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. These dams and reservoirs aid in the prevention of floods and soil erosion, facilitate groundwater recharge, and provide opportunities for groundwater research.
As these dams and reservoirs were originally built to protect our natural resources, they have come to serve so many other purposes. These purposes include a natural habitat for fish and wildlife, and an abundance of recreational activities that can be utilized by the public year-round.
The Lower Big Blue NRD manages nine of these recreation areas. These areas are: Bear Lake Wildlife Management Area, Big Indian Recreation Area, Clatonia Public Use Area, Cub Creek Recreation Area, Leisure Lake Wildlife Management Area, Swanton Wildlife Management Area (Swan 67), Walnut Creek Public Use Area, Willard L. Meyer Recreation Area (Swan Lake), and Wolf Wildcat Wildlife Management Area. These areas provide the public with opportunities for hunting, fishing, camping, hiking, and many other outdoor activities.
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Willard L. Meyer, Big Indian, Swanton, Cub, and Walnut Creek Recreation Areas Closed for the Season
The Lower Big Blue NRD will close recreation areas to vehicle traffic for the season on October 28, 2024.
Big Indian Recreation Area, located southwest of Wymore, Swanton Wildlife Management Area, located north of Swanton, Walnut Creek Recreation Area, located north of Crete, Willard L. Meyer Recreation Area located east of Tobias and Cub Creek Recreation Area located Southwest of Plymouth will be closed to vehicle access.
The north entrance at the Willard L. Meyer Recreation Area, east entrance at Swanton Wildlife Management Area, west archery range entrance and east entrance at Big Indian Recreation Area, the west entrance at Walnut Creek Recreation Area and the east entrance at Cub Creek will remain open to provide access for fishing and hunting.
The recreation areas are open to hunting, fishing, trapping, and hiking by foot traffic only. Typically, recreation areas reopen for the season in late March or as conditions allow.
As a reminder, the discharging of firearms is prohibited on district lands from June 1st to August 31st. Hunting in accordance with general hunting and special area regulations is allowed at the areas from September 1st to May 31st unless prohibited or restricted. Hunting is not allowed within 100 yards of any public-use facility or activity area including the picnic area, parking lot and boat ramp. It is also prohibited within 200 yards or an occupied dwelling or livestock confinement.
If you have any questions, please call the Lower Big Blue NRD at 402-228-3402.
During the summer months, visit the NDEE website (
https://deq-iis.ne.gov/zs/bw/) for information on E.coli and harmful algal blooms.
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- All activities must only occur according to Lower Big Blue NRD rules and regulations
- All hunting, fishing, and trapping must adhere to rules and regulations of the Nebraska Game & Parks Commission
- Large gatherings or reservations require a special use permit from the NRD
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- 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
- Remove all trash or place in an appropriate trash receptacle or dumpster if provided - No Fish
- Quiet hours are from 10 pm to 6 am
- 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
- Boaters must stay 50 feet from designated swimming area and dam
- Watercraft shall not be left unattended
- No fish in trash receptacles
- 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
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