Summit Lake State Recreation Area
00 review2787 County Rd. G, Tekamah, Nebraska, 68061, United States
Summit Lake State Recreation Area
$15.00 - $30.00 / night
Campsite Fees
Standard Site Fee$15.00
Hookup Site Fee$30.00
Premium Site Fee$0.00
Hike and Bike Site Fee$0.00
Group Site Fee$0.00
Food Storage Locker Fee$0.00
Camping fees range from $15 per night for tent sites without electricity to $30 per night for sites with electrical hookups. A park permit is required but not included in campsite fees.
About this campground
Escape to Summit Lake State Recreation Area, where 345 pristine acres of Nebraska countryside embrace a sparkling 190-acre lake. Whether you're pitching a tent under the stars or settling in with your RV, you'll find the perfect spot among both electric and non-electric sites. Cast a line from the fishing jetties, launch your boat for a day on the water, or explore winding hiking trails that reveal hidden corners of this natural sanctuary. The lake beckons swimmers on warm days, while patient observers are rewarded with glimpses of the abundant wildlife that calls this place home.
Summit Lake State Recreation Area caters to a variety of camping styles, including RV camping, tent camping, and group camping. "Clean sites, friendly people, and facilities unmatched," a review summarized.
Historical SignificanceSummit Lake stands as a testament to Nebraska's commitment to preserving natural spaces for public enjoyment, offering visitors a chance to create their own stories and memories in this peaceful setting.
Weather and SeasonsExperience the full spectrum of Nebraska's seasons at Summit Lake, where each brings its own rewards. Spring arrives with wildflowers and perfect camping temperatures, while autumn paints the surrounding hills in brilliant golds and crimsons. Summer days invite long hours on the water, though winter transforms the landscape into a serene wonderland best appreciated by the heartiest adventurers. The shoulder seasons of spring and fall offer ideal conditions for those seeking comfortable days and cool, starlit nights.
ElevationNestled within Nebraska's gently rolling terrain, Summit Lake offers accessible outdoor recreation at comfortable elevations.
Natural Features and SceneryThe landscape unfolds like a living painting, where rolling hills cradle the shimmering lake and mature trees provide welcome shade and shelter. Accessible fishing docks extend into the water like welcoming arms, while the surrounding meadows and woodlands create a tapestry of habitats. Watch for the elegant silhouettes of cranes wading in the shallows, pelicans gliding overhead on thermal currents, and formations of geese marking the seasons. At dawn and dusk, deer emerge from the tree line to drink at the water's edge, creating moments of pure magic for early risers and evening wanderers.
Geological RegionSituated in northeastern Nebraska's captivating hill country, Summit Lake State Recreation Area showcases the region's characteristic rolling topography. The 190-acre lake serves as the jewel in this natural crown, surrounded by mature forests and gentle slopes that tell the story of ancient glaciers and centuries of prairie winds sculpting this beloved landscape.
Campsite details
AccessibilityFacilities like outhouses are accessible for people with disabilities. "I was impressed that the outhouses were handicap accessible," one reviewer remarked.
Sites SizeEach campsite accommodates up to 8 people and supports equipment lengths of up to 65 feet.
Sites PrivacyVaries by site, with some areas offering shade and seclusion while others are more open. "Camp in the shade, in the sun, or spend time on the beach," summarized a review.
Total Campsites76 campsites
Recommended CampsitesSites in shaded areas are ideal for campers seeking privacy and relief from summer heat.
Best CampsitesCampsites with electrical hookups are highly recommended for their convenience.
Reserving a campsite
Stay Limit
Camping is limited to a maximum stay of two weeks.
Guests Allowed Per Site
Maximum of eight guests per site.
Groups
Prearranged group camping areas are available.
Tents
Tents are allowed
RV vehicles
RV vehicles are allowed
Primitive
Primitive are allowed
Reservable
Reservations are allowed
Site layoutThe campground is divided into two loops: Eckdahl Campground and Muskrat Campground. Sites are spacious and relatively level.
Open and Closed SeasonThe campground is open year-round.
Reservation PlatformsReservations can be made through Nebraska Game and Parks official website or by calling directly.
Walk-in AvailabilityFirst-come, first-served sites are available, but exact numbers are not specified.
Cancellation PolicyNo explicit details provided regarding cancellation policies.
Accomodation available
GroupGroup campsites are offered for larger parties such as families, schools, or organizations. These sites provide space and facilities to accommodate multiple people camping together.
Amenities available
Showers
Potable water
Picnic tables
Dump station
Vault toilets
Electricity hookups
Activities you can enjoy
Summit Lake State Recreation Area offers a host of recreational activities. Popular activities include fishing, swimming, hiking, biking, and wildlife viewing. The area is well-suited for anglers and features 13 fishing jetties and a fish-cleaning station. "There are plenty of picnic tables to just go for a picnic," one camper noted, and another praised the "many trails for hiking and horseback riding."
Hiking
The campground features 4 miles of hiking trails, with varied terrain suitable for horses as well. "If you have a horse, the lake seems to be popular for horseback riding on the many trails," shared a camper.Fishing
Fishing opportunities include bass, bluegill, catfish, crappie, and walleye. "The lake has more fishing access areas than I've ever seen at any other park," one user commented.Swimming
The beach area is available for swimming. While some users appreciated the clean swimming area, others highlighted issues like moss and swimmer's itch in the lake.Biking
Biking is allowed, with trails suitable for casual riders.Boating
Boating is permitted, but it is a no-wake lake, making it ideal for smaller boats and canoeing. "Not speed boats," clarified one review.Wildlife viewing
Birdwatching opportunities include cranes, pelicans, geese, great owls, and eagles. Wildlife like deer and turkeys are also frequently spotted.Beach activities
The campground has a sandy beach for sunbathing and swimming. Some users noted that the beach can turn into a sandbox during low water levels.Winter Activities
The campground remains open in winter and is described as quiet and scenic. Fishing and wildlife viewing are still accessible.Water Sports
Non-motorized activities like kayaking and canoeing are supported due to the no-wake policy.Campground rules
- Pets are allowed
- Fire pits are available at campsites. Campfire rules or restrictions are not outlined in the sources.
- Quiet hours start at 10 PM.
Hazards
General hazardsThe lake water is sometimes low, leading to an abundance of mosquitoes and flies. Swimmer’s itch has been reported due to parasites in the water.
Active alertsNo current alerts mentioned.
Weather forecast
69
°F
Aug 25
Monday
Clear sky
Precipitation: 0%
Moderate wind, may affect light items
Humidity: 47%
Comfortable humidity levels
Wind: 5.3 mph
Moderate wind, may affect light items
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
Tekamah has basic emergency services approximately 3 miles away (police and medical services).
Good to know
Peak season datesPeak season details not specified.
Trash and recyclingNo specific information available about trash and recycling facilities.
Proximity to water featuresCampground surrounds Summit Lake, providing opportunities for fishing, boating (non-motorized), and swimming.
Common complaintsUser reviews highlight low water levels in the lake, too many mosquitoes, overcrowding during peak times, and coin-operated showers.
HostCamp hosts are noted for their friendliness and helpfulness. However, they are not employees and do not manage reservations.
Campground Map
2787 County Rd. G, Tekamah, Nebraska, 68061, United States
Driving directionsLocated 3 miles West of Tekamah, Nebraska.
The park is accessible via paved roads and is only three miles west of Tekamah, Nebraska. It does not mention seasonal closures or challenging terrain.Nearby places
Tekamah (3 miles, approximately 5 minutes drive).
Nearby supplies
Supplies such as groceries, camping gear, ice, and other items can be procured in Tekamah, located about 3 miles away.
Camper Reviews
0.0
0 reviews
Summit Lake State Recreation Area has limited reviews, placing it in the bottom % of campgrounds based on reviews
The campground receives mixed reviews. Many visitors praise its cleanliness, accessibility, and range of activities, while others critique low water levels and the lack of additional facilities like a camp store. Privacy and quietness vary seasonally and by site.
Review Summaries
What Campers Love
Clean facilities, multiple fishing jetties, accessible amenities, shaded campsites, and a variety of activities like hiking and fishing.
Common Concerns
Low water levels in the lake, absence of a camp store, coin-operated showers, swimmer's itch, and crowding during peak times.
Pro Tips & Recommendations
Reserve sites with electricity. Bring your own supplies due to the lack of a camp store. Avoid swimming if lake conditions are poor.
Seasonal Insights
Summer: Busy, suitable for swimming and boating.
Winter: Quiet, scenic, good for wildlife viewing.
Spring/Fall: Moderate crowds, favorable weather for hiking and fishing.
Camper Quotes
"Summit Lake is a nice little quiet campground. The lake is huge!" - Shawn Hough. "Clean sites, friendly people, and facilities unmatched." - Patrick Shinkle. "The lake has more fishing access areas...
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Site-Specific Reviews
Eckdahl and Muskrat Campgrounds offer electric sites. Sites vary in shade and privacy, with a maximum occupancy of 8 people and equipment length of 65 feet.
Accessibility Features
Outhouses are handicap accessible. Trails are also accessible for horseback riding.
Pet-Friendly Features
Pets are welcome, and the campground accommodates them well.
Last updated August 10, 2025