Locations, Rules, and More
Recreation Areas
Since the 1970s, the Lower Big Blue NRD has been involved with the construction of several large dam and reservoir projects. These projects were designed as part of the NRD’s effort to preserve and protect the natural resources.
Bear Lake W.M.A.
Bear Lake Wildlife Management Area is located 5 miles northeast of Beatrice, Nebraska. This structure was originally built in 1972 on a tributary of Bear Creek. It is part of a series of dams built in the Bear, Pierce, and Cedar Creeks watershed flowing into the Big Blue River. Located near Beatrice, Bear Lake is a nice place to spend the evening fishing or having a cookout while enjoying the sunset over the dam. There is also plenty of room for those wanting a nice, quiet place to camp for the weekend.
Big Indian Rec Area
Big Indian Recreation Area covers 233 acres including a 77 acre lake located 6 miles east of Odell, Nebraska. Built in 1972 with recreational facilities added in 1974, this area became the first ever NRD managed recreation area in the state of Nebraska. In 2011, Big Indian was renovated with the addition of multiple sediment dikes and breakwater structures, shoreline stabilization, a new boat ramp and boat dock, a handicap accessible restroom, and many more additional improvements and amenities to vastly enhance the water quality and recreation area as a whole.
Clatonia Public Use Area
Clatonia Public Use Area is located just north of Clatonia, Nebraska. This area is 115 acres with a 40 acre lake. At Clatonia Public Use Area, anyone can get close to the water and enjoy good fishing, great views of wildlife, or simply relax on a nice summer day. Clatonia offers many places to pitch a tent and have a campfire while also providing all opportunities for many other traditional outdoor activities.
Cub Creek Recreation Area
Cub Creek Recreation Area is located 3 miles west and 4.5 miles south of Plymouth, or 3.5 miles northeast of Jansen, Nebraska. Originally built in 1969, the structure itself is one of the oldest in the district. The recreation area, however, was not established until a few years later. This area covers 95 acres including the 40 acre lake. Cub Creek is currently the only recreation area where there is not a wake limit on boats, so this allows for many different types of boating activities.
Green Top W.M.A.
Green Top Wildlife Management Area is named after the Green Top Diner in Friend, Nebraska. The diner, known for its iconic green roof, was the popular place to stop for those traveling on the interstate, which is now Highway 6, through Nebraska in the 1940s. The stop featured the diner, a repair shop, and gas station. Encompassing the tail waters of Turkey Creek Dam Site #9, the area is made up of 160 acres of native grasses, trees and shrubs in the northwest quarter of section 13, township 7 north, range 1 east in Saline County, Nebraska (5 miles south of Friend, at the corner of County Roads 600 and I). More specifically, the area contains 138 acres of land and 22 acres of surface water. This area is a designated Wildlife Management Area, and as such is open to public access for hunting, fishing, trapping and hiking.
Leisure Lake W.M.A.
Leisure Lake is located 3 miles south of Plymouth, Nebraska. This lake is a 50 acre lake built in 1980 as part of the Cub Creek watershed project. The lake was renovated in 2008 to improve water quality and fish habitat, and it was also stocked with fish in 2011. With the addition of a concrete boat ramp and dock, this lake should now provide and excellent place to fish. There is also a great spot with a picnic table and fire pit for anyone that wishes to camp.
Swanton W.M.A. (Swan 67)
Swanton Wildlife Management Area is a quiet 40 acre lake located 4 miles northwest of the town of Swanton, Nebraska. This structure was built in 1988, and in 2005 was renovated to improve the water quality and fish habitat. This area provides a great spot for primitive camping or a quick fishing trip to a calm and scenic lake.
Walnut Creek Public Use Area
Located 2.5 miles north of Crete, Nebraska, Walnut Creek Public Use Area was originally built in 1980, but was later renovated in 2005. This renovation added a boat ramp and multiple jetties, making this area an excellent spot for fishing. Seven different jetties allow anyone to fish from the bank at multiple locations around the lake, while the boat ramp is easily accessible for those looking to get out on the water. The total area is 64 acres while the lake itself is 20 of those acres, allowing opportunities for many more traditional outdoor activities as well.
Willard L. Meyer Recreation Area (Swan Lake)
Built on a tributary of Swan Creek, this reservoir first opened for recreational use in 1996 and was renovated again in 2005. This area covers 195 acres of land with the lake itself covering 95 acres. Located 3 miles east and 2 miles north of Tobias, Nebraska, this recreation area offers almost every amenity a person could want. This includes: electric camper hookups, a beach, two picnic shelters, a boat ramp, and many more.
Wolf-Wildcat W.M.A.
In 1984 this structure was built as part of a series of dams constructed in the watershed of Wolf Creek and Wildcat Creek which flow into the Big Blue River. Hence the name given was Wolf-Wildcat, although, this structure itself was constructed on Wildcat Creek. Located 6.5 miles south of Virginia or about 4.5 miles north of Liberty, Nebraska, Wolf-Wildcat offers a 42 acre lake with 118 acres of land for a great place to call coyotes, watch birds, or hunt. With minimal amenities this area is suited for those who like to get away and really enjoy nature!
Registration and Regulations
Get in contact with our staff for more information.
No open fires except in places provided
All pets must be on a leash
Hunting and the discharge of firearms is prohibited from June 1 through August 31
Vehicles are confined only to roadways and parking areas
Swimming allowed in designated areas only
15 M.P.H. speed limit
Camping registration required at entry
Quiet hours are from 10 pm to 6 am
Remove all trash or place in an appropriate trash receptacle or dumpster if provided - No fish
All campers must register (this include motorhomes, travel trailers, fifth wheels, and tents)
Fee is $20/day (electrical) or $5/day (non-electrical)
A late fee of $100 will be charged in camper is not registered within 30 minutes of arrival
Campsite permit expires at 5:00pm. Campsite must be vacated by 5:00pm unless you re-register
Camping is first come, first served. No reservations.
Tent camping sites are not marked
Camping is not allowed under picnic shelters
Camping is limited to 14 days per 30 day period
Only one camper allowed per electrical campsite
Detach and place receipt on post or windshield where visible
Insert fee inside provided envelope, and deposit in registration drop box
Checks can be made to (LBBNRD) Lower Big Blue NRD
5 M.P.H. Speed Limit - No Wake
Boaters must stay 50 feet from designated swimming area and dam
Watercraft shall not be left unattended
No fish in trash receptacles
No lifeguard - Swim at your own risk
Deep water - Watch your children
No swimming or wading past the buoys
No open fires, glass, or pets
Fishing is prohibited
Swimming hours: sunrise to sunset