Helpful tips visitors should know

Planning on visiting Lake McConaughy over the holiday weekend? Here's a few things to know before you go:

• Overnight campers will need an advance reservation to stay at Lake McConaughy and Lake Ogallala state recreation areas during the peak season, May 20 to Sept. 10. This includes all campgrounds and beach camping areas at the two parks. If you're staying overnight, please check occupancy before leaving home and book an overnight campsite on the reservation system.
• Reservations can be made online, on the mobile app RA Camping, or by phone at 308-284-8800 during business hours.
• On holiday weekends (Memorial Day, Fourth of July and Labor Day), reservations must be for a minimum of three nights and include both Friday and Saturday.
• To avoid lines, please make sure to purchase your required vehicle entry permit and fishing permit ahead of time online or via a local permit vendor. Non-Nebraska registered motorized boats are required to have an Aquatic Invasive Species (AIS) sticker, which can be purchased in advance as well.
• Designated campground sites can be reserved 180 days prior to arrival date, and beach camping sites can be reserved 30 days prior to arrival date. There are about 500 campground spots and 1,000 designated beach spots (depending on water level) available at the two state recreation areas.
• Same-day reservations may be made online or by phone until 5 p.m. Mountain time, if sites remain available. Once capacities are reached, no additional overnight camping will be allowed; for alternative lodging options, including private campgrounds, hotels or cabins, visit ILoveLakeMac.com.
• Also, be aware that Martin Bay and Arthur Bay are no-wake bays year round.

The requirement for reservations was added to help create a safer, more family-friendly environment for all visitors. To learn more, please visit our website.

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