing for northern pike, walleye, largemouth bass, bluegill, and two types of catfish. Some anglers noted difficulties fishing from the shore due to rocks. One said, 'Fishing is good, but rocks snag your line from the bank.'Swimming
The campground has two swim beaches, both described as well-maintained. However, there are occasional restrictions due to water contamination. One user posted a photo of a sign warning about such restrictions.Biking
Biking trails are available, though no specific details on terrain or difficulty were provided.Boating
Boating is a popular activity, with four docks providing easy access to the lake. Jet skiing, paddle boating, and kayaking are also supported. 'The lake was perfect,' one user said about their kayaking experience.Wildlife viewing
Wildlife viewing is a highlight, with birds and other animals frequently spotted. One user noted the presence of snow geese on the lake.Beach activities
In addition to swimming, the beaches are used for sunbathing and other recreational activities. A user called the beaches 'nice little beaches on the west side.'Winter Activities
No specific winter activities are highlighted, though the park remains open year-round.Water Sports
Water sports such as jet skiing, paddle boating, and kayaking are enjoyed on the lake.Campground rules
- Pets are allowed
- Fires permitted in fire pits that can double as barbecue grills.
- Quiet hours are Not explicitly mentioned.
Hazards
General hazardsWater contamination restricts swimming access. Fishing may be challenging due to rocks causing snagged lines.
Active alertsWater contamination advisory restricting swimming.
Weather forecast
72
°F
Aug 25
Monday
Clear sky
Precipitation: 0%
Gentle breeze, perfect for outdoor activities
Humidity: 46%
Comfortable humidity levels
Wind: 2.8 mph
Gentle breeze, perfect for outdoor activities
Clear sky
7-Day Forecast
Access to 7-day forecasts tailored to each campground—covering temperature, precipitation, wind, and sky conditions.
Daily & Hourly Insights
View hourly forecasts with expected weather patterns throughout the day.
Temperature Trends
Visualize how temperatures shift over the month to help pick the most comfortable days for your trip.
Precipitation Trends
Plan around rain or snow with monthly visualizations of expected precipitation patterns.
Weather Summaries
Assess conditions with visuals for easier decision-making on when and where to camp.
Weather data powered by Open-Meteo
Emergency Services
Hospital is over 10 miles away, likely in Lincoln.
Good to know
Peak season datesMemorial Day Weekend through Labor Day.
Trash and recyclingTrash and recycling facilities are available near campsites. Dumpsters are present, and waste must be disposed of at designated areas.
Proximity to water featuresLocated adjacent to a 740-acre lake. Accessible docks are available.
Common complaints"Need a little TLC on bathrooms"; coin-operated showers mentioned as inconvenient by multiple reviewers. Issues with dump station location and garbaged sites noted.
HostHosts are described as friendly and helpful. "Campground host has a yappy dog and does little to control the barking."
Campground Map
3800 NW 105th, Lincoln, Nebraska, 68524-8814, United States
Driving directionsWestbound I-80 or Northbound on Hwy 2: Take I-80 exit 401 to Hwy 34, Continue West on Hwy 34 8 mi., Turn South on N.W. 112th St. Continue South on N.W. 112th St. 2 mi. Eastbound I-80 Take I-80 to exit 388 (Pleasant Dale/Crete exit), Turn South and continue 1/2 mi. to Hwy. 6. Turn East on Hwy. 6. Continue East on Hwy. 6 for 6 mi. Turn North on N.W. 84th St (intersection located in Emerald, NE) Continue North on N.W. 84th 2 mi. Turn West on W. Adams St. Continue West on W. Adams St. 1 1/2 mi. Westbound Hwy 6: Take Hwy. 6 West 3 mi. (from Lincoln city limit). Turn North on N.W. 84th St. (intersection located in Emerald, NE). Continue North on N.W. 84th 2 mi. Turn West on W. Adams St. Continue West on W. Adams St. 1 1/2 mi.
Accessible from major highways, mostly paved roads. No seasonal closures mentioned.Nearby places
Emerald (approximately 6 miles), Lincoln (approximately 10 miles)
Nearby supplies
The closest store is approximately 6 miles away, located in Emerald.
Camper Reviews
0.0
0 reviews
Pawnee Sra has limited reviews, placing it in the bottom % of campgrounds based on reviews
Overall, user reviews paint Pawnee SRA as a well-maintained, versatile campground that offers a mix of outdoor activities and modern amenities. Positive feedback highlights cleanliness, spacious sites, and the variety of recreational opportunities, while complaints focus on pay showers, occasional water quality issues, and the distance to certain facilities.
Review Summaries
What Campers Love
Clean and spacious campsites; variety of outdoor activities including fishing, boating, and hiking; well-maintained trails and picnic areas; friendly and helpful staff.
Common Concerns
Pay showers; occasional water contamination restricting swimming; limited water hookups at campsites; poor WiFi and inconsistent cell phone service; vault toilets described as smelly by some users.
Pro Tips & Recommendations
Bring quarters for the pay showers and possibly a map for navigating the disc golf course; fill water tanks at spigots before parking; check water quality at the beaches before swimming.
Seasonal Insights
Summer is the most popular season, with users enjoying swimming and boating. Fall reviews highlight hunting and hiking opportunities. Winter reviews are sparse but note the park's quiet atmosphere.
Camper Quotes
'The area behind the campsites is grass and very well-tended.' - Elaine Korwek. 'The dump station is quite a distance from all campground areas.' - Daniel. 'Some sites are close together, but it was...
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Site-Specific Reviews
'Lakeview Campground has large, well-kept RV spaces,' noted Michael Mulligan. Area 3 was criticized by David James for lacking amenities like lake access and showers.
Accessibility Features
Accessibility features like paved paths to picnic tables are appreciated. However, limitations like the absence of shelves in bathroom stalls were noted.
Pet-Friendly Features
Pets are allowed, and the campground is described as 'dog approved' by Sarah Cunningham.
Last updated August 10, 2025