Anglers and paddlers will find Lake Wanahoo State Recreation Area positioned along a busy highway just north of Wahoo, offering direct access to a regularly stocked fishing lake that opened in 2012. The 60-acre reservoir sits within a newer recreational development managed by the local Natural Resources District, requiring either a daily or annual pass beyond standard state park permits.
The campground spreads across both gravel and grass pads, with many sites positioned directly along the water's edge. Pat V. notes that "while most people seem to prefer the gravel pads closer to the lake, we actually prefer grass pads because they are 2-3 larger, so you have more room to setup." The tent camping area occupies a tiered section that provides lake views from most spots, though campers should prepare for limited shade since the planted saplings haven't reached maturity. Site 128 receives particular praise from reviewers for its waterfront location away from the main fishing areas.
A three-mile gravel trail circles the entire lake, connecting the campground to downtown Wahoo and providing access for biking, walking, and jogging. The lake supports a three-lane boat ramp and multiple fishing jetties, with northern pike, bass, and other species regularly caught from both shore and boat. Kayakers find the protected waters well-suited for paddling, while families can access two playground areas - one within the campground and another in the day-use section.
All sites include picnic tables and fire rings, with full hookups available for RVs up to 60 feet. The shower house features coin-operated facilities with a change machine, though the water fill station sits in an awkward parking lot location. Campers seeking more options can explore places to camp around Wahoo or visit nearby Czechland Lake Recreation Area. Book waterfront sites well in advance, as they fill quickly during peak fishing seasons.
Description
About the Lake:
Lake Wanahoo is part of the Environmental Restoration Project for the Sand Creek watershed. The project area comprises 1,777 acres, including a 662 acre lake. The project area is owned by the Lower Platte North Natural Resources District (LPNNRD) and was developed in conjunction with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. The Nebraska Game and Parks Commission provided in-lake and recreation design input.
A Lake Wanahoo Park Permit is required to enter this park area. A LPNNRD or Saunders County Resident/Land Owner Vehicle Park Entry Permit is $15 for an Annual Permit, $7.50 for a Duplicate Annual Resident/Land Owner Permit or a Daily Permit which is $5 per day you are staying. A Non-LPNNRD or Saunders County Resident/Land Owner Vehicle Park Entry Permit is $25, $12.50 for a Duplicate Annual Permit. You may purchase your Park Permit onsite upon arrival, at the LPNNRD Office, or online at www.lpnnrd.org.
Pets are allowed, however, must be kept on a leash at all times. Leash may not exceed 6' in length.
Quiet hours are in effect from 10 P.M to 6 A.M. Generators are not allowed between these times.
Swimming is not permitted at Lake Wanahoo.
The dump station is located on the east side of the park in the day use area.
Warning 2 Alerts are In Effect
There are 2 alerts for this campground. Camp safely!
Warning 2 Alerts are In Effect
There are 2 alerts for this campground. Camp safely!
To make multiple reservations under the same account for the same check in date, please contact the park office directly.
LPNRRD maintains the right to establish "black-out" dates and reserve facilities or lodging for Special Events and maintenance related needs.
RV Road Trip Guides
Location
Private CampgroundLake Wanahoo State Recreation Area is located in Nebraska
Directions
Located approximately 2 miles north of Wahoo. From Lincoln, Take Highway 77 North thru Wahoo. From Omaha, Take Highway 92 West. From Fremont, Take Highway 77 South to Highway 92 and head West.
Address
PO Box 126
Wahoo, NE 68066
Coordinates
41.24645901 N
96.61938728 W
Connectivity
- T-Mobile5GExcellent Coverage
- VerizonLTESome CoverageVerified by 4 usersLast on 4/3/26
- AT&TLTESome Coverage
Connectivity
- T-Mobile5GExcellent Coverage
- VerizonLTESome CoverageVerified by 4 usersLast on 4/3/26
- AT&TLTESome Coverage
Access
- Drive-InPark next to your site
- Walk-InPark in a lot, walk to your site.
- Boat-InSites accessible by watercraft.
Site Types
- Tent Sites
- RV Sites
- Standard (Tent/RV)
- Group
- Cabins
- Tent Cabin
Features
For Campers
- ADA Access
- Picnic Table
- Phone Service
- Reservable
- Showers
- Electric Hookups
- Alcohol
- Pets
- Fires
For Vehicles
- Sanitary Dump
- Sewer Hookups
- Water Hookups
- Pull-Through Sites
- 30 Amp Hookups
- 50 Amp Hookups
- Big Rig Friendly
Drive Time
- 31 min from Omaha, NE
- 31 min from Lincoln, NE
- 1 hr 36 min from Sioux City, IA
- 1 hr 38 min from Grand Island, NE












