The Main Attraction – Calamus Lake

The Calamus Reservoir State Recreation Area offers some of the state's finest recreational opportunities. Camping, fishing, boating, hiking, sightseeing and hunting are all popular there. The 5,124-acre lake is surrounded by 4,958 acres of gently rolling land, covered with native grasses and forbs. About 1.2 miles of the Calamus River and 3.5 miles of other streams meander through the area.

Calamus offers prime fishing and water sports in the heart of the Sandhills, 6 miles NW of Burwell. Facilities include: Unsupervised swimming beach, 5 boat ramps, vault toilets, picnic tables and fish cleaning stations. 

Another highlight is a trip to the Calamus State Fish Hatchery, located below the dam. The hatchery has self-guided tours and displays on raising fish and other topics.

A Nebraska State Park Permit is required to enter this park area. A Nebraska Licensed Vehicle Park Entry Permit is $30 for an Annual Permit, $15 for a Duplicate Annual Permit (used for that second vehicle in your family) or a Daily Permit which is $6 per day you are staying. A Non-Nebraska Licensed Vehicle Park Entry Permit is $45, $22.50 for a Duplicate Annual Permit or a Daily Permit which is $8 per day. You may purchase your Park Permit prior to your stay by shopping online at OutdoorNebraska.org.  Permits may also be purchased at Husker Marine and Pump & Pantry.  All vehicles entering a Nebraska Park Area are required to have a valid park entry permit.

Address: 42285 York Point Rd., Burwell, NE 68823; Phone: (308) 346-5666

For further information click here.

Birds, Birds, Birds

Calamus Reservoir is important for the diversity of birds attracted to the expansive water and upland habitats available. The lake attracts high numbers of migrating waterfowl, shorebirds, and other waterbirds. Native Sandhill prairie uplands provide important nesting habitat for greater prairie-chickens, grasshopper sparrows, and field sparrows. Northern bobwhite, red-headed woodpeckers, and Bell's vireos breed here as well.

For further information click here.

Marinas

Husker Marine offers a convenience store and boat rentals.  Not only does it provide boat rentals, but such items as bait, beer, pull tubes, skis & boards, boating supplies and repairs.  Their rental fleet includes pontoons, jet skis, runabout ski boats, fishing boats, river tubes, kayaks, pull tubes and water toys and more.  Located on Highway 96 at the north face of the dam.  Phone:  (308) 346-4410.  Click here for more information.